Term 3 Week 4
Principal's Message
Teacher Only Day
Last Friday was a really positive day for staff as we joined colleagues from 12 other Catholic schools and colleges at St Patrick's College for a day of learning.
The day began with a keynote speaker, Chris Bowden, who spoke to us about tyrauma informed practice. Giving us strategies to be able to support children who have been through trauma in their lives and are struggling with their emotions and behaviours.
We then moved to our choice of workshops. I chose a workshop about an AI tool called Diffit which can be used to create literacy based activities for class programmes. Ms Parsons and Mr Small went to a workshop led by a teacher from Nelson about other AI tools.
After morning tea we chose from 4 smaller keynotes. I chose a keynote whose topic was Engaging with Maori Students. The main message was that building deep relationships with students and whanau is vital. Mr Small and Ms Parsons attended a keynote about Promoting Multiculturalism in Schools.
In the afternoon I took part in a session weaving with flax, Mr Small played some PE games in the hall which he can now use with the children, and Miss Parsons learnt about PB4L a whole-school behaviour based programme run in lots of schools.
Lisa
Faith News
Wednesday Mass
Please come and join Room 4 for Mass this Wednesday morning at 9am in Room 3.
Parish Newsletter
This week’s Parish newsletter is available here
School Photo Orders
You should have recently received an email (please also check your spam/junk box) directly from photolife, with your child/rens ‘shoot key’ code and instructions on how to view and order your child’s school photos on line.
All orders placed before Midnight Sunday 17 August will be delivered free to school. (Orders placed after this date will be delivered to your home address and will incur a postage fee.)
Please see Katrina in the office or email office@stbernards.school.nz if you did not receive an email, and I can source your child’s key code for you.
Brooklyn Library Visits
This term we will resume our termly visits to Brooklyn Library. If your child wishes to borrow a book during the visit they need to bring their personal library card with them. We will return books on the next visit if they are brought back in time. Books not brought on the day of the visit will need to be returned by yourselves. If you would like to leave your child's card in the classroom between visits then teachers will find a safe place to keep them.
Room 1: 14 August
Room 2: 21 August
Room 4: 07 August 04 September
Absences
If your child is sick or unable to attend school for all or part of the day, please either send a notification via the school app (skool loop), email the school office on office@stbernards.school.nz or phone 3899377 by 9.00 a.m. so that your child's absence can be accounted for.
Children who are late need to report to the office in case they have been marked absent by the teacher who takes the roll first thing in the morning.
If an absence is planned for a special reason, a note or telephone call to the school in advance is appreciated. In cases of prolonged absence, e.g. a family trip, a written note is required.
Room 1 Learning
Room 1 and the Y3's and Y4's are enjoying our badminton sessions on a Friday morning. Last week we were in the hall and practised controlling a balloon with our racquets, learning how to twist our wrists to use alternating sides of the racquet.
We also played relay games.
Room 2 Learning
It’s been a busy and exciting week in Room 2 as we dive deeper into our learning across all areas!
Our Year 3 students have continued exploring New Zealand currency as part of our Financial Literacy unit. This week, they put their knowledge to the test by “shopping” for items using real-life scenarios – a fun and practical way to practise recognising coins, adding totals, and giving change!
Meanwhile, our Year 4 and 5 students have been introduced to the world of algebra. They've been learning how to identify number patterns and are beginning to discover how to find the rules behind them. It’s been fantastic to see their logical thinking skills at work!
In Writing, we’ve jumped back into learning about story plots. We’re exploring the structure of narratives – from introducing characters and settings to building tension and reaching a resolution. The creativity in Room 2 is definitely flowing!
In R.E. our focus has been on understanding the concept of Grace. We've discussed what it means, how we can show grace to others, and how it connects to God’s love in our lives.
Room 4 Learning
Nano Chem activity - Carbon Nanoparticles
Last Wednesday, Room 4 conducted an experiment to see nanoparticles in action. The children also made a 3D model of a nanoparticle called a ‘Bucky Ball’. Working in pairs, they used a small candle, a pair of tongs, a coin and a beaker of water to observe how nanoparticles form and create a protection layer that keeps water out. The children lit their candles. Next one person used the tongs to hold one side of the coin over the flame. After a few seconds, a layer was formed on that side of the coin. The coin was then dipped in the water inside the beaker which was washed off the coin's surface. The nanoparticles had successfully kept the water out, and as a result the surface of the coin became silver. Next the children were given a 2D net of a nanoparticle and followed the folding instructions to create their own ‘Bucky Balls’.
Public Notices
