Maths Learning in Kauri Whanau

Here is a snapshot of what maths looks like in our team ...

Group problem solving

More great collaboration in action.

Small group work with a teacher.

Independent activities in a comfy space.

Mathletics, on-line learning

Our children are thriving in this diverse learning environment. All children should now have Mathletics passwords and will be able to get into this on-line learning at home.

Year 8 Leadership Camp

We had a fabulous two days exploring leadership and learning more about ourselves at the Year 8 Leadership Camp. At the end of the two days each Year 8 student nominated one of their peers for the 'Peter Blake Young Leader' award. We were really impressed with their deep thinking. Here are a selection of the justifications for nomination...

'... is a really good listener and a respectful person. He gives everything a go and never stops trying. He may not be in my group, but I always hear positive thinking about him and what he has done.'

' she believes in herself and in others ...'

'she puts others before herself ...'

'... is a very caring person who listens when you have something to say.'

'today he was brave enough to conquer his fears and ...'

' ... always steps up when the team is low...'

'... is always able to make decisions, while taking in other people's opinions and is able to lead in any situation.'

'... they weren't bossy at all and listened to others.'

'... is always willing to offer a helping hand, even when it means he won't come first.'

As you can see, it will be a tough job selecting our 'Peter Blake Young Leader'.

Persistence, sharing ideas, listening and leadership led to success.

We stepped beyond our comfort zone.

Dinner was delicous.

Helping others was a key component for everyone's success.

Target reached!

Creativity and quick thinking were needed in the flying fox challenge.

Week 5 UpdateExploring the differences

It feels like a mixed blessing today with our school closure. It's nice to have the opportunity to catch up on some accumulating work, but on the other hand we are feeling for those battling water entering their homes and we had a great day planned in the Intermediate Hub, never mind...

'Eastern River' made it tricky to get into school today without soggy feet.

Leadership Week got off to a great start on Monday with the Year 7 Leadership Day...

We got some more great advice from Christian.

Exploring the differences between 'being proactive' (like water) and reactive (like coke).

'Putting first things first' allows us to get done what we need to do. This is a bit like packing a suitcase carefully, that way everything will fit in. 

In a 'synergy' simulation we had to make containers to catch water, however after the plane crash, one person was blind and the other had lost use of their arms. Communication was good, but success was mixed.

Problem solving and synergy were required to pass the ball across the circle, through all hands in a set order, in record time.

Tomorrow Year 8 Leadership Camp gets underway. Remember to bring:

• Your food contribution (if it is not already at school)
• Something to sleep on and a pillow
• A change of clothes and your togs
• A great attitude!

Dunedin Camp forms are due back at school by tomorrow.

School Duathlon entry forms are available at the office, get these filled in and back to school by next week.

Awesome Attitude

Today Christain from Attitude.inc came to talk with us about how we can get the most out of life. We had so much fun, laughed so much and came away with some key messages to think about:

• We are all different and that's a great thing.
• We need to try new things, to meet people with similar interests and find out what we are really good at.
• We need to 'Dump dumb thoughts' and believe in ourselves.
• We need to do the right thing
• We need to help others ... this is a real win-win, people appreciate it and it makes us feel good.

We are looking forward to spending more time with Christain next week, during workshops as part of the Year 7 Leadership day on Monday and the Year 8 Leadership Camp on Thursday. 

Totally engaged, for a full hour.

Christain was one cool dude!

Boy did we get to laugh.

Week 3 Update

Literacy: This week we have launched into our literacy programme and we are pleased with how the children are responding. There is a large component of self-management in our literacy approach. For example, by lunchtime today each child needs to have completed two writing sessions of 30 mins and the weekly current events quiz. If this isn't completed on time the consequence is 30 mins at lunchtime catching up and if there is still work to complete, this will need to be done at home before Monday.

On Monday we made and played with gloop and slime, as a motivation for writing.

Swimming Sports: You should have received a newsletter about our School Swimming Sports two days ago. Entries will be taken today. Swimming Sports are on Wednesday morning, 26th Feb.

Leadership Camp: Year 8 Leadership Camp is just two weeks away, March 6th and 7th. A notice and medical form came home either yesterday or will come home today. Please complete the medical form and return it by Wednesday the 26th. Food donations can be sent in on the week of camp.

Home Learning: The first maths home learning is due this Friday. A couple of classes are now underway with Mathletics and the other two should be operational next week. SDLs (self directed learning) are nearly ready to go, these can also be worked on at home.

Responsibility: Leadership positions have been announced, trainings are underway and our leaders are stepping up. For those who are interested there will be jobs to do around the Twilight Fair later in the term. Congratulations to the following Year 8 leaders:

House Captains:
:

Fisher - Abigail & Cameron Waimea - Bryar & Nathan Tennyson - Keiana & Dom Heathcote - Lucy R & Flynn

Student Council Exec:

Chairperson Claudia Secretary Melanie Treasurer Oscar L

From this week, the children are choosing their daily fitness options.

This week in Kauri Whanau...

This week we are starting to learn about the '7 Habits of Highly Effective People'.

On Monday we looked at what 'Being Proactive' means. We had a go at putting this into action with a class lap sit...

The first few attempts resulted in collapse, but we kept positive and persisted until...

Success!

On Tuesday we looked at 'Begin with the end in mind' and discussed what it means to be in the driver's seat, controlling the direction of our lives...

Today we explore 'Put first things first' and on Thursday we will learn about 'Think win win'. At our Leadership Camp in Week 5, we will be exploring the habits in greater depth and have lots of fun putting them into action.

End of week 1 reminders...

Passion Friday starts this Friday: Those who are doing 'Fabulous Food' have been asked to form a group of 3, and between them to bring a packet of wine biscuits, a can of condensed milk, a tablespoon of cocoa, a cup of coconut, a mixing bowl, a teaspoon, a spatula and a mixing spoon. Yum scrum!

Self Defence: We are lucky to have Lynda Maindonald from Self Defence New Zealand, running a 5 session course for our Year 8 girls. This starts on Friday afternoon, with each session running for 90 minutes during school time. Funding is provided so there is no cost to families. We have worked with Lynda in the past; the girls have totally enjoyed it and learnt heaps.

Leadership Applications: These need to be handed in this Friday. Please give your children a gentle reminder.

Tracy led a great discussion on the Treaty of Waitangi today. We all learnt heaps.