Hi everyone
We hope you all had a lovely holiday! I had a very busy first week in Dunedin spending time with grandchildren, then Dave and I detoured to Melbourne so he could meet our newest little granddaughter before spending the rest of the week relaxing in the sun in Fiji.
What's happening?
Interviews: are on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you have not booked an interview and would like one, please email me at suewright@stgerards.school.nz or see me before school to arrange a time.
Book Fair: from Ashton Scholastic (Lucky Books) is running from Monday to Thursday this week. The books are on display in the hall which is open from 8:30 - 9am and then again after school.
Friday = Dress up as your favourite book character and bring the book to share. There will be a parade starting at 11am
PMP will start on Thursday Week 2 as we are unable to use the hall this week because of the book fair. We still need parents to put their names on the list on Room 7's door to help with this programme. We need 3 parents each Thursday morning for the programme to run effectively.
Cross Country: The school competition will be held next Wednesday 31st July at 1pm. In preparation for this we will be using daily fitness time to bring our running skills up to speed. Please wear sports uniform and running shoes from now until the cross country. Mr Yeoman is the organiser of this event and will be delighted to hear from you if you are able to help as a track marshall on the day. ollieyeoman@stgerards.school.nz
Mass 28th July 9am has the sacrament of Baptism where a number of students including Indie and Micaela will be baptised. This is a special "welcome" and it would be wonderful if some of our families could attend. Our Religious Education strand at the start of this term is "Sacrament" and we are learning about Baptism. This Sunday is a perfect opportunity for children to watch and take part in a Baptismal Mass.
Family Ski Days: have been booked for Wednesday 7th August and Wednesday 4th September. Watch the newsletter for further information. Families can head for the snow for a day and pay school rates.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Monday 22 July 2019
Sunday 30 June 2019
Week 10, Term 2 2019
Hi everyone,
Hope you all had a good weekend.
What's on this week?
Ice skating on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11.20. The children have made amazing progress already - it is great to see those children who were very anxious at the first session now skating by themselves! Thank you to those parents who have been coming along to help.
On Wednesday morning we have St John at school. They will be teaching the children what to do in an emergency.
On Wednesday morning we have St John at school. They will be teaching the children what to do in an emergency.
The Eisteddfod assembly is this Thursday at 1.30pm. The children did a great job of reciting their poems to the class and Room 3. Those children from Room 7 who have been selected to recite their poem at the school Eisteddfod on Thursday are Zoe and Isabelle.
This Thursday is Mufti Mania to raise funds for Caritas. This a link showing where the money is going https://caritas.org.nz/mufti-maniato.
General Information
This Thursday is Mufti Mania to raise funds for Caritas. This a link showing where the money is going https://caritas.org.nz/mufti-maniato.
General Information
Thank you to those parents who have sent along items for construction. We desperately need old boxes, containers, plastic bottles and lids of any description for the construction table. Please wash old lids such as shampoo and conditioner lids, as the children especially like adding lids that open and shut to their creations. They become all sorts of things!
A big thank you to those parents who have already put their name down for helping with the Perceptual Motor programme which begins on Thursday mornings in Term 3. This is a movement-based programme that concentrates on the development of perception and language through a series of planned activities. The objective of the PMP programme is to improve a number of skills such as language, concentration, concepts of print, social skills, behaviour and motor skills. PMP will include all Year 1 children as well as our Early Explorer visitors. We need 3 parents to help with this each Thursday morning from 9.00 - 10.00am.
Bernadette Gilbert will help parents set up in the school hall. There are 5 different activities that the children rotate around, and parent helpers will take one of these activities each. You are given an instruction card that explains the activity (and can always ask Bernadette or I if there is something you are unsure of). There will be a roster on the Room 7 door for you to add your name to if you are able to help.
Finally, after attending a course at St Clair on Learning through Play, I have begun to trial learning stories about the learning that is taking place at Action Stations. (These are similar to the learning stories that would come home in your child's profile book from preschool). They describe learning that is taking place and link it to the curriculum. These stories will be displayed on the foyer wall outside Room 7 but they will also be emailed to you.
Have a happy and safe holiday everyone,
Sue and Julie
A big thank you to those parents who have already put their name down for helping with the Perceptual Motor programme which begins on Thursday mornings in Term 3. This is a movement-based programme that concentrates on the development of perception and language through a series of planned activities. The objective of the PMP programme is to improve a number of skills such as language, concentration, concepts of print, social skills, behaviour and motor skills. PMP will include all Year 1 children as well as our Early Explorer visitors. We need 3 parents to help with this each Thursday morning from 9.00 - 10.00am.
Bernadette Gilbert will help parents set up in the school hall. There are 5 different activities that the children rotate around, and parent helpers will take one of these activities each. You are given an instruction card that explains the activity (and can always ask Bernadette or I if there is something you are unsure of). There will be a roster on the Room 7 door for you to add your name to if you are able to help.
Finally, after attending a course at St Clair on Learning through Play, I have begun to trial learning stories about the learning that is taking place at Action Stations. (These are similar to the learning stories that would come home in your child's profile book from preschool). They describe learning that is taking place and link it to the curriculum. These stories will be displayed on the foyer wall outside Room 7 but they will also be emailed to you.
