Term 4 Week 3
Principal's Message
Week 3
A few things to note this week:
* Katrina is on leave all week. I will be checking her emails.
* Please respond to my survey regarding the official closing event on November 15th of you haven't already done so
* If you are able to join us at the Zoo on October 31st please let me know
Tuesday: Welcome Mrs Connor-Wills who will be teaching Room 1 while Ms Parsons attends a meeting with Te Āti Awa to support our te reo Māori programme.
Wednesday: Room 4 Mass 9am - all welcome
Thursday: NZEI Strike day - school is open for supervision only - thank you for letting us know who will be here
Friday: Mrs Williams will teach Room 1
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
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: 20 November
Room 2: 06 November
Room 4: 23 October 13 November
Birthday Wishes
Special birthday wishes to Phebe who turns 6 today, and to Alna who will turn 13 on Saturday. We hope you both have wonderful, fun filled birthdays.
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
Following on from our enjoyment of The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle, we planted mystery seeds this week in our decorated seed pots. We turned on our science brains and reviewed and remembered what we have previously learnt about seed germination - they need water and warmth to grow roots and soil to grow stems and leaves. We had fun planting and spritzing with water and can't wait for them to grow.
Room 1 made the most of the lovely sunny weather on Thursday afternoon and popped outside with our chalks to draw a Spring garden wall, inspired by the picture book " Bud". On Friday with Ms Williams, we made caterpillar puppets to re-enact the story of " The Woolly Bear Caterpillar" which was our picture book this week.
My New Gallery
Room 2 Learning
This week we have been exploring 2D shapes. We began by investigating polygons, learning what defines them and how to distinguish between regular and irregular shapes. We have developed our mathematical language by identifying and naming shapes such as parallelograms and quadrilaterals, and by describing key features including sides, angles, and vertices.
Our learning also extended to the concept of symmetry. Room 2 applied their understanding by plotting and drawing the opposite side of symmetrical shapes on a grid, carefully considering position and balance. They further explored how shapes can be doubled or halved, examining how these transformations influence their size and symmetry.
Throughout this learning, Room 2 have strengthened their ability to describe, compare, and classify 2D shapes using precise mathematical vocabulary. It has been impressive to see their growing confidence and accuracy as they deepen their understanding of geometric concepts.
My New Gallery
Room 4 Learning
Room 4 Camp
Forest Lakes Camp
Last Friday Room 4 returned from 3 days camping at Forest Lakes near Otaki. We arrived at Homestead on an overcast Tuesday morning. The first thing we had to do was figure out how to get into the Homestead! Once the children and adults were inside we found our rooms, unpacked and did some initial exploring of the Homestead and its natural surroundings. After some lunch we headed for the main campsite (about a 5 minute drive) and played speedminton, croquet, volleyball, and spent time on the camp playground. We returned to the Homestead around 4:30 and ate tea at 5:30 pm. The rest of the evening was spent exploring the forest next to the Homestead, and making phone calls to parents before going to bed at 8:30 and lights out at 9 am.
Wednesday was the first of two very busy days involving kayaking, a team building activity, some orienteering and relaxing in the swimming pool, as well as trying out the large flying fox. After returning to the Homestead and eating tea, we celebrated Cosima’s birthday and returned to the main camp at 7:30 pm to light a fire and roast marshmallows. Another round of phone calls home and straight to bed after such an exhausting day!
Thursday started with a quick breakfast before heading back to the main camp to tackle the mudslide, horse riding and archery. The horse riding was an amazing experience for the children. The afternoon was spent doing the Gladiator activity and trying out the challenging confidence course. Some time was also spent by a few children playing mini golf, croquet and a little bit of ten pin bowling. After a roast dinner and some phone calls home, time was spent searching for Cameron and Mr. Small in the forest. The children finally went to sleep at 9:45 pm.
On Friday we returned to the main camp for some extra archery, mini golf and flying fox action. We returned to the Homestead and did a massive clean up, sorted rooms and waited for lunch to arrive before a final class photo and the return drive home. A MASSIVE Thank You to Alex (Cosima’s dad and archery master, Sharyn (medical expert and meal organiser) and Cameron (energy guru and van driver). The children had a great time, challenged themselves along the way and definitely made the most of our time away at Forest Lakes.
My New Gallery
Public Notices
Capital Gymnastics Club
Capital Gymnastics Club offers exciting opportunities for children to excel in gymnastics! Our programmes cater to all skill levels, from preschoolers to national-level athletes, covering gymnastics and tumbling. Led by experienced coaches, our structured approach fosters skill development and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
Book online for classes, birthday parties, or school groups at www.capitalgymsport.org.nz or contact us at 027 239 9139 or office@capitalgymnastics.nz.
Karori Amateur Athletics Club returns for the new season at Ben Burn Park on Wednesdays at 6pm. Season starts 22nd October for 2 terms.
Do you know a child who loves to run, jump, throw? Or do you know a child who would benefit from having an evening off screens each week? Would you like your family to spend more active time together?
The Karori Athletics Club provides a fun environment with a mixture of games for ages 6 & under and track & field athletics for children from 7-15 years old. Keen athletes can access specialist coaching and represent Karori by competing in Inter-club events and other competitions during the season.
The Club meets weekly at Ben Burn Park in Karori on Wednesday nights (6.00pm-7.30pm) over the summer from October to March.
For more information including details on online registration or to come and try it out, visit the website:
www.karoriathletics.org.nz