Room 2 OLA, Christchurch, 2010

Room 2 Has A New Blog

2011-01-27T21:33:00.003+13:00

Good evening,

Room 2 has a new blog for 2011. room2ola2011.blogspot.com

This site will stay 'live'...pretty much from now on...

See you at school on Tuesday,

Mr Grant

Galoop's Last Adventure for 2010

2010-12-23T15:51:00.010+13:00

Good afternoon,

Galoop took Matthew and I back to the Air Force Museum, courtesy of the free tickets for the Mosquito simulator that Room 2 earned through their visit earlier in the year. 'Twas cool!

We also toured the other facilities and paid a quick visit to Chris, the Air Force Museum's Education Officer.

Thanks again Chris,

And Merry Christmas all,

Mr Grant

Tron

2010-12-16T23:00:00.005+13:00

Good evening,

Again,

Just back from Tron Legacy. It was cool! Shades of the original Tron with not a little Star Wars thrown in - there's Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker and the Emperor. There's even the Millennium Falcon being chased by Tie Fighters. Plus way cool light cycles!

Cheers,

Nick

Last Day Thursday

2010-12-16T17:36:00.005+13:00

Good evening,

And that was the 2010 school year!

We started today with our Leavers' Mass, then, after an extended morning tea, we went outside for a litter patrol.

Then 'twas time for a quick Christmas message and a quick game of Rob the Nest.

The day ended with a bit of Muscle Bob Buff Pants.

Thank you for a fantastic year, have a happy and safe Christmas break and God bless you.

Mr Grant

Fun Day Wednesday

2010-12-15T16:14:00.012+13:00

Good afternoon,

We've had a bit of a busy day here today.

A few more maths activities...

...and some writing...

...the sharing of which I have taped...

Then, after morning tea, and a bit of singing practice, we went over to Room 8 to share a couple of songs.

After lunch we had a special assembly to honour Vicki's birthday. She was such a good sport about it all!

And a good time was had by all.

Pity about the picnic, but we can't help the weather!

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Tuesday Spongepants

2010-12-14T15:45:00.004+13:00

Good afternoon,

After a bit of maths this morning...

...the J Team piled into Room 2...

...for a bit of Sponge Bob Squarepants!

After lunch we struggled with some ICT. Specifically making a virtual card for...someone...in Comic Life. Seemed like such a good idea at the time...

I'll try to post the results thereof later.

Bye for now, and enjoy those portfolios,

Mr Grant

Oh yes, and I have decided to keep this blog live for next year for when ERO visit (!), so the address for the Room 2 Blog for next year is most likely to be 2011room2ola.blogspot.com. Or would you (not that any of you current parents will have children in Room 2 next year!) prefer room2ola2011.blogspot.com ?

Awards Practice Monday

2010-12-13T15:54:00.004+13:00

Good afternoon,

A fairly laid back day today.

Off to Hillmorton to practice for this evening...

...and then Room 2 went to Room 1 to complete our Christmas crafts interchange, while Room 3 came to Room 2...possibly for the last time this year.

Oh, hang on, they're back in here tomorrow for a DVD!

CU tonight. Kapa Haka children @ 6:30, the rest @ 6:45.

Mr Grant

No Sports Gear Tomorrow

2010-12-12T21:24:00.002+13:00

Good evening,

Sorry, I forgot to mention in the newsletter...or to the children...that the children don't need their sports gear tomorrow.

No worries if they turn up in their sports gear though, they can just change into their uniform before we head off to Hillmorton.

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 10

2010-12-12T15:40:00.003+13:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the last Room 2 Newsletter for 2010. 'Tis the last week of the year...

Mr Grant

What a lot of books!

2010-12-11T21:02:00.006+13:00

Good evening,

I was putting away the Room 2 Readers' reading books, and it struck me that, as a collective, they have read quite a few.

(Taken by my cell phone - the camera was in the laptop bag...which I left at home! Three guesses what I'll be doing tomorrow then. I'll give you a hint. Starts with 'p' and rhymes with 'lanning'...)

And most of these books are just from these last couple of weeks!

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Fun Day Friday

2010-12-10T16:07:00.005+13:00

Good afternoon,

We had a rather laid back day here today.

A bit of R.E., where we looked at Jesus' birth...

...and then, well, another Christmas craft, an assembly, and some free time, during which some took the opportunity to, well, sing!

And that was our last Friday together.

Bye, and have a good weekend,

Mr Grant

J Team Fun Day 2010

2010-12-09T15:59:00.003+13:00

Good afternoon,

And a lovely afternoon it has been.

We had a great day...though I was only able to take photos of the parachute station...

And that was the day.

Bye,

Mr Grant

Oh, and sorry about this morning's email. I got a little confused...

Last Day Wednesday

2010-12-08T15:40:00.004+13:00

Good afternoon,

Today was the day of lasts. Well, sort of.

For our last Maths lesson of the year we went outside to play robots and controllers, directing each other around a predetermined path.

We also had our last reading lesson for the year, and our last R.E. lesson, during which the children completed the Christmas wreaths that they started on Monday.

Tomorrow is our fun day. Please bring your togs and towel.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Quaky Cat Tuesday

2010-12-07T17:03:00.007+13:00

Good afternoon,

This morning kicked off with us lighting Mr Atherton's Christmas Wreath that I haven't got round to giving back to him yet (sorry Mr A!), before continuing with learning to give and follow direction and distance co-ordinates, first with one child of a pair giving their partner directions of how to trace a route through an easy maze onto this paper here, and then the pairs swapped roles to that the other pair directed the first member through another easy maze. Fast finishers then tried again, this time directing their parner through a harder maze the path through which they were to draw onto this paper here.

For reading Red Group read the perenial favourite by Joy Cowley Number One.

It's kind of a rite of passage for all Room 2 readers!

After lunch we had singing practice for our J Team Mass on Friday - which has just been cancelled! We will not be going to Mass on Friday as there will be a funeral happening - we went outside to play scatterball with Room 3.

I am happy to report that we completely trounced them! :-)

Oh yes, and at the end of the day each child was gifted Quaky Cat. It's a lovely wee book, and every Year 1 and 2 child in Canterbury has been given one. Cameron, I've got yours here, along with your class photo.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

2010-12-06T16:22:00.007+13:00

Good afternoon,

Welcome to Week 9. Today we started a new maths unit all about giving and following positional directions. So the Room 2 Mathematicians took turns being a robot or a robot director.

"Face north, take 5 steps south..."

After lunch we discussed the meanings behind the Advent Wreath...

...before making Christmas cards...

And that was our day.

Oh, by the way, I have just learnt that portfolios go out tomorrow week - like, Tuesday next week. Argghh!

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 9

2010-12-04T16:05:00.001+13:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the Room 2 Newsletter for Term 4, Week 8. Last full week of the year...

Mr Grant

Water Safety Friday

2010-12-03T16:17:00.005+13:00

Good afternoon,

This morning ended our two weeks of swimming instruction with a bit of water safety in boats and life jackets.

