Room 9 Newsletter
Week 10
Here we are with just a day and a half left of the school year! What an amazing three terms we have had in Room 9. It has been such a pleasure to be your child’s first teacher at school. I am so proud of the social, emotional and academic progress all the children have made since beginning school.
Well done to Zena for receiving the Academic Excellence award and to Bonnie for receiving the Community and Values award at our special end of year assembly last Thursday.
We will be swimming tomorrow at 2.30pm.
School finishes at 12.30 on Tuesday. The children will meet their 2016 teacher on Tuesday morning.
I have attached last week’s school newsletter and information about the STAr (St Albans reporting) system in case you missed any information.
It has been great getting to know all of you this year and a big thank you for all the support you have shown Room 9 and myself. Merry Christmas and have a relaxing holiday!
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 9
Our last full week at school for 2015! It will be another busy week with a trip, swimming and end of year celebrations. Well done to Miley for receiving an Achievement certificate and to Natysha-Rae for receiving a Values certificate at assembly on Friday.
Trip to the Christmas Grotto and Cardboard Cathedral: This is on tomorrow and your child must be wearing uniform. You are welcome to join us at Barrington Park from 11.30-12.30 for lunch and at the Cathedral at 1pm, where we will be singing Christmas songs that we have learnt over the past term. If it is raining, we will return to school to have lunch.
Release day: My release day is on Tuesday and Trish Bunting is teaching.
Swimming: We are swimming on Wednesday at 2.30. I will let you know if other times become available.
Value of the week: Respect.
End of Year assembly: This will be held on Thursday in the hall at 9.30. It will be a celebration of a fantastic year of learning. All friends and whānau are welcome to attend.
Classroom pack up: I will be taking displays off the walls this week and sending your child’s artwork home.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 8
What a fantastic day we had at Waimairi Beach on Friday. We learnt about sun safety, the role of a lifeguard and how to stay safe in the water. Thank you to the five parent helpers who joined us; you were awesome!
Release days: I have two release days this week – Monday and Tuesday. Trish Bunting is teaching both days.
Swimming: We have swimming on Monday and Wednesday from 2.30-3pm. Your child will need togs, a towel, a swimming bag and goggles (optional).
Value of the week: Manaakitanga.
Assembly: We will have our normal assembly on Friday at 2.20 and a special end of year assembly on Thursday 10 December at 9.30.
Christmas Grotto and Cardboard Cathedral trip: Monday 7 December. Please return the parent helper form to me if you are able to attend this trip.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 7
Thank you to all the supporters who came to Athletics Day on Thursday and well done to those of you that participated in the parent/child race! I was very proud of all the children for their efforts.
Well done to Joe for receiving a Heart of Achievement award at assembly on Friday. Only two of these are given out a term.
Release day: My release day is Monday this week and Trish Bunting is teaching.
Value of the week: Initiative.
News: Please ensure your child only brings a special item to school on their news day. I know it can be tricky to always monitor what they are bringing to school. The news roster is the same as last term:
Monday – Buddy news (no items to be brought to school)
Tuesday –Miley, Vesper, Zena and Uike
Wednesday –Royden, Exas, Natysha-Rae and Riley
Thursday – Saxon, Jack, Chloe and Luke
Friday – Sam, Lily, Joe, Sienna and Bonnie
Beach trip: We will be going to Waimairi Beach on Friday. It will be a full day trip. Thank you for returning permission slips and the offers of parent help.
New blog posts: I recently added posts about Grandparents’ Day, maths, wonderful Room 9 creations and Athletics Day. Have a look!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 6
Week 6 already! I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and feel rested for the upcoming week.
Release days: I have two release days this week – Tuesday and Friday. Trish Bunting is teaching both days.
Value of the week: Community.
Activity fee and permission slips: Thank you to those of you that have paid the fee and returned the permission slips. Fees are to be paid at the office and permission slips given to me.
Athletics Day: This Thursday from 10.30-12.30.
Your child will need to:
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 5
Well done to Jack for receiving a Values certificate and to Uike for receiving an Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday. Room 9 did a fantastic job of hosting assembly and all the children were great role models on stage.
Release day: My release day is Monday this week and Trish Bunting is teaching.
Value of the week: Excellence.
Reading: Your child may be bringing home books from a range of reading levels this week. This is to prepare for assessment the following week.
Show Day: This Friday! Remember to stay home from school!
Athletics Day: Thursday 19 November from 10.30 to 12.30pm. We will be hard at work practicing sprints, high jump, discus, hurdles, long jump and shotput for the next two weeks.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 4
We had a fantastic time at Grandparents’ Day on Thursday, with a wonderful morning of craft activities, shared kai and folk dancing. What a great group of grandparents we have in Team Star! It was a very special day. The children worked so hard to learn the seven dances we performed and I felt very proud. I loved having a boogie with some of the Room 9 children at the disco on Friday as well!
Well done to Vesper and Sienna for receiving a Values certificate and to Exas for receiving an Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday.
Release days: I have two release days this week – Tuesday and Friday. Trish Bunting is teaching both days. Over the next few weeks I will be assessing your child’s reading, writing and maths. These results will help to inform end of term reports.
Value of the week: Creativity. The creativity of Room 9 children never ceases to amaze me and I love to see the daily creations that are made.
Assembly: Room 9 is hosting assembly this Friday. We would love to see your faces in the audience.
Market Day: The St Albans School Market Day is being held this Saturday 7 November from 11-1pm. The PTA are still looking for helpers. More information is available on the classroom blog.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 3
Week 2 was filled with more fractions, instructional writing and folk dancing practice. We are now folk dancing experts and look forward to showing off our talent on Grandparents Day!
Well done to Chloe for receiving the Achievement certificate and to Lily for receiving the Values certificate at assembly on Friday.
Chicken pox: There is a case of chicken pox in the class so look out for symptoms if your child has not had them before or has not been immunised. If spots start to appear your child will need to be kept home.
Release day: My release day is Tuesday this week and Miss Bunting is teaching.
