Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 3 Week 9

 In this post: 

• Literacy
• Health
• Ski trip
• Cantamath
• Athletics
• Speeches

Literacy: Novel Studies

We have recently started novel studies with our literacy classes. Megan, Caitlin and Jenny's groups are reading 'The Boy in Stripped Pyjamas', by John Boyne. Themes of innocence, friendship and human nature are explored as the story of the relationship between the son of a German officer and a Jewish boy unfold. Nicky's group is reading 'Two Weeks with the Queen', by Morris Gleitzman. This book, while told with lots of humour, deals with heavier topics of cancer, aids and issues faced by people who are gay. The children are very engaged in discussions and activities unpacking the stories. Please let us know if you have any questions about these novel studies.

Health: Choice

When lockdown sent us home, we were just getting into our Choice health unit which explores making good choices around drugs and alcohol. While we have been unable to have lessons with the police constable, we are continuing this unit ourselves. 

Ski Trip

Sadly, we were unable to rebook another date for this year's ski trip. We look forward to offering this opportunity again next year.

Cantamath

The organisers of Cantamath are determined for this event to go ahead and have yet again rescheduled the competition to October 27th in term 4. This involves our problem-solving teams and we will also be sending a number of projects into the display competition. 

Athletics

We have started athletics training in preparation for our athletic sports which is scheduled for week 2 next term. The children will be doing athletics 4 afternoons a week for the next two weeks.

Speeches

We were treated to listening to a fabulous selection of persuasive and informative speeches on Friday. Topics were varied, including speeches encouraging us to not eat meat, respond to climate change, address gender inequities in sport, be inclusive, consider the needs of chickens, care for our oceans and avoid the dangers of sport. As you can see we were wowed by some very important topics. The judges had an extremely tough job. 

Year 7: First, Lola; second, Billy; and third equal, Stella and Fergus Macd

Year 8: First, Zoe C; second, Andi; and third equal, Thomas and Fergus McM

We wish Lola and Zoe the best of luck when they compete at the South Zone competition in week 10. The media team is putting together a video with snippets of each speech. We hope to have this ready to share with you next week. 

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 3 Week 8

 In this post:

• Technology
• Choir
• Speech finals
• Cashmere High Testing

It was fabulous to welcome the children back to our hub last week. After the initial excitement of reuniting with everyone, the children have quickly settled back into learning.

Technology

Technology classes at Christchurch South Intermediate continue in level 2. The key difference is that the canteen is not running. 

Choir

Choir also continues in level 2. The choir meets at 8:15 am on Mondays.

Speech Finals

We were impressed with how adaptable the children were to presenting their speeches via Zoom or videoing themselves. Finalists were named at the end of last week. Our team speech competition will take place this coming Friday, September 17, between 11:00 and 12:40. 

Year 7 finalists are Lola, Tahere, Fergus, Quinn, Freya, Billy, Richelle, Lachy, Stella and Oliver.

Year 8 finalists are Fergus, Mila, Tabea, Mahli, Thomas, Marcellus, Zoe C, Rory, Lane and Andi.

Unfortunately, parents cannot be part of the audience while we are at level 2.

Cashmere High School Testing

Year 8 testing at Cashmere High has been rescheduled to take place on Thursday, September 30th. Those who have children enrolled will receive details from Cashmere High. The children make their own way to and from testing and are expected back at Beckenham by 1:20pm.