...before finishing up our inquiry...

...and watching Charlotte's Web with Room 11.

And that was the end of a very busy week. Well, a very energy expending week anyway.

Back to the normal programme next week...except for Thursday, our J Team Fun Day. Start praying for fair weather now, Mrs Johnson is organizing a water slide for the day!

Have a great weekend,

Mr Grant

Man, our new fibre internet connection makes uploading these images and clips much quicker!

Ranfurly Thursday

2010-12-02T16:00:00.007+13:00

Good afternoon.

At the end of this day we had a visitor...

...the Ranfurly Shield!

Prior to that the children had their last learn-to-swim instructional lesson at Kings Pool. Tomorrow is all about water safety. Remember - no goggles!

We also managed to fit in some maths...

...and inquiry.

Thanks ladies, and gentleman, for helping out this afternoon. Last inquiry session will be tomorrow morning. Any further assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Oh yes, and the message that I sent out about the Room 2 picnic should have read that it's on Wednesday of Week 10, not next week. Sorry.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Wednesday Movie Day

2010-12-01T17:03:00.004+13:00

Good evening,

This morning started with another trip to the pool...

...and then back for a play...

...and some maths...

...and a visit by the traveling library.

Please note that today was the last day that we will be issuing books. Next week's visit will all be about getting the books returned to school.

Oh, and speaking of next week, our J Team Fun Day will be on Thursday, not Wednesday.

Bye for now,

Got to go down to the Old Vic to meet the boys,

Mr Grant

Last Minute CRT Tuesday

2010-11-30T16:25:00.008+13:00

Oh, but Rattie does like his Rashuns!

But I digress.

Good afternoon,

I decided last night that I really needed another CRT day today to get through all the report bits and pieces (and I'm glad I was able to take it, let me tell you!).

Thankfully, Mrs O'Neill was able to step up to the plate and take over. And a wonderful job she did too!

After a bit of writing...

...it was off on the bus...

...to the pool.

Back to school for some reading and maths after lunch, estimating and measuring area...

...a bit more Inquiry and the children were done for the day.

Thanks Coleen for jumping in so readily.

Tomorrow is Library day, so please remember to return your library books.

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Oh yeah, and boys, don't forget about drinks at the Old Vicarage tomorrow evening, 'bout 7 ish.

Another Monday...Again...

2010-11-29T17:29:00.003+13:00

Good evening,

More swimming...

...more singing (though this was reading - honest!)...

...and a touch of maths.

Hey, finding the area of something is just like using arrays!

Bit more of the same tomorrow. Literally - tomorrow's timetable is just like todays!

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 8

2010-11-27T14:15:00.002+13:00

Good afternoon,

And a glorious one it is too. Just got to post this and I can go home to enjoy it. And by enjoy it, I mean sit down and paint little plastic toys! :-)

Here is the Room 2 Newsletter for Term 4, Week 8. Term 4 Week 8. Scary, isn't it?!

Mr Grant

Revelation Thursday

2010-11-25T16:07:00.003+13:00

Good afternoon,

The boys and I have just had an epiphany. The 2010 School Year ends in three weeks today! And there's still so much to do...

Well, lets start with something I can cope with. Today.

A bit like Monday really. Handwriting, lots of swimming, a bit of reading, maths, even some topic. Thanks Emma, sorry it was so chaotic! It all happened pretty much as a blur, so all I got 'digital evidence' of was swimming.

As for tomorrow, well, much like today, 'cept no reading (topic? Can't remember if I've booked the netbooks), and perhaps (perhaps) some developmental time at the end of the day. I'm pretty sure Kapa Haka is still a go in the afternoon.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Counting The Beat Wednesday

2010-11-24T16:39:00.008+13:00

Good afternoon,

As if the children aren't expending enough energy during the day, we ended today with a bit of Kiwiana...

100 points to the children who can tell me who sung it originally.

Prior to that we sang...

...and swam...

...and read.

By for now,

(Another 100 points for those who can tell me what's wrong with that...)

Mr Grant

2010-11-23T17:23:00.001+13:00

Good afternoon,

Again,

Again,

Just got this proof through of our class photo to check the names are all right. Thought you might like to have a look see...

Mr Grant

How Long Is A Piece Of String

2010-11-23T17:11:00.003+13:00

Good afternoon,

Again,

I have just finished going over White Group's Story Webs from today's texts How long is a piece of string?. Maddison go closest. Well done Maddison. 100 points to Red House. Here is what it should have looked something like.

Mr Grant

Active Tuesday

2010-11-23T16:43:00.005+13:00

Good afternoon,

Well, as the title above suggests, we've had a very active day today. Indeed, the only time we were inside for lessons was at reading.

The rest of the day was spent either swimming...

(sorry, no audio - You Tube stripped it. Mustn't be fans of Twisting by the Pool by Dire Straits...)

...racing wheelchairs (some folks came round to promote/generate awareness of the Para Olympics that will be held here at QE2 in January)...

...or playing Tee Ball outside.

CU bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning,

Mr Grant

Swimday Monday

2010-11-22T16:26:00.005+13:00

Good afternoon,

Welcome to Week 1, Day 1 of our two swim weeks.

On the way back we even slowed down for a family that was new to the neighborhood to cross the road...

And a good time was had by all.

When we got back we had time for some reading...

...and then some maths and topic.

Tomorrow we've got some folks coming in the afternoon to lead us in some cool sporting activities...something outside, I think...so that'll be fun too.

Oh, and please check your children's jersies. We're already missing two!

CU in the morning,

Mr Grant

Big Buck Bunny

2010-11-21T09:13:00.002+13:00

Good morning,

I thought you'all might enjoy this.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 7

2010-11-20T15:46:00.001+13:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the Room 2 Newsletter for Term 4 Week 7.

Have a good weekend, and see you Monday. I'm off to play with my toy soldiers!

Mr Grant

Taniwha Friday

2010-11-19T16:00:00.011+13:00

Good afternoon,

Ah, but summer's on it's way. Horrah!

But I digress. Today Room 2 did a spot of fitness...

...a touch of Topic (yay, we've managed to squeeze out a bit more time to finish our inquiry proper next week, and possibly the week after) where we discussed how to find information on the web...

...before using the 'net to find information from this page here to answer questions on this sheet here. It was really nice to see the children helping each other.

Then it was onto the whole point of this post. We did a spot of Maori and then drew our own Taniwha. I think the children did a much better job than I did!

I'd like to get them hung up in the weekend...we'll see how it goes. I can only come in on Saturday, as Sunday I've got a wee wargaming event. I'm quite keen to try out my dragons!

Have a good weekend,

Mr Grant

No Photos Thursday

2010-11-18T15:46:00.003+13:00

Good afternoon,

Sorry, but I was too busy today to even pick up the camera...and I really have to teach the children that when the teacher hands them the camera to use, then they need to make sure that the switch is up to take the photos!

Ah well.

