PhDs Syndicate Newsletter: Term Two
Dear Parents/Caregivers/Whanau
Term 2, 2011…already!!! It seems that our winter months have arrived in a whirlwind, literally with the inclement weather and tornado.
Trip to the Science Roadshow
Tuesday, 24 th May, 2011. This will be an exciting and interactive exposure to science. Please return your permission slips and your $11 to the office as soon as possible. Also, please do not hesitate to offer your assistance on the afternoon, just let Mr. Nick Smud know if you’re interested.
Buddy Readers
If your child has volunteered to be a buddy reader and helping us foster that tuakana/teina relationship, please be sure to have them here in time to get them ready for 8:30 on the day for which they have signed up. The programme is off to a great start and the benefits to all involved are immense.
Stationery
Thank you for ensuring your child has the required stationery. The beginning of each term is a great time to check to make sure all stationery is accounted for and clearly named. Near the end of this term, you may be asked to purchase another Maths, or similar, exercise book, as the majority of our students are nearly halfway through theirs already!
Uniform
For obvious reasons, hats are no longer mandatory, but shoes to, from and at school are. Thank you in advance for your support with c orrect school uniform and for clearly naming tops, bottoms, hats and shoes.
Bottoms must be the regulation plain navy; shoes plain black; socks/tights/leggings and hair accessories must be navy or white only. Long hair should be tied back or up for hygiene and to avoid obstructing vision. A watch may be worn, but no other jewellery thank you. Earrings are acceptable, providing that they are plain studs or keepers.
Maths and English
This term, in Maths, we are covering Multiplication and Division, Geometry and Fractions, Decimals and Money.
English classes are studying topics that range from ancient civilisations such as the Aztecs, Mayans, Incas, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to the Lion King.
Mid year Maths and English testing will take place this term, in Week eight.
Homework
Homework will consistently be given out on a Day 2 and marked on a Day 6. We expect the children to be reading daily and keeping a reading log, learning their Spelling words and Basic Facts. There will also be tasks related to the class programme (English and COT) and problem solving and/or Maths challenges as part of the Homework. If you would like to excuse your child from homework, please advise the homeroom teacher via email, in person or with a note, otherwise it will remain mandatory. Basic Facts will be tested regularly, with spelling tested monthly.
Spelling Dates:
Term two- 13 th May, 27 th Jun
General Knowledge:
Will continue to have fifty study questions to be learned per term. Please be advised that Wikipedia is a source that anyone can add/change/alter/delete information. For example, I could log on today and revise the answer to whom the Roman Goddess of Beauty is, to be ‘Mrs. Parangi.’
Not always the best source of information!!
Reading Challenge:
Ask your children to explain the ‘rules’ to you. But, basically, we are encouraging all students to read a variety of material. Each student will need to read twelve different genres to qualify for a real pizza at the end of the term. We will provide the ingredients for the pizza base, the students who complete their challenge will get to bring the toppings of their choice and eat their yummy reward!
Communities of Thinking
For Term Two we will focus on how the world has changed, shaped, and/or influenced us throughout history. We look forward to seeing how the children interpret the information they will gain throughout the term.
Hygiene
Good news, the boys have seemed to have sorted out their toileting issues, thankfully! However, we will continue to monitor this throughout the year and keep you informed.
Winter bugs and germs are here along with the cold and flu season. It would be appreciated if you could provide a box of tissues for your child to catch those winter sniffles, runny noses and sneezes. I realise how hard it must be to take the time off work when your child is not feeling 100%, but if your child is unwell and not fit for learning, please keep them at home. Especially, as a syndicate, we need to be well aware of any possible chicken pox cases as it would seriously jeopardise the health of one of our pupils.
Internet Safety
It has come to our attention that several of our students have Facebook accounts and are very interested in the social networking phenomenon that is taking the world by storm. I understand the intrigue, but please be advised that it is illegal for anyone to have an account that is under thirteen years of age. This would also be a great time to remind parents/caregivers/whanau about being net/cyber safe, avoiding cyber bullying by keeping the computer in family/communal areas and openly discussing these issues/concerns with your children.
Donations
The syndicate is in need of newspaper and old t-shirts for painting.
Teacher Communications
Teachers and parents working together form an important part of a child’s education. So we welcome any contact from you - suggestions, ideas, concerns or just purely a social call to say hello. Notes in Homework books or e-mailing us are also great ways to keep in touch. Feel free to make an appointment to see us if you want a more formal meeting, as often just before the bell goes in the morning is busy and awkward time for us.
Kind regards,
The PhD Teachers
Marley Parangi, Meg Brooks, Tim Christie and Nick Smud
Marley Parangi marley.parangi@chelsea.school.nz
Meg Brooks meg.brooks@chelsea.school.nz
Tim Christie tim.christie@chelsea.school.nz
Nick Smud nick.smud@chelsea.school.nz
P.S. This is my (Marley’s) last term before going on maternity leave. A very suitable long term reliever will take Space six and lead the syndicate for the duration of my year long leave. I promise to bring the new addition by the syndicate for a visit and keep in touch with regards to the show and Year six graduation.
