The fast and the furious

Tena Koutou !

It has been a ‘fast and furious’ start to term 3.  The Y5/6’s have been very busy getting involved in their learning in a wide range of contexts.  Early this term we had a timely reminder about our attitudes towards learning and life from a special guest, NED (a special show), which stands for Never give up, Encourage others and Do your best.   I think the Yo-Yo craze was well and truly brought back too.

As always we continue this term with our streamed maths classes, which we have each morning.  The focus for maths this term is fractions, proportions and ratios as well as some learning in the statistics strand.  The students have also had the opportunity to challenge themselves further in mathematics through the Otago Problem Solving and the ICAS Maths test.   There is another great opportunity for our top Y5/6 mathematicians later this term, a selected few will be chosen to compete at the Mathswell competition.

The students have been focusing much of their literacy time on the preparation of their speeches.  This week they have been ‘a-buzz’ with excitement as they have had their opportunity to give their speeches.  I have been very impressed by the preparation and performance, so far, of many of the students.  After the students have presented their speeches to their classes the top 2 Year 5’s and top 2 Year 6’s will be chosen from each class to present their speeches in front of the team.  The top 8 students (4 Year 5’s and 4 Year 6’s) overall will then progress to a final where they will present their speeches in a school assembly.  A speech cup will be presented to the best Year 5 and Year 6 finalists.  This term we are also exploring the narrative genre in writing.  This style of writing is a nice contrast to the speeches the students have been preparing and presenting.

This term has already seen a number of students represent the school in sporting competitions such as zone netball.  Later this term there is the zone hockey tournament and an ASB girls 5 aside soccer tournament.  It was a real shame that the weather did not come to the party earlier this term as the inaugural sports exchange with Boulcott and Hutt Central Schools was cancelled.  The students were really looking forward to mixing it up with the students from those schools and were quite disappointed.  Another much anticipated WRFU barefoot rugby tournament was also canceled.  On more of a positive note, students have enjoyed the gymnastics in the PE programme.  We are also looking forward to the Muritai School Mini Olympics next week. 

The arts will take center stage soon as we have a number of students involved in the Art Splash Choir.  We are also moving towards full-scale preparation for the school production, Uno’s Garden.  We will be spending more and more time in preparing and rehearsing for this over the coming weeks.  Ms. Berry has created a wonderful production, which I’m sure will WOW the audience.   Ms. Berry will also start up the visual arts club that will begin this Friday lunchtime.

There are always ‘extras’ that happen through the term.  Over the past few weeks Mr. McMillan and Mrs. Ryan have been working with a small group of students to prepare for the BP technology challenge.  It is sure to be an awesome challenge.   Another one of those extras is homework.  The students need to continue to do the basics every day, which includes spelling, reading and mathletics.  Over and above that this term is an inquiry based around the Olympics.  The students will be given an outline, which will guide them as to what is expected for the next 4 weeks for their inquiry.  

As you can see it has been and will be, this term, a full and vibrant learning environment for the Y5’s and 6’s.  It is always important for us as a teaching team to make the partnership between home and school effective.  We invite you to ‘come in and see’ whenever you would like, there is always an open door.  We encourage you to visit the class blogs, which will give you a window into the teaching and learning of each classroom.  Each class will show you their uniqueness, which is always important to celebrate. 

Mauri ora! Kia ora!

Mr. McKay

(on behalf of the Y5/6 teaching team)

Y5/6 Homework

All of the Year 5/6 students have been given the following homework inquiry.  The homework outlines what the students need to be doing each week, from week 5 till week 8 of term 3.  ENJOY!

Bringing nations together!

Inquiry Term Three

I am very impressed with the quality of classroom inquiry so far. Students are asking quality questions, finding information from a range of sources, processing information, analyzing information and presenting it back. Excellent work!! Now it is time to utilize these skills and create this terms inquiry document. (Remember always ask if you need advice and use the assessment schedule to guide you as well as this sheet)

Week 5:

Introduction

Create an introduction that answers the following:          

• What are the Olympic Games?
• Why are the Olympics an important event for everybody to celebrate?
• Why are the Olympics important for the host city?
• How do the Olympics bring nations together?

Timeline

Create a timeline that shows the important events in the history of the Olympics.