Grandparents Day: This Thursday from 9 to 11.30am. Please let me know how many grandparents your child has coming if you haven’t already and bring a plate of food to share with the grandparents.
Junior Disco: This will be held from 5.30 to 6.15pm this Friday 30 October. Tickets are sold at the door for $3.00 each or $6.00. Door sales will begin at 5.15pm.
Value of the week: Fun. We have no shortage of this in Team Star!
Calendar art: Orders close this Friday and no late orders accepted.
Assembly: Room 9 is hosting assembly NEXT Friday.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 2
We had a fantastic first week back learning about fractions, beginning our instructional writing unit and practicing athletics skills.
Well done to Royden for receiving the Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday.
Release day: My release day is Tuesday this week and Miss Bunting is teaching.
Upcoming events:
Value of the week: Respect
Hats: Your child must have their school hat every day. This must be a navy blue school hat; no personal hats are allowed.
Calendar art: Your child’s calendar art is available to view at the office. Please drop your order form to the office as soon as possible.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Term 4 Week 1
Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing break and did lots of fun activities. I spent four days in Wellington with my younger sister, exploring the city and enjoying the wonderful restaurants!
During the holidays the pod was constructed outside Room 8. Miss Brooke Young will be based in this space with the new entrant children. She will be part of Team Star and will be working with Room 9 children. We also have a new classmate Ayva joining us. We are excited to welcome her to our school.
Term overview: The Junior team have been very busy planning an exciting term. Our inquiry this term is ‘I like to move it, move it’. This will focus on how we can use our bodies in a variety of ways for a purpose that is fun and safe.
Here are some of the activities that we have planned; we are going to very busy! Please mark these dates in your diary and let me know if you are able to help on any of the trips.
Week 1 – Monday 12 October: Pōwhiri to welcome all new staff and students.
Week 2 – Tuesday 20 October: Author Craig Smith is visiting.
Week 3 – Thursday 29 October: Grandparents Day and folk dancing demonstration (8.45-11.30am).
Week 6 – Thursday 19 November: Y0/1 Athletics Day (10.00-12.30pm).
Week 7 – Friday 27 November: Beach Education at Waimairi Beach (All day event).
Week 9 – Monday 7 December: Visiting the Christmas Grotto and singing in the Transitional Cathedral (All day event).
Thursday 10 December: Y0/1 End of Year Assembly (9.30am).
Week 10 – Tuesday 15 December: School finishes at 12.30pm.
Team Star Programme: We will be collaboratively teaching again this term with the four teachers for literacy and numeracy from 9.00 – 12.30pm. In the afternoons we will be completing our oral language programme and handwriting. From 2.15pm onwards we will be working with the Y0/1 team on athletics, folk dancing, music with Mrs Tasker and later in the term swimming.
Release teacher: Wonderful Trish Bunting will be my release teacher again this term on a Tuesday.
Reports: I will be assessing your child’s learning throughout the first half of the term and a report will be available online at the end of the term. More details will come at a later date.
Assembly time: 2.20pm every Friday.
Sun hats/Clothing/Drink bottles: This term all children must have a named sun hat, which they leave at school on their hook. Please also name sweatshirts and all other clothing as Term 4 is a swimming term (we usually start swimming after show weekend). Named drink bottles full of water are needed daily during the school day.
Communication: The weekly newsletter will be emailed to everyone on a Sunday night and uploaded onto our classroom blog. A hard copy will be put on the parent notice board outside Room 9. There will be separate notices regarding the activities planned and an activity fee/permission slip notice for the children to attend these events, coming later in the term.
Parent help: If you want to pop in for half an hour or longer any day of the week, Team Star would love you to join us. Whether it is reading stories to the children at reading time, playing maths games or helping with odd jobs, we would be happy to have you. If you are able to support us on a Monday or Thursday afternoon at 2.15 for athletics practice that would be great too.
Thank you for all your wonderful support last term with the showcase and with helping your child with their learning. I am so proud of every child in Room 9 for what they have achieved in a few short months.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 10
It’s Showcase Week! We have our technical rehearsal on Monday morning then Tuesday is show time!
· Our morning show is at 10.30 and our evening show is at 5pm. I hope to see you all in the audience!
· Your child needs to be in Room 9 at 4.30pm on Tuesday and will be ready to be picked up at 6pm. Please let me know if there are any issues with attending the evening show.
· We will be watching other performances throughout the week.
Release day: My release day this week is on Monday and Trish Bunting will be teaching.
Team Star this week: We will be based in our homerooms for the week.
Guided reading: Due to showcase performances this week, we will not be having formal guided reading sessions. Your child will be taking home a browsing box book each night. This will be a book that is at their current reading level or that they have read before.
Shared lunch: Team Star is having a shared lunch on Thursday from 11.30-1pm outside Room 9. We will perform a few songs. Please bring a plate of food to share. All parents and whānau are welcome to attend.
Morning tea and lunch times: On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning tea will be from 9.50 to 10.10 and lunch will be from 12-1pm.
Value of the week: Fun. We will be having a lot of fun this week! We have been focusing on having fun with our friends in a sensible way and being kind while having fun.
Assembly: We have assembly this Friday afternoon at 2.25.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 9
Showcase update:
· Showcase practice is now in full swing! We had our first full practice on Friday and the children all did very well.
· Thank you to those parents who have been helping with our wonderful fantail costumes.
· Please have your child’s black or brown clothing to me by Monday. If this is not possible, come and have a chat with me.
· Offers of parent help during dress rehearsals and shows would be greatly appreciated.
· Room 9 will not feature in the opening act as we are performing our piece straight after. Time constraints and costume changes mean it is not possible. We will be in the final act.
· If you did not receive an order form for tickets please let me know and I will provide you with one. Return orders to the office ASAP. We have two showings: 10.30am and 5pm on Tuesday 22 September (Week 10).
Release day: I have two release days this week, Monday and Tuesday. Trish Bunting is teaching both days.
Value of the week: Respect. We are learning to show respect for our friends, teachers, environment and equipment. Being a respectful audience member will be our focus this week.
