Here is an update about what is happening in Weeks 5-10 this term.

Writing 

This term we have been focusing on writing a persuasive speech. Students have had the option of choosing a topic that they are passionate about to create their speech on. We have asked them to research and use technical information that helps supports their choice of topic. Many students have completed their first plan, their draft and now look to complete their final edit and move towards writing their speech on cue cards before presenting in class. 

Maths 

We are now in our second week of Algebra, although this topic in Maths is challenging our students are standing tall when being challenged. There is a lot of perseverance and resilience being shown by our students when completing questions that are difficult for them. Here are some of the questions they have been solving;

32 = 6b + 2 - What is the value of b?

7s +8s = 75 - What is the value of s?

-17 +14z - 12 = 13 - What is the value of z?

In Week 8, we will finish Algebra and move back into Number Knowledge/Strategy to finish off the term.

Reading

For the past five weeks, we have been building the students  knowledge around heating and cooling. We decided to do this to support our students as we move into our Integrated Learning. We have been learning about heating and cooling through the terms like radiation, convection, conduction, insulate, insulation, thermal, ventilation, condensation, freezing, boiling, melting and conductor. For many of these terms, students needed to read and research what they meant or make meaning from the clues that were given in the text.

For the next five weeks, we will be looking into our Novel Studies. This term, we have introduced another three brand new novels. This term, students will be able the option to select three novels they would like to read from our selection of novels (Silverstream, Trash,  The Present, Lost, Inside the Game, Lake of the Dead, See Ya Simon, Run and Walking into the Fire).

We will be focusing on these skills as we read; Predicting, checking the credibility of what has been written, characters feelings and emotions, current themes and our response to what has been written. 

Cantamaths

On Tuesday this week, our students competed in the Cantamaths competition at Horncastle Arena. All of the three teachers in Year 7/8 were thoroughly proud of how our students competed in the event this year. Please watch next weeks article for the complete write up on this. 

Quiz Night

The Quiz Night at Oaklands School is not too far away! Tickets are $10 a person and we are looking for teams of 6 people per table to compete and have some fun on the night. It's an absolute great night with plenty of laughs and good jokes between all that attend. 

Koru Games

We are getting closer to the Koru Games, the week before the games we will be looking to increase the amount of practice that we will be having due to the large amount of time that was lost due to weather. We would like to thank all of the parent helper that have donated their time to train teams, without you, we wouldn't be able to enter any of our teams, thank you!

Ellesmere Speech Competition

Soon we will be entering the Ellesmere Speech Competition, the students who will go through to this competition are selected from the Speech Competition we will have in our Year 7/8 Hub. 

Wellington

Wellington is not far away! At the end of Week 9, all chocolate sales will be stopped and final sums will be calculated over the holidays and sent out to parents early Term 4. Please, if you haven't already paid the $50 deposit for flights, we encourage you to do so urgently. 

In Week 6, we will be having another bake sale. We have had such an amazing time selling baking to the students and they have all loved the baking that has been brought into school. On average, every student that has brought baking, has managed to earn $30 off every time we have had a Bake Sale. Keep up the great work. The final Bake Sale for this term will be in Week 9. 

Cultural Festival

On September 4th, Oaklands School will be performing in the Cultural Festival at Horncastle Arena. Every student has put a huge emphasis on practicing their moves and singing to help our group shine on the night. Well done and Kia Kaha everyone!