Welcome back to Term 2. We are using the big idea of persuasion this term and the class are really buzzing about this interesting topic. We have already had some amazing discussions with heaps of higher order thiinking. Particularly about Osama Bin Laden and ANZAC day. We will be looking further into advertising and linking this to speeches and also science fair.
I had a great holiday and enjoyed resting and planning my trip to america in August.
This term will be full of hard work and new learning.

Yipeee.
We all have blogs. This has started well and we have serious rules around using these responsibly and for their intended purpose which is to gain an audience and feedback for our thinking.
Tonight your homework is to show your parents your blog and complete your poster.

Yesterday was a fabulous writing course hosted by kaihere school and led by the amazing Sally Muir. It was based on how to get children enthused about writing and feel that they have something worth sharing. It was a great day and i learnt many ideas to put into practice into the classroom. I enjoy any chance to learn new things and believe my teaching should always reflect new practice, tried and true methods and also my students needs and passions. I believe there are many ideas that my different students bring to the class and our draft books should reflect this.

Another week is over. The triathlon was a great success. It is always great to see the talents of new students. It is still quite hot, however the pool is getting rather chilly. We will continue swimming and next week brenda McLaighlan will be offering training in breatstroke.

Another week has ended. it has been filled with learning and has been very busy with PAT tests and also Milo cricket. There never seems to be enough hours to do it all. The wiki and blog are looking great. I really want each child to have their own blog. So we can gain feedback for our writing and really address our learning intentions and also thinking.

PAT reading comprehension is underway. The students are reading and demonstrating their understanding. It is a beautiful crisp day this morning. The fog is quite thick as I drive to school.Our Milo cricketers were successful yesterday facing a tough opponent. I am currently writing the news letters for districts swimming and will require helpers for a variety of vital tasks. Don't forget to write comments on the blog and also vote in our blog poll.
MM

Today has started in a very foggy way with my drive to school this morning. it would appear winters icy finger is coming. The day is now beautiful and bright. The hearing and vision lady is here today all Year 7s have been tested. Today also marks the beginning of the PAT tests. This year we will have the results sent to NZCER to take a look at where our children need support and where their strengths are. We have a minute silence today to mark the earthquake. Yesterday we raised almost $300 with our wheels day. Room 7 continues to be a busy place and the students are enjoying learning new subjects and varied approaches. The term is flying by and i always take this as a sign we are filling our days with thinking and purpose and we are occupied with new ideas and creativity.