Alphabet books: It has been wonderful to see the hard work that is being put in to completing the phonics sheets. Repetition is the key to securing letter sounds. On each sheet your child needs to write their name, circle the letter sound, practice the letter formation and colour in the picture.
Assembly: No assembly this week due to showcase practices. We will have an assembly in Week 10.
Morning tea: This week we will be having morning tea from 10-10.15 due to showcase practices.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 8
We enjoyed leading discovery and hosting assembly last Friday. It was great to practice our showcase piece on stage and gain confidence in front of an audience.
Congratulations to Joe for receiving the Values certificate and to Sam for receiving the Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday.
Release day: My release day is on Tuesday this week and Trish Bunting will be teaching.
Strand maths – length: For the next two weeks, Team Star will be working within our homerooms learning about length.
Showcase costumes: Your child will need to wear black or brown clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in (t-shirt/long sleeved-top and leggings/trackpants). Let me know if you do not have these items. This week we will be focusing on creating our headbands and wings. If you are able to help any afternoons from 2-3pm that would be much appreciated. If you are unable to help within school hours but happy to assist with sewing please let me know!
Showcase tickets: If you did not receive an order form please let me know and I will provide you with one. Return orders to the office ASAP. We have two showings: 10.30am and 5pm on Tuesday 22 September (Week 10).
Value of the week: Manaakitanga. This involves showing kindness, respect and caring for others. We have many wonderful children in Room 9 who care for their friends and look after each other. We have been focusing on acts of kindness for the past week and will continue to do so this week.
Assembly: No assembly for the next two weeks due to showcase practices. We will have an assembly in Week 10.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 7
Last week the Court Theatre visited and performed ‘Maui and the Sun’ in the hall. We got ideas about how to move our bodies, project our voices and connect with an audience. On Thursday afternoon, Andrew and Scott from Christchurch Metro Cricket visited to teach us cricket skills. We learnt how to catch the ball, hit the ball and be an effective fielder.
Congratulations to Saxon for receiving the Values certificate and to Luke for receiving the Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday.
Welcome to Riley Teika who has joined Room 9. Riley has come from Rolleston School.
This Friday will be Jed’s last day at St Albans School as his family is moving. We have loved having Jed in Room 9 and will farewell him at assembly on Friday.
Release day: I have no release day this week.
News: We are focusing on sharing an event that happened or is going to happen and asking questions. A reminder to keep toys and precious items at home as these can be a distraction and there is a risk of breakage or loss. As we now have more children in our class, I have set up a news roster:
Monday – buddy news, Tuesday – Jed, Miley, Vesper and Zena, Wednesday – Uike, Royden, Exas, Natysha-Rae and Riley, Thursday – Saxon, Jack, Chloe and Luke, Friday – Sam, Lily, Joe, Sienna and Bonnie.
High Frequency Word cards: As your child moves up reading levels, they will be provided with a set of words that they need to learn. The teacher that your child is reading with will provide these. Please keep the set together so they can be re-used.
Value of the week: Initiative. Many Room 9 children use their initiative by packing up independently, using scissors to open packets, pushing chairs in without being asking and solving their own problems.
Assembly: Room 9 is hosting this week. Assembly is at 2.25 on Friday in the hall. Friends and whānau are welcome to attend.
Team Star contacts:
June Sutherland - [email protected]
Cara Wallace - [email protected]
Lucy Whyte - [email protected]
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 6
Five weeks down and five to go of Term 3! Last week we had the Travelling Library Roadshow visit and act out three stories for us. On Thursday, Team Star and Team Lightning met in the hall and did a run through of our showcase. It will be a busy time over the next five weeks creating our dance, practicing the lyrics to Cheeky Little Fantail and making our costumes. Congratulations to Jed for receiving the Heart of Achievement award at assembly on Friday. This is a huge accomplishment and very well deserved.
Release day: This week my release day is on Tuesday and Trish Bunting is teaching.
Special events:
· SPCA Cupcake Day on Monday at morning tea. Prices range from $1 to $2.50
· Maui and the Sun performance on Tuesday
· Cricket coaching on Thursday afternoon
Reminder: Please cross at the road patrol crossing on Trafalgar Street if you use the Sheppard Place entrance.
Value of the week: Community. We are so lucky to have a wonderful Room 9 community, Team Star community and St Albans School community.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 5
Last week was certainly a different one for me as I spent most of it in bed! Like a lot of people have been this winter, I was struck down with the flu. I am glad to be feeling much better and looking forward to the week at school. One of the positives of collaborative teaching is that relievers just slot in and are part of the team. It sounded like the Room 9 children were very adaptable and flexible with different teachers last week.
Release days
I have release days on Monday and Tuesday this week. On Monday I will be doing some phonics and reading assessment and on Tuesday I am visiting Paparoa Street and Somerfield schools to see their collaborative teaching in action. Trish Bunting is teaching both days.
Travelling library road show
On Wednesday morning we will be watching the travelling library road show. We will do a writing recount following the show.
Value of the week
The value we are focusing on this week is excellence. Excellence is trying our best in all areas: being an excellent friend, doing an excellent job of looking after our environment and trying our best to produce quality work.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 4
Like all weeks seem to, week 3 whizzed by. I am so proud of the risks the children are taking with their learning. This was particularly apparent on Friday morning at our poetry competition. Every child stood up and gave their best effort. Well done to Jack, Sienna and Royden for gaining 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Jack and Sienna will take part in the Y0-2 competition this Thursday at 9.10. A special mention goes to Lily for being so brave and taking a huge risk by performing her poem in front of the parents.
Well done to Zena for receiving an Achievement certificate and to Miley for receiving a Values certificate at assembly.
Our school value focus this week is creativity. During discovery time on a Friday we give out discovery stars to the children demonstrating this value and a certificate is also presented at assembly to a child from each class who has consistently shown this value.
My release day is on Tuesday this week and Trish Bunting is teaching.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 3
Last week we celebrated Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) and had an awesome outing to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Have a look at our blog www.room9stalbans.weebly.com for photos. Well done to Jack for receiving an Achievement certificate and to Vesper for receiving a Values certificate at assembly.
