Wednesday 5 December 2018

Hand shape art

Kia ora

Just a little look at some of our creations today:


Wednesday 28 November 2018

Tonight

Kia ora

Just in case you missed the last notice (it may still be in the school bag or located in a bedroom in the form of a jet plane?);

Each child has been given their black pants and t-shirt(s) to bring home.  They should put these on before coming to the stadium.

Please bring the children in through Gate B (Forsyth Barr Stadium) at 6.30pm. 

They can keep their named jackets with them in case it gets cold.  The children know to come sit with either Mr T or Mrs Wood (I am the bald one and will be closer to the entrance).

The show will end at about 8.20, at which time Dr Galloway will give instructions for the collection of children.

Nga mihi
Shane

Thursday 15 November 2018

Farewell Mrs Fairbairn

Kia ora

Today we say farewell to Mrs Fairbairn who has now completed her four week posting in Room 17.

It has been awesome having Mrs Fairbairn in Room 17 and we will all miss her very much! A big thank you to Mrs Fairbairn from everyone in Room 17. We wish you all the best for the new year!



The good news for us is that Mrs Fairbairn will still be at George Street Normal School and we can continue to visit with her :-)


Thursday 18 October 2018

Production

Kia ora

The children have been very busy learning dances in preparation for our School Production which will be held at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Thursday 29th of November. 

The children from Room 17 will be taking part in three dances on the evening so they have a lot to learn between now and the night of the show.

It will be awesome so we hope everyone can come along to watch us on the night.

Nga mihi
Shane

Athletics Day

We had an awesome time at the Athletics event yesterday.  A huge "Thank you" to everyone who came to support us and/or help out!!

The SUN

Kia ora

We are starting to see a bit more of the big yellow thing this term already.  However even we we don't see the sun there is a chance that it is causing harm to our skin.

A huge thank you to everyone who has already brought their hat to school.  The teachers will be asking children without hats to remain under the shades during break times.  If children want to play outside they need to be wearing a sunhat.

Please remember put on some sunscreen before school and cover up well on those sunny days.  (Mr T does have a very limited supply of sunscreen for those who forget on occasion).

Nga Mihi
Shane

Monday 17 September 2018

School sports day

The athletics day this year will be held on the 18 October (Week 1 Term 4).

Children are currently learning how to compete in the different events such as the long jump and high jump.  As with previous years the Year 2 children will compete in fun activities while the Year 3 children will be joining in with the athletics events.

If you can come along I am certain the children would really love to have you there cheering them on.

After School

Kia ora

Just a quick note to let you know that we are asking children to wait in or just outside the classroom after school rather than heading off to play.

If children are not collected before 3.25 we will take them to the Office where we know that they will be safe.

Nga mihi
Shane

Sunday 19 August 2018

STEAM night - Thursday 23rd

Kia ora

This Thursday evening George Street Normal School will be open between 5 and 6.30pm to allow families the chance to have a look at some of the things your children have been doing this year.

Room 17 will not be open quite as long however as Mr T's youngest daughter will be on stage singing with her class at 6.30 at King's High School and as such Mr T needs to leave a little earlier in order to get to her show on time.

However if for some reason you can not get to Rm17 before 6pm Mr T will be happy to make a new time for you to come along to have a look at the display.

Nga mihi
Shane


Tuesday 31 July 2018

ICE SKATING!!!

Kia ora

Keep an eye out for these posters around the School:


Monday 23 July 2018

International Day Dress Up and the Cross Country

Reminders:

On Friday this week we are able to dress up.  The theme is of course related to countries of the world.  Children are welcome to dress up and or bring along a toy representing a country of their choice (normally a country that they associate with).

The Cross Country is scheduled for Monday 30th.  In the event that the weather is not good on that day it will be moved to the Wednesday.  Children will need running shoes, warm layered clothing and a named drink bottle.

Tuesday 3 July 2018

The Book Fair

Kia ora

The Book Fair starts today!

The children will be offered the opportunity to have a look at the books on sale today and may complete a "wish list" to identify books that they would like to read. 

They have been advised that this is not a shopping list 😊.  Please feel free to take a look at the books on offer while waiting on your interviews today and tomorrow.


Monday 25 June 2018

Reports and Parent Teacher interviews.

