Term 4 is racing ahead. Here's a brief run down of what we have been up to this week.

Uniquely NZ Learning

 We have all but wrapped our Uniquely NZ learning for the term, with students nearing the end of their final rotation for this unit of learning. It has been pleasing to see the students putting in energy and effort into learning about some of the things that make us quintessentially New Zealand. Once we have completed our final rotation we will move on to a 'taking action' phase where students will get to choose one area ( either Parliament, NZ at War and Founding documents) to investigate further. The final aim being to create a fun and exciting resource that can be used to help others learn about these topics. 

Formal Dance

We are beginning to build a bit of momentum with regards to our Formal Dance learning for the term. The students are enjoying being able to go off site for dance practices. We are very grateful to the South West Baptist Church in Balcairn Street for allowing us to use their auditorium for dance while our own hall is unavailable due to ongoing repairs. We would like to make a donation to the church for the use of their facilities. With this in mind we are asking that each student bring in $2 to contribute to this. 

Tuakana - Teina

 In the Year 7/8 Hub we embrace the concept of tuakana–teina, which provides a model for our buddy programme. It refers to the relationship between a tuakana (older person) and a teina (younger person) and is specific to teaching and learning in the Māori context. In a learning environment that recognises the value of ako (a teaching and learning relationship, where the teacher and student can learn from each other) the tuakana–teina roles may be reversed at any time. 

This week we helped the year 2 hub complete a survey. The senior students provided assistance with reading and explaining questions. It was great to see the seniors demonstrating their community value by helping their junior buddies. 

South West Zones Athletics

A large group of Year 7/8 students competed in the South West Zones athletics event which was held on Thursday this week. Well done to everyone that competed. In particular to those that received a placing. This select group of elite athletes (some pictured below) have qualified for the Canterbury Athletics Champs which is due to be held later in the term. 

First places (Red Ribbons) - Carter W ( Long sprints), Issy ( Long Jump, Long Sprint), Chelsea ( Discus)

Second Places (Blue Ribbons) - Year 8 Boys Relay (Carter B, Harley, Carter W, Andre), Matthew ( Long Distance), Kaitlyn ( Short Sprint), Caleb (Long Sprint, Long Jump), Xanthe (Long Sprint, Long Jump), Keisha (High Jump), Year 7 Girls Relay (Natalia, Bella, Eva, Keisha), Wilbur ( High Jump), Lincoln ( Discus), Esther ( Short Sprint), Natalia ( Long Distance), Steven ( Discus)

Third Places ( Green Ribbons) - Year 7 Boys Relay (Cody, Noah, Caleb, Zar), Emma ( Shotput), Esther ( Long Jump), Dishti ( Short Sprints), Xanthe ( High Jump), Eden ( Discus), Matthew ( High Jump)

Leavers Hoodies

The year 8 group received their leavers hoodies this week. Thanks to Amber Hill who has put in hours of work during the year to get us to this point. It is great to see the Year 8 group wearing their hoodies with pride, both at school and in the community.

Digital Music Creation at Te Hapua

This term the year 8 students are attending a number of session at Te Hapua. The focus of these sessions is Digital Music creation, using GarageBand. The first group has finished their creations. You can view/listen to their creations here.  The second group begin their sessions this Friday. We will share their creations with you later in the term. 

Coming up next week.  

No School on Friday 13 November  - Canterbury Anniversary Day.