Our very hungry Caterpillars

This week we were lucky enough to inherit a swan plant with caterpillars, chrysalis and an egg and within just a few days the cycle had began. The little egg had hatched and a very small and very hungry caterpillar was munching away on the leaf. The next day we were so surprised at how much the little caterpillar had grown.

While Lucah was over washing his hands he noticed something changing. We gathered around and watched as our largest caterpillar wriggled and jiggled into a green chrysalis with beautiful gold spots. This week we are excited to do some writing about what we witnessed so watch this space! 

Swim Little Fish!

Our first two weeks have already seen us taking the plunge for our Term 1 swimming lessons. Here at Ardgowan we believe that all pupils should have the opportunity to learn basic water skills and children have lessons provided by qualified instructors in both Terms 1 and 4. 

For our Room 6 children the fun begun with the bus ride, we were all very excited to ride the bus down to the Oamaru Aquatic Centre. We sat with our buddy and pointed out all the places we knew on the way into town. Our sessions in the pool lasted for one hour. We had a half hour lesson and a half hour play where we could practice some of the skills we had learnt. 

We all had different levels of abilities and confidence but everyone got it and gave it their all. I am so proud of our Room 6 Little Fish. Makayla, our swim instructor, made the lessons fun with lots of songs and games.

We all showed fantastic listening and it was the perfect ice breaker with our new classmates.

Gaining confidence to go under

Fantastic listening Room 6!

Welcome Class of 2019!

Firstly, welcome to Room 6! We have had such a fantastic first week at school and are so proud of the children. They are already settling in so well! We have had such a busy week learning the rules and routines of school and getting to know each other.

The children have already begun Reading and Maths sessions and have had lots of practice writing their name. I have enjoyed hearing about some of their Summer holiday adventures too.

Your child will have received a guided reading book which you can share with your child at home. Please sign your child’s reading log each time you read with them and they will receive stickers after 10 reads at home.  More information regarding reading with your child will be given out in the next few weeks.

Your children have been allocated a Whanau Group, they work towards receiving a team point for behaviours such as good listening, good sitting, being helpful, being a kind friend, persevering with a task etc.

If you ever have any questions or queries, no matter how small, please do not hesitate in contacting me.

Here are some photos of our favourite things to do at school.

We know how to line up and take turns

Showing excellent balance

Whheeeee!

The Trampoline is our favourite

Camping in the classroom

Healthy Munchie

Did you know Ardgowan School promotes a healthy lifestyle in many ways? We study Keeping it Green weekly, which is about sustainability, growing produce and eating a well balanced diet, we also fund Activator session where professionals come in to school and supplement our Physical Education programme. But one of the children's favourite times of the day, is Fitness and Healthy Munchie. Each day at 10am children head out onto the playground to get a quick 10 mins of exercise. It provides an excellent brain break and we come back into class ready and refreshed. After Fitness we have Healthy Munchie, this is a calming time when children select a fruit or vegetable from their lunch box to eat while they enjoy a story.

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Easter Treats

We made chocolate Easter nests.

You will need:

• Melting chocolate
• Cornflakes
• Golden Syrup
• Mini eggs
• Muffin cases

First squeeze the golden syrup into the bowl

Next spoon in the cornflakes

Add in the melted chocolate and mix to combine

Spoon into the muffin cases and top with some mini eggs

Chill in the fridge and enjoy! 

Taha Whanau

Our Maori Topic this term is Hauora. This is the Maori Philospohy of health and well- being. There are 4 dimensions of Hauora; Taha Tinana, Taha Hinengaro, Taha, Whanau and Taha Wairua.

Taha tinana - Physical well-being

the physical body, its growth, development, and ability to move, and ways of caring for it

Taha hinengaro - Mental and emotional well-being

coherent thinking processes, acknowledging and expressing thoughts and feelings and responding constructively

Taha whanau - Social well-being

family relationships, friendships, and other interpersonal relationships; feelings of belonging, compassion, and caring; and social support

Taha wairua - Spiritual well-being

the values and beliefs that determine the way people live, the search for meaning and purpose in life, and personal identity and self-awareness (For some individuals and communities, spiritual well- being is linked to a particular religion; for others, it is not.)

Each of the four dimensions supports each other. 

As part of Exploring Taha Tinana we looked at the people who celebrate and support us. Using natural materials we create some unique family tree portraits. 

Activator

We love having Youth Town come in on Fridays to do Activator. Our sessions are always energetic and fun. We have been developing skills in co-ordination, cooperation, balance, flexibility, agility and sportsmanship. 

Youth Town Values

Belonging (Turungawaewae)

They build positive relationships that includes and respects others.

Mastery (Tohungatanga) They are motivated to develop their abilities through learning, sharing and refining skills. 

Independence (Mana Motuhake)

They take responsibility for their choices, behaviour and the consequences these generate.

Generosity (Manaakitanga)

They show kindness, caring and compassion to others, and are willing to share and contribute.