Parent Evening Notes FYI

Greetings Room 5 Parents!

Welcome to Room 5!  We are lucky to have a smaller class size this year and already I have noticed a difference in the noise level!  2018 should be a fun year for us all.

CAMP 

Camp  is in week 8 this term!!! I know this doesn’t seem far away – and it’s not – so I am already in full swing with the organisation of this.  We will hold a meeting at school next Thursday at 6pm (in Room 5) where we will discuss the activities, parent helpers and other bits and pieces.   The dates set for camp are March 21^st-23^rd.  We’ll be spending 3 days on and off parts of the Rail Trail while also visiting some tourist spots along the way.

HOMEWORK

The children will have spelling words to learn each week.  Sometimes the number of words may vary as the set lists may contain words the children already know.  With these words we’ll be working on their meaning and when to use them.  There will also be an expectation that your child is reading at home for at least 20 minutes each day. 

I can set homework tasks on Study Ladder for Reading, Writing and Maths if you’d like so homework for your child.  Please add your name to the list if you require this. 

The SL site compliments our class learning very well and I am easily able to vary tasks as we cover more topics throughout the year.

Year 6 is a year to consolidate times tables facts.  Quick recall of these facts help progression in problem solving areas of maths .  We will be having an Inquiry based learning focus in math this year so I really would appreciate your help in guiding your child to learn tables at home.  If you need help here, please come and see me. 

THE DAILY 5

The Daily 5 consists of 5 activities which make up our learning of Literacy.  Children have a checklist to complete for the following 5 activities.

Read to Self

Read to Someone – this will include guided reading with the teacher

Listen to Reading

Word Work – spelling/grammar/punctuation activity

Work on Writing

This term we have help from Mrs Laidlaw during writing time. 

MATHS

Our Maths programme in Room 5 will consist of a daily starter – whole class activity, an Inquiry investigation either alone or as a group task.  Guided teaching sessions will also happen regularly with a particular focus on current needs.. 

BYOD

Some of the children are already bringing their devices to school for use in class.  If you are happy for your child to bring a tablet/iPod to school we would definitely make use of it in class.  We have 2 responsible monitors who lock the devices in the storeroom at morning tea and lunch times.  We have use of the school C.O.W. on certain days.   A contract is to be signed by both parents and students outlining our guideliness for computer usage at school.

BLOG

Please check the blog regularly each week.  I usually post late Sunday night – there will be a post to check each week and information regarding weekly activities will be posted here.  I am available through seesaw if you need to message me regarding activities on the day.  You can also contact me via email.

NEED TO SEE ME?

I will be in my classroom most mornings from around 8am although during this time I do get a little prep for the day done.  I am happy to have quick messages given to me but if you have an issue which needs discussing I would prefer you email or ask me to make a time for a chat.  This way we can be sure of privacy and also enough time set aside to talk about an issue.  I would hope that you feel welcome to approach me about anything regarding your child.  I love to know when things are going well and I also need to know if your child needs support in relation to their school life. 

Mrs Conner

Bronwyn Conner will be our Teacher Aide in Room 5.  She will be in our class during the mornings and is here to help me ensure all kids are supported with their learning this year.  We are so lucky to have her in our classroom and I hope she enjoys 2018 with Room 5.

BRING A LEARNING ATTITUDE TO ROOM 5

I encourage all members of room 5 to remember that when they walk into the classroom they are ready to learn.  This means being organised with school supplies, a drink bottle if needed and a learning attitude.  We will focus on our school values of Joyfulness, Curiosity, Compassion and Commitment during our school day. 

Term 1, Week 2

Hi Folks,

It seems as I was in the mosh pit at the foo fighters over the weekend I was a little too tired to get the blog done by Sunday evening!  Anyway, here it is now.

Waitangi Day:  NO SCHOOL tomorrow - closed for Waitangi Day celebrations. 

Swimming this week:  Wednesday 2:00-2:30pm.  We'll leave for the pool at the conclusion of lunch time.  Please ensure all swimming gear is brought to school - togs, towel, goggles. 

Ukulele lessons:  This week we'll begin ukulele lessons with Barry Bemrose.  I am really happy we are able to offer music lessons to the kids, and Barry is sure to make learning the songs a fun time.  Barry is grandfather to Bella and Molly Breen who are students at our school. 

Meet the teacher evening:  Meet the teacher evening will be this Thursday starting with a picnic tea at 5:30pm.  We'll all meet in Room 5 following tea where Ellen and Mrs Eastwood will introduce our plan for 2018.  After this there'll be an opportunity to go to your children's classroom and hear what their teachers have to say. 
Meeting in Room 5 will happen from 6:40-6:45pm.  We'll have a brief chat about our up and coming Rail Trail camp at this meeting.  A more thorough one will be held next week (possibly Thursday night).

Have a great week,

Mrs Lyon

Welcome to Week 1 2018!

Hi All,

A big WELCOME BACK  to 2017 parents of R5 kiddies and a big welcome HELLO to the parents new to Room 5's blog.  I trust you all enjoyed the amazing summer we've had and that your kids are ready to hit 2018 with enthusiasm and energy to love, learn and grow in Room 5 and at St Gerard's School this year.

Some of you will most likely share the enthusiasm of these lovely Mums when you tag the teachers 'You're it!' on Wednesday. 

On this blog you'll find weekly reminders and information about what is happening in R5 and school wide during each week.  Please check here and also the school facebook page here before making phone calls and sending emails to school to check up on activities.  You are welcome to do this, but it's easier for us teachers and office staff if you check the blog/fb first.

