Do you remember back when all we had was compost...?!
Feeding the Birds!
We are learning about St Francis of Assisi. We made bird feeders to feed the hungry birds and to look after God's creation.
We LOVE maths and we are ALL mathematicians!
This week in mathematics the children have been solving problems and exploring the number 27. Mathematics in Kiwi 2 is busy, busy, busy. There are children working in lots of different ways to solve problems including using drawings, counters, number lines or 'ladders' and they are learning to use what they know to work out what they don't know.
Today this group of readers used their research notes to make silverbeet fritters! They were so delicious that by the time Mrs Simpson got her camera ready... they were all gone! Thank you Mrs McCrea for helping!
Kiwi 2 loved watching these wonderful performers! What excellent expression and acting skills these children have. Ka pai tamariki!!!
I NEED A HERO!
We started our topic this week by looking at 'traditional' superheroes! There were some very very excited children! We looked at what powers these superheroes had... and we also noticed something else... where are the girls?
Leafcutter Bees!
St Joseph's School was chosen by Ashburton New World to receive a very special gift! We now have a beehive in our vegetable garden. The bees are leafcutter bees which pollinate but don't make honey so they are not inclined to sting (although the children have been asked not to test this theory!) We feel so very lucky to host these bees which have such an important job to do.
Maths Interactive!
What a cool session this was!
The children loved working in small groups to solve some very hands-on mathematical problems. The programme facilitator was so impressed with the children's problem solving and mathematical thinking.
We have been busy learning all about the art of painting! The children have experimented using a paint brush in different ways to create different textures.
RABBITS!
The new bunnies have arrived and I overcame my fear of rabbits to share them with the children! I have always found rabbits to be scratchy and skitterish but these bunnies were so calm and happy to be patted. The children were over the moon! They were given the challenge of suggesting names for the rabbits and justifying their thinking. The writing that was produced was outstanding and full of personal voice! I especially loved reading Trish's prose which stated as a conclusion:
'This was the best day ever! The rabbits are so sooooo cute!!!'
'This was the best day ever! The rabbits are so sooooo cute!!!'
Sketching and Shading!
We have been looking at lots of different art so far this term, including an exciting trip to the Art Gallery. This week we are starting the practical side of art. Today we looked at using pencils and how to use a pencil in different ways to get different effects. The children were absolutely absorbed with their work and all that could be heard was the sound of pencil on paper!
Multiplication Outside!
This term we are focusing on multiplication and division. To make arrays are bit more fun and visual... we popped outside and made an array with cones! We walked up and down the rows counting in threes.
I passed on God's love when I was not grumpy with my mum when she said I was not allowed to bake. I made my bed and pulled my curtains. I was nice to my brothers and sisters by not being mean to them. I folded the washing in the weekend before church so my mum was not in a rush. I helped put my friend’s washing in her bag so that we can play. I got ready for school when my mum asked me to. I picked up rubbish on the playground so it did not look disgusting. If everyone passed on God's love the world would be a better place. Like if everyone picked up rubbish imagine how clean our school would be but if we don't pick up rubbish imagine how disgusting our school is going to look. So please respond to God's love or the world is not going to be a good place.
By Cara, Year 2.
Buddy Time!
Kiwi 8 has visited Kiwi 2 lately to share their plays and writing and the children have read to each other as well. In the last week of term both classes made maths monsters. These monsters are constructed by answering questions about your family and interests... such as put the same number of eyes on your monster as the number of children in your family. It was fun to share these monsters. Kiwi 2 proudly read their latest writing to their buddies and listened to their buddy's Pentecost stories.
Matariki
We have been learning about Matariki this week. Matariki was officially on 25th June. Have you spotted the seven sisters in the sky yet?
We have been reading the book 'Matariki Breakfast' and thought that a breakfast would be fun... but decided on having a lunch instead. The children said a Matariki karakia as our grace before using excellent manners and having a feast! Thank you to all the parents and staff who made this happen.
We have been reading the book 'Matariki Breakfast' and thought that a breakfast would be fun... but decided on having a lunch instead. The children said a Matariki karakia as our grace before using excellent manners and having a feast! Thank you to all the parents and staff who made this happen.
Mmmmm... Bread!
It took all day but it was worth it! Last week we made bread in class because we had read about bread in our weekly big book. We crossed our fingers that the bread would rise... and eventually it did. Mrs Blacklow came racing over to tell us that the bread was cooked and took it out of the oven for us. We sliced it up and enjoyed it with butter and jam.
