Happy Holidays!

Time for the holidays once again- well done Room 15, you've worked hard this term and we've learned a lot about Whales, you've done lots of non-fiction Report Writing, as well as some super Maths and Artwork. 

Keep reading over the holidays and have fun!  Next term we'll be starting with the Olympics...Term 3 starts on Monday 16th July and Mrs Holmes will be with you in Room 15 for a few weeks.  Work hard and play hard!

Games week

What a busy end to a busy term! This week we have been sharing the games we made for homework. The aim was to teach us something while playing a game, and the range was amazing. We learned some Japanese, some facts about NZ, facts about hamsters and horses, how to make cup cakes, lots of Maths questions, and all about netball, rugby and football. There were some quick thinking games and some spelling games, and also some outdoor catching and throwing games! Well done everyone, great homework!

Whales in the playground!

This term's inquiry topic is The Wonder of Whales and we have been looking at types of whales and their food chain.  Today we talked about migration and how they move with the seasons.

How can they live in such cold water? 

The answer...BLUBBER! Today we put vaseline in a sandwich bag and sealed it up to recreate the effect of a layer of blubber.  Then we plunged our hands into icy water -one hand in the 'blubber bag' and the other in just a single sandwich bag. It was amazing how the 'blubber bag' kept our hand warm!

We also went outside and in small groups drew chalk whales in the playground - a Blue Whale at 30m long, Orcas at 8-10m long, a Humpback Whale at 16m and a Sperm Whale at 18m...AMAZING!

Marine Centre visit

Today we went on our school trip to the Island Bay Marine Centre.  We are studying The Wonder of Whales this term and we learned how there are lots of whales in the Cook Strait and off the east coast of the South Island as there is so much food for them there.

We were met at the Centre by Jules who took us to the aquarium and the touch-pool where we used our senses to touch, smell and look at lots of different starfish, anemones, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and limpets.  We also saw lots of marine animals in the tanks there, including lobsters, octopus, seahorses, and turtles.

After morning tea we said goodbye and piled onto the bus again.  Thanks to  Jules and all the mums who helped out- we had a fantastic time!

Cross Country

After weeks of training every morning, we had our Cross Country today in William's Park, Days Bay.  The sun was shining, and after walking to Days Bay we then had to run the course, before walking back again.
Well done Room 15 ! You ran a wonderful race, paced yourselves and reached the finishing line with no trouble at all.  Congratulations to Henry for finishing 1st in the boys' race and Chelsea for 2nd in the girls', and for all those who finished in the top 10. Good effort everyone, and sleep well tonight!

Anzac Day

This week we have been note-taking and fact-finding to gather information about Anzac Day. We looked at maps to see how far the Anzacs travelled, and remembered all those lost in the war. We used key words and feelings to write poems and made Anzac pictures. Then we published our writing and coloured in Anzac-themed borders. We are really proud of our work -do come and see it!

Happy Easter!

Well we've reached the end of Term 1, and what a busy term it's been!
Next term we can swap our sunhats for slippers and get ready for Wednesday hot dogs once again. Please remember to keep reading over the holidays and practise Mathletics as much as you can - see if you can reach the top 50 chart!
Have a great holiday and enjoy spending time with your family and friends. Travel safely and don't eat too many Easter eggs! Happy Holidays everyone!