Tena koutou katoa. Welcome back to the last term of the school year! While probably none of us thought we would still be in lockdown, here we are. As teachers, we were hoping to be back at school, as being there with the children is what drives us and gives us both energy and inspiration. But, we have become agile in adapting to what we can do, and are navigating our way through this term with the uncertainty of whether schools will be back this year or not. As soon as we have any news on this, we will share it with you. In the meantime, please take care of each other, be kind to those you meet, and remember that this stage will pass.

The Year 2 students were asked to draw a picture of the job they would like to do when they grow up. Being an Artist or a Scientist came out on top followed closely by a football player. We are sure our amazing children will be able to achieve, and gain the skills that lead to sustainable employment and fulfilling lives. Good luck, we will be looking out for you in the future.

In line with our Unit of Inquiry, Where We Are In Place And Time, we have been learning all about how accommodation changes over time in response to need and environment.

The Year 5's have been busy writing creatively this week. They were given the concept of being stranded on an island, with no devices. They had to choose the people who joined them and the reason why they were there, along with three main items that they were 'stranded' with. We asked that they just introduce their adventure, building anticipation and excitement in the first few paragraphs to encourage the reader to want to read on further. We have had some amazing story starters - here are a few to entertain you!

Lockdown Rap by Piper Davis in Room 10 Year 4. A great way for everyone to stay safe and positive about lockdown!

This week in music the Year 1-3 tamariki made instruments out of fruit and vegetables, after looking at this amazing provocation: This links into their PYP unit - How the World Works - "Materials are made up of matter that has properties that can be classified, changed and used for a variety of purposes”,

Awards for: Best dance (individual or your bubble - get those mums and dads dancing). Best instrumental performance - solo or bubble. Best poetry or production snippet reading - how expressive can you be? Best original lockdown song - make up your own! Best singing performance - individual or bubble!

The length of the current lockdown is something we, as parents, have not experienced before, and with the vast majority of children unable to attend school, here are some sites and articles that may help you over the next few weeks.

While we are currently schooling from home, Scholastics have created a special digital catalogue to help families stay inspired to read and learn. It's jam-packed with bonus Christmas pages and the best of the best books of 2021! This issue is available by viewing the catalogue online and placing an order on the LOOP platform. All orders will be delivered directly to the home!

Because we want to continue to engage with the children through this lockdown, Skids Milford will be offering these online tuition classes beginning term 4, while we are still in level 3.

Thank you so much to all the parents and school supporters who have saved Yummy Stickers and sent them into school. If you have any completed sheets at home, please drop them into the school letterbox or bring them in to school next week so they can be tallied. Every sticker counts and goes towards new sporting equipment for our school.