Welcome to all parents and caregivers of children in Room 8 class. I hope you all had a wonderful Xmas and restful holidays. We are now getting into full swing in the classroom, with routines being established and everyone getting to know each other. This newsletter is to keep you up-to date with what is happening this term and the expectations that I have in the classroom. Year 7 and 8 is a particularly exciting one as your child prepares for the move to secondary school. In the senior years at St Joseph’s, we offer a range of opportunities for involvement beyond the usual classroom programme. I encourage the children to take up a few of these challenges so they can develop skills such as reliability and perseverance within the context of cultural, sporting and service ventures. Being part of a team or group is also a way to form friendships and have a lot of fun!
Homework:
At St Joseph’s we encourage our children to be active and develop interests outside the classroom. To support parents with this, homework will generally be short, skill-based activities to reinforce the work being done in the classroom. All homework will be written up in the notebook.At the senior level, homework includes:
1. Recreational reading. This is reading of the child’s choice. Try to vary authors and genre (types of books read). Children should be reading at home at least 15 minutes per day. With children who struggle with reading and comprehension, try taking turns at reading aloud from a favourite book or even a newspaper and discuss with them what they have read. Keep it fun so that your child looks forward to these sessions.
2. Spelling/Vocab
3. Current events
4. Basic facts5. Completion of class-work (for those who have not completed work in class time).
5.Research.(from time to time e.g. Science Fair term 2/3)The homework cycle will work generally as follows:
Monday: Homework set and written in homework notebook. Friday: Homework ready to be handed in. Please use the notebook also as an informal means of communication between home and school. It is your child’s responsibility to show you any messages from me and to show me any messages from you. Remember, if you have any problems or questions, please either see me quickly after school after I have completed road patrol duty, or for more in-depth discussions, make an appointment to see me.
Mathletics. This is a computer-based maths programme which is not only fun but also supports the mathematics programme taught in school. Each child is provided with their own password to access the site.
Topics this term.
RE: Prayer, Lent.
Topic: Caritas Unit: Conflict in a Troubled Land
English: Close Reading (Journal Studies), Language Skills (punctuation, grammar, handwriting, spelling)
Maths: Number and Geometry. Children will need to bring protractors and compasses if they have them.
PE : Swimming and team building. Children need to remember to bring their swimming togs everyday. Beach Safety Day at Waihi Beach 9th February. I am really looking forward to working with you this year, in helping your child achieve to their greatest potential.