Have a happy and safe holiday everyone,
Sue and Julie
Tuesday 25 June 2019
Ice Skating and PMP
Just an extra blog as there were some things omitted from Sunday's blog.
Firstly, ice skating. Children can wear mufti on ice skating days and can come dressed in their gear or have tights on, ready to put on their waterproof pants. Also could you please write your child's shoe size on their hand as it makes it much easier when fitting skates.
Next, construction. We desperately need old boxes, containers, plastic bottles and lids of any description for the construction table. Please wash old lids such as shampoo and conditioner lids, as the children especially like adding lids that open and shut to their creations. They become all sorts of things!
Finally, the Perceptual Motor programme begins on Thursday mornings in Term 3. This is a movement-based programme that concentrates on the development of perception and language through a series of planned activities. The objective of the PMP programme is to improve a number of skills such as language, concentration, concepts of print, social skills, behaviour and motor skills. PMP will include all Year 1 children as well as our Early Explorer visitors. We need 3 parents to help with this each Thursday morning from 9.00 - 10.00am.
Bernadette Gilbert will help parents set up in the school hall. There are 5 different activities that the children rotate around, and parent helpers will take one of these activities each. You are given an instruction card that explains the activity (and can always ask Bernadette or I if there is something you are unsure of). There will be a roster on the Room 7 door for you to add your name to if you are able to help.
Many thanks
Sue
Firstly, ice skating. Children can wear mufti on ice skating days and can come dressed in their gear or have tights on, ready to put on their waterproof pants. Also could you please write your child's shoe size on their hand as it makes it much easier when fitting skates.
Next, construction. We desperately need old boxes, containers, plastic bottles and lids of any description for the construction table. Please wash old lids such as shampoo and conditioner lids, as the children especially like adding lids that open and shut to their creations. They become all sorts of things!
Finally, the Perceptual Motor programme begins on Thursday mornings in Term 3. This is a movement-based programme that concentrates on the development of perception and language through a series of planned activities. The objective of the PMP programme is to improve a number of skills such as language, concentration, concepts of print, social skills, behaviour and motor skills. PMP will include all Year 1 children as well as our Early Explorer visitors. We need 3 parents to help with this each Thursday morning from 9.00 - 10.00am.
Bernadette Gilbert will help parents set up in the school hall. There are 5 different activities that the children rotate around, and parent helpers will take one of these activities each. You are given an instruction card that explains the activity (and can always ask Bernadette or I if there is something you are unsure of). There will be a roster on the Room 7 door for you to add your name to if you are able to help.
Many thanks
Sue
Sunday 23 June 2019
Week 9, Term 2
Hi everyone,
Hope you all had a lovely weekend.
What's on this week?
This Tuesday, 25 June, iceskating begins. Your child will need to bring a helmet, gloves or mittens, a warm jacket and waterproof leggings (Can be pants or overalls eg ski pants are ideal). Our session is 11.30 and we have four iceskating coaching sessions, the Tuesday and Thursday mornings of Week 9 and 10. We travel to and from the ice rink by bus at 10.55am. If you are free, please join us at the rink as many hands make it much easier getting skates on and off.
I know many children are well underway preparing poems ready for our Poetry Eisteddfod. We will be listening to children's poems this Thursday afternoon 27 June, and selecting some children to perform their poems at the Eisteddfod in Week 10. Room 7 may choose a nursery rhyme, a favourite poem or one from their poetry book.
The Poetry Marking Schedule
Introduction 5
Say the name of your poem
Say the name of the poet (if you know it)
Say why you chose the poem
Presentation 10
Say your poem with expression
Make eye contact with the audience
Try not to rush
Look like you are enjoying sharing your favourite poem
Preparation 5
Know your poem off by heart
Choose a poem that the audience will like
Voice 5
Use a loud voice so that we can all hear
MATARIKI This Friday 28th June 7.30 am Once again we are celebrating this special time in the Maori calendar. Families are invited to come in the morning to the school hall and bring your breakfast. We will have toasters and hot water, tea and coffee available. We will share some stories about Matariki and then if you are able to stay for assembly that will start at 9.10 am. Our PTA will be helping out on the morning.
Please remember to send along a jacket for cold days at Action Stations as well as playtime and lunchtime.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Hope you all had a lovely weekend.
What's on this week?
This Tuesday, 25 June, iceskating begins. Your child will need to bring a helmet, gloves or mittens, a warm jacket and waterproof leggings (Can be pants or overalls eg ski pants are ideal). Our session is 11.30 and we have four iceskating coaching sessions, the Tuesday and Thursday mornings of Week 9 and 10. We travel to and from the ice rink by bus at 10.55am. If you are free, please join us at the rink as many hands make it much easier getting skates on and off.
I know many children are well underway preparing poems ready for our Poetry Eisteddfod. We will be listening to children's poems this Thursday afternoon 27 June, and selecting some children to perform their poems at the Eisteddfod in Week 10. Room 7 may choose a nursery rhyme, a favourite poem or one from their poetry book.
The Poetry Marking Schedule
Introduction 5
Say the name of your poem
Say the name of the poet (if you know it)
Say why you chose the poem
Presentation 10
Say your poem with expression
Make eye contact with the audience
Try not to rush
Look like you are enjoying sharing your favourite poem
Preparation 5
Know your poem off by heart
Choose a poem that the audience will like
Voice 5
Use a loud voice so that we can all hear
MATARIKI This Friday 28th June 7.30 am Once again we are celebrating this special time in the Maori calendar. Families are invited to come in the morning to the school hall and bring your breakfast. We will have toasters and hot water, tea and coffee available. We will share some stories about Matariki and then if you are able to stay for assembly that will start at 9.10 am. Our PTA will be helping out on the morning.
