Middle School Blog
A summary of the exciting events in our Year 3 and Year 4 classes....
Shared Writing, Written by Room 31
16/05/2012
The Teachers Team
Last week on Friday the 11th May at 1:30pm we attended the grand opening of the Owairoa Fitness Trail. It was a glorious affair and took place on the bottom field of Owairoa Primary. Many people attended including students, PTA members, Board of Trustees personnel, Management and Teachers, even Batwoman and some mysterious clowns were there.
Mr Barrett was the M.C and invited many people to speak to the students about the Fitness Trail and those who had helped fundraise for such an amazing resource for the school. There was the official cutting of the ribbon and unveiling of an official plaque.
The highlight of the event was the race between the students and the teachers. This brought everyone to their feet cheering and clapping for their favourite team. Eventually the students won and were handed gifts by Mrs Steffany, much to the delight of all the students watching.
We all had an amazing time and Team 3 would like to thank the Board of Trustees and PTA for allowing the best school in New Zealand to have the best fitness trail imaginable.
Private Wylde’s Visit
16/05/2012
Private Wylde's Army
As A.N.Z.A.C Day fell in school time this year team 4 took up the challenge to learn exactly what A.N.Z.A.C Day meant and why it was remembered. Each classroom has looked through books, searched the internet and watched videos learning all about what A.N.Z.A.C Day represents.
Team 4 also took part in an A.N.Z.A.C /military themed morning when Private Wylde, from the New Zealand Army, came and visited us. He told us about his experiences so far in the army and what he was expected to do, and then he took us all through some drills he has learnt to keep fit and ready for action.
We all now feel like we have gained a better understanding of what A.N.Z.A.C Day remembered for.
Our Recipe for Play-Doh
2/05/2012
Our Play-Doh Creations
In Room 31 at the moment we are learning how to write procedural text. Here we are trying to write, in detail a method and ingredients so that any reader can follow it and have a successful outcome.
We started by making our own recipe for Play-Doh. We researched on the Internet different recipes and modified one to make what we think is the BEST way to make this fun and creative product.
How to Make Perfect Play-Doh, by Room 31, 2012
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups of plain flour
2/3 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups water
Food colouring
Method
1. Add all the ingredients in a bowl
2. Stir until the dough is firm
3. Cut into parts and add food colouring to make different colours
4. Knead the dough to mix the colour
Store using a container or glad wrap
Learning to be an Aucklander
4/04/2012
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, Bastion Point
On Thursday the 22nd March Year 4 climbed aboard 3 buses and began a learning journey around Auckland. Our first stop was the Auckland Museum. After a quick morning tea we were split into groups and sent to explore three parts of the museum: the 1866 Auckland section, the volcano section and the war memorial section.
We left the museum with our minds full of new questions about Auckland and headed to Cornwall Park for lunch. Here we spread out, ate lunch and were allowed some time to relax and play. The last stop on our learning journey around Auckland was Bastion Point. Here we learnt more about Auckland’s history. We then got on the buses and headed back to Owairoa.
We had an amazing day and learnt many new things about Auckland.
Farewell to Miss Lostetta
21/03/2012
Miss Lostetta in action!
I have spent time as a student teacher at Owairoa Primary School in Room 31 under the guidance of Mr. Barrett since February 20. The opportunity to travel from the United States has been fantastic and I am forever grateful. The staff and students have all been so warm and welcoming, making me feel right at home. The students have been wonderful, whether during instruction or in a conversation at lunch, they remind me each day of the reasons I went into the teaching profession.
Having spent four weeks in the classroom, I have become familiar with routines and teaching practices taking place each day. In particular, a teaching practice that is most impressive to me is the differentiated instruction in reading and writing. For the last few years, I have been reading and studying about it, but for the first time I am seeing it practised. I feel that this practice will continue with me as a teacher, because the instruction is suitable to the needs of each student and the teacher is able to scaffold the students appropriately.
In addition I will take with me the impact of the classroom environment. It has made an impact on me because is it set up to scaffold the students as well as display the work they have completed. It is enjoyable to see that each poster on the wall has an effect on the students, learning. The display of the work also fills the students with excitement to express their accomplishments to their parents each morning.
I have truly enjoyed my time here at Owairoa Primary School throughout the last few weeks and am looking forward to the remaining weeks. The time has gone by so quickly, and I have cherished each and every moment. Although it has not been a large amount of time, I have learned so much and am looking to carry it on in a future classroom. I will be saddened when returning to the United States, for Owairoa Primary School has providaed an extraordinary opportunity of a life time!