Alphabet books
Your child now has a full set of phonics sheets glued into their Alphabet book. Aim to complete one a night, in the order they are glued in. On the sheet your child needs to: write their name, circle the letter sound, practice the letter formation and colour in the picture.
Release time
This week I am attending a workshop on Tuesday and Trish Bunting will be teaching as per usual. On Thursday, the Junior team will be attending a course and a reliever will be in Room 9. Your child will bring home a browsing box book on Thursday.
Poetry competition
This will be held in Room 9 on Friday at 9.15. You are welcome to attend. The children are aiming to look at the audience, speak in a clear voice, speak at a good speed, use gestures and remember the words to their poem.
Assembly time
A reminder the Y0/1 assembly is now held at 2.25 on Friday. Room 9 is hosting assembly this week and we would love to see you there.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 2
Our first week back was busy, busy, busy! We are adjusting to our new collaborative teaching and learning model as well as settling back into school routines. Rooms 8, 9 and 10 are collectively known as Team Star. Room 17 gave us a wonderful folk dancing demonstration and we began to explore how fantails move and communicate. Well done to Uike for receiving an Achievement certificate and to Royden for receiving a Values certificate at assembly.
Toys and personal items
Ensure these stay at home as they can be a distraction and breakage or loss can be upsetting. News time is an opportunity for the children to share something that happened the previous day or something they are looking forward to.
Poetry competition
The children have all chosen a poem to perform and I will sent a copy home in their reading folder on Monday. The competition is a great opportunity to develop oral language skills and build confidence. The in class competition will be held in Week 3 on Friday at 9.15, not at 2.15 as was written in the notice. You are more than welcome to attend.
Photo orders
Please return the envelope with your photo order and payment by Tuesday 4 August.
Willowbank outing
This Thursday we will be at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for the whole day. Children are required to wear school uniform and please ensure they are wearing sturdy shoes. At this stage the weather is looking fine; fingers crossed it stays that way!
Assembly time
A reminder the Y0/1 assembly is now held at 2.25 on Friday. Room 9 is hosting assembly in Week 3.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
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Week 10
Here we are with just a day and a half left of the school year! What an amazing three terms we have had in Room 9. It has been such a pleasure to be your child’s first teacher at school. I am so proud of the social, emotional and academic progress all the children have made since beginning school.
Well done to Zena for receiving the Academic Excellence award and to Bonnie for receiving the Community and Values award at our special end of year assembly last Thursday.
We will be swimming tomorrow at 2.30pm.
School finishes at 12.30 on Tuesday. The children will meet their 2016 teacher on Tuesday morning.
I have attached last week’s school newsletter and information about the STAr (St Albans reporting) system in case you missed any information.
It has been great getting to know all of you this year and a big thank you for all the support you have shown Room 9 and myself. Merry Christmas and have a relaxing holiday!
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 9
Our last full week at school for 2015! It will be another busy week with a trip, swimming and end of year celebrations. Well done to Miley for receiving an Achievement certificate and to Natysha-Rae for receiving a Values certificate at assembly on Friday.
Trip to the Christmas Grotto and Cardboard Cathedral: This is on tomorrow and your child must be wearing uniform. You are welcome to join us at Barrington Park from 11.30-12.30 for lunch and at the Cathedral at 1pm, where we will be singing Christmas songs that we have learnt over the past term. If it is raining, we will return to school to have lunch.
Release day: My release day is on Tuesday and Trish Bunting is teaching.
Swimming: We are swimming on Wednesday at 2.30. I will let you know if other times become available.
Value of the week: Respect.
End of Year assembly: This will be held on Thursday in the hall at 9.30. It will be a celebration of a fantastic year of learning. All friends and whānau are welcome to attend.
Classroom pack up: I will be taking displays off the walls this week and sending your child’s artwork home.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 8
What a fantastic day we had at Waimairi Beach on Friday. We learnt about sun safety, the role of a lifeguard and how to stay safe in the water. Thank you to the five parent helpers who joined us; you were awesome!
Release days: I have two release days this week – Monday and Tuesday. Trish Bunting is teaching both days.
Swimming: We have swimming on Monday and Wednesday from 2.30-3pm. Your child will need togs, a towel, a swimming bag and goggles (optional).
Value of the week: Manaakitanga.
Assembly: We will have our normal assembly on Friday at 2.20 and a special end of year assembly on Thursday 10 December at 9.30.
Christmas Grotto and Cardboard Cathedral trip: Monday 7 December. Please return the parent helper form to me if you are able to attend this trip.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 7
Thank you to all the supporters who came to Athletics Day on Thursday and well done to those of you that participated in the parent/child race! I was very proud of all the children for their efforts.
Well done to Joe for receiving a Heart of Achievement award at assembly on Friday. Only two of these are given out a term.
Release day: My release day is Monday this week and Trish Bunting is teaching.
Value of the week: Initiative.
News: Please ensure your child only brings a special item to school on their news day. I know it can be tricky to always monitor what they are bringing to school. The news roster is the same as last term:
Monday – Buddy news (no items to be brought to school)
Tuesday –Miley, Vesper, Zena and Uike
Wednesday –Royden, Exas, Natysha-Rae and Riley
Thursday – Saxon, Jack, Chloe and Luke
Friday – Sam, Lily, Joe, Sienna and Bonnie
Beach trip: We will be going to Waimairi Beach on Friday. It will be a full day trip. Thank you for returning permission slips and the offers of parent help.
New blog posts: I recently added posts about Grandparents’ Day, maths, wonderful Room 9 creations and Athletics Day. Have a look!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 6
Week 6 already! I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and feel rested for the upcoming week.
Release days: I have two release days this week – Tuesday and Friday. Trish Bunting is teaching both days.
Value of the week: Community.
Activity fee and permission slips: Thank you to those of you that have paid the fee and returned the permission slips. Fees are to be paid at the office and permission slips given to me.
Athletics Day: This Thursday from 10.30-12.30.