Please remember to send along a jacket for cold days at Action Stations as well as playtime and lunchtime.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Tuesday 18 June 2019
Predator Free St Gerards
Today we went outside with Mr Yeoman and some Y7 and 8 children to lay some tracking boxes around the school. Mr Yeoman put raspberry jam inside each tracking box. We are going to check these each morning to see if any predators have walked through the tracking boxes.
Sunday 16 June 2019
Week 8, Term 2
Hi everyone
Only three weeks till the end of term!
What's Coming Up?
On Wednesday 19th June Room 3 and 7 are assisting with the school Mass. Please come along and join us if you are free.
STUDENT COUNCIL WIG DAY
Wig day will be held on Wednesday the 19th of June. You can wear a wig, decorate your hair, or wear a hat. There will be
prizes for the best hair, the best wig and the best hat.
We will be having a bake sale alongside the BBQ. We would appreciate any donation of baking items for this eg lollies, cakes, biscuits. Baking will cost 50c - $2.00. Please wear mufti and bring a gold coin donation. Your child will need extra money if they wish to buy some baking. Money raised will go to the Child Cancer Foundation.
Also next week, Tuesday 25 June, iceskating begins. Your child will need to bring a helmet, gloves or mittens, a warm jacket and waterproof leggings (Can be pants or overalls eg ski pants are ideal). Our time is around 11.30 (will confirm this next week) and we have four iceskating coaching sessions, the Tuesday and Thursday mornings of Week 9 and 10. We travel to and from the ice rink by bus. If you are free at this time, please join us at the rink as many hands make it much easier getting skates on and off.
Children need to be preparing poems ready for our Poetry Eisteddfod. We will be listening to children's poems in Week 9 and selecting some children to perform their poems at the Eisteddfod in Week 10. Room 7 may choose a nursery rhyme, a favourite poem or one from their poetry book.
The Poetry Marking Schedule
Introduction 5
Say the name of your poem
Say the name of the poet (if you know it)
Say why you chose the poem
Presentation 10
Say your poem with expression
Make eye contact with the audience
Try not to rush
Look like you are enjoying sharing your favourite poem
Preparation 5
Know your poem off by heart
Choose a poem that the audience will like
Voice 5
Use a loud voice so that we can all hear
MATARIKI FRIDAY 28th June 7.30 am Once again we are celebrating this special time in the Maori calendar. Families are invited to come in the morning to the school hall, bring your breakfast. We will have toasters and hot water, tea and coffee available. We will share some stories about Matariki and then if you are able to stay for assembly that will start at 9.10 am. Our PTA will be helping out on the morning.
Please remember to send along a jacket for cold days at Action Stations as well as playtime and lunchtime.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Only three weeks till the end of term!
What's Coming Up?
On Wednesday 19th June Room 3 and 7 are assisting with the school Mass. Please come along and join us if you are free.
STUDENT COUNCIL WIG DAY
We will be having a bake sale alongside the BBQ. We would appreciate any donation of baking items for this eg lollies, cakes, biscuits. Baking will cost 50c - $2.00. Please wear mufti and bring a gold coin donation. Your child will need extra money if they wish to buy some baking. Money raised will go to the Child Cancer Foundation.
Also next week, Tuesday 25 June, iceskating begins. Your child will need to bring a helmet, gloves or mittens, a warm jacket and waterproof leggings (Can be pants or overalls eg ski pants are ideal). Our time is around 11.30 (will confirm this next week) and we have four iceskating coaching sessions, the Tuesday and Thursday mornings of Week 9 and 10. We travel to and from the ice rink by bus. If you are free at this time, please join us at the rink as many hands make it much easier getting skates on and off.
Children need to be preparing poems ready for our Poetry Eisteddfod. We will be listening to children's poems in Week 9 and selecting some children to perform their poems at the Eisteddfod in Week 10. Room 7 may choose a nursery rhyme, a favourite poem or one from their poetry book.
The Poetry Marking Schedule
Introduction 5
Say the name of your poem
Say the name of the poet (if you know it)
Say why you chose the poem
Presentation 10
Say your poem with expression
Make eye contact with the audience
Try not to rush
Look like you are enjoying sharing your favourite poem
Preparation 5
Know your poem off by heart
Choose a poem that the audience will like
Voice 5
Use a loud voice so that we can all hear
MATARIKI FRIDAY 28th June 7.30 am Once again we are celebrating this special time in the Maori calendar. Families are invited to come in the morning to the school hall, bring your breakfast. We will have toasters and hot water, tea and coffee available. We will share some stories about Matariki and then if you are able to stay for assembly that will start at 9.10 am. Our PTA will be helping out on the morning.
Please remember to send along a jacket for cold days at Action Stations as well as playtime and lunchtime.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Sunday 9 June 2019
Week 7, Term 2
Hi everyone
I hope you all had a relaxing weekend. I had a lovely time in Melbourne with my family and treasured the time spent with my wee granddaughter.