Kia ora

Mid year reports will be coming home at the end of this week and there will be the opportunity to arrange a time to meet with me here on Wednesday 4th or Thursday 5th.  Bookings are made online and you will be sent more information regarding how to do this soon.

During the interview, besides answering any questions that you might have, we can have a catch up with regard to how your child is progressing with their Learning Commitments.

Please feel free to contact me (shane@georgestreet.school.nz) to arrange a more suitable time if you are unable to meet with me on the Wednesday or Thursday.

Nga mihi
Shane

PIZZA!!

Now that I have your attention. 

The children have all been given a small yellow order form to take home.  Those who would like to have a slice (or more) of pizza for lunch on the last Friday of this term need only complete the form and send it along to School (as per the instructions) with money attached.

Please don't be late with these, as it may lead to disappointment.


Thursday 7 June 2018

Ka kite Mr Kerr

We were very sad to say farewell to Mr Kerr today who has now completed his five week placement here at GSNS.

The children wished him the best of luck with his ongoing study at North Carolina University and we hope to hear from him again sometime soon.


DRESS UP DAY!!! Friday 15th of June and QUIZ NIGHT!!

Kia ora

On Friday 15th of June the George Street School is going to look a little unusual.

We are having another Dress up day.  The children of Room 17 voted on a theme and decided upon... (drum roll)... Pyjamas!!!

It would be much appreciated if children who are participating in the Dress-up day could bring along a "sweet treat" which will be placed in a prize hamper and used at the Quiz Night.

With regard to that:

There is a Quiz Night at the Kensington Hotel on Monday 25th of June at 7.30pm.  Tickets are on sale from the school office for $5.  Make your own team or be added to another team.  Proceeds from this night will go towards more books for our library.

Nga mihi
Shane

Tuesday 5 June 2018

Congratulations!

Kia ora

The children all did very well with their poetry readings last week.  Andrew, Josh and myself were very impressed and found choosing our winners of the classroom competition very difficult indeed.

However after much conversation and reflection the following children have been chosen to represent Room 17:

Year 3

Thomas O'Neill
Briar Henwood
with Max Cathro in reserve.

Year 2

Guy Orchiston
Selah Bachur
with Meghna Murali Nair in reserve.

The Year 3 children will be competing against the entire Middle Team next Tuesday.  Year 2 children will not be reading their poems again until Week 10.

A huge round of applause for all the children for doing so well and a thank you to the families that listened to the same poem being read at home over and over again :-).

Nga mihi
Shane

Wednesday 16 May 2018

Poetry Reading Competition

Kia ora

Each year we run a poetry reading competition.  The children are asked to choose a poem which they will introduce and read to our class.  We will select two children from Year 3 to represent our class in the Middle Team Competition. Two children in Year 2 will also be selected to read with the Junior Team in week 10.

The children will be asked to introduce the poem, to read clearly and to read with expression.  It is not necessary to memorise the poem.

A notice will be coming home tomorrow with the children asking for assistance in finding a suitable poem.  If a poem can not be located at home I have a selection in class that might be used.

Thank you for your assistance

Nga mihi
Shane

International Support Workers Day

Today we celebrated International Support Workers Day.  Each class did something for one of the support workers at our school.  The children in Room 17 made a card for Josh our TA and he was presented with a small gift to show our appreciation.  Each face contained a message to Josh from the child that drew the portrait.


Playhouse Production

Kia ora

The Playhouse actors proved to be very good at gaining audience participation today.  Red Robbing Hood has never been so loud nor archery contests so amusing.

The children had a great time and the staff had plenty to giggle about throughout the show.






Tuesday 8 May 2018

Dress Up Day

Don't forget to come dressed up as a character from a book on Friday!!!



Mr Kerr

Kia ora

This week we welcome Mr Andrew Kerr to our classroom.  He comes from North Carolina University and is studying to become a teacher.  Mr Kerr will be with us for five weeks this term. 

Nga mihi
Shane

Read-a-thon!!

As part of our celebration of the Read-a-thon week Room 17 has decorated the door.  Thank you to Josh who drew the awesome picture of Sir Scallywag for us to use.


Tuesday 1 May 2018

Friday 11th

DRESS UP AS A CHARACTER FROM A BOOK!!