As we have swimming next week I came to the realization very late in the piece that opps, we're running out of time to finish our inquiry. And now we have, indeed, run out of time to continue our inquiry. Next week our topic time will be spent learning about to keep ourself safe. Ummm, soo...I'm not sure when we'll get it done.

Anyone fancy school on Saturdays?

Mr Grant

Oh, and yesterday we also...

2010-11-18T07:56:00.005+13:00

...looked at how to celebrate Mary's holiness in R.E....

...and got together a list of what the children would like to study next year.

See, I told you we did other stuff yesterday!

Mr Grant

Library Only Wednesday

2010-11-17T16:36:00.003+13:00

Good afternoon,

Today I kinda forgot about the camera 'till the end of the day, so...

Say cheese!

As you can see, we did at least have a mobile library visit.

We did do other stuff as well, but, well, I have no photographic evidence of it, so...you'll just have to trust me on that!

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Hot Day Tuesday

2010-11-16T17:03:00.007+13:00

Good afternoon,

It is glorious outside. Currently a balmy 28 degrees. 'Twas a lovely day for some outside activities.

First up was some fitness...

...then a play, again, outside...

...and ending the day with some cricket. Outside. Funnily enough.

We did so some stuff inside. Phonics...

...and singing. But at least the doors were open.

Don't forget that tomorrow is library day.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Mrs O'Neil's Day

2010-11-15T17:18:00.004+13:00

Good afternoon,

I wasn't in the room today, I was writing general report comments (and they all start with "Your child is a rat bag because..." Ha!), and she had an excellent day. Indeed, she was effusive with her praise for the good time she had today! And she's getting to grips with the IWB like a pro!

One of the reading activities that was apparently quite successful this morning was having Blue Reading Group design their own tryathlon course...

Thanks again Mrs O'Neil. Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 6

2010-11-14T11:54:00.002+13:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the newsletter for Term 4 Week 6.

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Show Day Thursday

2010-11-11T15:51:00.003+13:00

What a glorious day. I wonder what temperature it did get up to...100 points to the first person to tell me!

Another rather frantic day was had here today.

Bit of writing...

...and the rest. Red Reading Group didn't read with me this morning as I finished up the last of this round of running records. The next round will begin on Monday!

This afternoon we thought of, wrote and chose the best three questions that we want to answer about our chosen Commonwealth inquiry.

We will begin finding answers to them on Monday.

Speaking of Monday, I won't actually be in the room as I am taking another CRT day to write reports 'n stuff...

Have a great weekend,

Mr Grant

Wild Wet Wellington Wednesday

2010-11-10T16:05:00.005+13:00

Good afternoon,

The boys started their day in the manner in which they intended to carry on...

...relaxed!

For Reading Red Group shared a Joy Cowley classic, the Wild Wet Wellington Wind.

(A ministry audio clip of the story can be found here.)

The day ended with a bit of a rush...on books! It was pretty cool to see the children so excited to grab a new book.

And a good time was had by all.

For those of you who are taking a day off to enjoy the show...enjoy the show!

Mr Grant

P.S. R2 R.E. (and R3 R.E.) are having an R.E. assessment tomorrow about Mary. Specifically, why was she Tapu/special/precious to God? Think she had great mana, she was chosen and she said yes!

The children will also be asked about the attributes of a saint. So we discussed that this afternoon as well...

Windy Tuesday

2010-11-09T15:44:00.005+13:00

Good afternoon,

This afternoon, after the whole J Team packed into Room 2...

...we went outside for some T Ball.

The ball of which kept being blown off the Tee. Hence the title of this post!

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Oh yeah, and don't forget - tomorrow is library day. Please send back the books.

P.P.S. I didn't read with Blue Reading Group this morning (did some Frogs testing instead), so they are to read through the play this evening, Eggs, Eggs, Eggs!, pp 23 to 31.

Another Monday

2010-11-08T17:19:00.010+13:00

Good afternoon,

And welcome to the middle week of the term.

This morning we did some writing...

...some running...

...and some R.E.ing.

We discussed the values that Mary and Joseph would have taught Jesus when he was a boy...

(that the board was supposed to capture, but didn't. Just as well I took a photo of it then. 'Till I get it figured out, I'm better to stick to the Windows Tablet Edition Snipping Tool...)

...and then acted some of them out.

For our Commonwealth Inquiry, I introduced the task that they are now going to be spending their time on...

...and briefly introduced the format that they will be presenting their information. But not for a while yet, they've got to find the information first!

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Just for Samuel Sullivan

2010-11-07T21:27:00.003+13:00

Here you go Samuel,

Now just wait your patience for the next one!

Mr Grant

Oh, and I got the second pen working properly on the IWB this afternoon.

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 5

2010-11-07T21:08:00.002+13:00

Good night. Here is the last thing to be ticked off before trotting off to bed. The Room 2 Newsletter for Term 4, Week 5.

See you in the morning,

Mr Grant

And Another Thing

2010-11-06T09:51:00.002+13:00

Good morning,

Yesterday I was trying to find the clip I took last year of the J Team singing Toe Knee Chest Nut. I found it here!

Mr Grant

A Rather Wet Friday

2010-11-05T20:17:00.004+13:00

Good evening,

This morning the J Team the Room 2 Jump Jam team led the J Team in the Coconut Song...again...

...before a bit more ICT. Some even managed to get their Comic Life fairy tales finished. I think. I'll just go through them to double check.

Have a good weekend.

Mr Grant

A Forgotten Notice

2010-11-05T16:42:00.003+13:00

Just a quick update, more later. Last night I was supposed to give a swimming notice to all the children, but only gave it to the oldest and onlys.

If I didn't manage to catch up with your child today (and chances are, I didn't!), here is a copy of the notice that you can print out at home and bring back to school.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Late Post Thursday

2010-11-04T20:52:00.004+13:00

Good evening. Or I should say, good night. Sorry for the delay in today's update, I rushed off to a meeting about what can be done with our IWB (it's pretty cool), and then I came home...and fell asleep on the couch!

But I digress.

This fine day, and it was indeed a lovely day, we did our usual stuff. Bit of maths (I'm really enjoying maths at the moment), bit of writing - Fairy Tales...

We are learning to write fairy tales.

A fairy tale has an Orientation with a Goody and a Baddie, and what they were doing, a Problem, some Action, a Resolution with "And they all lived happily after", and then a Title.

as well as a bit of reading, some fitness...

...some R.E. where the children blessed each other with the blessing that they took home this afternoon.

Tomorrow is...but 11 hours, 45 minutes away!

CU in the morning,

Mr Grant

Smiling Thursday

2010-11-03T16:03:00.012+13:00

Good afternoon,

A bit of a mucky day was had today, as we weren't quite sure when we were up for our photos. So, we stuck together for maths...

...we stuck together to try to teach some Maori to Mr Shae...

(he needs to work on it a bit)

...and then it was time to say...Rats! Honest!

During reading, White Group were given an article to read from a Journal about Frogs. Sea frogs to be specific. Their task was to read the text, and then write down two facts that they had learned on the blackboard.

