WELCOME TO WEEK 2!

 

WOW - what a great week has been had in Matawara. It has been great to reconnect with all of the team, and see them all happy and well rested for the term to begin. We have been delving into persuasive language techniques, and learning a reliable framework from which to construct a speech. 

We have also been studying the 'Challenge the Process' element of our Leadership programme. We viewed THIS clip which is a beautiful illustration of the challenges some people have in their everyday lives, and how they don't let them limit what they can do. It is worth watching as a family and having a discussion, as it is a REAL eye opener to what is possible!

Of course, you can never just watch something and do nothing about it... so in true Matawara fashion, each of our team then had their OWN process challenged, in an unusual way! Everyone needed to experiment with painting by holding a paint brush in their FEET! It was a fabulous time! We had an experimental afternoon, and then a masterpiece needed to be created! As you can see from the photos, it was a heap of fun!

Some of the observations we made (and goals were set against these) were that all of the children fell into one of the following categories - 
1. I gave up
2. I cheated 
3. I found it hard and messed it up on purpose 
4. I did my absolute best and never gave up despite the obvious challenges. 

These observations alone created quite the discussion! 

Let's figure this out! 

And the masterpieces BEGIN!

SPEECH COMPETITION - 

We have started our preparation for our speeches! This is a major focus for us for the first half of this term, with the three Year 8 finalists competing against Ohoka School in Week 6 for the right to compete in the Rotary Speech Competition at the Rangiora Town Hall on Monday 13th June! All Year 7's will go through the same process, with them presenting to our whole team, as training for next year. 

Our whole team watch the inter-school competition, as it is a super experience to learn some of the finer skills of presentation at a high level.

Of course a large portion of our timetable is dedicated to this aspect of our Literacy program, however there will be a necessity for all children to work on their speeches at home also, in order to feel prepared. Get ready, as you will no doubt be asked to be an audience at home for the many hours of practise!  

KAIAPOI HIGH SCHOOL VISIT - 

On Thursday some of the students and staff of Kaiapoi High will come to us and speak about what to expect as a Year 9 at KHS. This will be at 11am, and all children will participate in this. 

LEADERSHIP - 
Year 8's should be developing their Research and Skill Building around their projects. This is where they are completing all of the LEARNING they need to do, so they can successfully carryout their project. The things that could be included (but should NOT be limited to) - lesson planning, emailing and securing bookings, designing dance routines, visiting experts, maintaining their Leadership diary and much more. Remember, Year 8's should be spending at least 1.5 hours per week on their project.

Year 7's are to be working on 

CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING - 

As we are getting ready for our annual Cross Country at the Kaiapoi Pony Club, we will be taking part in fitness training, and games to raise our heart rates! This being said, children need to ensure they have shoes that are appropriate for running at school, in addition to wearing deodorant each day! 

Take care, 

Kristie, Linda, Jenny and Helen. 

LOOKING FORWARD... 

WEEK 2 - 

* MONDAY - New school Logo Launch (11am in the MPF) 
* THURSDAY - Camp Wellington Pizza Fundraiser! (Sarah Long and Maree Breen are doing this one - please be set up in the Library by 8:30am)

* FRIDAY - Tech - ALL DAY - Bus leaves at 9:15am SHARP!

* FRIDAY - Camp Wellington Chocolate at the Gate Fundraiser! (Walton Family - please be set up outside the main gate by 2:45pm) 

WEEK 3 - 

* TUESDAY - Clarkville Cross Country (more info to come!)

* THURSDAY - School Assembly in the MPF - 9:10am

WEEK 4 - 

* TUESDAY - PCT Police Competition - good luck to our Year 7 and 8 Team! 
* THURSDAY - Camp Wellington Pizza Fundraiser! (Lois Monteba and Debbie McLaughlin are doing this one - please be set up in the Library by 8:30am)

* FRIDAY - Tech - ALL DAY - Bus leaves at 9:15am SHARP!

* FRIDAY - Camp Wellington Chocolate at the Gate Fundraiser! (Long Family - please be set up outside the main gate by 2:45pm)