Your child will need to:
- wear a house coloured t-shirt
- have a safety pin for their card
- have their hat at school
- have sunscreen applied before school
- wear running shoes and socks
- have a big lunch and a water bottle
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 5
Well done to Jack for receiving a Values certificate and to Uike for receiving an Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday. Room 9 did a fantastic job of hosting assembly and all the children were great role models on stage.
Release day: My release day is Monday this week and Trish Bunting is teaching.
Value of the week: Excellence.
Reading: Your child may be bringing home books from a range of reading levels this week. This is to prepare for assessment the following week.
Show Day: This Friday! Remember to stay home from school!
Athletics Day: Thursday 19 November from 10.30 to 12.30pm. We will be hard at work practicing sprints, high jump, discus, hurdles, long jump and shotput for the next two weeks.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 4
We had a fantastic time at Grandparents’ Day on Thursday, with a wonderful morning of craft activities, shared kai and folk dancing. What a great group of grandparents we have in Team Star! It was a very special day. The children worked so hard to learn the seven dances we performed and I felt very proud. I loved having a boogie with some of the Room 9 children at the disco on Friday as well!
Well done to Vesper and Sienna for receiving a Values certificate and to Exas for receiving an Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday.
Release days: I have two release days this week – Tuesday and Friday. Trish Bunting is teaching both days. Over the next few weeks I will be assessing your child’s reading, writing and maths. These results will help to inform end of term reports.
Value of the week: Creativity. The creativity of Room 9 children never ceases to amaze me and I love to see the daily creations that are made.
Assembly: Room 9 is hosting assembly this Friday. We would love to see your faces in the audience.
Market Day: The St Albans School Market Day is being held this Saturday 7 November from 11-1pm. The PTA are still looking for helpers. More information is available on the classroom blog.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 3
Week 2 was filled with more fractions, instructional writing and folk dancing practice. We are now folk dancing experts and look forward to showing off our talent on Grandparents Day!
Well done to Chloe for receiving the Achievement certificate and to Lily for receiving the Values certificate at assembly on Friday.
Chicken pox: There is a case of chicken pox in the class so look out for symptoms if your child has not had them before or has not been immunised. If spots start to appear your child will need to be kept home.
Release day: My release day is Tuesday this week and Miss Bunting is teaching.
Grandparents Day: This Thursday from 9 to 11.30am. Please let me know how many grandparents your child has coming if you haven’t already and bring a plate of food to share with the grandparents.
Junior Disco: This will be held from 5.30 to 6.15pm this Friday 30 October. Tickets are sold at the door for $3.00 each or $6.00. Door sales will begin at 5.15pm.
Value of the week: Fun. We have no shortage of this in Team Star!
Calendar art: Orders close this Friday and no late orders accepted.
Assembly: Room 9 is hosting assembly NEXT Friday.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 2
We had a fantastic first week back learning about fractions, beginning our instructional writing unit and practicing athletics skills.
Well done to Royden for receiving the Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday.
Release day: My release day is Tuesday this week and Miss Bunting is teaching.
Upcoming events:
- Author Craig Smith is visiting on Tuesday
- Grandparents Day will be held on Thursday 29 October – please return forms to me indicating how many grandparents your child will have visiting
Value of the week: Respect
Hats: Your child must have their school hat every day. This must be a navy blue school hat; no personal hats are allowed.
Calendar art: Your child’s calendar art is available to view at the office. Please drop your order form to the office as soon as possible.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Term 4 Week 1
Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing break and did lots of fun activities. I spent four days in Wellington with my younger sister, exploring the city and enjoying the wonderful restaurants!
During the holidays the pod was constructed outside Room 8. Miss Brooke Young will be based in this space with the new entrant children. She will be part of Team Star and will be working with Room 9 children. We also have a new classmate Ayva joining us. We are excited to welcome her to our school.
Term overview: The Junior team have been very busy planning an exciting term. Our inquiry this term is ‘I like to move it, move it’. This will focus on how we can use our bodies in a variety of ways for a purpose that is fun and safe.
Here are some of the activities that we have planned; we are going to very busy! Please mark these dates in your diary and let me know if you are able to help on any of the trips.
Week 1 – Monday 12 October: Pōwhiri to welcome all new staff and students.
Week 2 – Tuesday 20 October: Author Craig Smith is visiting.
Week 3 – Thursday 29 October: Grandparents Day and folk dancing demonstration (8.45-11.30am).
Week 6 – Thursday 19 November: Y0/1 Athletics Day (10.00-12.30pm).
Week 7 – Friday 27 November: Beach Education at Waimairi Beach (All day event).
Week 9 – Monday 7 December: Visiting the Christmas Grotto and singing in the Transitional Cathedral (All day event).
Thursday 10 December: Y0/1 End of Year Assembly (9.30am).
Week 10 – Tuesday 15 December: School finishes at 12.30pm.
Team Star Programme: We will be collaboratively teaching again this term with the four teachers for literacy and numeracy from 9.00 – 12.30pm. In the afternoons we will be completing our oral language programme and handwriting. From 2.15pm onwards we will be working with the Y0/1 team on athletics, folk dancing, music with Mrs Tasker and later in the term swimming.
Release teacher: Wonderful Trish Bunting will be my release teacher again this term on a Tuesday.
Reports: I will be assessing your child’s learning throughout the first half of the term and a report will be available online at the end of the term. More details will come at a later date.
Assembly time: 2.20pm every Friday.
Sun hats/Clothing/Drink bottles: This term all children must have a named sun hat, which they leave at school on their hook. Please also name sweatshirts and all other clothing as Term 4 is a swimming term (we usually start swimming after show weekend). Named drink bottles full of water are needed daily during the school day.
Communication: The weekly newsletter will be emailed to everyone on a Sunday night and uploaded onto our classroom blog. A hard copy will be put on the parent notice board outside Room 9. There will be separate notices regarding the activities planned and an activity fee/permission slip notice for the children to attend these events, coming later in the term.
