Letter to parents

The summer holidays are just around the corner and it will be important that your child continues to practise his/her English daily. A great way to do this is to have your child participate in activities that allows your child to speak English with other children. A ‘play date’ with an English speaking friend is always a good idea. Also, Parnell Trust runs a holiday programme right here at school. More information can be found on this website: http://www.parnell.org.nz/Parnell-Trust-Children-School-Holiday-Programmes-Intro.htm

There are a range of other holiday activities on offer throughout Auckland. The best website to look at is:

http://www.aucklandforkids.co.nz/general-school-holiday-programmes.html

The ‘Mind Lab’ also offers a range of digital learning – coding, animation, 3D design & printing, film making, robotics plus loads more.  Their website is- http://themindlab.com/workshop/school-holiday-camps/

All Auckland libraries also offer the ‘Dare to Explore’ reading adventure for children aged 5-13 and more information can be found at - http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/kids/dare/Pages/dare-to-explore.aspx

Don’t forget to also have your child keep up with their reading by accessing the Sunshine Online website - www.sunshineonline.com.au  Username: parnellesol     Password: room10

Please also encourage your child to write regularly to build up their interest and enjoyment. It doesn’t matter if they are writing on the computer, in a book, or on a whiteboard. Below are 2 websites that may help to motivate your child to write, both are interactive and easy to use.

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/writing-prompts/

http://writingexercises.co.uk/children/index.php

http://www.storyjumper.com/

https://littlebirdtales.com/

Lastly, I have resigned from Parnell District School and will move to a new school next year. I have very much enjoyed working with your child(ren) this year and am always so impressed with how much they learn in such a short amount of time. Please keep speaking your home language at home, the benefits of being bilingual are strongly documented. I’ll leave you with this article to read at your leisure - http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160811-the-amazing-benefits-of-being-bilingual

Have a safe & relaxing summer holiday.

Sincerely,

Anna Hedstrom

Marae trip with Rooms 1, 2, 4 and 16

A gorgeous day to visit Orakei Marae - a fun day of learning was had by all. Many thanks to all our parent helpers, you were awesome!

Maori Pepeha's

Our Pepeha's are written and we can now look forward to our field trip to Orakei Marae tomrrow! More information about Pepeha's can be found here - http://www.maori.org.nz/tikanga/default.php?pid=sp72&parent=71

Our Rangoli Pattern with coloured rice

Today we finally made our Rangoli pattern with our coloured rice and diyas. The older children helped design it and draw it with white chalk and then the younger children joined us later to help with the rice and the diyas.

Henna

Today we were very lucky to have Namita (a Teacher Aide) in our room today to teach us more about Henna. Here are some of our creations! For more information about Henna art please visit this website - http://www.art-is-fun.com/henna-hand-designs

Diwali - Making Diyas

Yesterday the children continued to learn more about Diwali (the Hindu 'Festival of Lights') and we used clay to make Diyas. Today we painted and decorated each one and then  we will add these to our big Rangoli pattern which we will be making later in the week.