Read on for details of the big ideas that sit behind our learning this year. You will also find some key terminology, and themes, that we will be using with the children. 

Mō tātou te taiao ko te atawhai, mō tātou taiao ko te oranga

“It is for us to care and look after the environment to ensure its wellbeing, in doing so we ensure our own wellbeing and that of future generations.”

Continuing in the same vein as our 2017 themed approach of "Belonging", in 2018 our key theme is Kaitiakitangia/ Guardianship. This is going to centre on developing a sense of place, belonging and responsibility for our local area. 

As we start the year all classes will focus on building Learning Relationships by working together to develop class routines and ways of working together. Classes will also make use of the Kia Kaha anti-bullying materials.  We have introduced the concept of “Fill your bucket” to all the children. This address will take you to the online story, which introduces the notion of "bucket filling" and "bucket dipping".  www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEg38zCOMgk&t=51s

This year all our students will be citizen scientists. They are going to work alongside  a senior scientist (Melissa Foley) from Auckland Council to help her monitor the water quality at Devonport's harbour beaches. To help with our understanding of water,  a large amount of STEM equipment based on water has been purchased. We use the terminology of  "I notice, I think I wonder" when we are talking to the children about their STEM science work. 

Later in the year, we will take part in the Sculpture on Shore exhibition. Our intended sculpture work will make use of rubbish collected through the year and will be themed around a vision of what we would like the ocean to be. In preparation for this work, all classes will inquire into "What is sculpture?" We envisage that this will entail visits to view sculpture as well as hands-on sculpture activities throughout the year. 

2018 is also a "production" year, where we focus on performing arts. All students in years 3 - 6 will take part in the school production, whilst year 0 - 2 students will take part in class performances. Auditions for the school production will be starting soon, with the production taking place in Term 3.