We would like to extend a warm welcome to all those students and their families who have joined the Middle School this year and we are looking forward to a great year of learning. This is going to be a busy and exciting term.

Please remember that we see every child as an important part of our classrooms so please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the Middle School Team Leader in Room 13, Mrs Rist, with any queries or concerns.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHING STAFF

Welcome back to Nick Chamberlain, Laura Ahern, and Cindy Williams. Joining the middle school team are Debbie Rist, Jacinta Howie and Hannah Saul.

Debbie Rist has come from Elm Park School and Hannah Saul comes from Blenheim.

  • Room 14 – Hannah Saul – Year 3
  • Room 15 – Jacinta Howie – Year 3
  • Room 17 – Laura Ahern – Year 3
  • Room 5 – Cindy Williams – Year 4
  • Room 13 – Debbie Rist (Team Leader) – Year 4
  • Room 16 – Nick Chamberlain – Year 4

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if there is an issue or problem at school or at home. Our email addresses are the first name of the staff member, followed by the school address, e.g., debbie@bbps.school.nz

THE NEW SCHOOL WEBSITE and BYOD

The school website will be an efficient way to access the new school lunch ordering system, advise the school office of absences, read team and school newsletters and access your child’s learning through Student Voice. You are welcome to come and talk to your child’s teacher about accessing the site     www.bbps.school.nz

The Year 4 team is very excited about BYOD this year and are looking forward to using the iPads for creating and enhancing our learning.

Important dates for this term:

  • 8 February – Waitangi Day observation day
  • 22 – 26 February – Book Week
  • 26 February – Book Character Parade
  • 24 – 26 February – Getting to Know You conferences
  • 7 – 11 March – Tread Lightly Caravan
  • 25 – 29 March – Easter
  • 30 March – Teacher Only Day (to be confirmed)
  • 15 April – Last day of term

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Uniforms:  All students should wear the correct uniform items every day. Those who are not in the correct school uniform will need a note from home to inform the class teacher about the reason. Please remember that shoes should be only black and suitable to run and play in. HATS are compulsory in Term 1.

Students are also reminded that they are expected to wear the correct uniform for sport. Until the new school uniform for sport is available in mid-March from John Russell Menswear, a t-shirt and shorts is acceptable, if the Whanau top is worn out.

Swimming:   This term all students will have two swimming lessons per week. Your child’s teacher will advise you about the day and time your child will be swimming. Swimming is part of the school PE curriculum and it is important that your child brings their swimming gear for each lesson.

It would be appreciated if all swimming togs, towels and goggles are named.

CURRICULUM FOCUS

Developing a Class Treaty:  During the first few weeks of the term classes will be working on preparing treaties developing and agreeing on expectations for behaviour and relationships in the class. When each class treaty has been agreed upon, each class will attend a very special assembly where they will share their class treaties with each other.

Up the Creek – Inquiry:  This term Middle School students will be conducting an inquiry unit called “Up the Creek”. We are inquiring into how the natural environment of Wakaaranga Estuary supports systems of living things and how they are affected  by human behaviour.

We will be using the context of Sharing the Planet and gaining an understanding of the impact of humans on the estuary. To support our unit of Inquiry, Middle School classes will be visiting the Wakaaranga Estuary. More information will be given later in the term

Book Week:  During week 4 our learning will be based around books. Different books will be read, characters will be described, investigations will be launched and yes, we will dress up for a book character parade. Get those costumes ready!

 HOME LEARNING

Although homework is not compulsory, the school expects students to complete a prescribed amount of home learning on a regular basis. The school believes that home learning is a responsibility shared by both the home and the school. Completing it will assist the students to develop responsibility for their own learning. Homework encourages the development of good study skills and habits, and will provide opportunities for parents to have a sharing time with their children.

For Year 3 and 4 children, up to 20 minutes a night is considered sufficient.

In the Middle School, Home Learning will be set weekly. Home Learning will usually comprise of daily reading, learning of spelling words and maths basic facts. These skills supports our Writing, Reading and Maths programmes.

From time to time teachers will set additional tasks to be completed for homework and these tasks will be explained in the Home Learning book.

Book Bags/Library Bags should be used to transport readers and library books to/from school and to/from the library.

Please take the time to read to or with your child on a daily basis.  Reread the readers with your child, read from the library books or read a book from your own collection.  Make it a regular and fun time.