The term is flying by and we are changing things up a bit in a few key learning areas. Read below to see what is coming up in the 7/8 Hub.

 In Reading we will shift our focus from texts based around the topic of sustainability, to  novel study.  This will be our second novel study for the year. Students have selected a novel from a list of possible choices.  Novel study will begin next week and will run for weeks 5 -9.  

In Maths we are temporarily parking our Number strategy learning and we will begin a new unit of learning on measurement. In particular we will be focussing on Area, Perimeter and Volume. We challenge you to have discussions on real life examples of these concepts with your child. 

In Writing  we will be linking in to our topic of sustainability and  crafting arguments based on  the provocative statement: 'Recycling is a a waste of time. ' It will be very interesting to see the student's personal viewpoints on this very topical issue. 

Sustainability - We were very fortunate to have had Michelle Cust (Keira's Mum), come in to visit us and talk about what she does with regards to up-cycling/recycling of furniture/ art. You can view her amazing work on her website, which you can find at this link.  The students have been inspired to make change and we will be exploring ways that we can realistically take action to be more sustainable and really make a difference to our world/ environment. Watch this space!

Koru Games  - Very shortly, all students will be allocated a team and they will begin to train towards representing Oaklands at The Koru Games later in the year. Be sure to ask you child what sport they will be competing in. 

Technology -  Please note that there is no Technology at Lincoln for the next two weeks. Tuesday 29 May and Tuesday 5 June. This is due to Lincoln staff having Union Meetings and Teacher Only Days. The next session of Technology will be Tuesday 12 June. Students will begin a new rotation of learning on this day. Your child was informed this week, what their new rotation will be. 

Te Hapua - 7/8SB will begin their weekly Friday visits to Te Hapua next week; Friday 1 June. They will be participating in 6 weeks of learning on robotics, programming and coding. We will publish an update of what they have been up to in the next couple of weeks. 

Canterbury and Zones sports - next Tuesday we have a group of ten girls representing us at the Canterbury Basketball tournament. We will also have a number of students representing us at the upcoming zones cross country event. We wish everyone who is competing well and look forward to reporting on successes, once competition is over. 

Bake Sales - Yr 8 Wellington Fundraiser - We have set two dates for bake sales for these term. These are Thursday 7 June ( week 6) and Thursday 5 July (week 10.) Year 8 students will be asked to contribute baked goods to sell with profits being shared equally, amongst all of those who supplied baked goods. 

Classroom Release -  The year 7/8 teachers have a classroom release day scheduled for Monday next week; 28 May. Mrs McLeod, Mr McAven and Mrs Casey will be in the classroom on this day. Students will continue with learning as normal with these three teachers.

Home learning -  A reminder that home learning expectations in the year 7/8 hub are as follows. 

1.1 hour of IXL Maths per week. Please encourage your child to focus on activities that they have been assigned at school rather than randomly selecting activities to do. 

2. Continuing to read each night, towards achieving their 40 book challenge. 

Home Learning Challenges - Home Learning challenges are optional and are a part of our leadership programme. We strongly encourage everyone to give some of the challenges a go as they are great for personal growth and development. 

As always we are happy to discuss any matters regarding your child's schooling with you. Free to contact us via email or arrange a time to meet in person. 

Warm regards, 

The Year 7/8 Teachers.