This week Julie is going to help at the Year 7 and 8 camp, so I will be teaching every day.
What's coming up?
We are leading Assembly at 9.00am on Friday with Room 3. Please join us if you are able.
Children need to be preparing poems ready for our Poetry Eisteddfod. We will be listening to children's poems in Week 9 and selecting some children to perform their poems at the Eisteddfod in Week 10. Room 7 may choose a nursery rhyme, a favourite poem or one from their poetry book.
The Poetry Marking Schedule
Introduction 5
Say the name of your poem
Say the name of the poet (if you know it)
Say why you chose the poem
Presentation 10
Say your poem with expression
Make eye contact with the audience
Try not to rush
Look like you are enjoying sharing your favourite poem
Preparation 5
Know your poem off by heart
Choose a poem that the audience will like
Voice 5
Use a loud voice so that we can all hear
Please remember to send along a jacket for cold days at Action Stations as well as playtime and lunchtime.
Have a great week,
Sue
I hope you all had a relaxing weekend. I had a lovely time in Melbourne with my family and treasured the time spent with my wee granddaughter.
This week Julie is going to help at the Year 7 and 8 camp, so I will be teaching every day.
What's coming up?
We are leading Assembly at 9.00am on Friday with Room 3. Please join us if you are able.
Children need to be preparing poems ready for our Poetry Eisteddfod. We will be listening to children's poems in Week 9 and selecting some children to perform their poems at the Eisteddfod in Week 10. Room 7 may choose a nursery rhyme, a favourite poem or one from their poetry book.
The Poetry Marking Schedule
Introduction 5
Say the name of your poem
Say the name of the poet (if you know it)
Say why you chose the poem
Presentation 10
Say your poem with expression
Make eye contact with the audience
Try not to rush
Look like you are enjoying sharing your favourite poem
Preparation 5
Know your poem off by heart
Choose a poem that the audience will like
Voice 5
Use a loud voice so that we can all hear
Please remember to send along a jacket for cold days at Action Stations as well as playtime and lunchtime.
Have a great week,
Sue
Sunday 19 May 2019
Week 4, Term 2
Hi everyone
We hope you all had a fun weekend.
I had a very special weekend as I had a little granddaughter born in Melbourne early Sunday morning - Lila Valerie. Also baby Lila shares her birthday with Julie's youngest daughter Lila!
I am heading to Melbourne on Friday to meet Lila and help my daughter Casey, so I will be away next week (27 -30 June) and Julie will be teaching during this time.
We now have Grandparent's Reading every Tuesday afternoon at 2.00pm and the children are really enjoying reading or sharing their alphabet books with the grandmas. They then play games and do activities together.
Remember to send your child along with a jacket and hat for Action Stations on these colder mornings, and they are also welcome to bring gumboots along to wear when they are outside, (especially if they have lace-up shoes).
Have a good week,
Sue and Julie
We hope you all had a fun weekend.
I had a very special weekend as I had a little granddaughter born in Melbourne early Sunday morning - Lila Valerie. Also baby Lila shares her birthday with Julie's youngest daughter Lila!
I am heading to Melbourne on Friday to meet Lila and help my daughter Casey, so I will be away next week (27 -30 June) and Julie will be teaching during this time.
We now have Grandparent's Reading every Tuesday afternoon at 2.00pm and the children are really enjoying reading or sharing their alphabet books with the grandmas. They then play games and do activities together.
Remember to send your child along with a jacket and hat for Action Stations on these colder mornings, and they are also welcome to bring gumboots along to wear when they are outside, (especially if they have lace-up shoes).
Have a good week,
Sue and Julie
Sunday 12 May 2019
Week 3, Term 2
Hi everyone
Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mums and Grandmothers.
We hope you all have all had a lovely day and were made to feel special.
We hope you all have all had a lovely day and were made to feel special.
Remember our Mother's Day Cafe tomorrow.
Mother's Day Cafe Monday 13th May
This is on Monday at 2.00pm in Room 3.
Your child will serve you!!
If you are unable to make it, your child could bring another special lady in their life eg a grandma, aunty or friend.
If your child has no one that can attend please let us know ASAP and we will buddy them up with a friend.
Tomorrow, Monday, we will be welcoming the Education Review Office (ERO) to school at 11 am with the Kapa Haka Group doing a formal welcome.
Netball Tournament
We have been having whole class lessons on Netball and to use our new skills we have learnt we are having a Whole School Netball Tournament on Wednesday. Below are some details about the afternoon:
- Children will come to school in their house colours and suitable shoes. Warm clothing needed please plus lunch and water. No pie warmers.
- Leave school at 12.15 to walk to courts and eat lunch there. Parents welcome to walk with us and it would be helpful to have a parent helping to lead the children to their next game.
- Children are to be picked up from the netball courts.
- Sharelle and Ashley will talk to children at 1pm .
- First game is 1.10. The games are 5 mins long. No half time
Pink Shirt Day
"Kōrero mai, Kōrero atu, Mauri tū, Mauri ora - Speak up, Stand together, Stop bullying!"
Children can come to school wearing pink in support of this day and a gold coin.
Religious Education
In Religious Education your children are beginning the Strand The Holy Spirit – Te Wairua Tapu.
They will be learning the sign of the cross in English and Maori and demonstrating ways that show that the Holy Spirit is working in themselves by being kind,caring and helping.
