This terms inquiry into the Arts aims to spark curiosity and wonder. Through carefully planned learning experiences, we encourage children to make connections and use their creative skills to express themselves. It is a perfect example of a holistic approach to education. Something we do every day but rarely put a name to.

Education is more than academic results. While academic achievement is important, so is providing a holistic approach to education, ensuring that we provide an optimal learning environment for every child to flourish and thrive. A holistic approach to education instils curiosity and helps develop better communication and social skills. It encourages children to make connections, use their creative skills and develop psychological, social, and emotional growth. 

The principle of holistic development (kotahitanga) refers to the need to view the different aspects of a child's learning and development (cognitive, social, emotional, physical, cultural and spiritual) as an integrated and interconnected whole. At SBS, teachers consider each area of learning and development in relation to the others. They seek to develop each area of learning in ways that take account of and build upon children's existing strengths. There is a focus on the 'bigger picture' in which learner dispositions and values underpin teaching programs. Knowing the learner and identifying their specific dispositional needs is the starting point for teachers planning. Learning should be meaningful, appropriate and relevant to children and the community. The learning of skills, dispositions and knowledge is integrated within children's participation in shared, meaningful activities and are not separated into discrete, decontextualised learning tasks.

Holistic education is often more visible in the younger years - learning through play is an excellent example of this. Lindsey Mackrill wrote an article in term 2 - Learning Through Play. However, for the older students, holistic learning can be seen in inquiry learning and through the programs and initiatives, they can participate.

To support our holistic approach and provide opportunities for children to develop learner dispositions there is a vast range of learning on offer;

To enrich the Arts Inquiry, each class has specialist music lessons taught by Music Education Centre, and Mr Norwell teaches sketching, woodwork, percussion, and geometric drawing. In addition, we have local artists popping in and a few dogs posing for live drawing! 

Children can try EPRO8, Otago Problem Solving and Science badges and there is more... during break times, there are many creative opportunities; ukulele, choir, ukulele choir, board games, Scratch and coding, sports, chess, loose parts play, construction, dress ups, table tennis, STEM, lego and trampolining and of course basketball.

This year we also launched the first-ever SBS Rock Band and are proud to have two rock bands entered into the NorthShore BandQuest - the only primary entered into the intermediate dominated competitions.

Sports has always been a strength, but the last two years have seen basketball grow exponentially. We have 13 teams entered into the North Harbour competition - the most significant contribution from any school on North Shore.

This week the choir is off to the peninsula competition, and in November, our kapa haka group is preparing to perform at the North Shore Kapa Haka Festival. The trampoline team are bouncing and perfecting new techniques, the dance team is practising for the Peninsula Competition later this term. 

For a small school, we have a lot on offer; opportunities for exploration and to spark the imagination, a chance to grow our children as learners to enable the whole child to thrive and experience success in whatever area they choose to excel. 

Outdoor Learning Spaces

Our outdoor area upgrade is almost complete. The resurfaced court areas are looking amazing and the children are loving them. If you are using them for sports practices please be aware that the sand will take a few weeks to settle, so the course may be gritty. 

We have had a huge team effort to finish off the seating area by the office, and now the newly formed 'Attenborough Club' founded and led by Matilda Kerr (Room 9) are coordinating the planting. Thank you to the parents who have got stuck in by offering goods and services to complete the space. As we move into spring (hopefully!) it will be a wonderful addition to our learning environment. 

Maths Evening - Thursday 26 August, 6pm

If you have ever wondered about how your child learns maths then this is the evening for you!  

The teachers will be presenting on maths in the NZ Curriculum and what this looks like at SBS, students will be demonstrating some hands problem solving and then you will be treated to a model maths lesson - be prepared to join in!

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Finally, I look forward to seeing you at assembly on Friday, 9.10am. The children enjoy sharing and having an audience!

Nga mihi 

Lucy Naylor
Tumuaki /Principal