Year 3 Go Back in Time
21/03/2012
Mr Barrett got dressed up too!
On Tuesday 20th March Year Three ventured back in time to the 1850s.
Year Three’s visit to Howick Historical Village was both informative and entertaining as the children dressed in colonial costumes and got involved in the Village’s activities. Even the teachers got dressed up for the occasion, though Mr Barrett apparently looked very silly.
The students learnt about what a classroom in the 1850s was like (a lot different from the classrooms at Owairoa), 1850s toys and games, how the first settlers travelled to New Zealand and why and took part in early settler parlour games.
It was amazing to see such a wonderful, living museum in Howick and the time there went very quickly. Team Three would like to thank the parent helpers and the teacher aids that helped, the PTA who subsidised the cost and Mrs Stone for organising the exciting event.
Swimming Sports Day
7/03/2012
Year 3 Swimmers
On Tuesday 6 March the Year Three Team had their annual Swimming Sports Day at the Owairoa School pools. Although the temperature in and out of the pool was quite chilly the excitement and fun of the day warmed the hearts of the competitors and the parent spectators.
There were three competitive races. They were freestyle one length, freestyle with one touch or the flutter board race. Each child had to enter at least one competitive race. There were also two fun races. These were class relays and were very close finishes.
The children had a superb day down at the pools and were exhausted when they finally came back to class.
Congratulations to all the winners and all those that took part in the day and thanks to those parents who came to support their students. We always appreciate your support.
Welcome from Mrs Mawdsley
22/02/20122012 has started well for the Middle School. The students have settled into their new classes and are getting to know their teachers. The teachers tell me that they have enthusiastic pupils who are happy and eager to learn. Most students turned up, on day one, with their stationery which has enable a prompt start to class room programmes. Thank you for that parents and caregivers.
Like the rest of the school, each class is busy with preparations for the School’s 50th Jubilee creating fine art works and samples to show how schooling has changed in the last fifty years.
Students in the Middle School will continue the year on their individual learning pathway guided by teachers who will become increasingly aware of, and cater for, their learning needs.
We welcome new families to the Middle School and we look forward to meeting you in the near future and throughout the year.
Team Four Farewells 2011
14/12/2011
Year 4 DramaFest
Team 4 has been super busy over the last two weeks. Testing and assessments have finished, and we are now making sure all our work is up to date. Any spare time has been committed to producing props, dances, songs and acts for the Year 4 DramaFest that is coming up in week 8. We have been putting 110% into learning all the new songs we want to share with our parents at our DramaFest.
Team 4 has had an awesome year with too many highlights to name and it is because of the students and their amazing skills that this year has been great. The Team 4 teachers are sad that the students will be moving on however we are proud of them all and of the achievements and progress they have made this year.
Year 4 Buzz
30/11/2011
Our Year 4 Athletics Team
Year 3 and 4 are buzzing with excitement as the end of the year draws near. Our students represented themselves well at the school Athletics’ Day on the 17th November. Some of them then progressed through to the interschool competition on Tuesday 22nd November. Regan, from Year 4 took first place in both the 60 metre and 100 metre sprints. All of our students were excellent participants in their events and displayed good sportsmanship and support of other competitors.
Our Dramafest performances are beginning to come together – we can’t wait to have these perfected to perform to an audience.
Trees for Survival Programme
16/11/2011
Our Environmental Group
This year yet again we have taken part in the Trees for Survival programme. This consists of promoting and nurturing the planting of native trees in our local environment.
The reasons we do this are to help control soil erosion, safeguard water quality, renew a natural resource and beautify our environment. After raising many small seedlings, some students spent the day planting them out in their local community at the Smith Family farm.
The planting day itself was a fantastic occasion and over 600 trees were planted on the farm, some in very muddy areas. The students also got to see previous TFS plantings in the upper parts of the valley.
The students were spell bound and interested in it all. Owairoa Primary would like to thank all the parents who came to help and the continuing support from Mr and Mrs Small who volunteer their time to spend with the children and look after the shade house at school.
Owairoa Achieves Excellence Again
2/11/2011
Gymnastics Competition 2011
Six Owairoa students earned the privilege, both through their hard work and dedication to achieving their very best, of performing at the Auckland Primary Schools Champions of Champions Gymnastics Competition on Thursday the 22nd of September. Once again they made Owairoa extremely proud with both their performance and behaviour.