Swimming Dates:  We dip into swimming fairly smartly this term beginning with our first session on Thursday of THIS WEEK!
Week 1 - Thursday 1st Feb - 1:30pm -2:00pm
Week 2 - Wednesday 7th Feb - 2:00pm-2:30pm
Week 3 - Thursday 15th Feb - 11:00am -12:00pm
Week 4 - Tuesday 20th Feb - 11:30pm - 12:00pm
             - Wednesday 21st Feb - 11:30pm - 12:00pm
SWIMMING SPORTS - Thursday 22nd Feb! 

Homework for 2018.  Expectations for this year will be that children will read daily (20 mins), work on their maths basic facts - either with you or online through an appropriate webpage (please see me if you'd like some recommendations) and learn spelling words if need be.  Spelling will be worked on in class and if there's a need for extra work to happen, I will make both your child and you aware of this. 

As a classroom teacher and parent, I see the benefits of talking with your children about what is happening at school.  Ask them questions such as "what are you learning about?" or "Tell me about what you are doing for  reading/writing/Art etc....." Engaging with your kids about their learning shows them that you are interested and it helps me as a teacher with children coming to school being prepared and open to learning.   My expectation is that when children enter Room 5 they are organised for a school day and ready to learn, share and have fun with their peers. 

HELP!!!  I am on the search for some wheat bags for each of my students.  Ideally these would measure around 7-8cm x 18-20cm.  If a helpful person out there is able to make/provide some for the class this would be greatly appreciated. 

BOOKS AND OUR CLASS LIBRARY:  Please think of us if you are having a cull and need to pass on books in readable condition.  We have a great selection of books in our room but are always on the lookout to expand and add to our collection. 

Drink bottles - please ensure your child has a drink bottle with them each day - especially in this amazing heat we are experiencing. 

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, as much as I enjoy a break at the end of each year, I love to see and connect with the children again.  Please tell your child not to feel nervous, we are all friends and tomorrow will be a good day. 

Regards

Mrs Lyon


P.S.  Swimming on THURSDAY!!! - Don't forget gear!

Sign up for Seesaw to receive important updates from Mrs Lyon's Class

Dear Families,

This year we are using Seesaw to share and communicate with families! Your child will post to Seesaw to share their learning. I'll also use Seesaw to send you messages and reminders. Seesaw is private; you'll only see posts created by your child.

Please Sign Up Now

1. Click on this link: https://app.seesaw.me/s/561-810-376
2. Choose your child from the list
3. Create your account
4. Once I approve you, you can see content from your child

After you sign up, download the free Seesaw Family app and sign in. You can also access Seesaw from a computer at https://app.seesaw.me.

Thank you for supporting your child's learning!

Carolyn Lyon

P.S. If you used Seesaw last year or have more than one child using Seesaw, follow the link above, then click the 'Sign in' tab at the top of the screen. You do not need to create a new account.

The below code only works for 24 hours.

P.P.S. The student text code is QRXDJW

Final Week - please bring bags for books

Hi team,

Please if you see this blog bring a large bag for school books which will be returning home today!

Thanks

Mrs Lyon

p.s. - Mufti - for a tin donation to the foodbank!

Term 4, Week 9

Hi All,

Coming up this week

Life Education Bus - Room 5 has 4 sessions this week on the bus.  2 on Tuesday and 2 on Wednesday.  

Thursday - Wonder screening.  Please all ensure your children are at the Central Cinema by 8:50am on Thursday morning so that we are all in time to be seated for the 9am start of the flick.  We will all walk back to school together following the film. 

Graduation Mass - Thursday 6pm - Please ensure full school uniform is work - no sneakers!

Picnic and prize giving - Friday 15th of December.  

Next week we finish school on Tuesday with just a 1/2 day.  School will be officially finished for the year by 1pm.

Thanks Team,

Mrs Lyon

Term 4, Week 8

HI all,

I'm looking forward to getting back into school on Monday, I know Mrs Annan enjoyed her time relieving and that the kids enjoyed her too - getting some good Christmas art done!

The goings on this week

Monday morning prayer - Room 5 are on Monday morning prayer this week so if you can make it to the church and join us for the first 15 minutes of the week, we'd love to see you.

Eisteddfods + Assembly:  Eisteddfod songs will be performed and heard on Monday and Tuesday this week.  The assembly for performances will be on Thursday this week.

Life Education:  Harold the Giraffe and Pip will be back at St Gerard's this week.  Room 5 will have their lessons next week on Tuesday and Wednesday - 2 sessions each day.

Pubertal Change:  Last week we only had 1 session (due to my absence) so this week we'll aim for 2 sessions of pubertal change.  The session we had last Monday focussed on periods and briefly touched on Sexual Intercourse.  We will revisit last session with a Q&A and then move towards the next topic which is Mood Swings.  Following this, we'll be joining classes with the boys so that the boys can learn about the changes girls go through and the vice-versa.

Movie:  Next Thursday morning (14th of December) we'll be meeting at Central Cinemas at 8:50 am for the screening of the movie Wonder.  I'm pretty sure all the kids are just as excited about this as I am. There is a possibility of a movie-time snack for the kids.  I know that it's an early showing so am just putting the feelers out to see if there are any objections to an ice-cream or perhaps a chocolate bar during the movie.  Please let me know if you are ok with this - I aim to use the remainder of the camp funds to cover the costs for the children to have a snack.  Any queries, email carolynlyon@stgerards.school.nz.

Please have a gentle reminder to your children to respect the fact that people can feel pretty tired towards the end of the year.  It's hot and we are all busy.  I still like to get some good learning done in the countdown to Christmas and to do this, it's important your children are still open to learning.  Please have a wee word and let them know that the holidays begin when the holidays begin.

Thanks all,

have a great week,

Mrs Lyon