Kiwisports

Every fortnight we have Kiwisports organized by Kathy. One Thursday we were taught small ball skills. We're in groups and we tried to catch the ball.




That's mine.


Where did that ball go?


Get ready......






Watch for the ball!


I got it!


Waiting, waiting.....


We were focused........

Buddy Reading

We are learning to be confident and fluent readers.

It's Buddy Reading time after our lunch break. We have different buddy each week. We take turns reading aloud to each other. It has been a fruitful session for us.




We listen to and interact with others to clarify understanding in pairs.





We read with our buddy for enjoyment.


We also read for information.





We Identify and discuss language features in a range of texts.



We listen to texts and recall or respond to main ideas.










We talk clearly in pairs about ideas or events attending to other's responses.





We use texts and present sequencing materials to convey meaning clearly.



We use texts to read aloud to convey the meaning accurately.



We always look forward to have different buddy to read with each week.

Communion of Saints

We are learning to recognize that saints live holy lives and explain how the Holy Spirit -Te Wairua Tapu works in Saints helping them to live the values Jesus lived.

What are saints? These are what we think about them.


Zac....Saints are holy-tapu people.

Michelle....Saints are followers of God.

Bogdan....Saints are faithful to their work

Scott....Saints do good things.

Pauline....do heroic deeds.

Callum....Saints live by the values of Jesus.

Holly....Saints are often very brave.

Zora....Saints are good role models.

Connor....Saints keep trying to cope when times are hard.

Keisha....Saints are close to God.

Tim....Saints are honored by the Church.

Rutendo....Saints put others first.

James....Saints pray everyday.

Enrico....Saints don't sin.

Jacob....Saints have done a heroic deed.

Ijaz.....Saints inspire everyone.

Being Special: Our First Lesson in Kia Kaha

We are learning to describe how people are the same and different. We are learning to appreciate similarities and differences in our class.





These are our brainstorm on the similarities and differences of people








Who are we and why are we special in Room 4?


Connor

I am unique because I have low vision. I am an only child and boy in my family. I have seven cousins who are girls.
Our class is special because James and I are special students. We have nice teachers. We treat each other like a family.


Keisha

I am unique because I am a Catholic person. I am good at spelling. I always study. I am good at sports.
Our class is special because we have special classmates. We finish our homework early. We are all helpful. We are Catholics.


Zac

I am unique because I like food. I like playing inside and outside. I am funny and smart.
Our class is special because we are all Catholics. We have different students from around the world. We have no bullies. We have good manners and teachers.



Bogdan

I am unique because I am the only Romanian in the school. I am flexible. I am really funny. I am really fast at running.
Our class is special because we have Connor and James. We have awesome teachers. We have children from other countries in the world.



Pauline

I am unique because I am from the Philippines. I have a Catholic family. I am a great friend. I am creative.
Our class is special because we always pray in the morning. We have different cultures. We enjoy what we do. We are always a cheerful class.



Ijaz

I am unique because I am good at drawing and art. I make cool stuff out of Lego.
Our class is special because we have a good teacher. We have other cultures. We are all good friends.



Zora

I am unique because I am very smart and good at sports. I am very talkative, helpful and kind. I am creative.
Our class is special because we are like a family. We have may cultures. We care for Connor and James. We care for each other.




Tim

I am unique because I am very fast at running. I am good at sports. I am smart and funny. I share. I am talkative.
Our class is special because we have James in our class. We have different cultures and have different languages. We are artistic. We do prayers everyday. We share.




Rutendo

I am unique because I always have a smile on my face. I have great friends. I have an awesome family.
Our class is special because we have different cultures. We have a great teacher. We have cool students like James and Connor.




Callum

I am unique because there is only one Callum. I come from three cultures. I am funny.
Our class is special because we have awesome teachers. We have different cultures. We have special needs people.



Enrico

I am unique because I am a good goalie. I am friendly. I give good advice to my friends.
Our class is unique because we have lots of cultures. We have an autistic child. We have an awesome soccer team.



Holly

I am unique because I do or did 10 different sports and activities. I am flexible. I can do many things others can't. I am really pretty.
Our class is special because we have wonderful teachers. We have many different cultures in our classroom. We have a class spirit.



Scott

I am unique because I like dancing. I like singing too.
Our class is special because we have lots of cultures. We have kids with special needs. We are Catholics.