Have a great week
Sue and Julie
They will be learning the sign of the cross in English and Maori and demonstrating ways that show that the Holy Spirit is working in themselves by being kind,caring and helping.
Have a great week
Sue and Julie
Friday 10 May 2019
Mother's Day Cafe Monday 13 May
Mother's Day Cafe
Children brought home an invitation yesterday for our Room 3 and 7 Mother's Day Cafe.
This is on Monday at 2.00pm in Room 3.
Your child will serve you!!
If you are unable to make it, your child could bring another special lady in their life eg a grandma, aunty or friend.
If your child has no one that can attend please let us know ASAP and we will buddy them up with a friend.
Sunday 5 May 2019
Week 2, Term 2
Hi everyone,
Hope you all had an enjoyable weekend.
This week we have netball coaching on Monday and Wednesday mornings. This will be followed by our school-wide netball tournament next Wednesday 15 May at Molyneux Courts. Please ensure your child wears suitable footwear and their sport's uniform if they have one. It's a good idea to send along a jacket as well as our coaching sessions are at 9.15, and it can be very cold outside on a frosty morning.
For the next two terms, it would be helpful for your child to have a jacket and warm hat at school for cold mornings when they are outside at Action Stations. Also you may choose to send along a pair of gumboots to stop mud being trekked into the classroom.
Have a great week
Sue and Julie
Hope you all had an enjoyable weekend.
This week we have netball coaching on Monday and Wednesday mornings. This will be followed by our school-wide netball tournament next Wednesday 15 May at Molyneux Courts. Please ensure your child wears suitable footwear and their sport's uniform if they have one. It's a good idea to send along a jacket as well as our coaching sessions are at 9.15, and it can be very cold outside on a frosty morning.
For the next two terms, it would be helpful for your child to have a jacket and warm hat at school for cold mornings when they are outside at Action Stations. Also you may choose to send along a pair of gumboots to stop mud being trekked into the classroom.
Have a great week
Sue and Julie
Sunday 28 April 2019
Week 1 Term 2
Hi everyone,
A big welcome back to everyone. We hope you all had a great holiday and that the children are feeling refreshed and excited to be returning to school.
Tomorrow, to celebrate the completion of Frans DuPlessis' chemotherapy treatment, the Alex Fire Brigade is going to bring Frans to the church carpark and accompany him up to our school bell. In keeping with tradition for children completing treatment, Frans will ring our school bell. The DuPlessis family and school staff invite you all to come and join us on this momentous occasion and will be bringing chocolate cake for everyone to say thank you for your continued support of the family.
The whole school is having netball coaching for a week, culminating with a school-wide netball tournament next Wednesday 15 May. Room 7 has netball coaching this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, so please ensure your child wears suitable footwear and they may wear their sports uniform on these days.
I attended a course entitled "The Role of the Teacher in Playbased Learning" in Dunedin in the holidays, which was very inspiring. We are going to be instigating some of the ideas from this course. As a result of this, the children who know all their alphabet and are reading books will not be bringing home a new guided reading book each night. Some nights, they will bring home a book they have had before. These books are just as important, as children need to practise new words and skills, and it helps them gain confidence and fluency.
Please feel free to contact us to arrange an appointment if you have any concerns about your child. Our email addresses are: suewright@stgerards.school.nz
julieflannery@stgerards.school.nz
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
A big welcome back to everyone. We hope you all had a great holiday and that the children are feeling refreshed and excited to be returning to school.
Tomorrow, to celebrate the completion of Frans DuPlessis' chemotherapy treatment, the Alex Fire Brigade is going to bring Frans to the church carpark and accompany him up to our school bell. In keeping with tradition for children completing treatment, Frans will ring our school bell. The DuPlessis family and school staff invite you all to come and join us on this momentous occasion and will be bringing chocolate cake for everyone to say thank you for your continued support of the family.
The whole school is having netball coaching for a week, culminating with a school-wide netball tournament next Wednesday 15 May. Room 7 has netball coaching this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, so please ensure your child wears suitable footwear and they may wear their sports uniform on these days.
I attended a course entitled "The Role of the Teacher in Playbased Learning" in Dunedin in the holidays, which was very inspiring. We are going to be instigating some of the ideas from this course. As a result of this, the children who know all their alphabet and are reading books will not be bringing home a new guided reading book each night. Some nights, they will bring home a book they have had before. These books are just as important, as children need to practise new words and skills, and it helps them gain confidence and fluency.
Please feel free to contact us to arrange an appointment if you have any concerns about your child. Our email addresses are: suewright@stgerards.school.nz
julieflannery@stgerards.school.nz
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Sunday 7 April 2019
Week 10, Term 1
Hi everyone,
Well, the last week of term! Where have the weeks gone?
What's on This Week?
The Eisteddfod Assembly is tomorrow, Monday, in the church at 1.30pm. The children from Room 7 presenting their prayers are Joe McLean and Mia Samuel.
On Wednesday we are joining with Room 3 for First Aid instruction run by St Johns.
This week in RE the children are learning about the events of Holy Week and Easter.
We are attempting self portraits for Art so if you have a small hand mirror you could send along for the children to look at their faces, this would be much appreciated. (They will be carefully looked after).