And who says blackboards have no part to play in modern education?!

After lunch, Room 2 R.E. acted out a bit of Luke 2: 22-39

And then, after a touch of handwriting, it was time for the traveling library to visit. Mrs McFeat very kindly agreed to allow everyone to get out a book, even if they hadn't brought back their one from last week, but only on the condition that they bring last week's book back tomorrow.

So please, bring them back tomorrow.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

I really need to cut down the time I spend on these posts!

Tomorrow's Photo and Library Day

2010-11-02T16:00:00.006+13:00

Good afternoon,

We continued our usual Tuesday routines - a bit of fitness...

...a bit of singing...

...before some more ball skills at the end of the day.

As mentioned in the title of this post, tomorrow is school photos day, as well as our Room 2 library day. Please bring your best smiles, and your library books.

(And send your children to school in their full uniform, as we don't know when we'll have our photos taken)

Thanks,

Mr Grant

Monday Cold Day

2010-11-01T16:12:00.008+13:00

Urghhh.

Good afternoon. Sniff.

I got me a cold. Ostensibly from having wet sponges thrown at me on Friday while standing in a cold wind...

Anyway, this morning saw the Room 3 Readers playing a little Bullrush...

...quickly followed by a performance of The Turnup.

After lunch, the Room 2 R.E. children discussed Mary's Tapu (her specialness/preciousness to God) and her Mana (her internal goodness as shown by her actions). To which I asked the children, who is tapu? They replied...

Room 2 came back together, and first sang our National Song before singing our National Anthem...

...ah, but which is it that the children are "singing" in the above clip?! Oh, I guess the clip's title gives it away...

Bye for now,

Mr...snif...Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 4

2010-10-30T17:05:00.001+13:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the Room 2 Newsletter for Term 4 Week 4..

See you at Mass in tomorrow morning,

Mr Grant

Room 2 Jump Jam Jam...

2010-10-29T16:37:00.002+13:00

...the 'official' video, from the night.

Mr Grant

The Thursday After...

2010-10-28T15:54:00.007+13:00

Good afternoon,

I had a lot more children in the room today than I was expecting. In fact, everyone turned up - I was thinking half would be sleeping in after last night's efforts!

Still, it was nice to see them...

This morning, after writing...

...Room 2 Readers Ran Relays.

Then after lunch, and a Mass practice for Sunday, we compared maps of the British Empire, and the British Commonwealth.

As for tomorrow, I'll be hear, but I won't be. Mrs O'Neil will be looking after the show while I take running record...after running record...after running record...

CU in the morning,

Mr Grant

Oh yes, and please have a look at last night's Room 2 Jump Jam Team performance.

Jump Jam Extravaganza

2010-10-28T08:08:00.005+13:00

Well, wasn't last night brilliant?!

Well done Room 2 Jump Jam Team, you were great!

And lets face it, so was Room 3. And Room 1. Aw heck, they were all fantastic!

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Extravagant Wednesday

2010-10-27T16:08:00.008+13:00

Good afternoon,

And here's looking forward to a good evening too.

Earlier in the afternoon Room 2 R.E. acted out Mary's reaction to Gabrielle's visit (Luke 1:26-32)

Then we had our first ever library visit. Like, the library came to us!

The children chose one book each, for one week only. They are due back at school by Wednesday in the box that will be waiting in Room 2 from next week.

As for this evening...

Room 2 Jump Jammers, meet me in R2 at 6:25 fully dressed in your outfit

Those who want to come along to watch, please be seated in the Hoon Hay Hall by 7:00.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Oh yes, and the R.E. homework that went home with the Year 1s is due back on Monday.

Tuesday Here-We-Go-Again Day

2010-10-26T16:03:00.007+13:00

Good afternoon,

Another Tuesday down, another Wednesday is on it's way. 'Cept tomorrow won't be just another Wednesday...but more of that later.

Today started off with some Maths...

...and Writing...

...before a spot of reading...

(speaking of which, I didn't see Blue group this morning (ongoing running records), so, unless Molly caught up with them, Blue Reading Group children will not have a text to read tonight)

...and ending with some P.E.

Tomorrow is the big Jump Jam Extravaganza. The Room 2 Jump Jam Team children are to come to school tomorrow with their costume (a sun dress for the girls, an island shirt and shorts for the boys - sneakers for both) for a dress rehearsal at lunch time, and are to arrive at Room 2 tomorrow evening no later than 6:25.

The doors to the Hoon Hay Hall will open at 6:45 for the audience.

I think that's about it. I think.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 3

2010-10-24T16:56:00.001+13:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the Room 2 newsletter for Term 4 Week 3. A short but busy one. The week, that is, not the newsletter.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Frantic Friday

2010-10-22T15:47:00.006+13:00

Or at least that's how it seemed.

Good afternoon,

Another busy day was had here in Room 2, and I am pleased to report that by the end of it the room looked tidier than when the day began!

This morning we literally did some housekeeping. Some Wall nominations and a big tidy up. The room looks much better for their efforts.

After a very quick review of our Topic learning from yesterday...

...we headed into the hall to admire our own and others' art work.

Just as we were about to leave, our buddy class came in so we took the opportunity to show our buddies our favourite pieces.

After a busy lunchtime where those involved in the afternoon's assembly practiced again and again, we had, funnily enough, assembly.

As we got back to the room just as the Kapa Haka children were due back to the hall for Kapa Haka, we didn't actually do the effort and behaviour books. Sorry about that folks.

Have a nice long weekend, and see you Tuesday,

Mr Grant

Jump Jam Thursday

2010-10-21T16:09:00.004+13:00

Good afternoon,

This morning instead of our fitness station rotations, we went into the Hall for some Jump Jam practice, primarily for Rooms 1, 2 and 3's Jump Jam Teams.

Just got some polishing to do there before the big evening next week.

As a reminder...

This afternoon R2 R.E. began discussing why Mary was chosen by God...

...and we very briefly talked about the Commonwealth, and what it was.

We will be using this link here next week to further our understanding.

I hope you enjoyed seeing your children's art work in the hall this afternoon. The art work will still be on display in the morning, but will be taken down so's R2 can host assembly tomorrow afternoon.

CU there,

Mr Grant

Oh yes, I've been given the hard word to give the children the hard word about looking after their own stuff and keeping the room tidy. So we may be leaving the room a little later each day while we get the room in a fit state for the following day.

Wednesday's Wrelays

2010-10-20T17:53:00.007+13:00

Good evening,

This morning the Room 2 Readers moved onto the fourth activity in our new fitness rotation - relays.

We also finally wrapped up our Art Attack Week with a wee survey of if the children enjoyed doing art all day, all week...

...and whether they enjoyed having different teachers each day!

Oh, and speaking of Art, earlier in the week the children chose the piece of their art that they were the most proud of and they will be on display for all to see from tomorrow morning.

Do pop along for a looksee.