James

I am unique because I have autism. I don't talk. I have a twin brother.
Our class is special because we all look out for each other. We have fun learning.



Jacob

I am unique because I am smart. I am good at sports. I am funny and a free spirit. I can eat a lot.
Our class is unique because we look after each other. We have different cultures. We have James and Connor. We're ourselves.



Michelle

I am unique because I am confident when I speak. I am nice to others. I work quietly when I am alone. I can cooperate. I have a nice voice and got accepted in special choir.
Our class is special because we all look after each other. We have have James and Connor. We have a wonderful teacher. We have different cultures. We are always cheerful.


Why is our class special?


Our class is very special because we have motivated and enthusiastic students. Everyone works well to finish our set tasks. Each has his or her fantastic qualities and characteristics. Thanks for the offer to help all the time in the smooth running of our class. I am always impressed with how each care for each other especially to James and Connor.

We are fortunate to be the only class at St Mary's with two teacher aides each day. We appreciate the help of Linda and Miss P who are working with James and Jill and Jenny who look after Connor.

I feel blessed teaching many talented and well behaved students in our class. Keep up the great effort! Cheers to Room 4!

___________________________________________________________________

Writing Arguments

Should children be wearing uniforms at school?

By Bogdan

We are learning to write an argument

about the use of school uniform.

We wear school uniform at school. But I do not think it is necessary to wear it. These are my views.

YES

I think we should wear school uniform because people will notice you if you do something good.

NO

I think we shouldn’t wear school uniform because it might not be comfortable to wear.

CONCLUSION

We should not wear school uniform because we should have a free choice of clothing and we can express our own individuality. 

Should we wear school uniform?

By Callum Crew

We are learning to write an argument about the school uniform.

Some schools wear school uniform others don’t. Why do they or why don’t they?

Yes

   Children should wear uniform so people know what school we  

         go to.

   We all look the same when we have uniform.

   Others might make fun of your mufti clothes.

No

     Some school uniforms are itchy.

    Other schools don’t have uniform.

     Some school uniforms are hard to find and expensive.

Conclusion

 My opinion is no because I don’t like school uniform. Some people don’t like their school uniform. 

Should homework be a part

of schoolwork or not?

By Rutendo

We are learning to write about homework.

Homework has always been a part of our work in Room 4. I have my own opinions about homework.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Home work is educational.	Some people have other commitments.
Homework is educational.	Homework isn’t fun.
Homework could help us in the future when we go to higher years.	Most people don’t like it.
Homework helps us to think more about what we learn at school.	Some people think it’s a waste of time.

Conclusion

I think that homework shouldn’t be a part of school because most people have other commitments to do.  Some people are smart so it’s easier for them not to do their homework.

 

Should Rugby World Cup games be played in Christchurch?

By Tim Tregoning

We are learning to write an argument about whether Rugby World Cup games should be played in Christchurch.

Should some of the Rugby World Cup games be played in Christchurch? These are what I think.

Negative	Positive
We have no more AMI stadium. Rugby park is too small  for international games. People are focused on their houses. The tickets cost too much.	It will take our worries a away. People won’t have to go anywhere to see the games. The Rugby World Cup comes only after 24 years to New Zealand.

My opinion is that there should not be any games played in Christchurch because of safety reasons. If another aftershock comes people won’t know what to do. More lives may be lost or others could get hurt.

Should Rugby World Cup games be played in Christchurch?

By Tim Tregoning

We are learning to write an argument about whether Rugby World Cup games should be played in Christchurch.

Should some of the Rugby World Cup games be played in Christchurch? These are what I think.

Negative	Positive
We have no more AMI stadium. Rugby park is too small  for international games. People are focused on their houses. The tickets cost too much.	It will take our worries a away. People won’t have to go anywhere to see the games. The Rugby World Cup comes only after 24 years to New Zealand.

My opinion is that there should not be any games played in Christchurch because of safety reasons. If another aftershock comes people won’t know what to do. More lives may be lost or others could get hurt.

Should homework be a part of school requirement?

By Zac

We are learning to write an argument if we    should have homework or not.

 I have different ideas if homework should be a part of school requirement.

Positive	Negative
We could learn better with what we are learning.	We’ve already learned so why do we have to learn again.
We’ll get good discipline when we grow up.	It’s just like having another school at home.
We can study more.	We have other things to do at home.

