Kia Ora families we have had a busy term so far.

Athletics day was a great success with a group of our students representing our school at Inner City Athletics. We have an upcoming trip to Pt Chev Beach and Coyle Park where we will be paying back to the community by having a beach and park clean up. This will be followed by some fun activities. Your student should have brought home a letter with details.

Music

It was a delight to hear and watch a number of our Totara students perform so confidently at the music showcase last Monday. A big thank you to Ros for your work with the school choir and band.

Maths

The students have been exploring the use of a collaborative problem solving approach to support the learning of fractions and algebra.

You can view your child’s maths slides online via their digital learning book.

You can support your child by exploring the information in the links below.

■ Khan Academy Fractions.

■ Sticky Moments - Algebra example

Literacy

In writing, the students are continuing to assess their own writing according to their strengths and identify what they need to do next.

Reading groups have met and all the students will see one of the Totara teachers for guided reading lessons and activities to support the use and understanding of the skills of reading and comprehension.

Inquiry

Our inquiry projects are well underway, with all our students following their passion to create a legacy. Students are involved in researching and following the inquiry process. There are some interesting topics.

Fitness and PE 

The swimming pool is now in commission. We ask that students bring their togs every day. Our lunch swimming day is Wednesday.

Health and Wellbeing

The students get the opportunity to do a wellbeing check in every week with their teacher. They record how they’re feeling and the teacher checks in with them if they indicate a need to do so. We have found that this has helped increase the awareness and positive building of whanaungatanga.

Year 6 Leavers Assembly

This will be in week 9. It is an important assembly farewelling our students and families with their time at Grey Lynn coming to an end. 

Seesaw

Your child shares a Friday weekly reflection on their work with you via an app/website called Seesaw. Ask your child to help get you set up ASAP!

Te Reo Māori and Pasifika Language and Culture

We will be working on learning our school Patere in preparation for our end of year celebration. The students are also learning the skills of performance through the learning of different haka and waiata. They are also exploring siva and singing Pasifika songs.

Art

For art this term the students are making tote bags out of recycled coffee bags. They are using their calendar pop art for inspiration. They will add embellishments by sewing.

Our Grey Lynn Way

The Totara team teachers and students are working on all the values of P.R.I.D.E. We have been focussing on respect and empathy.

On Fridays, the boys take part in sport and health lessons with Kerry and Shane where they play games and then unpack and discuss aspects of hauora and sportsmanship.

The girls will participate in social skills lessons focussed on friendship and hauora using the programme, Friendship and other Weapons. The girls bring home a parent letter and discuss the lessons with you. They also reflect in a journal during the following week. These lessons are taken by Andrea and Nicola.

You can reinforce this at home through discussion about the Friday sessions.

Andrea, Margaret, Shane, Nicola,Sandie and Kerry