Word Problem Thursday!
Each Thursday the children are given a tricky maths problem that can be worked out in a number of ways. They work in groups of 2 - 3 to solve the problem and then explain back to the class their strategy.
Those children that finish quickly are then challenged to solve the problem using a different strategy or given a trickier problem. You could hear their brains buzzing as they solved this week's word problem!
This week's problem:
Lachie's nana had lots of spare wool. She wanted to knit socks for all of the children in Kiwi 2...
Lachie's nana had lots of spare wool. She wanted to knit socks for all of the children in Kiwi 2...
Talofa Lava!
This week is Samoan Language week and we have been celebrating by learning how to greet one another in Samoan and how to say and write the days of the week. On Tuesday afternoon Lena popped in and taught the children some wonderful Samoan action songs including a beautiful song about a pepe/butterfly. You can sing along to this song by following this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWzCbUs0R_U
Thank you Lena! We were so lucky to have you visit us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWzCbUs0R_U
Thank you Lena! We were so lucky to have you visit us.
|
|
|
Giving Service to St Joseph's School
Kiwi 2 recognised that the vegetable gardens needed to be topped up with compost so that they could grow some new vegetables over winter. Mr Long volunteered to collect the compost (THANK YOU!) and then we got to work spreading the compost with the help of Mr Patterson (THANK YOU!) The children wore protective gear to keep themselves safe.
We identified that this was one way that we could be of service to our school and look forward to seeing what the ENVIRO team grow!
We identified that this was one way that we could be of service to our school and look forward to seeing what the ENVIRO team grow!
Target Games!
This term the children are learning about target games with Mark for PE. They are all having a huge amount of fun while developing some amazing skills.
Red Words!
Kiwi 2 had fun exploring the new red word ladders this week. After they have finished writing, the children work either with a partner of by themselves to make a red word ladder by matching words together. It is a fun, hands on way to learn their essential spelling words.
The marble jar is FULL!
That means that it is time to celebrate in Kiwi 2! Well done to all the children in Kiwi 2 for earning their cake and popcorn party!
Jack and the Beanstalk
We had a Jack and the Beanstalk week in Kiwi 2. We read different Jack and the Beanstalk stories and had a laugh at some different versions! The children wrote stories of their own including writing what they would swap for 5 magic beans, a letter from Jack to the Giant apologising for stealing and explaining how they would escape from the Giant's castle!
I would trick the giant.
By Zaiden
I would trade my socks for 5 magic beans!
By Nika
I would sneak away on my tiptoes!
By Fraser
I would trade my old toys for 5 magic beans.
By Samantha
If I was trapped in the giant's castle, to trick the giant, I would have dynamite in one pocket and matches in the other and I would explode the treasure!
By Lachie
I would chop the beanstalk down but first I would tickle the giant!
By Cassandra
If I was trapped in the giant's castle to trick the giant and I would cut the beanstalk down.
By Sam
I would trade my cat for 5 magic beans because he always sleeps on my bed and gives me big scratches!
By Karaitiana
If I was trapped inside the giant's castle to trick the giant I would sneak under the table and run fast!
By Portia
I would trade my brother fo 5 magic beans because he is annoying. I would cut down the beanstalk.
By Indi
I would trick the giant.
By Zaiden
I would trade my socks for 5 magic beans!
By Nika
I would sneak away on my tiptoes!
By Fraser
I would trade my old toys for 5 magic beans.
By Samantha
If I was trapped in the giant's castle, to trick the giant, I would have dynamite in one pocket and matches in the other and I would explode the treasure!
By Lachie
I would chop the beanstalk down but first I would tickle the giant!
By Cassandra
If I was trapped in the giant's castle to trick the giant and I would cut the beanstalk down.
By Sam
I would trade my cat for 5 magic beans because he always sleeps on my bed and gives me big scratches!
By Karaitiana
If I was trapped inside the giant's castle to trick the giant I would sneak under the table and run fast!
By Portia
I would trade my brother fo 5 magic beans because he is annoying. I would cut down the beanstalk.
By Indi
Ollie's Visit!
Today Ollie, Hunter's 8 week old kitten came to visit us in Kiwi 2. The children loved watching Ollie explore and then they had a the chance to cuddle the wee guy. After he went home to sleep off his big morning the children worked firstly in pairs and then independently to write quality sentences to describe him. Thank you Hunter for sharing your new pet with us.
