Thanks and goodbye

Thanks you for your support throughout 2012. Please feel free to visit my latest class blog:
http://room19raroa.blogspot.co.nz/

Mr Eames

Year 8 Leavers Celebration Movie

EOTC Week

EOTC Week Day One

Rhythm Interactive

What a fantastic show. 177 students involved in a wonderful interactive drumming performance. 

 

Water and plant growth.

Today we examined conditions for growing plants, focusing mainly on the temperature and water amount.  -   'Information is the secret to success'. 

We used an online simulator, which simulates plant growth under a range of conditions, a bit of research, reference to packet information and prior knowledge in order to create an environment in which to grow alfalfa and rocket.

We are working towards designing an irrigation system for the Edible Garden. The more we know now the greater likelihood of having success later.

Calendars, Christmas cards etc.

On Tuesday the information regarding ordering calendars and Christmas cards went out. To view the amazing artworks of the students in Te Motu, click on the tab at the top of the Blog.
I think you will agree, the artwork is spectacular and would look awesome on a calendar or a set of cards.

Welcome back to Term 4

It is amazing to think that Term 4 is already upon us and 2012 is already drawing to an end. With the continued effort, enthusiasm and positive drive by the students in Te Motu we are all looking forward to celebrating a hugely successful year.

Term 4 is by no means time to slow down or lose focus. The Year 8s will be looking at readying themselves for high school and the Year 7s will be preparing to take their place as leaders of the school in 2013.

Production Success

I would like to say a huge thank you and well done to all the students for such a wonderful show. The energy, enthusiasm and effort put into this show has made me extremely proud of the class

The major inquiry for the term will focus on: Understand the significance of water and the role water plays in the survival of all living things. Working towards creating a design brief for an irrigation system for the Edible Garden.

Day One - Generating ideas / Brainstorming

Generating ideas and grouping information

Lights, camera, action

Practice Makes Perfect.

I am really pleased with our production item. It is looking pretty slick. This week is all about fine-tuning, timings and practicing to make sure it will look great on the night.

Our item:

Exploring the world of the Aborigine.

As Australia awakes to the sound of the didgeridoo, the world of the aborigine comes alive. Combining modern and traditional music, the story of life in Australia is portrayed through dance and movement.

 

Edible Garden

As part of our classroom programme we have regular focused time on the 'Edible Garden'

We have been hard at work, looking at how we can manage and contribute to the Edible Garden. 

Earlier in the year we looked at, discussed, researched and created an Action Plan for our class Kaitiaki (COMPOST)

We have now got to the stage where we are using our Compost to provide valuable nutrient for the Edible Garden.

Today we went out to the garden to initiate discussion on how we can contribute to the success of the garden.

Then in the classroom, In groups, we discussed what needs to be done. (In the garden and in the classroom)

This information was collated. Then an action plan produced.

Check out the Edible Garden digital diary using the tab at the top of the page to see photos and our action plan.

Lovely welcome back

I really enjoyed last week with the family. It was also lovely to come back to such a welcoming class. It is nice to be wanted. The feedback from last week has been positive and I am very proud of how everyone worked while I was away. 

We have had a really busy week. Production practise is in full swing. We have been exploring algebra for maths, expressive writing for literacy and sexuality education for inquiry. We also had a wonderful day today at the Parumoana Ultimate and Netball Tournament.

Ella is home now

Michael Kenny Olympic Athlete

Today we were lucky to have Michael Kenny visit our school. Michael Kenny was a New Zealand boxer and Olympian, who competed in the 1984 Olympics. He also won gold at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. He told us about his sporting career, the lessons he learned through playing sport and some interesting stories.

After he spoke we got the opportunity to ask him some questions.

I think it was an interesting and rewarding experience having an Olympian come to Pukerua Bay School, because he’s a gold medallist and a New Zealander.   
Written by Amy P
  

Modern Olympic vs Ancient Olympics

Today we explored the Ancient Olympic and compared them to the Modern Olympics.

Using a Venn Diagram approach students looked at the differences and similarities.

This task was not just about learning about the Olympics it was about researching, working as a team, recording, scanning for and sourcing appropriate information, processing information and discussion.