Parent help: If you want to pop in for half an hour or longer any day of the week, Team Star would love you to join us. Whether it is reading stories to the children at reading time, playing maths games or helping with odd jobs, we would be happy to have you. If you are able to support us on a Monday or Thursday afternoon at 2.15 for athletics practice that would be great too.
Thank you for all your wonderful support last term with the showcase and with helping your child with their learning. I am so proud of every child in Room 9 for what they have achieved in a few short months.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 10
It’s Showcase Week! We have our technical rehearsal on Monday morning then Tuesday is show time!
· Our morning show is at 10.30 and our evening show is at 5pm. I hope to see you all in the audience!
· Your child needs to be in Room 9 at 4.30pm on Tuesday and will be ready to be picked up at 6pm. Please let me know if there are any issues with attending the evening show.
· We will be watching other performances throughout the week.
Release day: My release day this week is on Monday and Trish Bunting will be teaching.
Team Star this week: We will be based in our homerooms for the week.
Guided reading: Due to showcase performances this week, we will not be having formal guided reading sessions. Your child will be taking home a browsing box book each night. This will be a book that is at their current reading level or that they have read before.
Shared lunch: Team Star is having a shared lunch on Thursday from 11.30-1pm outside Room 9. We will perform a few songs. Please bring a plate of food to share. All parents and whānau are welcome to attend.
Morning tea and lunch times: On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning tea will be from 9.50 to 10.10 and lunch will be from 12-1pm.
Value of the week: Fun. We will be having a lot of fun this week! We have been focusing on having fun with our friends in a sensible way and being kind while having fun.
Assembly: We have assembly this Friday afternoon at 2.25.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 9
Showcase update:
· Showcase practice is now in full swing! We had our first full practice on Friday and the children all did very well.
· Thank you to those parents who have been helping with our wonderful fantail costumes.
· Please have your child’s black or brown clothing to me by Monday. If this is not possible, come and have a chat with me.
· Offers of parent help during dress rehearsals and shows would be greatly appreciated.
· Room 9 will not feature in the opening act as we are performing our piece straight after. Time constraints and costume changes mean it is not possible. We will be in the final act.
· If you did not receive an order form for tickets please let me know and I will provide you with one. Return orders to the office ASAP. We have two showings: 10.30am and 5pm on Tuesday 22 September (Week 10).
Release day: I have two release days this week, Monday and Tuesday. Trish Bunting is teaching both days.
Value of the week: Respect. We are learning to show respect for our friends, teachers, environment and equipment. Being a respectful audience member will be our focus this week.
Alphabet books: It has been wonderful to see the hard work that is being put in to completing the phonics sheets. Repetition is the key to securing letter sounds. On each sheet your child needs to write their name, circle the letter sound, practice the letter formation and colour in the picture.
Assembly: No assembly this week due to showcase practices. We will have an assembly in Week 10.
Morning tea: This week we will be having morning tea from 10-10.15 due to showcase practices.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 8
We enjoyed leading discovery and hosting assembly last Friday. It was great to practice our showcase piece on stage and gain confidence in front of an audience.
Congratulations to Joe for receiving the Values certificate and to Sam for receiving the Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday.
Release day: My release day is on Tuesday this week and Trish Bunting will be teaching.
Strand maths – length: For the next two weeks, Team Star will be working within our homerooms learning about length.
Showcase costumes: Your child will need to wear black or brown clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in (t-shirt/long sleeved-top and leggings/trackpants). Let me know if you do not have these items. This week we will be focusing on creating our headbands and wings. If you are able to help any afternoons from 2-3pm that would be much appreciated. If you are unable to help within school hours but happy to assist with sewing please let me know!
Showcase tickets: If you did not receive an order form please let me know and I will provide you with one. Return orders to the office ASAP. We have two showings: 10.30am and 5pm on Tuesday 22 September (Week 10).
Value of the week: Manaakitanga. This involves showing kindness, respect and caring for others. We have many wonderful children in Room 9 who care for their friends and look after each other. We have been focusing on acts of kindness for the past week and will continue to do so this week.
Assembly: No assembly for the next two weeks due to showcase practices. We will have an assembly in Week 10.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 7
Last week the Court Theatre visited and performed ‘Maui and the Sun’ in the hall. We got ideas about how to move our bodies, project our voices and connect with an audience. On Thursday afternoon, Andrew and Scott from Christchurch Metro Cricket visited to teach us cricket skills. We learnt how to catch the ball, hit the ball and be an effective fielder.
Congratulations to Saxon for receiving the Values certificate and to Luke for receiving the Achievement certificate at assembly on Friday.
Welcome to Riley Teika who has joined Room 9. Riley has come from Rolleston School.
This Friday will be Jed’s last day at St Albans School as his family is moving. We have loved having Jed in Room 9 and will farewell him at assembly on Friday.
Release day: I have no release day this week.
News: We are focusing on sharing an event that happened or is going to happen and asking questions. A reminder to keep toys and precious items at home as these can be a distraction and there is a risk of breakage or loss. As we now have more children in our class, I have set up a news roster:
Monday – buddy news, Tuesday – Jed, Miley, Vesper and Zena, Wednesday – Uike, Royden, Exas, Natysha-Rae and Riley, Thursday – Saxon, Jack, Chloe and Luke, Friday – Sam, Lily, Joe, Sienna and Bonnie.
High Frequency Word cards: As your child moves up reading levels, they will be provided with a set of words that they need to learn. The teacher that your child is reading with will provide these. Please keep the set together so they can be re-used.
Value of the week: Initiative. Many Room 9 children use their initiative by packing up independently, using scissors to open packets, pushing chairs in without being asking and solving their own problems.
Assembly: Room 9 is hosting this week. Assembly is at 2.25 on Friday in the hall. Friends and whānau are welcome to attend.
Team Star contacts:
June Sutherland - [email protected]
Cara Wallace - [email protected]
Lucy Whyte - [email protected]
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 6
Five weeks down and five to go of Term 3! Last week we had the Travelling Library Roadshow visit and act out three stories for us. On Thursday, Team Star and Team Lightning met in the hall and did a run through of our showcase. It will be a busy time over the next five weeks creating our dance, practicing the lyrics to Cheeky Little Fantail and making our costumes. Congratulations to Jed for receiving the Heart of Achievement award at assembly on Friday. This is a huge accomplishment and very well deserved.