Mr Grant

Tuesday's Shakeup

2010-10-19T15:54:00.005+13:00

Good afternoon,

Well, that was interesting. We had a bit of a shake at 11:32, but all is well. No damage, though the shelves in the back room fell down. Again.

Right after that, we popped outside for another fitness rotation. This time the Room 2 Readers were jumping rope...

Following that, White Reading Group shared today's book with us Countdown.

We were outside because I thought they could do with a little more room than they could get in the room. I hope the wind blowing on the microphone is not too distracting.

After lunch and a bit of singing (I really must learn another way of playing Eb - barring it and then moving down to F is too cumbersome...suffice it to say, we sang our school values song acapella!) we hopped outside for some small ball skills. (Sorry about the delay at the end of the day caused by getting them back inside so late!)

The children will have received some Scholastic book order forms. Those who are interested need to have their orders back at school by Friday the 29th of October.

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Monday's Obstacles

2010-10-18T17:14:00.004+13:00

Good afternoon,

We were back to our normal routines this week, which meant starting a new fitness routine - fitness stations. Room 2 readers began with a bit of running, climbing and stuff on the playground.

After lunch, Room 2 R.E. started a new R.E. unit - The Communion of Saints. So, after a quick discussion about the identity of Mary, we had a look at this picture...

...which prompted the break out of the Rosary Beads.

(And I learnt the Glory Be from the Room 3 children!)

We'll start proper on Wednesday with a Pre Test to see what the children already know.

Speaking of things people already know, I sent out another email this morning to rectify an error that I wrote in the Room 2 newsletter for this week. The J Team Mass is not on the 24th, as I had stated, but rather is on the 31st.

Sorry,

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 2

2010-10-17T13:42:00.005+13:00

Good afternoon,

Hot off the press, just like the wind, here is the newsletter for Term 4, Week 2.

Things of note:

Values Assembly in tomorrow morning

Assembly on Friday

J Team Mass next Sunday morning

OLA School Fair Friday next week

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Print Making Friday

2010-10-15T15:46:00.007+13:00

Good afternoon,

Well, we have come to the end of our inaugural Art Week and I think it would be safe to say it has been a great success.

So, for the last time this week, we started off with some reading...

...and then Room 2 shot through to Room 10 for the rest of the day for some print making.

And a good time was had by all.

We have also received a postcard from Molly, who is due back from Aus next week.

Thanks Molly, it is lovely to hear from you.

CU next week,

Mr Grant

Athletics Day Thursday

2010-10-14T15:29:00.003+13:00

That was a lot of fun!

More later, got to rush out to a meeting, but everyone had a jolly good time all round. And it was great to see that Room 2 was so very well represented in the place settings.

Well done Room 2!

Mr Grant

Room 2 are Litter Bugs!

2010-10-12T15:52:00.004+13:00

Good afternoon,

After a touch of reading, Room 2 trotted off to Mr Shae for a spot of bug making...

How cute are they?!

Very cool.

Tomorrow Room 2 are off to Miss Shaw for some weaving. Please bring some wool to school in the morning if you haven't done so already.

Good evening all,

Mr Grant

Monday Madness!

2010-10-11T16:55:00.009+13:00

Good afternoon,

And welcome to the down hill slide of the year. Term 4 is upon us, only 11 weeks until Christmas! Apparently...I can't think beyond today...

Anyway, as most of you will be aware by the amount of pigment that the children took home on their clothes and/or selves we painted all day today.

We were aiming for something like this and this...

...and here are some of the children's efforts.

I would have liked to get some shots of the children at work, but I was a little busy running around with towels and paint and such!

Tomorrow they will be heading to Room 5 for some recycle art - no athletics tomorrow, it has been postponed until Thursday.

Oh, the children just need their fitness uniform for the rest of the week. It's just easier while they are attacking art.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 4, Week 1

2010-10-10T16:31:00.004+13:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the first newsletter for Term 4, including a timetable for the Athletics Day on Tuesday.

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Oh yes, and please bring an art shirt to school. You'll need it this week.

Galoop Goes for Breakfast

2010-10-08T17:29:00.013+13:00

Good afternoon,

This morning Galoop took us all out for a bite to eat at Drexels to celebrate the end of the Term 3 holidays.

So off we went.

After Galoop carefully drove us down to Riccarton (we were even followed by a police man at one point. Galoop gave him a smile...), we arrived at the restaurant.

After a quick coffee...

...and a chat with Matthew...

...he settled down to make his selection for breakfast. So many choices, such a little stomach! "Hmmm," he said. "That Drexels' Special sounds really tasty." So that is what he ordered.

Some toast was duly presented and quickly munched down. Not bad, considering he doesn't have any teeth!

Then he got stuck into his breakfast proper.

Some fried eggs, crispy bacon and a hash brown...yum...

...with a side order of a piece of French Toast. Mmm mmm.

Galoop finished his final cup of coffee, and we all headed home.

Thanks for the breakfast Galoop!

Mr Grant

Expressionist Monday

2010-10-07T22:08:00.005+13:00

Good evening,

I'm gearing up for the new term, kicking off with our very first Art Attack week - nothing but art (and prayers and half an hour reading - oh, and Athletics day all day Tuesday) all week.

Room 2 will be starting with a spot of expressionist painting. Which is all a bit new for me, but I found this, and, well, it seems to be mostly about brush strokes to express emotions. I think. So, I gave it a go on the board this afternoon, using, appropriately enough, Paint!

Suffice it to say, we'll all be learning together!

On Wednesday the children will be with Mr Shae for some Mixed Media art, then on to Miss Shaw on Thursday for some Weaving, and finishing the week with Mrs Norton for some Print Making.

(I'll be working with Room's 5, 10 and 7 for the rest of the week. I may, or may not know what I'm doing by Friday!)

CU Monday,

Mr Grant

Finally Friday!

2010-09-24T16:07:00.006+12:00

Good afternoon,

And welcome to the Term 3 Holidays!

We had a bit of a busy morning this morning. Another assessment, this time the second half of the weather assessment that was done, what, 5 or 6 weeks back? Turns out I forgot to ask them some stuff that would allow them to get better marks, so I gave them that opportunity this morning. I was very pleased with the results.

After that it was outside for a quick run...

...and then back to work - if you can call something that didn't actually work very well at all work.

I grabbed hold of the NetBooks with the idea that the children could take snap shots of themselves with the web cam directly from Comic Life and then make some sort of message for home. Trouble is, only three or four of the 12 that we were using would actually open up the web cam from Comic Life...so...well...suffice it to say, 'twas not the best lesson on the planet!

During this afternoon's assembly a couple of Hoon Hay School Hip Hop teams came over the paddock to share a couple of routines with us. They were way cool!

And that's all there was.

Thanks for another great term, and have a fantastic holiday,

Mr Grant

Testing Thursday

2010-09-23T15:50:00.003+12:00

Good afternoon,

Well, the children have had to some cerebral exercises this fine spring day.

