African Dancing, Tug of War Challenges, Metafit sessions, Guest speakers from Project Wellness, Art Gallery, Pilates .. the list goes on. Year 7 classes have been very busy with a range of engaging, hands on learning opportunities over the first half of this term as part of our Hauora unit focusing on our overall Health and Wellbeing.

In this Newsletter you will find a number of articles related to our Term Three topic.  A highlight for all classes was our session with  African Hip Hop Dancer Antonio Bukhar where he inspired our students and teachers  to join in his funky Hip Hop dance session. Next week at our Year 7 Assembly we plan to have a "dance off" where each class will show their moves to other syndicates.

Another highlight was our annual "Tug of War" interclass challenge for the Freshman shield as part of our focus on physical activity and teamwork.  Well done to Room 6 and 26 for making the final and in a close final showdown Room 26 came away with the win and will now hold the Freshman shield until the next challenge! We were also impressed with the determination and perseverance displayed by our students in our recent Cross country training and event. Good luck to those who are now going on to the Otago Cross Country later this term.  

Mindfulness sessions involving colouring in, yoga and meditation have also been part of some class programmes. We would like to thank Amy and her team from Project Wellness in Roslyn who presented in some classrooms last week. Their key messages were about having balance, time out, good friends and family connections and taking time to relax. The importance of Nutrition and sleep for young people was emphasised reinforcing key learning and discussions that are ongoing in class. Classes have been looking at food options, made and tried snacks and we also thank Alison Lambert from Market Kitchen for supporting students in their projects looking at healthy meal options. 

Most of our classes are also completing their Puberty sessions where key understandings and learning about being kind and looking after ourselves and others during this time has been discussed in depth. 

Our PBL - Project Based Learning programme is well underway for this term. Two major products are being developed by different classes looking at who their client is and what products they are producing to share their learning. One product has students thinking about their personal Survival Kit - looking at what is needed to maintain a balanced lifestyle and what is needed to "survive" Year 7. These will be presented to our visiting Year 6 students in Term Four. You may have received an email regarding the "FFF: Family Bag - a product for sale as a number of classes have set up a business to sell these bags of goodness for families - a family meal, mindfulness activities, family fitness challenges, health and wellness magazine are just some of the things contained in this family bag. Please check out the article in this newsletter which has the link to purchase and support this initiative.

Winter sports are almost wrapped up for another year. I would like to congratulate all students who persevered, committed and took part in representing  the school over this time. Also a huge thank you to parents and caregivers for ensuring students were organised, on time and there for their games and to those who gave up their time to coach or manage a team. 

Finally, next week we celebrate this term of Health related topics with a celebration of fun, friends and families by hosting our first ever Balmacewen Colour Fun Run/Walk next WEDNESDAY August 28th - from 4.30pm- tickets available on the day. So come along, have fun, get colourful and enjoy some fresh air and fitness with your whanau. 

Kind regards

Lisa Dixon

On behalf of the Year 7 Teachers.