When children are at school they learn so much more than subject-specific curriculum. From the minute they walk in the gate, they are learning skills and ways of being crucial for achievement in school and life.

On a daily basis, we deliberately and purposefully teach life skills and many of these are 'executive functioning skills'. These are the skills that help us put aside what we want to do because we have to do something else. For a child, that might be stopping talking to listen to the teacher. Or waiting quietly to be called on in class. 

Another important skill is our working memory: being able to store, maintain, and use information over brief periods of time. An example is being able to remember events in a story when answering reading comprehension questions.

Being able to adapt to changing task demands or contexts is an important executive functioning skill. For example, being able to switch from studying multiplication facts to getting started on a maths test. 

Students often need to call on different executive-functioning skills in real-time – for example, using self-control to tune out distractions from classmates while recalling from working memory the teacher’s directions to complete a writing assignment.

Executive functioning skills are partly inherited, but they can also be developed through positive experiences. For us, that means a warm climate, a balance of play and learning, and a caring and emotionally supportive school environment.

__________________________________________________

Term 3...Off to a Flying Start!

The term has started with a flurry of activities again, there is a real buzz around school and it is fantastic to see so many children signing up and giving things a go. We also are very appreciative of the large number of parents who put their hands up to help out. Without your support and generosity of time, we simply don't have the capacity to do all the things we would like to do. 

In addition to the class program, this term we have Otago Problem Solving, Chess, EPRO8 Technology Challenge, trampolining, netball, Scratch Club, rippa rugby, trips to the Art Gallery, Speech Competition, softball, basketball, tennis, Knowledg-athon and to finish it all of the disco, and an Art Exhibition to share the terms learning. 

We are really enjoying being able to offer all the extra activities once again, they bring such energy to the school and the children are certainly enjoying getting stuck in.  

Amidst all the exciting events there are a couple of dates you won't want to miss:

• SBS Art Exhibition -Wednesday 23 September - Come along and view the many artworks and creations that your children have created. A great event to bring along family and friends! 
• Parent Information Evening -Thursday 10 September (6-7.30pm) - you are invited to come along and find out how we teach reading. We will be sharing an overview of our reading programs and also some 'real-life' demonstrations of what a reading lesson looks like. 

We also look forward to seeing you at some of the other events and assemblies we are holding this term. 

Finally, I hope you have all had fun practicing for Knowledge-athon! We are looking forward to the quiz results and special Knowledge-athon Assembly on 14 August (2pm) where we will be giving out prizes, there will also be an afternoon tea hosted on by Linda Simmons, the event sponsor. 

Nga mihi 

Lucy Naylor
Principal /Tumuaki