Nau mai, haere mai St Joseph’s Whanau
It is now Week 4 of a 10 week term and time is flying by. Children are focused and showing real dedication in their learning. They do us all proud, in how well they relate to each other and how they give their best efforts in all their work.
Zero Waste: This week Vicky, from Zero Waste, has been visiting all classes teaching children about "Recycling, Reusing, Reducing" and how we can better look after our planet. Children are passionate about this learning focus and it links nicely with our Wearable Arts theme for the term.
Wearable Arts: Wearable Arts activity is happening in every class with children starting to bring in the resources. There is real excitement in the classes as ideas and inspiration are starting to multiply. Please encourage your children in their creative ideas and gathering of resources to make their outfits.
Teachers are also learning: All teachers across the country are preparing to deliver the new New Zealand Histories Curriculum. This week our teachers have been further developing their understanding by visiting the Morrinsville Museum, exploring the exhibits and talking with the very knowledgeable people there. Also this week teachers are viewing the movie "Whina" as part of their professional learning. The movie very effectively tells the story of Dame Whina Cooper and her family, including the impact of land confiscation on her family, her childhood living in a raupo hut, through to instigating the building of a carved meeting hall for returning WWII veterans, her role in the Maori Women's Welfare League, and leading the 1975 peaceful Land March Hikoi from Northland to Wellington which became a major prompt of awareness for starting Waitangi Treaty negotiations.
Star Jam: Children participated with enthusiasm and vigor in the Star Jam dance exercises. We saw many creative interpretations of what it means to be a "star" and a good amount was raised for the Star Jam Trust supporting children with disabilities. A video of photos can be seen on the school Facebook.
Prayer Garden: This last week has seen the instillation of the Cross and cross-cultural totems in our Prayer Garden. These new features were designed and painted by a previous student Kase Rowling-Colebourn. Children are showing real interest in the imagery on the cross and identifying the countries belonging to the flags on the totems.
A prayer for the coming week:
Thank you Lord for the gift of Your creation and life itself.
Thank you for creating us in Your image.
Thank you for creating us as unique individuals
each with different strengths, gifts, and personalities
You have blessed us,
we pray that You might help us to be a blessing to others
and be a witness for You, in all we do and say.
Every blessing and have a great week.
Paul Cooper
Relieving Principal