Release day: This week my release day is on Tuesday and Trish Bunting is teaching.
Special events:
· SPCA Cupcake Day on Monday at morning tea. Prices range from $1 to $2.50
· Maui and the Sun performance on Tuesday
· Cricket coaching on Thursday afternoon
Reminder: Please cross at the road patrol crossing on Trafalgar Street if you use the Sheppard Place entrance.
Value of the week: Community. We are so lucky to have a wonderful Room 9 community, Team Star community and St Albans School community.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 5
Last week was certainly a different one for me as I spent most of it in bed! Like a lot of people have been this winter, I was struck down with the flu. I am glad to be feeling much better and looking forward to the week at school. One of the positives of collaborative teaching is that relievers just slot in and are part of the team. It sounded like the Room 9 children were very adaptable and flexible with different teachers last week.
Release days
I have release days on Monday and Tuesday this week. On Monday I will be doing some phonics and reading assessment and on Tuesday I am visiting Paparoa Street and Somerfield schools to see their collaborative teaching in action. Trish Bunting is teaching both days.
Travelling library road show
On Wednesday morning we will be watching the travelling library road show. We will do a writing recount following the show.
Value of the week
The value we are focusing on this week is excellence. Excellence is trying our best in all areas: being an excellent friend, doing an excellent job of looking after our environment and trying our best to produce quality work.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 4
Like all weeks seem to, week 3 whizzed by. I am so proud of the risks the children are taking with their learning. This was particularly apparent on Friday morning at our poetry competition. Every child stood up and gave their best effort. Well done to Jack, Sienna and Royden for gaining 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Jack and Sienna will take part in the Y0-2 competition this Thursday at 9.10. A special mention goes to Lily for being so brave and taking a huge risk by performing her poem in front of the parents.
Well done to Zena for receiving an Achievement certificate and to Miley for receiving a Values certificate at assembly.
Our school value focus this week is creativity. During discovery time on a Friday we give out discovery stars to the children demonstrating this value and a certificate is also presented at assembly to a child from each class who has consistently shown this value.
My release day is on Tuesday this week and Trish Bunting is teaching.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
Class blog: http://room9stalbans.weebly.com/ or accessible via the St Albans School website.
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 3
Last week we celebrated Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) and had an awesome outing to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Have a look at our blog www.room9stalbans.weebly.com for photos. Well done to Jack for receiving an Achievement certificate and to Vesper for receiving a Values certificate at assembly.
Alphabet books
Your child now has a full set of phonics sheets glued into their Alphabet book. Aim to complete one a night, in the order they are glued in. On the sheet your child needs to: write their name, circle the letter sound, practice the letter formation and colour in the picture.
Release time
This week I am attending a workshop on Tuesday and Trish Bunting will be teaching as per usual. On Thursday, the Junior team will be attending a course and a reliever will be in Room 9. Your child will bring home a browsing box book on Thursday.
Poetry competition
This will be held in Room 9 on Friday at 9.15. You are welcome to attend. The children are aiming to look at the audience, speak in a clear voice, speak at a good speed, use gestures and remember the words to their poem.
Assembly time
A reminder the Y0/1 assembly is now held at 2.25 on Friday. Room 9 is hosting assembly this week and we would love to see you there.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
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Room 9 Newsletter
Week 2
Our first week back was busy, busy, busy! We are adjusting to our new collaborative teaching and learning model as well as settling back into school routines. Rooms 8, 9 and 10 are collectively known as Team Star. Room 17 gave us a wonderful folk dancing demonstration and we began to explore how fantails move and communicate. Well done to Uike for receiving an Achievement certificate and to Royden for receiving a Values certificate at assembly.
Toys and personal items
Ensure these stay at home as they can be a distraction and breakage or loss can be upsetting. News time is an opportunity for the children to share something that happened the previous day or something they are looking forward to.
Poetry competition
The children have all chosen a poem to perform and I will sent a copy home in their reading folder on Monday. The competition is a great opportunity to develop oral language skills and build confidence. The in class competition will be held in Week 3 on Friday at 9.15, not at 2.15 as was written in the notice. You are more than welcome to attend.
Photo orders
Please return the envelope with your photo order and payment by Tuesday 4 August.
Willowbank outing
This Thursday we will be at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for the whole day. Children are required to wear school uniform and please ensure they are wearing sturdy shoes. At this stage the weather is looking fine; fingers crossed it stays that way!
Assembly time
A reminder the Y0/1 assembly is now held at 2.25 on Friday. Room 9 is hosting assembly in Week 3.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
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Room 9 Newsletter
Term 3
Week 1
Kia ora and welcome to Term 3! I hope you had an enjoyable break with your child/children, filled with lots of adventures and activities. I am looking forward to another wonderful term ahead.
Newsletter format
From next week, I will email a copy of the newsletter to all parents and upload it to our class blog. Let me know if you would prefer to receive a hard copy instead.
Changes to our learning environment
Over the holidays St Albans School got the go ahead from the Ministry of Education to begin altering some of our learning spaces. You will have noticed that builders have been in and removed the dividing wall in the cloakroom. This is the first of several processes that will move our school forward into the ‘Modern Learning Environment’ future. The purpose of removing these walls is simply to increase floor space and provide an added teaching and learning space that is adaptable and flexible.
This term Rooms 8, 9 and 10 will be working together for phonics, writing, maths and reading. The children will be grouped according to their learning needs and will work with myself, Mrs Wallace and Mrs Sutherland. We will spend the afternoons in our own classrooms. Please come and see me if you have any questions.
Due to these changes, there will not be specific work to complete in Alphabet books each week. Continue to read with your child every night and I will let you know when a decision has been made about further home learning.
Arts showcase
Throughout this term we will be preparing for our arts showcase, which will be held in Week 10. The Year 0/1 performance will be based around New Zealand flora and fauna. It will be a wonderful event of song, dance and drama!
