From beach runs to the chilly cross country event at the golf course, the Museum and Post Office visits, Jump Jam and PMP we’ve really explored our local curriculum in many settings.

Bush School has, however, been a weekly highlight and remains one of the juniors' favourite times of the week. Ackers class have taken their topic learning about Our Island to the ngahere. Native trees, fungi, manu, pests, cooking, adventures and learning about our role as kaitiaki of our taonga have been the main focuses. We make memories each week but we are also growing our memories as we remember names of plants, fungi and the school PART values.

Mel and Julie support the learning in Ackers class on a regular basis and we are always grateful for their presence. Mel leads PMP and yoga sessions, which Ruggies have joined in with on two occasions. She also works with groups supporting more individual learning. Julie joins us for art and Bush School and is always positive and encouraging to all tamariki.

This term, like every term, I have also learnt a lot about… native trees that are deciduous, Entoloma fungi, growing vegetables on Rakiura and more fish facts. I also got to observe and participate in professional development in Wānaka with a particular focus on Structured Literacy. These opportunities are great because they keep the programme and my knowledge fresh, up to date with the latest research and engaging for the youngest tamariki at our kura.

Ten of the Best Moments Picked By Ackers Class for Term 2, 2022…

Best maths - eating our lunch to learn about subtraction (Year 1s) and Monster Maths addition and subtraction (Year 2s)

Best writing - describing monsters (Whole class)

Best reading - starting the Biff and Chip series (Alex, Jakob and Harper), picking my own chapter books (Billy and Josie)

Best art session - Kiwi painting (Luka and Oriah)

Best Bush School - checking out our chew cards which the rats had destroyed (Whole class)

Best Jump Jam - routine Crazy Frog (Mila and Indi)

Best class visit - To the Museum with Hananui class (Blake and Perrin)

Best Garden to Table - Squishing tomatoes and saving the seeds for the spring and making Apple Crumble (Lena)

Best event - Southern Zone cross country in town because I got a cup! Nico

Best moment - An island snow day! EVERYONE