The year 4,s to year 8's ran their cross country on Friday 31st March.  A great afternoon was had by all and all of our school values; Manaakitanga, Kitiakitanga, Ako, Whanaungatanga and Rangitiratanga, were on display by our Merrin students.

Cross country and the importance of keeping fit

Three cross country courses were covered - the students in Mahuta ran 2 kilometres whilst the year 7 and 8's went around 3 kilometres, this year we also had a 'Super-hero' 1km course for students to dress up and enjoy their run.  All we asked was for students to do their best - and we were not disappointed!   A great effort Mahuta - Well done.

It is an apt time to remind ourselves of the importance of physical exercise and the long-term health benefits for our tamariki and if they understand this at school they will be happier and healthier.  The problem health issues, like type-2 diabetes and obesity,  that are afflicting our society, are less likely to effect fit and healthy students, and they tend to be better at bouncing back when the inevitable coughs and colds hit during winter.  Encouraging healthy activity in sport is a great way to enjoy life to the full.

Ako Celebration

Thursday 13th April  - 11am - 12pm - A date for your diaries.   On the last day of term, you are invited to visit your child's whanau class in the hour before lunch and they will share their learning about Toaora te Moana - Toaora te Tangata, Healthy Oceans - Healthy People with you.  There will be art, writing 

Author's Diary

Encouraging writing and making writing intesting is a key goal for Merrin School and next week we will introduce the 'Author's Diary'.  This diary, which the school provides, is a simple tool to encourage writing and it will come home each day.  Students will record a sentence that describes an interesting or surprising observation that they made during the day.  Over time this will develop observation and writing skills as well as improving self-management skills.  We will be sending home more information about this innovative idea next week.

Planning for Term 2

On Tuesday 4th April, the Mahuta teachers will be busy preparing for an exciting term 2 for your tamariki.  We have already surveyed the students to find out what they would like to learn about, whether it is in the sciences, the arts, social or geographical, we will endeavour to meet students interests with the learning programme.

Kaitiakitanga in Room 16

A big thank you to Caitlyn for her kaitiakitanga in room 16. Caitlyn made a whole bag of leather toggles for the device cords with her grandmother. Along with Petra and Annabelle, Caitlyn is a member of a small but dedicated Tech team who look after all the devices in room 16. Tino pai, we appreciate your initiative and hard work. 

Tekotiritiri Challenges (TK)

Just a reminder to keep up with the  TK challenges and that you need to complete a minimum of 10 for the year.  Here are some more suggestions for you if you want some more ideas:

*read some myths and legends about the sea. Make a cartoon to show the story

*make in minecraft, the perfect ocean

*make a family tree

*do the reading pizza challenge

*go to Children's day

*go fishing

Reminders

We are all looking forward to week 10 and it does mean we are closing in on the end of the term - only two weeks to go.  It is a long term and another important way to keep healthy is to have enough sleep - please make sure your tamariki get to bed early and are getting lots of sleep.

The clocks go back on Saturday - this is not an April Fool's joke! - you get an extra hour in bed:)

Ka kite ano

The Mahuta Team