More information to follow but we will be able to dress up as a character from a book next Friday (the 11th) to celebrate the end of our Read-A-Thon week.

TERM 2

A brief overview of Term 2:

1.  Our value this term is "Compassion" and our well-being focus will be "Give".

2. Writing - we will be doing "poetry" and "moment in time".

3. Reading - Some groups will be reading chapter books in class with a focus on "understanding" the text.  These books will stay at school so that they are always available.  Other groups will continue to bring reading books home each night to practise reading fluently with expression.

4.  Cross country training will start halfway through this term.

5.  We will be visited by Hockey Coaches during this term who will teach us how to play this exciting winter sport.

6. We start "Cultural Swap" this term with the children moving between classes to learn drama, music and dance.

7. "Discovery Time" also starts this term with the children from the downstairs classes coming together each Friday morning.  There will be a wide range of activities on offer including physical, math, science and creative challenges

8.  Our major topic for the first part of the term will be "Countries around the world".

9.  Reports will be coming home in Week 9 and Parent-Teacher interviews will be offered in Week 10.


READ-A-THON reminder!


Kia ora

Read-a-thon week is almost upon us. 

In fact it is now less than a week away.  But don't worry there is still plenty of time to track down a sponsor or two and to stockpile some awesome books for reading next week.

Happy Reading everybody!!!

Nga mihi
Shane.

Tuesday 10 April 2018

READ-A-THON

Kia ora

Keep a look out in Book Bags today for the Read-a-thon sponsor sheets which will be inside a clear sealable plastic bag.

Between May 7 and 11 children are being asked to read as much as they can.  We will be asking the children to set a realistic target and to seek out sponsors who will be asked to sponsor the child for each page/book read.

There are instructions on the form and the children will be provided with more information closer to the time.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Nga mihi
Shane

Wednesday 21 March 2018

Special Mention

Kia ora

We were very proud of one of our classmates who recently appeared in the ODT.  The children really enjoy hearing about the amazing things that their peers are doing in the community.  Awesome work Briar!

Nga mihi
Shane

Keeping Ourselves Safe

Constable Parcell started this week.  Following on from last Friday's lesson she went over the importance of knowing where we live (and if possible learning contact phone numbers).  She also talked about "feelings" and how it is okay to tell others about how we feel, especially if we feel unhappy about a situation.


Next Thursday Constable Parcell will be talking to the children about body parts and "touch". More information next weeks session can be found on the Police website:   http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-and-community-advice/school-portal/resources/successful-relationships/kos-0-3

Monday 19 March 2018

DISCO

                                                                   DISCO!!!
                             Friday 6th April


George Street Normal School Disco in the Hall at 6pm for Children in Years 0-3 (7pm for years 4-6)

Class of the Week Alert!

Kia ora,

All going well, everyone will have read the "News Flash" notice which advises of the Assembly date change for Room 17.  However in the event that you might have missed this please be aware that Room 17 will be on stage on the 6 April 2018.  We would love to see you there!

Nga Mihi
Shane

Friday 9 March 2018

Further reminders

Kia ora again 😀

Some interesting notices have been coming home recently:

1. Fund raising event - HOT CROSS BUNS are being sold to raise money for the school.  If you did not find an order form in your child's bag last week and you would like to order some yummy hot crossed buns, please let me know.

2. Fund raising event - ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS - details as to how these books might be ordered have been sent home with the children.  If you would like more information but have not seen this notice, please contact me.

and one to mark on the calendar

On Saturday 17th March there will be a "rug stall" market.  Details of this event will follow soon, but it is essentially a chance to sell some once loved items, baking, craft etc and earn some pocket money.  There is a very nominal charge to rent space (which creates some funds for the school) and a great opportunity to pick up some treasures at bargain prices while catching up with friends from school.

Nga mihi
Shane

Keeping Ourselves Safe

Kia ora

In partnership with the NZ police we will be delivering the Keeping Ourselves Safe (KOS) programme in class over the next month or so. 

If anyone is interested in what is involved you can get an overview from:

http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-and-community-advice/school-portal/resources/successful-relationships/kos-0-3

Room 17 will be visited by the Police Educator on Tuesday 20th March, Thursday 29th March and Thursday 5th April.

