Week 1 2013

"We will always remember you William"

Mrs Poppe and class mates of William get ready to fly their balloons.

The school assembles on the brand new astro turf.

Bursting with enthusiasm. Room 23 are all smiles in the brand new library corner in the brand new classroom.

A warm welcome to all our pupils for 2013. We are located at the top of the new block at the hall end in Room 23. We are very pleased with our brand new classroom. We are in Team Kereru and are a Year 5 class.
The year has started on a sad note with the passing away of William Leitch. William was to be in our class this year and we were looking forward to having him.
Special thanks to Mrs Griggs for organising the moving remembrance assembly on Wednesday for William. The pupils and staff that had worked with William in previous years set off  helium balloons in his memory in front of the whole school. The balloons made a spectacular sight as they flew high into the sky. Our thoughts go out to the Leitch family and also to Ms Dickey and Mrs Herbert who had worked closely with William.
Welcome to Tuinga, Zenith, Rhyley and Kiani who are new to our school. We are sure you that you will enjoy the Tahatai family.
Work in Week 1
Our first class novel for the year is the exciting thriller Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz.
We have discussed current events issues including news about the Australian bush fires and floods, Barack Obama's inauguration and Lance Armstrong. We have completed a news plan about these news events.
In writing we have been working on a "Do you remember" poem about a holiday event.
In Art we have been designing a symmetrical picture based on a well known NZ holiday place.
We have also been writing and speaking about our interests to our new class mates.
We have done some fitness activities and play games like long ball in PE.
We have been recording some of our ideas for our "class treaty".
2013 Theme: 
The school wide theme for the year is "Pathways to Tomorrow". This will tie in with a new beginning for the school with the new classrooms. The class will be discussing this theme and completing activities.
Team Trip:
A notice went home on Thursday about our  Kereru team trip. Here are the details:
Thursday 21st February. Waimarino Adventure Park. Cost $22. Leaving at 8:20am and returning by 3pm.
We will require parents to assist with transport and supervision for the day. Pupils to bring own lunch/drink, swimming suit, towel, optional wet suit.
Sports Assembly:
On Friday the pupils attended the first sports assembly for the year. They were given the opportunity to collect forms with information about sports offered for Term 1. These included rippa rugby, flipper ball, cricket and surfing. If your child did not collect a form, they can collect a spare one from the Kereru notice board located outside Room 23. The forms must be returned to school as soon as possible so teams can be organised and entered for the competitions.
Week 2 Assembly:
The official opening of the new build will be held on Friday 8 February at 10am. All parents are welcome to attend.
Week 3 Assembly:
Team Kereru will be hosting the first school wide assembly on Friday 15 February at 9:30. We hope to present our stunning art work and our poems about our school and community.Also  we will be singing a couple of songs. Would be great to see a big crowd of parents in attendance.

If you would like to contact me you can e mail me at:
gregs@tahatai.school.nz
I am also available after school on these days- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, if you would like to speak to me.
Thanks for your support, and looking forward to a great year.
Regards,
Greg Semmens (Class Teacher)