Week 6:

Research/White Hat Thinking (Details fact and information)

Select a country that participated. Answer the following:

• Where is this?  (Map included)
• Why did you select this country?
• How many Olympic games has this country participated in?
• How many times has this country hosted the games before?

Create a mini biography on a famous/well known Olympic athlete from this country. Include:

• Who they are (Picture included)
• Their Olympic achievements
• What they do now (especially if they no longer compete)
• Any other relevant information (In your own words)

Week 7:

Statistical Investigation

Ask a question for the basis of further investigation

Interview a range of people about their thoughts and feelings towards the Olympic Games

Create a table and graph showing your data/results

Write out statements based on the data.

Week 8:

Evaluation / Red Hat Thinking (Your thoughts)

What did you find most fascinating?

How did you manage your time?

What was your most challenging aspect of this Inquiry?

Is there anything different you would do next time to improve your final result?

The following is a guide to how the homework will be assessed:

1	Introduction/Timeline: No introduction. Research: One resource used, no map or picture and limited information. Statistical Investigation: No inquiry question asked/No data or results shown. Evaluation: No Evaluation. Presentation:  Handwritten, stapled. Cover and contents page not included. Time Management: Assignment is not completed.
2	Introduction/Timeline: Limited information on event. Research Two resources used, only 1 of the map or picture and missing information. Statistical Investigation: Simple inquiry question asked. Basic data and results shown. Only 1 or 2 statements provided.    Evaluation: 2 of the 4 questions answered. Presentation: Handwritten in parts, stapled. Cover and contents page included. Time Management: Assignment is not completed late.
3 Must	Introduction/Timeline: Answered all questions on inquiry sheet. Research Three resources used, completed all requirements on inquiry sheet Statistical Investigation: An inquiry question asked. Data and results shown. 3 statements provided. Evaluation: Evaluation questions answered. Presentation:  Typed, bound, cover, contents and bibliography page included. Each section has a clear title. Time Management: Assignment is completed and handed in on the due date.
4 Should	Introduction/Timeline: Answered all questions and shows an extra effort in outlining the significant events surrounding The Olympic Games. Research Four resources used, completed all requirements on inquiry sheet with extra effort evident. Statistical Investigation: A probing inquiry question asked. Data and results clearly shown. 4 statements provided with personal perception and thought. Evaluation: Evaluation questions answered in depth with personal reflection on the big idea. Presentation: Typed, bound, cover, contents and bibliography page. Each section has a clear title. Plus consistency of font and borders. Time Management: Assignment is completed and handed in before the due date.
5 Could	Introduction/Timeline: Answered all questions and shows an extra effort and personal expression. Research Selected a challenging country and athlete to find information on. Four resources used, completed all requirements on inquiry sheet with extra effort evident. Statistical Investigation: A probing inquiry question asked. Data and results clearly shown. 5 or more statements provided with personal perception and thought explaining the results. Evaluation: Evaluation questions answered in depth with personal reflection on the big idea depicts empathy towards people involved in the event. Presentation: All requirements met and exceptional presentation overall. Time Management: Assignment is completed and handed in before the due date. All of the weekly tasks have been handed in on time.

 

Term 3

Dear Parents/Caregivers

Term 3
The next term is going to be a very busy one with plenty of opportunities for students to
continue to achieve. There will be an Olympic inquiry unit, speeches, ICAS Mathematics and
English, a Year 5/6 sports exchange with Boulcott and Hutt Central Schools, Arts Splash
choir, gymnastics, the Production, our Enviroschools 3 year Green/Gold celebrations, the BP
technology challenge and also netball, rugby and hockey sporting competitions. Students
will need to continue to display the CARE code, making the most of these opportunities.

Homework
The homework structure at the start of next term will be a mixture of speech research,
development and preparation. After this it will be a weekly Olympic inquiry task that will
be collated into a final inquiry piece. Students will also need to continue to do the basics;
spelling words, Mathletics and daily reading.

Speeches
Next term our initial literacy focus will be on speeches. The following is the current timetable
for this process:

1) By the end of the holidays
Students need to have a topic sorted

2) By the end of Week 1
Students need to have developed research questions and done the research that will help
them in their speech

3) By the end of Week 2
Students will have written an interesting and catchy introduction in class. Students also need
to have practiced this at home.

4) By the end of Week 3
Students will have written the main part of their speech.

5) By the end of Week 4
Students will have everything prepared and practiced their speech.

6) By the end of Week 5
Students will have performed their speech in class.