Conclusion

I think we should have homework because it helps us a lot in learning and we can learn more about our topics.

Should the Rugby World Cup be played in Christchurch?

By Holly Topp

We are learning to write an argument about the Rugby World Cup.

Christchurch is supposed to be one of the hosts in the Rugby World Cup 2011. But with all the aftershocks is it possible? Have a look at the paragraphs to find out.

YES

Some of the New Zealanders will get to see the games being played and some aren’t. The people in Christchurch have paid for tickets and if they need to travel to see the games it won’t be worth it. 

NO

We haven’t got a stadium to play in and with all the aftershocks you never know when they’re going to happen. It isn’t a safe place to be.

CONCLUSION

I think the Rugby World Cup games shouldn’t be held in Christchurch because we haven’t got a stadium to play in. There are so many aftershocks and it isn’t safe especially for the tourists.

Should some games of RWC be

played in Christchurch?

By Ijaz Ah Kuoi

We are learning to write an argument about hosting games of the World Rugby Cup in Christchurch.

Christchurch has been left out of the RWC and no future rugby games here would be played. Here are the positives and negatives.

AGAINST

·        We have no stadium.

·        No toilets are working.

·        There might be a big earthquake coming.

FOR

·        People get to see them play live.

·        They can play at the other training places.

·        It is good for the spirit of the people of Christchurch.

CONCLUSION

No, the games should not be held here because if there are about 300,000 or more people there might be an aftershock. People might not know what to do and the stadium might fall to the ground and turn into rubble.  The people might die or get injured.

Should the elderly stay in their home for as long as possible or be put in nursing care?

By Michelle Smading

We are learning to write an argument about the elderly whether they should stay longer at home

or sent to the nursing care.

I think it would be nice to let the elderly stay at home with their family and feel safe.

Positive	Negative
Ø The elderly will feel safe.	Ø It’s way too expensive.
Ø They will have fun activities.	Ø They won’t know what he or she likes.
Ø They have more company.	Ø They can feel more comfortable.
Ø You don’t need to look after them all the time at home.	Ø They won’t have much space or privacy.

I reckon we should keep the elderly at home because they can feel safe. They will feel nice staying with their family who looks after them.

Should homework be a part of school requirement? Why or why not?

By Pauline Dela Cruz

We are learning to write an argument about homework.

Positive	Negative
·       When we are bored we can do our homework. ·       We can learn something at home. ·       We can be much more responsible. ·       Children won’t get addicted by using too much time on  the computer.	·       Waste of our time. ·       We can’t play outside. ·       No more time for homework. ·       We can’t rest. ·       We do work at school also a t home because of homework.

Conclusion

I agree we should have homework so we can understand more what we learn at school. Homework improves our learning.

Should homework be part of school requirement, why or why not?

By Keisha

We are learning to write about homework being a part of the school requirement.

Should homework be part of school work?

Positive	Negative
We could practise and learn our multiplication and division tables.	They can’t learn their multiplication and division tables.
We could practise our spelling words.	They can’t practise reading.
We could speak orally about our homework at school.	They can’t improve their writing and spelling.
Students could learn a lot more.	They might watch TV all day long and waste their time.

I think homework should be part of the school requirement. Children could learn a lot more and will have discipline doing their homework.

Should uniforms be compulsory?

By Zora Rodricks

We are learning to write an argument about whether uniforms should be compulsary in schools.

Why do we have to wear uniforms to school? Should we be alowed to wear mufti?  The following are the reasons.

Positive  J	Negative  L
If you go on a field trip and you get lost they can easily look for you in your uniform. It makes the children look neat and tidy. Some people don’t have new clothes and people might make fun of their old clothes.	You can wear what you want. It makes the children more colourful. The uniforms are dull and boring.

I think that we should wear uniforms because it identifies what school the children are in.  If you get lost on a field trip or somewhere out of school they can look for those in the school uniform. Also you spend less money on uniforms than mufti.

Should some Rugby World Cup Games be held in Christchurch?

By Jacob Topp

We are learning to argue about whether Christchurch should be a venue for RWC 2011.

Should Christchurch still be able to host games

at RWC 2011? Here are my opinions.

Positives

- People in Christchurch can watch.

- It’ll be good for Christchurch.

- People can meet their heroes.

Negatives

- We have no stadium.

- We have no hotels.