Have a great Easter and a happy and safe holiday,
Sue and Julie
Well, the last week of term! Where have the weeks gone?
What's on This Week?
The Eisteddfod Assembly is tomorrow, Monday, in the church at 1.30pm. The children from Room 7 presenting their prayers are Joe McLean and Mia Samuel.
On Wednesday we are joining with Room 3 for First Aid instruction run by St Johns.
This week in RE the children are learning about the events of Holy Week and Easter.
We are attempting self portraits for Art so if you have a small hand mirror you could send along for the children to look at their faces, this would be much appreciated. (They will be carefully looked after).
Have a great Easter and a happy and safe holiday,
Sue and Julie
Sunday 31 March 2019
Week 9, Term 1
Hi everyone
Hope you all had a lovely weekend.
Eisteddfod
Prayers will be presented by all Year 1 and 2's on Thursday afternoon to Room 3 and 7. I have a selection of very short prayers in the classroom, so please come and see me if your child needs a prayer.
The Eisteddfod Assembly, will be on Monday 8th of April at 1.30pm in the Church. All parents will be notified if their child is presenting at this.
Parent Interviews
Also, I usually have a short interview with parents after your child has been at school for six weeks, just to touch base. I am free after school for the next two weeks on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Please email me at suewright@stgerards.school.nz if you would like an interview. (This applies to those parents who have had children at school from the beginning of the year).
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross will be held at 9.15 on Friday, for the whole school in the Church. Everyone is most welcome.
Assembly is on Friday afternoon this week, presented by Room 5 and 6. The kapahaka group is performing.
Hope you all have a great week. Only 2 weeks until the holidays!!
Sue and Julie
Hope you all had a lovely weekend.
Eisteddfod
Prayers will be presented by all Year 1 and 2's on Thursday afternoon to Room 3 and 7. I have a selection of very short prayers in the classroom, so please come and see me if your child needs a prayer.
The Eisteddfod Assembly, will be on Monday 8th of April at 1.30pm in the Church. All parents will be notified if their child is presenting at this.
Parent Interviews
Also, I usually have a short interview with parents after your child has been at school for six weeks, just to touch base. I am free after school for the next two weeks on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Please email me at suewright@stgerards.school.nz if you would like an interview. (This applies to those parents who have had children at school from the beginning of the year).
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross will be held at 9.15 on Friday, for the whole school in the Church. Everyone is most welcome.
Assembly is on Friday afternoon this week, presented by Room 5 and 6. The kapahaka group is performing.
Hope you all have a great week. Only 2 weeks until the holidays!!
Sue and Julie
Wednesday 27 March 2019
Parent Interviews and Eisteddfod
Eisteddfod Change of Date
The Eisteddfod Assembly is Monday 8th April so the children will need to say their prayers to the class on the afternoon of Thursday 4 April. I have a selection of very short prayers in the classroom, so please come and see me if your child needs a prayer.
Parent Interviews
Also, I usually have a short interview with parents after your child has been at school for six weeks, just to touch base. I am free after school for the next two weeks on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Please email me at suewright@stgerards.school.nz if you would like an interview. (This applies to those parents who have had children at school from the beginning of the year).
Thanks
Sue
The Eisteddfod Assembly is Monday 8th April so the children will need to say their prayers to the class on the afternoon of Thursday 4 April. I have a selection of very short prayers in the classroom, so please come and see me if your child needs a prayer.
Parent Interviews
Also, I usually have a short interview with parents after your child has been at school for six weeks, just to touch base. I am free after school for the next two weeks on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Please email me at suewright@stgerards.school.nz if you would like an interview. (This applies to those parents who have had children at school from the beginning of the year).
Thanks
Sue
Monday 25 March 2019
Week 8, Term 1
Hi everyone,
We hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable long weekend.
What's On This Week?
School photos this Friday, 29th March.
The Eisteddfod Assembly will be held on the Thursday afternoon, Week 10. For parents new to the school, the Eisteddfod is held at the end of each term.
The first term is a Scripture reading (or prayer for Year 1 and 2s), then in the other terms, the children do a poem, song and speech. There is an Eisteddfod Cup for Y1/2 at the end of the year, awarded to the child who has gained the most points in all 4 items.
At the beginning of Week 10, each child says a short prayer to the class which they have memorised. Parents help them practise at home beforehand. You can help them choose a prayer, or if you let us know, we will find them a suitable prayer. (The prayer only needs to be 2-4 lines long). Points are awarded on clarity of voice, appropriate volume and choice of prayer. The top 4-6 children are then chosen to present their prayer at the Eisteddfod Assembly on the Thursday.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
We hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable long weekend.
What's On This Week?
School photos this Friday, 29th March.
The Eisteddfod Assembly will be held on the Thursday afternoon, Week 10. For parents new to the school, the Eisteddfod is held at the end of each term.
The first term is a Scripture reading (or prayer for Year 1 and 2s), then in the other terms, the children do a poem, song and speech. There is an Eisteddfod Cup for Y1/2 at the end of the year, awarded to the child who has gained the most points in all 4 items.