Stationary
Now that we are half way through the year there are a number of students who require more
stationery. Please discuss with your child whether they have the required stationery to be
prepared for each lesson. Students are expected to have:
• Required textbooks (covered)
• Ruler
• Rubber
• Pens (Blue or black and red)
• Pencil
• Pencil Sharpener
• Glue Stick
• Calculator

Thanks.

Cross Country 2012

Muritai School Cross Country 2012

Well done to everyone who completed the cross country!  

It's always great to see individuals achieve their goals; from placing in the top 3 or 10 to completing the race.  

Awesome effort and support was shown throughout the day.

Year 5 Top 10

	Year 5 Girls	Year 5 Boys
1st	Macey Caughley	Andrew Suttcliffe
2nd	Ella Giles	Max Hahn
3rd	Grace Olsen	Lachlan Bourgois
4th	Rosie Owles	Matieu Inwood
5th	Bridget Forsyth	Matthew Jones
6th	Phoebe Evans	Ben Cass
7th	Helena Cvitanovich	Callan Hughes
8th	Emma Olsen	Tom Flynn
9th	Lucy Crawford	Lincoln Moffatt
10th	Charlotte Goble	Tobias Knight

Year 6 Top 10

	Year 6 Girls	Year 6 Boys
1st	Grace Allan	Liam Lamb
2nd	Milly Griffiths	Ben Grenfell
3rd	Mary Heath	Jack Healy
4th	Anna Rodgers	Matthew Dalziel
5th	Georgia Cotter	James Murdoch-Gibbs
6th	Ella McKay	William Langley
7th	Lily Griffiths	Piper Veal
8th	Sally Bird	Monty Daley
9th	Rhianna Crawford	Robbie Michael
10th	Jasmine Stock	Mathesan Lamb

 

Forest Lakes Camp 2012

Remember...

 

 

 

 

Camp Gear List 2012:  It's time to get ready!!!

Forest Lakes Camp 2012

Student Equipment List

Clothing

Sunhat (wide brimmed)

Waterproof/windproof jacket

2 Warm (polar fleece or wool) jerseys

6 sets of underwear

6 pairs of socks

1 pair of sports shoes

1 old pair of shoes for getting muddy

Casual footwear (inside use)

6 T shirts

Pyjamas

2 pairs of shorts

2 pair of trousers

Swimming togs (2 if you have them)

Bathroom and personal supplies

Soap, Shampoo

Face cloth

Hand towel

2  to 3 bath towels

Toothbrush and paste

Insect repellent

SPF 15+ sun block

Lip balm SPF 15+

2 hankies or small box of tissues

Medical needs ie medicine (this will need to be handed in to your child’s teacher)

Bedding

Sleeping bag

or Blankets/Duvets

Pillowcase (pillows supplied)

Other (necessary)

2 plastic bags (wet clothes)

Torch and 2 spare batteries

A good book (novel)

Tin/packet of goodies (see below)

A packed lunch for Tuesday

A day pack

2 drink bottles

Pack of cards or small board game

Diary – supplied by School.

Pencil case (collected from school on the day we leave)

Other (optional)

Taken at own risk:

Wetsuit

Watch

Camera

Not to be taken

Knives of any sort

Anything resembling a weapon

Matches or lighters

Confectionery or junk food

Radios or computer games

Toys

Phones

Small Tin of Goodies Year 6

Home baking for shared morning, afternoon tea and suppers.  Encourage your child to bake but where this is not possible or practical maybe you could help.  (Named tins will be returned) 

Term 1 2012

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome back to school!  Hopefully everyone had a very relaxing and enjoyable holiday. The teachers have been hard at work preparing for the year and we are all looking forward to what 2012 will bring.

The team consists of:

                                                              Deane McKay –Room 12 (Year 5/6)

 

                                                             Murray McMillan –Room 11 (Year 5/6)

                                                          Raihania Chadwick –Room 13 (Year 5/6)

                                                             Kirsten Berry –Room 14 (Year 5/6)

Sally Velvin is another valuable member of our team. She will be teaching on Fridays and every second Thursday in Room 12.  Ruth Hooke is continuing to run the schools Performing Arts programme throughout the school and will be working with the Y5/6 classes in preparation for camp skits.