The Year 3 Girls Team made up of Chloe Watson, Kaiya Shute, Ashleigh Brown and Charlie Sowman were placed first In the Auckland Primary Schools Champion of Champions Competition out of 10 other schools competing in the Year 3 sector. Kaiya also received and individual placing of 6th, Chloe 8th and Ashleigh 10th out of 26 Year 3 girls. Milla Huang, who is in Year 4, received an individual placing of 13th out of 56 Year 4 girls; an amazing result. Amanda Garton Year 5 received an individual placing of 11th equal out of 44 Year 5 girls participating in the Year 5 sector.
This was an outstanding effort! All that can be said is that we have some very talented students at Owairoa Primary School.
Interschool Gymnastics
21/09/2011
Year 3 Gymnasts
On Wednesday the 7th of September, the Owairoa Year 3 and 4 Gymnastics Team participated in the Howick Gymnastics School Festival with amazing results.
The Year 3 team came first out of all of the schools in their rotation. This placing was due to the girls’ determination, focus and commitment to training, practising and performing their routines to the very best of their ability. Chloe Watson, Kaiya Shute, Charlie Sowman, Ashleigh Brown, Claudia Ingram, Lydia Voisey, Ella-Rose Wilson and Mia Harris need to be congratulated for their wonderful performance. Chloe Watson also received first place as an individual gymnast.
The Year 4 girls’ team consisting of Keigan Miller, Joshua Beals and Ben Headington were in the boys’ team. Emily Sexton, Georgia Hunn, Lucy Coring, Anya Hill, Stephanie Santos, Danielle Chung, Janika Reburiano, Milla Huang and Chanelle Boyce came fourth in their rotation.
On Thursday the 22nd of September, Chloe, Charlie, Kaiya and Ashleigh will be representing Owairoa Primary School at the Champion of Champions Artistic Gymnastic Championships. These girls are going as they received the four highest scores in their team. Chloe will also be representing Owairoa as an individual gymnast at the Championship. We wish them all the best of luck
Howick and Pakuranga Dance Festival
7/09/2011
Some of the Middle School Performers
On Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August Owairoa Primary School put two dance groups into the Howick and Pakuranga Dance Festival held at Elim Christian College. The whole show was a great success with 12 local schools performing in total. There was a huge variety of dances to see, from hip hop to jazz to theatre to country. Students performing in the show ranged from Year 1 right through to Year 8.
Owairoa was proud to present an outstanding Year 5 and 6 group performing a jazz/hip hop dance to “More” by Usher. They wowed the crowd with their black outfits glittering with bling and strong, well timed moves. Many thanks to Miss Whatman who choreographed and managed this dance.
Our second team was a fantastic Year 3 and 4 group, dancing a country themed dance to “Cotton Eyed Joe” by Rednex. This team looked great in their check shirts and cowboy hats. They got the crowd clapping along to the beat while they showed off their line dancing abilities. Many thanks to Mrs Bradley who choreographed and managed this dance.
With an amazing number of talented students, incredible dances, music, lights and a full theatre, the show was thoroughly enjoyed by all. We can’t wait for next year!
Sustainability
24/08/2011
Creative thinking in progress
The Year 4 children are looking at sustainability this term. We are looking at it from many different angles. Rooms 35 and 36 are combining their ideas to create something for the school that will get students from all years thinking about sustainability. Rooms 33 and 34 are working on their own special projects that will also enhance the school. The students are leading the inquiry with their interesting and open questions. These questions have led to great discussions to overcome problems that would normally be over looked. The students’ questions and ideas have made both the teachers and students think differently about looking after the school. This inquiry unit is letting the students take an active role for sustainability around the school. We look forward to seeing the finished products.
The Science Room - a place of learning
24/08/2011
Science Investigations
The children in Year 3 have been enjoying a variety of Science Experiences based on the growth of plants. They have been conducting fair trials to ascertain what plants actually need to grow. They have found that sunlight, warmth and water are necessary, although they found out that plants can grow with little light. They are also learning about how plants get their nutrients.
The activities that the children are carrying out in the Science Room reflect and promote the Key Competencies in the New Zealand Curriculum. The children are managing themselves, participating and contributing, relating to their peers, using symbols and text to record results and, of course, thinking and drawing conclusions based on their observations. These competencies are the ones that are deemed important for people live, learn, work and contribute active members of the community now and into the future.