First up, R2 Maths had their Time post test (which was as challenging as I thought it might have been - 'specially considering that I had extended them quite a ways beyond what the curriculum says they should have been learning - hours and half hours...), a couple re-did their argument post test, and R2 R.E. had their Church Post test. Which I can't seem to up load to share with you.

In between these events we also did some running...

...and after, we finished our Animals Inquiry. Horrah!

Tomorrow will kick off a visit from Father Bernard, and then we will start to wind down in preparation for the holidays. Yay!

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Wednesday Movie Day

2010-09-22T16:04:00.004+12:00

Good afternoon,

Thanks to Bronwyn (again) and Graham for helping out during Inquiry this afternoon. It was much appreciated.

Earlier in the day, we did some 200 meter training...

...and White Group shared today's text with us - The King's Parade. Well, most of it, anyway.

After lunch we went back to church to practice genuflecting in a most appropriate setting.

And that was our day.

Tomorrow we have got a couple of post tests. First up, a Time post test for R2 Maths (practice at home using this here, and add/subtract hours and quarter hours), and a R.E./Church post test for R2 R.E. (the 6 groups the children belong to, Parish and Fathers' names). Oh yes, and finishing up that Inquiry portfolio sheet.

All fun and games!

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Skip-a-thon Tuesday

2010-09-21T17:49:00.004+12:00

Good evening,

Sorry for the delay of this post, the server is down at school and I had to wait 'till Matthew shot through to cells before I could get on the 'net at home!

Well, for those of you who were not aware, we had our OLA Skip-a-thon this morning.

And a good time was had by all.

(Those sponsorship forms are due back later in the week. Though, perhaps it is better to consider them donation forms - we didn't actually keep track of how many jumps the children did during the event!)

After lunch, it was back outside, this time for some sprint practice, whole class style.

Tomorrow we'll start wrapping up our inquiry. So...if anyone's free at around 2ish...

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Monday Moving

2010-09-20T16:41:00.004+12:00

Good evening,

Just a quick update this afternoon.

Firstly, thank you Bronwyn, Kirsten and Sarah for helping out during Topic this afternoon. You were a great help.

Secondly, Sausage Sizzle - yep, we're having one tomorrow. $1.00 per sausage, I'll collect the money in the morning.

Thirdly, today. Well, it all happened so fast, that these are the only pictures [Treacy] got!

We started some sprint training this morning, with the main aim for today simply being staying in their own lanes!

Tomorrow we're also having the Great OLA Skip-a-thon. 11:00 to 12:30. I'm pretty sure parents are welcome to attend...

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 3, Week 10

2010-09-18T15:19:00.002+12:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the newsletter for Term 3, Week 10. The last week of Term 3. Where has the time gone?

In this newsletter I make reference to the children writing about their earthquake experiences. If you would like to read them, please click here. I tried to link them directly from the newsletter itself, but, for some reason, I couldn't.

Kind regards,

Nick Grant

Friday Mass Day

2010-09-17T15:39:00.005+12:00

Good afternoon,

Well, off we went to Mass this morning...

...and a good time was had by all.

Prior to this, we had a touch a skipping...

...and after Mass, a touch of Buddy Reading with Room 4.

And so ended Week 9. Only one week to go before, well, another couple of weeks off.

Next week will be our last week for our Animal Inquiry. We're up to finding answers to our big questions...and, well...umm...if anyone can spare some time from, say 2ish on Monday afternoon, it would be appreciated. Please!

Have a great weekend,

Mr Grant

Few Photos Thursday

2010-09-16T15:34:00.005+12:00

Good afternoon,

Another rather busy day was had here in Room 2 today, so much so that I almost forgot to take any photos! Almost...

The R2 writers had their Persuasive Writing Assessment this morning. They did jolly well, too.

We also continued our Animals inquiry (such as it is - having that week off has really knobled the already short amount of time that we had for it!) where the children worked on their big questions that they would like to find out about their chosen animal next week.

To that end, you could really help at home. Discuss what their big questions are with your children, and then help them find some information that will help them answer the question. Please keep it pretty simple - there's not a lot of point in coming to school with reams and reams of information for them to sort through!

Tomorrow, of course, we have our J Team Mass. It kicks off at 11:15. It would be lovely to see you there.

Kind regards,

Mr Grant

Wednesday's Parish Visit

2010-09-15T15:39:00.008+12:00

Good afternoon,

This afternoon, as part of our Church/Belonging R.E. unit, the Year 1s went over to OLA church to identify various bits and pieces.

(And at the same time, the rest of the school piled out in response to an aftershock! Mr A had to come to look for us!)

We then came back to look at the digital resource we use to teach R.E., and low and behold, we found this...

Which caused a bit of confusion, as I thought you crossed your body left to right when saying "and the Holy Spirit. Amen" (ending on your right shoulder). And it turns out, I was right. According to those in the know, it should be like this...

So I was wrong when I told the children that I was wrong! Sorry for the confusion!

Earlier in the day the R2 Jump Jam Team selected the jump jam they would like to jump jam to - The Coconut Song.

Now to start to polish the routine.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Oh, and one more thing. Tomorrow the Room 2 Writers (and Rooms 11 and 1 as well) will be doing a summative persuasive writing sample. That is, we're doing an argument writing test! They had their last chance to practice in class this morning, but do feel free to practice one last piece at home tonight. Remember, an argument has...

A Title

A Statement, with "I think"

Some Reasons, with "Firstly" and "Secondly"

and a Conclusion, with "In conclusion, I think"

Good luck!

The Yakadoos

2010-09-14T21:33:00.002+12:00

Blue Reading Group read The Yakadoos for us...

(I'm trying out a work around for the fact that I've run out of room to store audio files. So I've made 'em video files instead!)

Mr Grant

Library Visit Tuesday

2010-09-14T15:41:00.008+12:00

Good afternoon,

Another day gone, another one's on it's way tomorrow. Funny that...

But I digress.

This morning we had the Library Roadshow come along for a visit. I didn't know what to expect...it turned out to be a couple of people who were essentially promoting the library by reading a couple of stories. Using our children as props!

(Again, the compression of the file has left the quality a little bit to be desired, but, well...

And I had to take these photos - they were watching the above clip just before morning tea!)

As it happened, this was all subsequent to the first of the two earthquake drills that we had today, the second of which was during fitness.

After lunch it was outside again (after singing) for some P.E. - specifically, practicing getting into year group heats in preperation for the Athletics Sports day next Monday.

Our day ended with the final auditions and selection of the Room 2 Jump Jam team.

Now, to select some music to jam to...

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Moving Monday

2010-09-13T16:19:00.004+12:00

Good afternoon,

Well, things are back up and running here in Room 2. We started the day with an earthquake drill or two, and then we had an extended discussion of our earthquake experiences...

...before writing about them.

After morning tea we got back into our routines proper, with Red Group sharing today's reading text with us - The Ant and the Grasshoppers.

After lunch Room 2 R.E. talked a bit more about the groups we belong to.

The Year 1 children will have brought home their work to share with you (and finish!), as well as a homework activity sheet about their family - basically, who's in it! It is due back on Friday.