Parent Interviews

Thank you to everyone who attended these interviews last week. It was fantastic to catch up with you to discuss your children. All the teachers have come away with valuable information which will assist in meeting the needs of your children.

Camp 2011 Forest Lakes (6^th -9^th March)

Our major focus for the beginning of the year is camp at Forest Lakes. This takes place in week 5 of this term.

There is a cost involved with coming to camp; it will cost $220 per child. This covers every eventuality that may arise. We ask that you pay before going to camp. If there are any problems with this please contact your classroom teacher. It would be appreciated if you completed and returned the forms that were sent home last week.

It is important that gear is being organised so that we are ready for Tuesday in Week 5. Let us know if you are having any difficulties as we can help you borrow gear. A gear check takes place at school in the morning before boarding the bus and you will be contacted if there are any major items missing. It is important that students are aware of what they have in their bags. Encourage them to take responsibility for checking their gear list and packing. This will be their responsibility while at camp.

If your child requires medicine to be given while on camp please make sure that it comes to school on Tuesday 6^th March (or earlier if possible) in a named plastic bag and is given to the class teacher.

We are holding a meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday 29th February in the library for parents coming to camp for the full week. We will be discussing routines and also your responsibilities while at camp. It is important that you attend if you are coming to camp as a full timer. We hope it will take only about 30- 45 minutes. If your circumstances have changed please let me know.

Curriculum Topics

Our big idea for the year is ‘Make it Happen’.  We will be forming our major units of work to fit round this throughout the year. This is a school wide theme and we are adapting it to best meet the needs of the students in our area of the school.

Homework

We have decided to wait until after camp to officially start homework so students can enjoy the sunshine and prepare for Camp. However we will be expecting that the students are reading for 15 minutes every night.  Your child will need to record what they have read in a reading log.  We will then ease into spelling homework. Your child should have between 8-10 spelling words to learn at home during the week. They will then be tested on these words on Friday. These words may be from the Essential Spelling Lists if your child has not already mastered them or from the De Arth spelling programme.  After camp, information will be sent home outlining expectations for homework.

Maths

Cross grouping will start after we get back from camp. Until then we will start the term looking at Number Knowledge, such as exploring place value and basic facts.

Writing

We are beginning the year focusing on recounts.  The experiences of camp will be valuable in supporting the learning of the students.

Topic/Inquiry

We will start the term with an inquiry unit based upon the problem:

How can we adapt and improve a playing environment to provide a safe yet challenging experience for all.

This unit fits nicely alongside the camp experience.

Visual Art

Students will be learning about various concepts of shading and tones.  Students will be involved an arts week later this term using ‘Van Gogh’ as inspiration.

Stationery

Please ensure that stationery is at school as soon as possible so written work can start promptly. If you are covering books with duraseal please ensure that you have put labels on the front for the names, as it is very time consuming finding the owners of unnamed books. Names written in vivid pens are easily rubbed off. Labels are the best option.

Daily Reminders

Please help your child remember to check they have everything they need each morning and they are at school in time for the first bell at 8.40. Students should see that being organised is part of growing up and an important life skill to be developing.

They will need a water bottle (named) to keep hydrated during the day. It helps with concentration and learning. Ensure that it comes home regularly for a wash.

All students are expected to wear a wide brimmed sunhat during all outside activities. The hat needs to be kept at school for easy access.

Swimming

Swimming has started. Every class will be swimming everyday so please ensure that your child has their swimming gear ready. The gear should be named and in a suitable bag. We are lucky enough to have the assistance of a qualified swimming instructor for the first two weeks.

Sport

This year the year 5 and 6 students will have many opportunities to be involved in a range of sporting events. These sports range from netball and soccer to cricket and hockey. There will also be zone and inter - zone events such as swimming, cross-country and athletics. Parent support and transport at these events is much appreciated and it is also a wonderful opportunity to come along and see your child in action.

Blogs

We will be continuing the success of classroom blogging. These blogs can be accessed through the school website. It is worthwhile visiting regularly and checking out the updates. It really is a fantastic way to see the learning that is occurring in the classroom. We encourage you to leave the comments for your children or the class – they really get a buzz out of it!

If you need to contact your child’s classroom teacher please feel free to drop by the classroom before or after school or make an appointment for an interview at the office. The easiest way to touch base with us is email e.g. teacher’s surname@muritai.school.nz

Thank you again for your support

Deane McKay

Year 5 and 6 Team Leader.