Science in a Van

This week we had a visit from Science in a Van and lots of fun learning about science. The first session was an optical illusion that tricked our brains. We had to stare into the middle of a spinning circle for 10 seconds, then look at Allan's face and it looked like it was getting bigger and bigger! Then a teacher got up on stage and sat on a chair full of nails. We learnt that because there were so many nails, his weight was spread between them and so it didn't hurt.

The main session was all about bubbles and how their behaviour is affected by what kind of gas is inside them, what mixture is used and how big the wand is. We learnt that dry ice is heavy and makes the bubbles fall on the ground, while helium is light and makes them float all the way up to the ceiling. 

Flick, Solve & Seek

In Paneke we have been discussing how we can be respectful of others. We have been talking in circle times 

about how to solve problems that might happen with other children in class and in the playground. 

We have decided on what things we could ... 

• 'flick' - which means we choose not worry about them and carry on, 
• 'solve' - we can talk to the person and solve it without involving anyone else, 
• 'seek help' - when I need a grown up to help with the problem. 

                                                    

                         Great reflecting team Paneke!

                         

Connecting with our Learning

With our programme's getting well underway - we thought you might like to take a sneak peak of what we look like when we are hard at work!

This week we had two puppies visit our class.  Their names were Dexter and Quincy.   

We did some writing about them.

We have been learning about all the activities that we can do during Maths Time.  

Here we are working in our Maths Rotation Groups

Brand New Playground

Over the last few weeks, builders have been working hard to get our new playground ready. The gates were finally opened on Tuesday morning and we had 15 minutes to check it out and have a play. The crowd favourite was the blue climbing frame, followed closely by the flying fox. 

Initially we will have a rotation during break times so that there is only one syndicate on the playground at a time. We are looking forward to playing on it again and checking out all of the cool things!

Explore Time

We were all every excited to get Explore Time under way this week.  

The children were able to opt into a number of different activities 

including - Dinosaur Club, Bunny Art, Games, Construction, Storybird and Baking!

Going wild with our imaginations and making all sorts of creations!

Logged in and ready to start writing stories using Storybird on the laptops.

We can't wait to do it all over again next week!

Children's Day

We had an awesome time celebrating Children's Day today. We started off making kites with our buddies, some of us made plastic bag kites and some made paper kites. Then we rode the bus to the beach and had an ice block and our morning tea. Afterwards we walked down to the beach, flew our kites and made sand castles. Lots of the sand castles were really creative, some of our buddies even helped us build a volcano! When we got back to the domain, we had yummy sausages waiting for us. Our special treat for the afternoon was a run under the spray from a fire hose.We had a very busy, very fun day, and we are looking forward to relaxing this weekend.

Settling In

It has been a great first couple of weeks back at school in Team Akeake.

The children and teachers have been getting to know each other and we are starting to settle into our new routines.  

The children have been focussing on our KNS Values & Beliefs and have been working hard on Connecting with everybody in our hubs.  What a great bunch of learners we have.  Keep up the great work team!