And then on to probably the most important part of the day - the auditions for the Room 2 Jump Jam Team! We whittled 18 down to 13, but, as we are only allowed 12, and to give Grace a chance to audition, we will be having another audition of these 14 later in the week.

We have got a library road show coming to school tomorrow morning, so that should be interesting. (It does mean we have no time for maths though, bother it!).

Right, time to pack up and head home. Have a nice (and safe) evening,

Mr Grant

Oh, and in case you're wondering, we only felt a couple of decent after shakes at school, and then, 'twas only some of us! The most reliable indicator of any shaking going on is the data projector - and that's only if no one is jumping around outside!

Newsletter for Term 3, Week 9

2010-09-11T14:13:00.002+12:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the newsletter for Term 3, Week 9.

I hope everyone is safe and well.

CU Monday,

Mr Grant

P.S. I have just heard that the Boys are fine and dandy!

School's Out 'Till Monday

2010-09-07T15:48:00.005+12:00

Good afternoon,

This just in...

Early Childhood Education Centres and schools are closed until Monday the 13th of September. Please go the Ministry of Education website for further information. Call 0800 255 580 if you have any further queries about the website information.

Gives inspectors extra time to, well, inspect, but more urgently, it gives the council some extra time to sort out the water contamination issue.

So, I won’t see you until Monday.

God bless,

Mr Grant

Oh, and I have found a rather bent looking bolt that's holding the IWB to the wall, and for some reason the USB audio input is now no longer working. I've fixed a work-around though. Other than re-adjusting the projector, all seems well with Big Bro. 'Cept he doesn't have anyway of watching the children...yet...

The Aftermath and the Consequences

2010-09-05T16:35:00.006+12:00

Good afternoon,

I'm just back from Room 2, and the damage is not as bad as first feared. Indeed, it's not bad at all.

A couple of things fell off the prayer table...

...a chair fell off a desk, and (gasp!) my guitar fell over!

But the IWB is fine and dandy.

Now for the consequences.

Room 2 will be closed for tomorrow and Tuesday, along with the rest of OLA School due to a recommendation from the Ministry of Health that all public buildings are to be kept closed until Wednesday.

(Not that school suffered any significant damage, but there you go...)

Bye for now, and CU on Wednesday,

Mr Grant

Shake Rattle and Roll

2010-09-04T11:45:00.002+12:00

Good morning,

Well, that was a rude awakening. And not a little freaky.

I hope everyone is ok and has not suffered any major damage from this morning's earthquake.

And I hope the IWB is still on the wall!

God bless,

Mr Grant

Our Trip to Willowbank

2010-09-03T15:41:00.004+12:00

Good afternoon,

Well, we had a fantastic visit to Willowbank this morning. The children were well behaved, were attentive to our guides, were keen to learn from them and were keen to share what they had learned. And thankfully, the rain held off 'till just before we left.

Thank you Bronwyn, Felicity, Jill and Treacy for your help today, I really appreciated your support.

Bye for now,

Room 2

Thursday's Thursday

2010-09-02T15:53:00.009+12:00

Good afternoon,

Not too much to report really. We did some skipping...

...and wrote a card for the parents on the IWB...

('Twas a bit of a rushed activity. Sorry.)

...and some even decided that they want to try out for the Room 2 Jump Jam team.

Auditions will be on Monday. Possibly even tomorrow afternoon, though I'll have to get hold of a disk. Why auditions? Only 12 are allowed in a team, only one team per class. It's all for a Jump Jam Extravaganza that is being planned for Wednesday the 27th of October, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Gold coin entry.

Right, tomorrow.

Well, as near as I can figure it, we're going unless it's raining when we get to school. The children all got a wee notice on their way out this evening saying, and I quote...

Willowbank Trip

As we are out in the open all morning children will wear their sports uniform tomorrow with warm layers underneath, and a jacket if weather looks doubtful!!

They must bring

Morning Tea and Lunch in a named plastic bag. (It will be easier for transporting)

Gumboots if you have them

Sports shoes to change into before getting back on the bus

A plastic bag for muddy boots

Parent helpers please be at school by 9 am so that you can help get your group ready.

Regards,

The J Team

So it looks like I'd best get some groups sorted out then!

See you in the morning,

And pray for fine weather!

Mr Grant

Old School About New School

2010-09-01T16:16:00.006+12:00

Good afternoon,

Things ticked along much as they often do today, so much so that I kinda forgot to take any photos! However...

This morning the Room 2 Writers were writing arguments about Interactive White Boards.

I was working with one Green Writing Group, Felicity was working with Blue Group, while Red Group had the choice of writing their arguments on the classroom computers (I really have to get those Macs talking to the server...) or writing on the white boards. And so, without any further review, here's some old school about new school...

As for tomorrow, well, I expect it'll be a little more of the same.

Bye,

Mr Grant

Tuesday No-Willowbank-day

2010-08-31T15:52:00.004+12:00

Good afternoon,

Well, we could have gone today, but it would have been rather wet underfoot, and not that warm to boot. To gumboot, in fact.

But I digress.

Today we continued with our time learning. And so, I thought, what would be more appropriate to teach the children that Bill Hayley's Rock Around the Clock. Feel free to sing along at home...

Rock Around the Clock

One, Two, Three O'clock, Four O'clock rock,
Five, Six, Seven O'clock, Eight O'clock rock.
Nine, Ten, Eleven O'clock, Twelve O'clock rock,
We're gonna rock around the clock tonight.

Put your glad rags on and join me hon',
We'll have some fun when the clock strikes one.

CHORUS:
We're gonna rock around the clock tonight,
We're gonna rock, rock, rock, 'till broad daylight,
We're gonna rock around the clock tonight.

When the clock strikes two, three and four,
If the band slows down we'll yell for more.

CHORUS:

When the chimes ring five, six, and seven,
We'll be right in seventh heaven.

CHORUS:

When it's eight, nine, ten, eleven too,
I'll be goin' strong and so will you.

CHORUS:

When the clock stikes twelve we'll cool off then,
Start rockin' 'round the clock again.

CHORUS:

Then for a bit more writing, a bit more reading, and a hastily planned topic lesson 'stead of singing, for which Room 11 joined us.

We tried to match up some images in the right boxes, but, well...next time I design something like this, I'll make sure the boxes are nice and big for the children to get the images into. Ah well.

After a quick discussion about how God made the kiwi, we demonstrated why He gave the kiwi such strong feet.

To scratch around on the forest floor, of course.

Tomorrow, well, tomorrow will be what tomorrow will be.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Mournday Monday

2010-08-30T16:05:00.006+12:00

Well, mourning only in as far as tomorrow's Willowbank trip has been postponed to Friday. Indeed, I should have handed out a slip of paper this afternoon, but, seeing as it was a piece of paper, I kinda forgot!

So...

Dear Parents,

We made the call today to postpone due to the dubious forecast and the wet ground.