The kitten is as stripey as a tiger. It is as cute as a rabbit. Ollie is as warm as pillow. I like Ollie as much as I like my little cousin! Ollie has short whiskers.
By Olivia
Ollie is so soft. He is a cuddly kitten and he is so cushy!
By Samantha
Ollie the cat ran! He is soft and he is shy. Cute!
By Trish
By Olivia
Ollie is so soft. He is a cuddly kitten and he is so cushy!
By Samantha
Ollie the cat ran! He is soft and he is shy. Cute!
By Trish
In Kiwi 2 this week we have started learning about Euphrasie Barbier. She founded the Mission Sisters who went on to establish our school. Here is what Hayley learned about Euphrasie Barbier this week:
Euphrasie Barbier was born in London. Her Mum and Dad thought she was going to die so they took her to the priest to get her baptised before she died. She was skinny and small. She sometimes had asthma. Her mother and her father told her stories from when they were little. Her Dad told her sad stories about his mother and father. Her Mother told her stories about her mother and father. She traveled to London and lived in London for ten years. Then wanted travel to places like New Zealand but the Marist brother said NO! So she made her own group of sisters and she called them the Mission Sisters she wanted to be closer to Mary. So she changed her name to sister Marie.
Euphrasie Barbier was born in London. Her Mum and Dad thought she was going to die so they took her to the priest to get her baptised before she died. She was skinny and small. She sometimes had asthma. Her mother and her father told her stories from when they were little. Her Dad told her sad stories about his mother and father. Her Mother told her stories about her mother and father. She traveled to London and lived in London for ten years. Then wanted travel to places like New Zealand but the Marist brother said NO! So she made her own group of sisters and she called them the Mission Sisters she wanted to be closer to Mary. So she changed her name to sister Marie.
Run, run, as fast as you can!
This week Kiwi 2 read 'The Gingerbread Boy' as their shared book for the week. The children enjoyed sharing parts and reading the story with loads of expression. They also retold the story in their writing using picture prompts. But I think that the highlight of the week was making a gingerbread mixture, cutting out a shape, adding eyes and buttons, putting our gingerbread men into the oven and then EATING THEM! Thankfully our gingerbread men didn't run away! Gobble, gobble, gobble!
I just had to share these wee beauties...
Today the children were asked to write about the emotion of joy. The children had to write their ideas all by themselves without any help from me. It was a bit of a test! Here are four that have made me feel very joyful indeed...
Happiness is the opposite of sadness. You are joyful when you are going to your friend's house. Happiness feels like you are so happy that you can fly. When you are happy you feel warm inside. I feel happy on Christmas morning when I am opening my presents because I get the presents that I want to get. I love feeling happy because it feels great inside of you.
By Cara.
I am happy when my Mum cuddles me.
By Indi
Joy is balloons high in the sky and when it is your birthday. Joy is happy and everyone should be happy.
By Lachie.
Joy is happy in your heart and like a sunny day. Joy is a bubbly waterfall. I am happy when it's my birthday!
By Portia.
Happiness is the opposite of sadness. You are joyful when you are going to your friend's house. Happiness feels like you are so happy that you can fly. When you are happy you feel warm inside. I feel happy on Christmas morning when I am opening my presents because I get the presents that I want to get. I love feeling happy because it feels great inside of you.
By Cara.
I am happy when my Mum cuddles me.
By Indi
Joy is balloons high in the sky and when it is your birthday. Joy is happy and everyone should be happy.
By Lachie.
Joy is happy in your heart and like a sunny day. Joy is a bubbly waterfall. I am happy when it's my birthday!
By Portia.
A Class Full of Poets!
This term Kiwi 2 is learning all about rhyme. Each week we study a poem and a Big Book. The children have been challenged to find the rhyming words in these. This week we went one step further and the children wrote their own rhyming couplets. TRICKY! Each child was given a piece of paper with a three letter word on it. They had to read this word then walk around the room to find someone who had a word that rhymed with it. Then the children needed to write a poem together!
Here is what they came up with:
A pup is asleep in a cup!
By Karaitiana and Sam.
Mum is mad. She is in a meeting with Dad.
By Fraser and Olivia.
To get off the top, you need to hop.
By Portia and Samantha.
I grabbed the bag with the rag.
By Hayley and Trish.
Stand on the rug with a warm mug.