Release time
This term my release day is on Tuesday and my release teacher is Trish Bunting. Trish currently co-teaches a Year 4 class with Ros Tippen. I am excited to have Trish join our team for one day a week.
Junior team outing
On Thursday 30 July (Week 2) we will be visiting Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for the whole day. We will be learning about different animals and their habitats. Please ensure permission slips are returned as quickly as possible and if you are able to offer parent help that would be greatly appreciated.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
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Term 3
Week 1
Kia ora and welcome to Term 3! I hope you had an enjoyable break with your child/children, filled with lots of adventures and activities. I am looking forward to another wonderful term ahead.
Newsletter format
From next week, I will email a copy of the newsletter to all parents and upload it to our class blog. Let me know if you would prefer to receive a hard copy instead.
Changes to our learning environment
Over the holidays St Albans School got the go ahead from the Ministry of Education to begin altering some of our learning spaces. You will have noticed that builders have been in and removed the dividing wall in the cloakroom. This is the first of several processes that will move our school forward into the ‘Modern Learning Environment’ future. The purpose of removing these walls is simply to increase floor space and provide an added teaching and learning space that is adaptable and flexible.
This term Rooms 8, 9 and 10 will be working together for phonics, writing, maths and reading. The children will be grouped according to their learning needs and will work with myself, Mrs Wallace and Mrs Sutherland. We will spend the afternoons in our own classrooms. Please come and see me if you have any questions.
Due to these changes, there will not be specific work to complete in Alphabet books each week. Continue to read with your child every night and I will let you know when a decision has been made about further home learning.
Arts showcase
Throughout this term we will be preparing for our arts showcase, which will be held in Week 10. The Year 0/1 performance will be based around New Zealand flora and fauna. It will be a wonderful event of song, dance and drama!
Release time
This term my release day is on Tuesday and my release teacher is Trish Bunting. Trish currently co-teaches a Year 4 class with Ros Tippen. I am excited to have Trish join our team for one day a week.
Junior team outing
On Thursday 30 July (Week 2) we will be visiting Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for the whole day. We will be learning about different animals and their habitats. Please ensure permission slips are returned as quickly as possible and if you are able to offer parent help that would be greatly appreciated.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come and have a chat.
Lucy Whyte
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Y0/1 Team Newsletter, Term 3, 2015
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Welcome back to Term 3.
Modern Learning Environments. During the holidays the walls have been removed in the cloak bays of Room 8/9 and Room 6/7 so we can now make use of this space for our modern learning practice. Room 6/7 “Team Lightning” and Room 8/9/10 will be working cooperatively for the benefit of the children in core curriculum areas. With this collaboration the children will be benefiting from a range of teaching strengths and their learning being specific to their needs. Each class will still have their own home room but will be working cooperatively with other children throughout the morning. With the spaces available now within the rooms the children are able to spread out and work individually or in groups according to what they require. This is the start of our Master Planning design, which will move our school forward into the future and will provide teaching and learning spaces that are purpose built, adaptable and flexible.
This term is an Arts focus with a showcase performance in Week 10. Each class will be working on visual art, drama, dance and music related to their particular creature in our ‘Where is the Mollymawk?’ adventure.
The following are some of the activities that your child will be completing this term.
Willowbank. A note will be going home today re this outing next Thursday. We will be studying the creatures and their habitats. Please return this permission form this week.
Poetry Competition. The children will be learning a poem of their own choice to present to the class in week three. The finalist from each class will compete with the other year group classes in the poetry competition final in week four.
Inquiry. Each class will be learning a song and dance related to their creature for our show. Costumes, set designs and backgrounds will be designed and made. If you can help your class with any of these please let your child’s teacher know.
Folkdancing. Every Monday the children will be learning how to dance a variety of traditional folk dances. Parents will be invited to come and watch these later on in the term.
Traditional tales. The children will be learning a variety of fairy tales and legends and exploring these during their written language. If you have any wonderful books your child could share with the class this would be fantastic.
Looking forward to an exciting dramatic term.
June, Krysta, Louise, Lucy and Cara
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Welcome back to Term 3.
Modern Learning Environments. During the holidays the walls have been removed in the cloak bays of Room 8/9 and Room 6/7 so we can now make use of this space for our modern learning practice. Room 6/7 “Team Lightning” and Room 8/9/10 will be working cooperatively for the benefit of the children in core curriculum areas. With this collaboration the children will be benefiting from a range of teaching strengths and their learning being specific to their needs. Each class will still have their own home room but will be working cooperatively with other children throughout the morning. With the spaces available now within the rooms the children are able to spread out and work individually or in groups according to what they require. This is the start of our Master Planning design, which will move our school forward into the future and will provide teaching and learning spaces that are purpose built, adaptable and flexible.
This term is an Arts focus with a showcase performance in Week 10. Each class will be working on visual art, drama, dance and music related to their particular creature in our ‘Where is the Mollymawk?’ adventure.
The following are some of the activities that your child will be completing this term.
Willowbank. A note will be going home today re this outing next Thursday. We will be studying the creatures and their habitats. Please return this permission form this week.
Poetry Competition. The children will be learning a poem of their own choice to present to the class in week three. The finalist from each class will compete with the other year group classes in the poetry competition final in week four.
Inquiry. Each class will be learning a song and dance related to their creature for our show. Costumes, set designs and backgrounds will be designed and made. If you can help your class with any of these please let your child’s teacher know.
Folkdancing. Every Monday the children will be learning how to dance a variety of traditional folk dances. Parents will be invited to come and watch these later on in the term.
Traditional tales. The children will be learning a variety of fairy tales and legends and exploring these during their written language. If you have any wonderful books your child could share with the class this would be fantastic.
Looking forward to an exciting dramatic term.
June, Krysta, Louise, Lucy and Cara
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week_8_school_newsletter.pdf | |
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room_9_newsletter_wk9.docx | |
File Size: | 81 kb |
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week_9_school_newsletter.pdf | |
File Size: | 381 kb |
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