The children will be bringing home extra home work arising from the KOS lessons.  These are intended to prompt discussion at home and do not need to be returned to school.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Nga mihi
Shane

Reminder

Kia ora

Actually two reminders 😊

#1 Learning Commitment interviews will be taking place on Wednesday and Thursday this week.  Book a time online.  If these days don't suit for whatever reason please contact me or call in to see me at a time that better suits you.

#2 Swimming.  One more session to go.  Monday morning will be our last trip to the pool this year.  Thank you so much to all who have helped us out and who will be helping on Monday morning.  As always we could not do this activity without your support (not to mention all the extra washing and drying of swimming gear).

Nga mihi
Shane

Sunday 4 March 2018

Swimming

Kia ora,

Week 6 - five days of swimming!  Thank you to those who are assisting with getting us to and from the pool this week. 

It would be fantastic if you could start talking to your children about their strengths this week in preparation for our interviews next Wednesday and Thursday.  Write down some "Strength" and "Challenge" goal ideas.  I will be also be asking the children to think about these over the next few days.

Nga mihi and take care
Shane

Wednesday 21 February 2018

SWIMMING

Kia ora

Swimming starts next week.  Keep an eye out for a reminder notice including hints and tips in our book bags tonight.

Nga mihi
Shane

Welcome

Welcome Miss Carpenter and Miss Callaghan!

Room 17 is hosting two Student Teachers today.  We hope they have fun working with us and look forward to sharing our learning with them.

Nga Mihi
Shane

Thursday 15 February 2018

Meet the Teacher

Kia ora,

It was really awesome meeting some of you last night.  Please remember to call in and see me anytime if you have any questions or just want to chat about something. 

If you did not make it along last night the children will (should) have a copy of the information booklet in their school bags today for you to have a look at.

Nga mihi
Shane

Our trip to the Art Gallery

Kia ora,

A huge thank you to our parent helpers!  Without your support we could not undertake trips like this.

John (from the Art Gallery) has sent through a link to the Art Gallery website which shows some of the portraits which Room 17 completed.  He was really very impressed with the children's work especially as he had not completed this activity with children this young.

http://education.dunedin.art.museum/workshops/portraits/ta-moko-portraits

Nga mihi
Shane

Monday 12 February 2018

Electrical Engineer in the making?

Kia ora,

Thomas showed the class a light and fan circuit today which he had put together all by himself.  He explained that when the fan was turned on the bulb dimmed because the fan was draining power.



Saturday 10 February 2018

Week 3

Kia ora

This week...

1. We will be bringing our homework books home for the first time.  Please keep an eye out for these in our book bags and if possible make sure that they return to School on Friday.

2. On Thursday we are heading to the Art Gallery.  Thank you so much to those parent helpers who have volunteered to come along on the trip with us.

3. Notices to look out for from last week include a reminder about Book Bags and information about Swimming Lessons which start 28-2.  If you have not seen these yet please feel free to request a copy.

4.  Meet the Teacher night starts at 7.30 on Thursday.  Hope to see you all there but should you not be able to make it, you are of course welcome to call in to the class anytime for a chat.  Left over information booklets and my contact details will be sent home with children on Friday.

Have a great week.
Nga mihi
Shane

Thursday 1 February 2018

week 1 notes

Kia ora,

Just a few small things for your information:

The children are bringing home a notice today regarding our trip to the Art Gallery.  If you can come along the Art Gallery trip is awesome.  It is always a load of fun and the children produce some fantastic work in a short time with John.

Meet the teacher night is fast approaching.  It would be great to see you all there.  But if you can not make it don't worry.  You are welcome to come in and catch up with me anytime.

Next Tuesday is a holiday.

Nga mihi
Shane

Sunday 28 January 2018

Kia ora, welcome to 2018!

Kia ora,

Welcome to 2018 and to Room 17.

The first few weeks will be very busy as we get to know one another and establish our class routines. 

Homework is likely to begin coming home from week 3.  We will not send reading books home without a reading bag so please make sure to bring your reading bag to school if you have not done so already.

This term we will be looking at how to keep ourselves safe and road safety with the support of the NZ Police.  We will also be undertaking swimming lessons and visiting the art gallery.

Please remember to bring sun hats and to be sun smart this term as we are experiencing some amazing weather at present.

I am looking forward to meeting everyone.
See you all soon.
Nga Mihi
Shane