Kia ora koutou, and welcome back to Term 2.  We hope that you have all had a relaxing break and were able to spend quality time with family, as well as friends.  As we move into the winter months, we have another busy but exciting term ahead.  

Outlined below are major learning focuses for the term and key dates for syndicate events. 

 Focuses for Term 2:

Mathematics - We will begin with Measurement and then move onto Statistics later in the term; with both units linking to our Term 2 Inquiry focus. Students in Rooms 21, will continue with Prime Maths. 

Homework will differ from class to class; in order to focus on the needs of the students. 

Writing - Students will focus on developing complex sentence structures and paragraphing.  Writing will also be integrated into our ‘Science’ inquiry, with the purpose of being informative and accurate. 

Spelling - Students will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of spelling.  This includes spelling patterns, word origins, prefixes and suffixes as well as new vocabulary through our school wide Spelling Under Scrutiny Programme. 

Reading - Researching and using keywords to locate relevant information will be the initial focus.  The skills of inference and reorganisation will also be covered during the term.  

Inquiry - Through the curriculum area of Science, our topic will be: ”The Nature of Science”.  The context will be “Physical World - Physical Inquiry and Physics Concepts.”  Students will explore, describe, and represent patterns as well as trends for everyday examples of physical phenomena; such as light and waves. 

Physical Education - The term will see the students involved in developing knowledge and skills linked to a range of winter sports.  There will also be a focus on students developing their skills in preparation for Sports Camp later in the term. 

Health - Early in the term, we will also have the Life Education caravan.  The students will be focusing on Relationships - What are the impacts of the choices we make?  With a particular focus on peer pressure, decision making and influences.  

ICT- Activities to develop skills using Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms and a range of apps that will enhance the students learning within our classroom programmes.  E-portfolios will continue to be developed, showing a snapshot of the students' learning and reflections. 

Digital Citizenship - Our digital citizenship focus will continue from Term 1.                                                                                                                                                                Te Rapa H.E.A.R.T : Each fortnight, a different aspect of H.E.A.R.T will be the focus.  One student, from each class, will receive the class award at the end of each fortnight.  We will begin the term with Honesty and finish off with Teamwork.     

Finlay Park Camp 

2nd-5th November 2021 Applications for parents who wish to attend camp will be issued later in Term 2 and confirmed by the beginning of Term 3. The parent contribution for camp has been calculated at $330 and we encourage families to start making small regular payments towards the cost of this camp or to set up automatic payments at the office anytime from now. Final payments will be due by Week 1 Term 4. 

Production Update Auditions and practices will continue this term in preparation for the performance at the end of Term 3. 

 Key Dates for Term 2 

 Week 1 - Epro8 begins 

Week 2 - Whanau Hui Meeting/Life Ed 

Week 3 - Bully-Free Week/Life Ed 

Week 5 - Teacher Only Day Friday 

Week 6 - Queen’s Birthday Holiday, Full School Assembly 

Week 7 - Sports Camp Week, Young Leaders Day 

Week 8 -Tough Guy/Gal 

Week 10 - Full School Assembly 

 We wish all our Te Rapa representatives all the best in the events they are involved in this term. 

 Term 2 Reminders: 

 Return all permission/health slips as soon as possible. Review classroom homework requirements and establish this routine for the term. 

Ensure you have clothing suitable for Physical Education (Shorts for Sports) 

 If you have any queries please do not hesitate to  contact your child’s classroom teachers through email, dropping into school or for longer discussions through appointments.