By Lachie and Paulo
I have a cap that is inside of a tap.
By Cara and Hunter.
Here is what they came up with:
A pup is asleep in a cup!
By Karaitiana and Sam.
Mum is mad. She is in a meeting with Dad.
By Fraser and Olivia.
To get off the top, you need to hop.
By Portia and Samantha.
I grabbed the bag with the rag.
By Hayley and Trish.
Stand on the rug with a warm mug.
By Lachie and Paulo
I have a cap that is inside of a tap.
By Cara and Hunter.
Maths Fun in Kiwi 2!
We are doing some pretty interesting and exciting professional development at St Joseph's this year about how we teach mathematics. This week Kiwi 2 learnt maths through an inquiry lens. I tried (desperately) not to talk too much but to let the children ask and answer their own questions. Look at the smiles on these faces! You could hear their wee brains buzzing as they worked independently and/or collaboratively to solve some tricky problems. What amazing mathematicians you are... all 17 of you!
What a busy week we have had...
Gosh, this week absolutely flew by and suddenly it was the weekend again. I guess time flies when you are having fun! In RE this week we have been learning about Jesus. We learnt about Jesus' first miracle at the wedding where he helped out by turning water into wine. Because we follow in the footsteps of Christ, we decided to help out too and spent 5 minutes at the end of Thursday helping to spruce up our beautiful school by picking up some of the litter.
Watch this space, because Year 1 and 2 will be working together to solve our litter problem this term!
Watch this space, because Year 1 and 2 will be working together to solve our litter problem this term!
Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly!
Mrs Simpson was greeted by this beautiful butterfly when she arrived at work one morning this week! Here is one of our hatched butterflies drying its wings in the morning sun. And what a busy day we had! Before the day was over ALL of our other butterflies hatched as well. Thanks to Hayley's quick spotting we were able to seize the moment and catch and then release this butterfly into the fresh outdoors. It flew up into the trees and gave us all inspiration for our morning prayers...
Thank you, God for butterflies, for colours pure and bright.
Thank you God for Jesus too, His glory, grace and light!
Thank you, God for butterflies, for colours pure and bright.
Thank you God for Jesus too, His glory, grace and light!
Kiwi Two - Shortest to Tallest!
Measurement!
The children were each given a nearly equal piece of playdough and asked to roll it into a worm.
The children worked together to order the worms from shortest to longest. We practised using the words: shorter than, longer than, short, shortest, long and longest. We also had a giggle as some worms (Mrs Simpson's included) snapped!
Welcome to Kiwi 2!
Look at these beautiful buttons who are ready to reach for the stars in 2017.
Book List 2017
Kiwi Room 2
Year 1/2
Teacher: Mrs Gabby Simpson/Mrs Louise Hobbs
All books to be covered and items to be clearly named please:
1 1I5 Exercise Book (Reading)
2 1 LWB5 Warwick Learn to Write Books (Printing)
2 1I5 Exercise Books (Story writing)
2 3B1 Notebooks
1 1H5 Maths Book (10mm square with pre-printed margins)
6 HB Pencils (Named)
2 Rubbers
1 Pencil Sharpener
1 Ruler
1 Packet Crayola Twistable
1 Large Box Tissues (to share)
4 Stephens Chisel Whiteboard Pens
4 Amos Glue Sticks
School will order on your behalf the following:
Three Big Blue Books – Poetry, RE and Topic. This cost of $6.00 will be charged to your Student Account.
School Will Resume on Monday 30th January 2017 at 8:55 a.m.
Year 1/2
Teacher: Mrs Gabby Simpson/Mrs Louise Hobbs
All books to be covered and items to be clearly named please:
1 1I5 Exercise Book (Reading)
2 1 LWB5 Warwick Learn to Write Books (Printing)
2 1I5 Exercise Books (Story writing)
2 3B1 Notebooks
1 1H5 Maths Book (10mm square with pre-printed margins)
6 HB Pencils (Named)
2 Rubbers
1 Pencil Sharpener
1 Ruler
1 Packet Crayola Twistable
1 Large Box Tissues (to share)
4 Stephens Chisel Whiteboard Pens
4 Amos Glue Sticks
School will order on your behalf the following:
Three Big Blue Books – Poetry, RE and Topic. This cost of $6.00 will be charged to your Student Account.
School Will Resume on Monday 30th January 2017 at 8:55 a.m.