Term Three Starts with a Bang
10/08/2011
Brainstorming ideas on sustainability
Term 3 has started with a bang. Each of the classrooms is starting to look at different ideas around sustainability for this terms inquiry unit. We are looking at many different things like recycling, sculpting, our bushwalk, the schools water as well as many other exciting sustainability ideas. Discussion has also started about the Rugby World Cup and we are all looking forward to what the school has in store for us when it arrives.
The Year 4 teachers have noticed many students are beginning to develop more independence and confidence in the classrooms and as a result are learning more. The teachers will strive to continue to develop this trend.
Middle School Enviro Actions…
10/08/2011
In the Garden
Owairoa Primary School is an Enviro school. This means we are concerned with looking after our environment. Middle School gets involved in many different ways.
E.g.
Trees for Survival programme
Worm Educators
Taking home our Morning Tea and lunch time waste (and NOT putting it into the school rubbish bins)
Bringing waste free or low waste lunchboxes
Putting fruit and vegetable peel in the Worm and Compost bins
Bringing in Paper from Home (newspaper, cardboard) to be recycled
Turning lights, computers and projectors off when not being used
If everyone does a little bit- it all adds up to a lot altogether! Together we can make a difference.
Making A Difference
13/07/2011
Our red sock artwork in the hall
The last couple of weeks have not only been exciting for Year 3 but also for the rest of Owairoa Primary School as we have been focusing on Leadership and the qualities necessary to make a leader an excellent leader.
During the week of July 4 to July 8, the children were allowed to wear red socks in support of the Sir Peter Blake Trust. All the money raised through buying the red socks went to that Trust. We also created our own red socks, some with leadership qualities written on them, which were hung in the hall. All of the classrooms had an open afternoon on Friday the 8th of July sharing their views and what they have learnt about leadership. This gave the parents an opportunity to come in and see how leadership is portrayed in the classroom and allowed them to be involved in the children’s learning.
Owairoa Primary School provides students with many leadership opportunities such as being House Leaders, Enviro Leaders, Mediators, Worm Educators, the list goes on. This is such a rich environment providing children with the support, self-esteem and skills necessary to build leaders of tomorrow.
Year 3 Buzzing About Learning
29/06/2011The children in Year 3 were buzzing about learning when Paul Brown (The Bee Man) came to Owairoa. On the Friday before the visit, Mr Brown brought two buzzing hives to school; this was done to allow the bees to become oriented to the hive. These hives were placed behind Room 35 by the fence. A cordon was placed around the area so the children could not go near the hives without expert/adult supervision.
During his visit, Mr Brown demonstrated safe strategies when dealing with bees. He told us that if you stood still, you would not get stung. However, if a bee flew at your face and bumped into your face, the bee is feeling threatened and wants you to leave. Mr Brown showed us inside the hive of activity. It was amazing to see; the bees work hard continuously. The fact that one Queen Bee ran the hive was very interesting.
We would like to thank The Bee Man for providing us with this fabulous learning experience.
Pirate Fun
29/06/2011
Year Three Pirates
On Tuesday the 21st of June, the Year 4 students appeared at school looking quite different! They were dressed as pirates- cut up shorts, old shirts, long haired wigs, pirate hats and eye patches were the style of the day. Room 34 and 35’s Inquiry units which were about the ocean, led to this exciting idea.
During the day Students took part in many different pirate activities across Year 4 from drawing maps and learning how to talk like pirates, to boarding the Owairoa pirate ship and walking the plank into a high jump ocean at lunch time. Walking the plank was such a huge hit that soon over 100 students from all year groups were lining up to walk the plank.
This will be a day of Inquiry celebration that Year 4 will never forget.
Butterfly Creek Adventure
1/06/2011On Wednesday the 18th and Thursday the 19th of May, the Middle School went on an exciting adventure to explore different the habitats and the animals that live in them at Butterfly Creek.
We had the opportunity to investigate several different habitats and the creatures that lived in these habitats. There were the creepy crawly spiders and insects in the bug area and several different types of butterflies in their heated enclosure. The farmyard barn and all its cute and cuddly animals, was a great favourite. The two giant old crocodiles both showed off their fierce eating habits for us. Last of all there was the aquarium where we all tried to find Nemo. Who could forget the exciting trip on the train?
There was so much to look at and learn on this fantastic outing, and it will easily ignite the learning flame in the classrooms as they continue to inquire and explore about habitats, the environment, insects and the living world.