‘Am I making positive connections in the world?’ is the 2010 Learning Theme
Kia Ora Tatou, Greetings to all
Dear Parents
At the BOT meeting on Tuesday night the 2010 strategic annual plans were presented. We still have the following strategic learning priorities as last year. They are:
• Empowering Learning
• Enhancing Potential
• Enriching the Environment
Strategic Learning Area Enhancing Potential
Staff Up-date
We warmly welcome Fiona Murphy who has been appointed to teach our New Entrant class starting in Term 2. Fiona has been teaching for 3 ½ years in England.
Vivian Tam has resigned from her position in the office. Vivian has been with the school for 17 years. She has been a dedicated, hard-working valuable member of the staff and we will very much miss her.
We warmly welcome Edwina Halliwell who replaces Vivian Tam in the school office. Edwina is originally from Ireland and has worked in legal and health sectors in London.
2010 Professional Development for Staff
Our school-wide focus for professional development will focus on:
• the school-wide writing programme
• creative design and critique of our curriculum programmes
Gaye Byers and Deputy Principals observed teachers’ writing lessons last week. Teachers were observed taking Crafting to Need writing lessons. These lessons are where teachers have analysed student writing in the previous week and identified where children’s next learning steps are. For example, children might need to learn more about how to captivate a reader’s attention by writing an exciting hook to start their stories with, or, another example - how to use verbs effectively.
Gaye reported that she was very pleased with the class writing analysis and the focused teaching of a specific teaching concept.
TEACHER ONLY DAY 19 MARCH
Teachers worked in teams planning Term 2’s programme based around the topic, ‘I am a Scientist’. They have prepared some interesting learning programmes for your children next term.
Strategic Learning Area Empowering Learning
All staff have worked together to develop an Epsom Normal Curriculum Design Document which outlines how we deliver the New Zealand Curriculum. If you would like to read the document, there are copies held at the school office.
Strategic Learning Area Enriching the Learning Environment
A new fence and gates have made the entrance to the school attractive and safe for students.
CONNECTING TO THE COMMUNITY NIGHT TUESDAY 2 MARCH 7.00-8.30PM
Thank you to the parents who attended this evening. Hopefully we informed you more about the school vision and our learning programmes for 2010.
PARENT INTERVIEWS
Parent Interviews will be held on Monday 29 March and Tuesday 30 March 2010. The school will be closing at 1pm on Monday
29 March 2010. Please make arrangements to collect your children at this time.
Here is a lovely piece of writing from Lakshitha, Room 1
Sonshine Ranch
On March 17, Room 1 and 2 went on an awesome field trip to Sonshine Ranch. Our activities were horse riding, rock climbing, travelling into the dark tunnels and riding the flying fox.
First my class went horse riding. When we arrived at the horse riding circuit we were taught how to ride a horse by the instructor. We all thought it would be hard but it turned out to be easy. At the stable there were different types of horses that were brown, white and spotted but my horse was as black as the night sky. The parent in charge helped me to jump onto my horse and we went around the bumpy track three times. This reminded me of cowboys riding their horses and I thought it was really cool.
Next we went to the rock climbing tower which was fifteen metres high. I was scared out of my pants but Mr Creamer, my mum and friends encouraged me to climb higher. Finally I made it to the top. Next our class went to the dark tunnels, we had to wear a helmet because the tunnel was made out of concrete and we did not want anyone to get hurt.
After the morning activities we sat down on a picnic bench and enjoyed eating our lunch. I had some sandwiches and orange juice.
It was very nice and I gulped it all down because I was very hungry after all the activities.
Afterwards we continued our activities and went on the flying fox. First we had to wear a harness then we were given a pulley. We had to start from the top of a platform and suddenly jump off. The flying fox carried me over all the tree tops of the forest and I thought it was terribly fantastic!
Overall I had an awesome day at Sonshine Ranch spending time with the horses and my class. It was a great day and a trip I will never forget.
Regards
Jane Cavanagh-Eyre
Principal