Kia ora koutou
I have been teaching in Harakeke Hub this term, which has been most enjoyable. There is something about teaching that is very grounding, but also exhilarating all at the same time. Seeing the capacity of students to take up the new knowledge or skills you are teaching them and make it part of their ongoing practices in reading, writing or maths, is so amazing to see. Often it seems quite magical, but of course it isn't. It is all about children's capacity to learn (kids are just clever!) and it is about the teacher's capacity to pitch the learning at just the right level (Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development) - with just the right level of challenge. However, though I know that, the capacity of children to learn continually astounds me.
Just read these lines from a couple of children's writing (Josh N and Avin ) - completely their own work:
"I was perambulating to the place known as Carlucci Land."
"They were crystalline and gossamer clear with a potent smell of fish."
"I started walking down the road towards the jagged mountain, the sky faded from caramel red to crimson orange to thunder black."
"The nuke hit the ground, sending up a cloud of dust. A millisecond later it detonated, sending forth a wave of death. First, the shockwave hit, crushing nearby villages into dust. Then came the heatwave, burning anything and everything in it’s way. Tens of thousands of innocents killed, and what was the reason? “We can’t let Isis get stronger while we sit and wait!” Donald Trump’s first act of presidency was to attack Isis."
How did the story end: "Dave later found out the Pentagon workers deserted Trump when a guard saw the file on social media. Trump was arrested for corruptness and the vice president became the most powerful person in the world. Dave was a national hero. All the information was later released through television announcements. The world was finally free of Donald Trump."
As I said, our children (your children) never cease to astound me! I hope to share more of the students' work with you in the future.
Contents
Nits and Head Lice Checks
We have had reports of nits/head lice. To help prevent the spread in school, it is important everyone checks their whole family and treat asap if either are found...
Visit this articleChurton Park Carols 7pm on Friday
All welcome at Amesbury School, joined by choirs from CP School & Amesbury School, Capital Harmony Chorus & Salvation Army Band...
Visit this articleChildren's Eye Wear Protection
Using devices over the holidays? Shadez Blue Light Filter Glasses help reduce eye fatigue, dry eyes and blurred vision from blue light...
Visit this articleLocal Questionnaire
3 questions from the Churton Park Anglican Church about the needs of children and families in Churton Park...
Visit this articlePreparing for the Learning Celebration on Friday at 1.45pm
Hospitality, Activities, Services, Demonstrations, Entertainment, Arts & Crafts and more ...
Visit this articleNew Students!
A big welcome to school for Greer, Bosco and Spencer who are our last 3 new entrants for 2016.
Visit this articleCongratulations to Emile! 2016 Citizenship Award Recipient.
Emile was chosen for this year’s Wellington North Primary Schools’ Citizenship award because he is a great role model to all students...
Visit this articleYear 5/6 Camp to Forest Lakes
Final information for the Year 3/4 camp
As the school year draws rapidly to a close, this is the final information article about the Year 3/4 camp. A gear list and contact information is included in the article, along with an updated itinerary.
Visit this articleDates and events for the end of the 2016 school year
School term dates for next year
The last day this year is Wed 14th Dec. The start date for 2017 is Tuesday 31st January.
Visit this articlePersuasive Writing by Te Rito Hub
This term we have been improving our literacy through persuasive writing. Here is a small sample of work from Adhrit, Hannah and Bowie. These ones are inspired by John Burningham's book titled "Would You Rather".
Visit this articleFantastic fun family evening!
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the "Taste of Asia" Community Evening on Wednesday - a great time was had by all!
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