Masters’ Syndicate Newsletter

Dear Parents/Caregivers

Masters’ Syndicate Newsletter

Term 3 2011

 Dear Parents/Caregivers

Welcome to Term 3 2011. A special welcome to Mrs Ann Marie McCarthy who has joined us in Space 4, as Ms Cameron prepares to jet to the other side of the world. Also congratulations to Yvette on becoming Mrs Luff, during the holiday period.

Well as you all know this is show term. As always the talents and skills of the children never cease to amaze us. Their growth in confidence, self managing and co-operation skills is invaluable with these kinds of experiences. I am sure that it will be an experience to look back on for many years.

Stationery

* We would appreciate regular checks with your children that they have the necessary pencils, red pen, rubber, ruler and glue stick please.

* Please encourage your children to use their book bags to transport readers, homework books, reading log books, library books and notices to and from school, to keep them clean and ensure they last the distance.

* Many children have filled up exercise books. We are encouraging to replace them with the correct type a day or two before they are needed.

Uniform – Show T-shirts may be worn for the lead up and during Rumpelstiltskin.

Correct school uniform must all be named, including tops, bottoms, socks and shoes. Bottoms must be the regulation plain navy, shoes plain black, socks and hair accessories must be navy or white only. No other colours should be used for socks or hair accessories. Shoes should also be black.

Please don’t over layer your children’s clothing. Many of the children are overdressed and become tired, sleepy or fidgety with so many layers on under their uniforms. Even though it is winter our classrooms are lovely and warm and it is important that they have their vests and sweatshirts to add when they go outside in the wind and cold.

Maths

We have begun this term with Geometry and will move into learning about Time . We will be using both analogue and digital clock language. We will round off the term with Measurement.

 English

In Grammar we will be covering adjectives, verbs, adverbs, prefixes, suffixes, comparatives, superlatives, abbreviations, occupations and using dictionaries to answer questions. We will also be preparing speeches for later in the term.

 Homework

Many children and families have told us they enjoy the family fun centred activities of the homework activities grid. Term 3 retains some of the most popular options and some other fun topical activities for the children to do. As always reading, spelling and basic facts are still the main emphasis. We continue to see pleasing progress from those children who read regularly and complete their reading logs. Some children are reaching lofty heights on our reading mountain. Please, we cannot encourage you enough, to read with and to your children. Homework is due on every T uesday . The children will leave their homework books at school for marking and they should return home on Wednesday .

Basic Facts

Basic facts continue to be tested on Day 6. Remember that our aim is for retention of these skills long term. Regular short, fun practice opportunities for the children are vital. Learning to recall basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts instantly and with thinking strategies is essential. Relying on number lines, fingers and toes is not developing the skills for future progress.

Spelling

Levels tests this term will be in Week 4 and Week 8.

Bird Take Home Folders

Ruru the morepork, Piwakawaka the fantail, Takahe and Kiwi, continue to visit your homes. Please assist your child in filling out one of the sheets in the folder and returning it the following school day. If there is no time for your child to do the sheet that night please feel free to remove a sheet for them to fill out the following evening.

Communities of Thinking

‘How can I be the change I want to see in the world?’

Last term we spent much of our time learning about the 3Rs of caring for our environment. No doubt you will have heard the children reciting the REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE philosophy and hopefully it has helped us change some of our habits for the better. We also really enjoyed the informative trip to the Refuse Recycling Centre in Henderson. Much of this term will be consumed by ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ as he magically turns straw into gold. Later we intend to investigate ‘Changes of State and Matter’ in a science focus.

Raising Responsibility

This is a school wide focus of raising responsibility for our own behaviours. It involves identifying acceptable behaviours and setting our own goals in achieving these. We regularly refer to this with your children in class.

Talking about and aiming for these levels of behaviour are perfect for home goals as well. The two levels that are considered acceptable are C (Cooperation/Conformity) and D (Democracy). Below is a brief description of what each level displays. It should be noted that the primary difference between someone operating at C and D is that someone operating at C behaviour wants or needs external motivation to work at this level, whilst someone operating at D is internally motivated and doesn’t need motivation from others or rewards to behave in this way.

C Cooperation/Conformity – An appropriate level of behaviour (Externally Motivated)

D Democracy – The Highest level of behaviour (Internally Motivated)

16 Habits of Mind of Successful People

Expect to hear your children referring to these four which are this terms focus:

Persistence:

Stick to it! Persevering in a task through to completion:

Remaining focused. Looking for ways to reach your goal when stuck. Not giving up.

Communicating with Clarity and Precision:

Be clear! Striving for accurate communication in both written and oral form.

Thinking before speaking and choosing your words carefully.

Applying Past Knowledge:

Use what you learn! Learn from the past. Use prior knowledge in new situations.

Finding Humour:

Laugh a little! Finding the whimsical, incongruous and unexpected. Being able to

laugh at oneself. See the funny side.

Teacher Communications

Any communications with your class teacher are most welcome but please bear in mind class begins at 8:55 and making an appointment may be more suitable. Please feel free to supply us with your e-mail address. It is often a good way to make quick contact, and to have any questions answered.

Thanking you,

Janine Cross , (janine.cross@chelsea.school.nz)

Peter Anderson (peter.anderson@chelsea.schoolnz)

Yvette Luff (yvette.luff@chelsea.school.nz)

Ann Marie McCarthy (ann-marie.mccarthy@chelsea.school.nz)

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