Term 4 is off to a great start

Term 4 takes us back outdoors with the sun shining, the field open, and many things to look forward to.  GEIS is such a busy and joyous place to be in term 4!  This term our theme is - Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua - While people come and go the land remains.  This theme supports us in delving into the science behind local geology, including the exciting world of ROCKS!

Mini schools have planned exciting Science units of work that include inquiring into volcanos, plate tectonics, and erosion, discovering how rocks are formed, and investigating lava and ash.  Mini schools are including EOTC trips that encompass local geology.  Karekare and Piha LA2 are going for a walk in Huia to look at the stratification of the earth in cliff faces with our Science teacher Mark Towl - a local expert,  Te Henga and Piha LA2 are going to the museum to investigate the Auckland volcanic field, and Muriwai are going out to Muriwai beach to discover the foreshore and do a beach clean up.  

Akomanga (classes) are utilising self-esteem health units this term alongside our school values to support students in better understanding who they are, who they want to be, and how everyone is on their journey.  Nic Pitcher who is our hauora (health) lead teacher has sourced 35 self-esteem kits from ‘school kit’ which has supplied every classroom with the hard material resources and lesson plans to teach this effectively.  We are so grateful for this and are looking forward to the rich discussions that are ahead for our ākonga (students).

-Powerful Inquiry-

Our teacher-only day on 25th October was a success.  As a whole staff, we delved into the science of learning and understanding how a brain moves information from short-term memory into long-term memory space.  We also digested the math curriculum refresh and developed a deeper understanding of the differences between the old and new curriculums.  We are now in a better space to move forward into 2025 with the math refresh as the basis of our programmes.  Finally, we began brainstorming the 2025 curriculum ensuring adequate curriculum coverage, a range of exciting contexts, reading, writing, math programmes, and possible EOTC ideas. 

-Powerful Connection-

This term we are looking forward to the many whānau and incoming student connection points that are planned:

• Xfactor

• Cushion concert

• State of origin

• A cultural week and cultural evening

• Y6 Māori/Pasifika transition

• Contributing school orientations

• High school orientations

• Kapa haka festival

• Sports prizegiving

• Year 7 & year 8 prizegivings

Keep an eye on the school calendar and Facebook page to stay up to date!