At the beginning of Week 10, each child says a short prayer to the class which they have memorised. Parents help them practise at home beforehand. You can help them choose a prayer, or if you let us know, we will find them a suitable prayer. (The prayer only needs to be 2-4 lines long). Points are awarded on clarity of voice, appropriate volume and choice of prayer. The top 4-6 children are then chosen to present their prayer at the Eisteddfod Assembly on the Thursday.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Wednesday 20 March 2019
Colour Your Day Friday
On Friday we will join lots of other schools throughout NZ and remember those who lost their lives tragically last Friday. Wear bright clothing (red is the least culturally appropriate colour from the perspective of the Muslim community). Please bring a gold coin donation.
Sunday 17 March 2019
Week 7, Term 1
Hi everyone
Following the tragic events in Christchurch, Monday morning prayer will be a little different this week with a prayer liturgy in the Church. Parents are very welcome to attend.
Wednesday - School Mass - Room 1
Details for:
SCHOOL TRIATHLON 2019
The school triathlon is happening on Thursday 21st March from 12:30-2:30pm. We will be starting the first race at approx. 12.40pm. Please check your children’s bikes and that their helmets fit properly over the next few days.
VOLUNTEER HELP: If you are able to help with course marshalling please email Mr Yeoman (ollieyeoman@stgerards.school.nz) asap . It is important that we have plenty of parents around the course to ensure all children are safe at all times and of course to support the children. The more helpers we have the better and safer the race is for everyone.
CLOTHING: -Please be sure to come to school in the correct clothing:
-Years 5 – 8: School sports uniform and track suit
-Years 1 – 4. School sports uniform and green trackpants/warm clothes. -
School sunhats are compulsory, so be sure to have yours at school.
TIMETABLE: -Lunch will be at 11:30.
-We will all be leaving school at 12.10pm.
-Years 5 – 8 will ride their bikes to the pool with Mrs Lyon and Mrs Wright
-Years 1-4 will travel by bus, their bikes will need to be dropped directly to the pool at 12:15.
NOTE this is year groups not room numbers.
-There will be an event briefing at 12:30 with the first race starting at 12.40pm.
-Every child will be competing in the triathlon in the following age groups and in this order:
Yr 5-8 Competitive (Yr 5&6 first, then Yr 7&8)
Yr 1&2 Yr 3&4 Yr 5-8 Non-Competitive
TRANSITIONS: There will be marshals at each of the Transitions, Mrs Beilby & Mrs Lyon at the run/bike and Mrs Flannery inside the pool.
We ask that parents please stay out of the transition areas, there will be help available to your children if they need it. It would be helpful though to have parents remove bikes as soon as possible from the area.
POOL ENTRY: Children may only access the pool through the rear doors. This is the understanding that we have within our pool hire agreement. All parents must use the normal pool entrance and stay clear of the rear doors. PICK UP: Children and bikes are to be picked up from the pool after the event at approx. 2.30-2.45pm please. Any bus children will be brought back to school by staff.
Following the tragic events in Christchurch, Monday morning prayer will be a little different this week with a prayer liturgy in the Church. Parents are very welcome to attend.
Wednesday - School Mass - Room 1
Details for:
SCHOOL TRIATHLON 2019
The school triathlon is happening on Thursday 21st March from 12:30-2:30pm. We will be starting the first race at approx. 12.40pm. Please check your children’s bikes and that their helmets fit properly over the next few days.
VOLUNTEER HELP: If you are able to help with course marshalling please email Mr Yeoman (ollieyeoman@stgerards.school.nz) asap . It is important that we have plenty of parents around the course to ensure all children are safe at all times and of course to support the children. The more helpers we have the better and safer the race is for everyone.
CLOTHING: -Please be sure to come to school in the correct clothing:
-Years 5 – 8: School sports uniform and track suit
-Years 1 – 4. School sports uniform and green trackpants/warm clothes. -
School sunhats are compulsory, so be sure to have yours at school.
TIMETABLE: -Lunch will be at 11:30.
-We will all be leaving school at 12.10pm.
-Years 5 – 8 will ride their bikes to the pool with Mrs Lyon and Mrs Wright
-Years 1-4 will travel by bus, their bikes will need to be dropped directly to the pool at 12:15.
NOTE this is year groups not room numbers.
-There will be an event briefing at 12:30 with the first race starting at 12.40pm.
-Every child will be competing in the triathlon in the following age groups and in this order:
Yr 5-8 Competitive (Yr 5&6 first, then Yr 7&8)
Yr 1&2 Yr 3&4 Yr 5-8 Non-Competitive
TRANSITIONS: There will be marshals at each of the Transitions, Mrs Beilby & Mrs Lyon at the run/bike and Mrs Flannery inside the pool.
We ask that parents please stay out of the transition areas, there will be help available to your children if they need it. It would be helpful though to have parents remove bikes as soon as possible from the area.
POOL ENTRY: Children may only access the pool through the rear doors. This is the understanding that we have within our pool hire agreement. All parents must use the normal pool entrance and stay clear of the rear doors. PICK UP: Children and bikes are to be picked up from the pool after the event at approx. 2.30-2.45pm please. Any bus children will be brought back to school by staff.
CLASS REPS
We are looking for new class reps for:
Room 6
Room 7
Room 3
What is a Class Rep?
A Class Rep is a parent from your child’s class who has contact details for all other parents in that room, for the purpose of sharing information that is generally related to that class only. This comes in handy when there are last-minute notifications (such as a cancelled sports event) or when the teacher has a special request for supplies or materials for one reason or another and needs this communicated quickly.
