Epals

We have sent our first emails off to our epals in Michigan. We've been really lucky to keep this going with the first school we started emailing.

You will need to make sure that you check you emails regularly. Remember, you can do this from home too. If you are having any computer problems at home, just let me know and you will have more time at school.

It would be really exciting if we could Skype them this time too. We will work on the times for that - this will fit in with your learning on time with Mrs Wilcox.

PROGRESSIVE STORYTELLING PROJECT and other news

What a busy week! We've has issues with the server at school so we haven't been able to publish some amazing poetry yet. Some of you may have heard a selection of the Stewart Island poems on Friday in assembly.

These will be published during the week and you will be able to view them and add comments. Comments are really important to encourage the children to keep writing. They also love the feedback. I guess we all do! :-)

This week, after the excitement of Pet Day, we will begin our new inquiry - can't give away too much at this stage but please keep checking the blog as it will very quickly become exciting I believe.

We have just begun our participation in the Digital Storytelling Project. This involves us working with 5 other classes - in the USA this time - to write a story together and add art to it. It's our turn in a week or so to add the next part. We check up on what others are writing and once the project is completed it is published in VoiceThread - the children will learn more about this tool during the next couple of weeks. The potential for collaboration and building an understanding of our own and other's cultures is incredibly exciting.

I will add a link to the site so that you can have a look at what we are up to.

Camp, Comments and Homework

Hi everyone, I hope you've had a restful weekend and are ready for some full-on learning this week.

If you have been leaving comments and are wondering why they haven't been published, have no fear - they will be soon. There seems to be a hiccup with the server at school and I'm not able to contact it to get my mail. All will be sorted out on Tuesday I'm sure.

Your homework this week will revolve around camp, Pet Day, and your new epals.

I'll bet you can't wait to share your camp memories with everyone at school. We will do this through many different forms of writing, art, photography, keynotes, podcasting - the possibilities are endless! I know you will come up with many more exciting ideas.

Our turn on the Digital Storytelling project is coming up very soon. We'll have to have a look tomorrow to see what others have come up with!

See you in the morning.

More Stunning Sand Sculptures

Check out some more amazing sculptures!

Room 8 Goes Slightly 'Normal' on Stewart Island

The title was Cameron's idea!

We've been having a ball on the Island - even if it's been a little damp and cold - and that's putting it mildly!

We've been fishing off the Golden Bay wharf, found out some interesting facts during the evening programme at DOC, we've done one steep walk - which wasn't too bad really and a shorter one to look at ferns.

We are really looking forward to the camp concert.

We were really sad when we found out we couldn't do the overnight camps because of the weather, but we are making up for that by camping out on the floor in the Community Centre.

Camp

6 sleeps to go till Room 8 go to Stewart Island and have the times of their lives, and drive Mrs Hughes MAD. In class we have been choosing games and activities to do as well as discussing our groups. On Friday we will be getting a visit from Hilary, who is a first aid teacher who will teach us some basic first aid, and other things we may need to know. So as you see we have had a very busy week and awesome one ahead to come.

McKeely

A Fantastic Kakapo Experience

The Unnatural History of the Kakapo will make its Invercargill debut on October 17, followed by a second screening on Oct 21. This is a fantastic film and would be great to go and see. It's a shame that we can't visit Sirocco this year, but this would be the next best thing!

Centrestage Theatre have donated the use of the theatre to screen this movie. Admission is only $5, so if you are able to, this would be a great opportunity to see one of the coolest birds on the planet!.

Part of your entry will go towards the protection and care of this endangered bird.

Come and see me if you would like more information.

Day 1 - and One Week to go Before Camp!

Hi everyone

A really busy day with an amazing group of kids. Everyone worked so hard on their camp

preparation. Some stunning art work for you to see before the week is out.

Everyone has their passwords and log-in information for the Smartkiddies site so please have a look and see what you think.

Samantha has made an outstanding keynote which she shared with all of us today - lots of great information about Stewart Island.

Everyone is very excited about camp! Now there's a surprise!!

Instead of writing a note for everyone today, I have emailed them. I'm really enjoying getting the emails back and reading what their goals are for the term - make sure they share them with you.

Don't forget the meeting for parents going on camp - it's in Rm 8 at 6.30pm. It won't be a long meeting. Treats come with this meeting so I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

New Maths Site to Try

Here is the link for a maths site that is similar to Mathletics. I would like you to be critical thinkers and
try it out then decide which one is more beneficial for your learning.
I will also put the link on the sidebar under your homework link.
You won't be able to access it until Monday as I have your passwords!
As always, if computers are a bit tricky at home, don't worry. You will get extra time at
school.
This is an Australian site that links directly to our Numeracy learning in NZ. There is lots
more information on the site for you and your parents to have a look at too.
http://www.smartkiddies.com.au

Holiday Happenings

Hi everyone! I'd love to read what you've been up to over the holidays. Add your thoughts as comments.
You could add in some thoughts about what you've been reading too.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS

Hi everyone! I hope you're having a great holiday. I have some funny Aus photos to show you when we return.
It's going to be an exciting term - Camp in Week 2!! Can you believe how quickly it's rolled around?
I hope you've been reading lots over the break and putting a little bit of practise into your Basic Facts.
Lots of great learning coming up this term. Something for everyone!
We are going to be inquiring into... Oops, nearly gave it away. Now that wouldn't be good would it?
Let's open up the discussion. Add your comments about what you think our inquiry focus might be this term.
Add it as a comment, and don't forget to include your name.
See you soon. Keep an eye on the blog over the next few days for more information, questions, discussion
starters and so much more.
Keep an an eye on the side bar for more cool sites too.
I was very good and did not work on the computer while I was away - always good to monitor how much
time we spend on our tech tools isn't it? I must admit though, that I have missed working on the blog -
don't tell anyone!!