Tuakana Whetu Newsletter Week 8, 2017

Wow - hard to believe we are at Week 8 already.  There has been some wonderful learning this week in class with students well through their inquiry projects, great discussions in reading and some creative flair shown in Performing Arts.  The class have also had the opportunity to be taught by our student teacher, Makaila Powick, who has settled in really well and is a great asset to our team.  

Today we had a Wacky Tacky Mufti Day and as you can see the class went all out with some fabulous and funky outfits.  This was a fundraiser for Star week and we raised almost $470!

Tuakana Whetu have also been focusing on the value of Manaakitanga (heart, warmth) by really looking out for the good in each other and find ways to help others at Merrin.  It has been so great to see some really positive values being shown and we will continue to work on this as well as our other values.

Ako (Learning) - Ethan

In this week's assembly Ethan received an award from the Mathematical Olympiad Student Association.  He won the Silver Certificate for coming second in New Zealand at Year 7 & 8.  This was a huge achievement as this exam is only entered by the very best mathematicians in New Zealand and many were a year older than Ethan.  Congratulations on such amazing success Ethan - you are this week's Shining Star!

Home Learning

A reminder that all students should be continuing their work on IXL, spelling word learning and reading.  All these will greatly support their in class learning.  This week we encouraged students to sign up for EPIC which our fabulous librarian, Amanda Simpson, has registered the school with.  EPIC has hundreds of texts to read from a wide range of genre, all just a click away on a device. 

Reminders

Cross Country - This is next Friday, 31 March at Burnside Park.  Students will be walking down from school at 12.15pm with the first event beginning at 1pm (details below).  Students will need to make sure they have PE Gear, a warm top, water bottle and a hat.  If you would like to come watch, the race order is:

1pm - Year 8 Boys and Girls        3km

Year 7 Boys and Girls        3km

Year 4 Boys and Girls 2km

Super-Heroes       1km

Year 5 Boys and Girls        2km

 Year 6 Boys and Girls        2km

Camp - Only a couple of weeks to go! Very exciting! Just a reminder that the cost is $175.00.  We do require this to be paid pre-camp but we are happy to investigate payment options with you if required. Merrin School Bank A/C details: 030 830 0309365 00 and please put the Reference: Camp

Also we are still in need of one parent to assist with transport back from camp on Wednesday, 12 April for 4-5 students.  You would need to be able to meet at Wainui to leave the camp by 1pm.  Please let us know if you are able to help.