Parents on the receiving end of the texts have found this extremely helpful over the course of the past couple of years, and the job is not too onerous as it is less than once a week that your help would be required, generally speaking.
If you are a parent in one of these rooms and think you could manage this task throughout the year, please let Jen McLean know at 021 2700 760. We will then set you up with the contact details for each parent and get you up and running.
Have a good week,
Sue and Julie
Sunday 10 March 2019
Week 6, Term 1
Hi everyone,
Thank you all for your support with our trip last week. It was a shame the actual tent experience had to be cancelled, but we had a wonderful day on the Friday and there were lots of happy faces.
This week is a much quieter week at school.
The School triathlon is on the 21 March from 12.00 - 2,30pm. We are running each day at school in preparation for this.
Also, for our Lenten focus, we are looking at the lives of children in South Sudan. The children are learning how lucky they are in comparison. We have a Caritas donation box on our Lenten prayer table, and if possible, it would be great if children could do some chores at home to earn a little money that they could put in the box to donate to South Sudan.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Thank you all for your support with our trip last week. It was a shame the actual tent experience had to be cancelled, but we had a wonderful day on the Friday and there were lots of happy faces.
This week is a much quieter week at school.
The School triathlon is on the 21 March from 12.00 - 2,30pm. We are running each day at school in preparation for this.
Also, for our Lenten focus, we are looking at the lives of children in South Sudan. The children are learning how lucky they are in comparison. We have a Caritas donation box on our Lenten prayer table, and if possible, it would be great if children could do some chores at home to earn a little money that they could put in the box to donate to South Sudan.
Have a great week,
Sue and Julie
Monday 4 March 2019
Week 5, Term 1
Hello,
We've arrived at Week 5, which is of course is Junior Camp on Thursday evening and Friday.
If you have said you had a tent available, we would appreciate you bringing this to school on Thursday.
We have been busy sorting out where children will be sleeping, and a notice will be coming home tomorrow with this information. There will also be a fish and chip order form so please return this to school by Wednesday 6th March.
So you are able to sort out your Friday, these are the parent helpers for the Day session.
We please ask that you can sort out transport to each activity, as we do not have enough room on the bus for all parent helpers.
We've arrived at Week 5, which is of course is Junior Camp on Thursday evening and Friday.
If you have said you had a tent available, we would appreciate you bringing this to school on Thursday.
We have been busy sorting out where children will be sleeping, and a notice will be coming home tomorrow with this information. There will also be a fish and chip order form so please return this to school by Wednesday 6th March.
So you are able to sort out your Friday, these are the parent helpers for the Day session.
We please ask that you can sort out transport to each activity, as we do not have enough room on the bus for all parent helpers.
Room 7 Helpers
Chris Campbell
|
Nathan McLean
|
Shane Samuel
|
Room 3 Helpers
Kirsty Anderson
|
Rebecca Cowley
|
Rachel Baxter
|
Vania Smith
|
Kiri Mulholland
|
Jen Bedford
|
Room 4 Helpers
Helen Ryan
|
Vanessa Breen
|
Christine Lanham
|
Christina Tyrell
|
Claire Cockburn
|
Heather Breen
|
Below are the details for the camp:
JUNIOR CAMP TIMETABLE
Location
|
Activity/Times
|
Thursday
St Gerard’s School
|
Children to be dropped off at 5.30pm at St Gerard’s, on Thursday 7th March.
Parents to help erect the tents on school field before leaving. (Only parent helpers to stay.)
|
A fish and chip tea will be provided. There will be a choice of fish, hot dogs or donuts.
Please bring baking and bread to school.
| |
Play in the playground. (Both to be supervised)
| |
Technology (boat making) in classrooms. Please bring suitable materials for making boats.
| |
Ice Cream
| |
Friday
|
Breakfast
Preparing breakfast together.
Pack bags and pack up tents.
|
Children and teachers will travel via bus and parent helpers will be travelling in their own vehicles. We will leave school at 9.30am and bus to Lionel Day’s train ride in Earnscleugh.
Bus to the Crayfish Farm on Dunstan Road at approximately 11.00am for tour, boat races and lunch.
Leave farm at 1.00pm for Monte Christo, for play and fruit ice cream.
| |
St Gerards
|
Leave Monte Christo at approximately 2.30pm and return to school by 2.45pm.
|
The gear list for camp Thursday evening 7th March is as follows:
Room 7 – a loaf of bread or a spread (please let us know which you are bringing - you could just write this on the fish and chip order form.)
- Filled water bottle
- Sleeping Bag
- Stretcher or single airbed
- Pillow
- Pyjamas
- Toothbrush and toothpaste/hairbrush/facecloth
- Underwear
- Change of clothing (include shorts in case of hot weather on Friday)
- Spare backpack for Friday
- Jacket
- Sunhat/Sunscreen
- Utensils – plate – cup
- Shoes – suitable for outdoor activities
- Torch
Please remember to send materials for boat building eg plastic containers, bottles, tubes, wood, cork, polystyrene etc We will provide tape and glue guns.
I wonder whose boat will float and which will sink?!
Other things that are on this week:
Wednesday 6th March - Ash Wednesday. Room 5 and 6 will be co-ordinating Mass this week which marks the start of Lent. Lent is a time of Alms giving, and Reflection.
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