Author: Administrator

Term 3 Newsletter
Room 3 2013

Kia Ora and Welcome to back, I hope everyone had a wonderful break. Welcome to Solomon and his family who have moved here from Auckland, I hope you enjoy living in our great little village by the beach. There are currently 26 students in Room 3, we are also lucky to receive the assistance of Sue Brannigan and Joan Bogelin who work with the students throughout the week. The students in Room 3 are all eager to get on with things.
Topics for Term 3
Whats the Plan Stan? - With all the Earthquakes New Zealand has been experiencing I think it is important for the children to learn about Natural disasters and What to do in an emergency (NZ Civil Defence). Your child will be bringing information home, which will involve your family devising plans for natural disasters. It would be great if parents could help them as much as possible, you never know something could happen, it never hurts to be a little bit prepared.
Another major focus will Caring for animals, with animal welfare people coming into to class to talk about their jobs and how to care for animals. The intention is to decide on a class pet and buy one. I have got a couple of animal experts coming in to talk to the children about their jobs, experiences and how to care for animals. If you have any expertise in these areas I am more than happy to get your assistance.
Upcoming Events
21st August - Jump Rope for Heart – Gold coin day + sausage sizzle
22nd August – School Cross Country.
23rd August – Room 3 Assembly
18th September – Whiti Farm Park visit. Date and price to be confirmed.
25th September – School Pet Day.
Homework -Spelling words and math's work comes home on Mondays. Reading books come home everyday and the children are expected to read as part of their homework. Your child will come home with two readers Monday—Thursday and a library book on Friday. Completed homework needs to be returned on Fridays to be marked. There is a spelling test on Friday (3 x 10 out of 10 = 1 Juicey ice block).
Please return readers daily, the children know to put them in the white container at the back of class or in their group book box.
Library Books go home on Fridays instead of readers– please return by the following Friday.
Lost clothing – look in the orange bin in the classroom, it really helps if clothes are named when trying to find the owners of possessions.
Drink bottles – the children can drink water whenever they need to, and are encouraged to have a water bottle on their desk in class. Please ensure your child’s drink bottle is regularly changed and washed.
Nits – Remember to check your child’s head regularly for nits as a precaution and treat when necessary.
Please keep sweets and toys at home.
Writing
There are many focus in writing in this term. We will be writing about images, ‘a moment in time’, report writing , researching and writing information in a project. We are continually practicing the many skills involved in becoming a good writer, I have seen a huge improvement in the children's choice of vocabulary in their writing.
Reading
Reading is an important part of the classroom program. We read daily, the children are grouped according to their ability and bring home books that are appropriate for their age. Please take time to read with your child daily, it is amazing how much progress they can make with regular practice. Ask your child questions about what they’ve read , get them to evaluate the story, telling an you what the main ideas of the text are.
Mathematics
The focus throughout this term will be on number knowledge and strategies, with an emphasis on; place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Currently we are doing geometry in class, and are making 3D shapes and patterns. We will be revisiting time later this term to practise our ability to read and interpret clocks.
Physical Education
We do fitness activities daily, this includes; daily cross country running, ‘Jump Jam’ (wet days), skipping, running and relays. Please ensure that your child has the appropriate clothing and shoes for physical activity.

School Arrival Time
The school day is from 8.55 am to 3 pm. Please ensure that your child is on time, the latest being 8.55 am. Some children are regularly late and often miss important messages/instructions resulting in them not being organised for the day ahead. Please get your child to call into the office if they’re late, on their way through to class. We do the roll electronically now and it is usually completed by 9.:05am.
If your child is unwell it is best that they stay at home to recuperate properly. This avoids other children and adults from catching your child’s flu.
Ring the school office (864 8590) if your child is unable to attend school on a particular.
BRAG BOOKS—please return your child’s Brag book as soon as possible as we will be putting in new material from this term soon.
If you need to contact me please call the office (864 8590) or email me on;
catherine @tairua.school.co.nz and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please see me if you wish to discuss anything about your child, especially any queries, worries or concerns. Please just ask me if you’re unsure about anything, I’m here to help.
Regards
Catherine Browning,
Room 3 Teacher
Deputy Principal