Friday will be the same as Tuesday. The children will wear their sports gear. We are thinking about gumboots but will make that call later in the week. The y are also to bring a named packed lunch.

Regards,

J Team Teachers

Oh, and by the way, I mentioned that the cost for those who want to pay their own way was $12. Turns out, it's $12.50.

As for today, we had us some visitors for Topic this afternoon. Room 11 popped over to watch this jungle movie with us, and then, along with Room 2 we discussed some of the things we learned.

Earlier in the day, Blue Reading Group shared today's text...

Very cool.

Right, now to prepare for tomorrow's unexpected reading lesson!

Mr Grant

Willowbank Postponement

2010-08-30T13:22:00.003+12:00

Good afternoon,

Just a quick update before the afternoon begins.

Our trip to Willowbank has been postponed, due to the dubious forecast for tomorrow.

We're trying for Friday. So, if indeed its a goer, the children are to come to school on Friday in their sports gear and gumboots - even if it's dry, it'll still be wet underfoot.

More later,

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 3, Week 7

2010-08-28T14:05:00.001+12:00

Good afternoon,

Here is the newsletter for Term 3, Week 7.

CU Monday,

Mr Grant

Freaky Friday

2010-08-27T15:56:00.010+12:00

Good afternoon,

Another fun was had by all. Don't they look grand?!

For Topic this morning, we watched an online Ocean movie, and the children took notes from the clip.

(Which reminds me of this...)

Then, after skipping...

...we were back for some more science. This time we were discussing how God has designed the Pukeko to live in the wetlands. Specifically, we looked at how their toes are different from ours - they're huge and spread out so as they can spread their weight over the soft mud. So, we went out for a 'demonstration' in the sand pit.

Then it was back for a few more internet clips...

...before making Pukeko feet of our own. I'll try to get them up around the room over the weekend. Perhaps.

Then it was time for buddy reading...

...assembly, free time ('till 3 - I lost track of the time!) and home.

Phew.

On to next week, and the Willowbank trip. First up this morning I threw the names of the parent help volunteers into The Hat and had it spit out four names. I've even got witnesses!

So, if your name is listed above, you're on! If you're name isn't, and you're still desperate to go, you are still welcome...though you'll have to make your own way there and pay for yourself!

I think that's about it. I've got to set up the R2 stereo that we simply don't use in Mrs Earls office.

By for now,

Mr Grant

Big Board Thursday

2010-08-26T16:11:00.007+12:00

Good afternoon,

Another productive day was had here in Techie central!

I successfully tried using the board for maths (and finally found something that challenges the Diamonds!)...

... and reading. And I even did my own little effort to save the planet. No paper taped to the board with maths questions! (We won't go into the relative merits and discussions about the additional use of electricity in Room 2!)

Then, for after a touch of skipping and stuff...

We had a spot of R.E.

...and then did a spot of categorization of animals according to their habitats.

(Had I had the time I could have literally given it bells and whistles when they put an image in the right place!)

Right, on to tomorrow. Please remember that it's Freaky Friday (Freaky as in Wacky, not Scary!), and the gold coin donation that goes along with it. Umm, and that's about it. Unless anyone wants to trot along at about 1100 to give us a hand with some ICT?

Mr Grant

IWB Wednesday

2010-08-25T16:10:00.005+12:00

Good afternoon,

Big news here in Room 2 - the Interactive White Board has been installed and is up and running!

It's way cool!

Not to mention huge!

So much so that to reach the other side of the board I've actually got to get up and walk over to it...or stay on my bottom, write on the half that I can reach, and use the tablet to write on the other half! Now that's cool!

As it had been in the room for only half an hour (in which time the Year 1's used it to indicate what they called Grandma! 10 Nanas, 3 Nannys, 5 Grandmas and 1 Poppy! Using two pens at a time - way cool!), we did without handwriting this afternoon so that the children could practice their morning roll call routine that I would like them to start using...

So this meant that we kicked off the day in Room 6 for Maths, Writing and Reading.

Right, now to try and sort out where everything's going to go...

CU in the morning,

Mr Grant

Sun Day Tuesday

2010-08-24T15:41:00.005+12:00

Good afternoon,

Ah, but it's lovely to see the sun.

It's far too nice a day [not] to take photos

Today we managed to skip our way through what was a bit of an out-of-routine kind of day...

The afternoon was a bit more settled. Well, except for the Room 11 Writers, who had to miss out on singing so that Mrs Johnson could be observed teaching writing, but, well, you get that sometimes.

After singing...

We all went out for a spot of athletics. Specifically, shot put and hurdles.

Tomorrow will hopefully see the installation of our new IWB, so we will actually be using Room 6 in the morning, while the seniors are away at technology. Might even use me the IWB over there while I'm there too.

CU tomorrow,

Mr Grant

Oh, and while I remember it, please return the Willowbank permission slips as soon as you can.

Monday Monday

2010-08-23T16:28:00.005+12:00

...so good to me...

But I digress.

This afternoon we started a new inquiry unit entitled Animals in the World, where we will be learning to show how God has made different animals for different places.

To that end, I had the children enact why you don't find no lizards in Antarctica - they need to find somewhere warm to start the day.

I also received this in my inbox this morning from last Friday's assembly.

Ke te pehea koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te tena pai au.
I feel really good.
Ke te pehea koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te makariri au.
I feel cold.
Ke te peha koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te wero au.
I feel hot.
Ke te peha koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te nge nge au
I feel tired.

Ke te pehea koe?
How do you feel?

Thanks Dave!

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Newsletter for Term 3, Week 6

2010-08-22T16:21:00.002+12:00

Good afternoon,

And a lovely afternoon it is too. (Not least for the reason that I got some paint on some of my figures!)

Here is the newsletter for Term 3 Week 6.

Bye for now,

Mr Grant

Few Photos Friday

2010-08-20T15:48:00.007+12:00

Good afternoon,

Well, we've been fairly flat out here today.

After a bit of housekeeping, and just before we got back into our Comic Life fairy tales, the A Team invited us over to have a looksee at their science fair. It was pretty cool!

After that we spent the rest of the morning either hacking away at our digital fairy tales (I fed them far too many instructions at once and was running from desk to desk like a headless chook because of it!) and preparing some Maori for our assembly.

Ke te pehea koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te pai au.
I feel good.
Ke te pehea koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te tena pai au.
I feel really good.
Ke te pehea koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te makariri au.
I feel cold.
Ke te peha koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te wero au.
I feel hot.
Ke te peha koe?
How do you feel?

Ke te nge nge au
I feel tired.

Ke te pehea koe?
How do you feel?

Well done with that Room 2, you all did really well. Especially the prayers and presenters, who had to give up a significant part of their lunch time to practice.

Sorry I didn't get any photos of it in the end, I thought I did well just to get the data projector set up and the children seated before the assembly began!

It was wonderful to see so many parents supporting their children for the event too. Thank you.

And thank you for cleaning the tables this morning too! It's just one of those things I just never get round to. I really appreciated it.

Have a great weekend,

Mr Grant