Week 9, Term 4

Hello,

This week on Tuesday, Room 4 are having a morning tea called "Golden Christmas Morning", all children have chosen someone they would like to invite, some have invited a neighbour, grandparent or a parent. The children have been busy preparing.  The thought behind it was that we wanted to bring Christmas joy to others. All children need to bring a plate for the morning tea, (something appropriate for adults).

On Tuesday at 5pm is the Graduation Mass.

Wednesday is our Secret Santa day, if each child could bring a gift to school to the value of $5, that would be much appreciated.

Prize giving is on Thursday at 1pm.

Have an awesome week!

🌲

Week 8, Term 4

Hi All,

On Tuesday, Room 4 will be going down to the library.  This will be our last visit for the year.

Cricket Coaching will be on Tuesday and Thursday.

On Wednesday afternoon, we will be going to Alexandra Primary's production down at the Memorial Hall.

Also, for the end of the year Graduation Mass, it would be great to be able to offer the community food bank a variety of food for those during the festive season.  If you could start bringing in food for this, that would be fantastic.

Have a great week.

Week 7

Kia ora,

Week 7 is upon us already, roughly 3 weeks till the end of Term!

Eisteddfod
Thank you to those children who said their speech last week, everyone else will be expected to say their speech on Monday. 

The assembly for this is on Thursday at 1.30pm in the hall.

Wow, I think that is the quietest week in a long time!

St Gerard's Cook Book

‘THE SEASONAL COOK’

Together we can make this a $50,000+ fundraiser for our school!!

Two years ago conversations were happening around how we could raise a substantial amount of money for St Gerard’s. We talked about the need for a library to be reinstated, about the need for spaces for sciences, art and music so that classes could undertake exciting project based, student driven learning and about how we always felt like the school was running on a shoestring...what could we do to help? From these conversations ‘The Seasonal Cook’ was born.

For the past two years many of you have been involved in the project ‘The Seasonal Cook’. We would like to say thank you. Thank you for your recipes, your testing and tasting, your sponsorship and your time. We received over two hundred and fifty recipes for the book - and in the end we could only include just over a hundred and twenty recipes. It has been a huge effort and we are so proud of the book that has been produced.

‘The Seasonal Cook’ was launched two weeks ago with a Home Tour. Once again thank you for your
support of this tour. We have received lovely feedback about the tour and it is exciting to be able to
report that the home tour raised over $11,000. We also sold over 90 copies of the book on the day.
The success of this day and the support of our generous sponsors have enabled us to cover all the costs of printing our first run of books.

‘The Seasonal Cook’ is expected to raise over $50,000 just from this first print run. Once the books
have sold then the exciting process of community consultation and planning can begin on how to best
use the funds raised to benefit current and future students.

What we need for this to be a success, is for each one of us in our school community to actively
promote and try and sell ‘The Seasonal Cook’. It is $40.00 and there is a sample of the book at the
school office.
● Have you got yourself a copy of ‘The Seasonal Cook’?
● Do you have people to get Christmas presents for who would love ‘The Seasonal Cook’?
● Do you have family or friends, especially those who do not live in Alexandra, that would love a
stylish cookbook?
● Can you help out by manning a stall at the local markets to sell the books?

Books can be purchased at:
● The School Office (cash or EFTPOS)
● www.theseasonalcook.net

To send a message direct to the committee: email recipebook@stgerards.school.nz or
pm us on our facebook page “The Seasonal Cook St Gerard's School Cookbook”

Thank you for your support - what a great school community we have!

Week 6

Hello, 

Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend.  

This week, Monday-Wednesday we will have some children present their speech for Eisteddfod.  I know some children will need more time so those who need that extra time will present on the Monday, 26th of November. 

The assembly for this is on Thursday, 29th of November at 2pm.

Speech Eisteddfod 

Year 4's 2minutes 

Year 5's 2-2.5minutes 

Writing:

Write a speech using this structure:

*Introduction – Who? What? When? Why? How? Try an interesting question or comment to “grab” the audience’s attention.

*Paragraphs/Headings: Each paragraph will be about a different part of the topic. Show a clear sequence of ideas.

*Conclusion: Sum up your topic. Leave the audience with an interesting thought or message.

Presenting/Speaking:

·      Speak clearly so the audience can hear all that is said.

·      Use expression in your voice.

·      Pause for effect.

·      Use pictures or props to add interest.

·      Make eye contact with the audience.

Assessment	Developing (1)	Achieved (2)	Achieved to a high level (3)
Content Introduction “grabs” attention Clear structure (Opening/paragraphs/conclusion)
Clear sequence of ideas
Interesting vocabulary
Delivery/Expression Clear voice Good pace/used the full time Eye contact Stance/Props TOTAL =      / 24

Life Education 

We have two more sessions in the Life Education Van.  These will be on Monday and Tuesday. 

Central Otago Athletics zone is on Tuesday. 

Head Lice and Nits 

No cases have been reported in Room 4 but please check your child's hair as they are making the rounds at the moment. 

Enjoy the week ahead! 

Week 5, Term 4

Week 5 

Hello everyone, 

Tomorrow, the children selected for the Athletic Zone will be confirmed.  The Zones will be held on Tuesday. 

On Wednesday, Room 4 are going to hold a Saints day - where each child has chosen a Saint and has been doing some research at school on their chosen Saint.  On Wednesday, each child will need to dress up as their Saint and share their research.  

Thursday - Is the Teacher Strike day so the school is closed for the day. 

On Friday, we will have our first lesson in the Life Education caravan.  Our topic this year is on empathy and self management. 

This term for Eisteddfod, we are doing speeches.  Some children have already begun preparing their speech.  The assembly will be on Thursday 29th of November. I will give the children an outline of marking schedule this week.  

Remember school hats need to be worn during morning tea and lunch. 

Hope you all have a great week. 

😁

Week 4, Term 4

Good Evening, 

We have athletics rotations on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so please send children to school in sport's uniforms.

The Athletic Sports will be held on Thursday 8th November at Molyneux Park, with the postponement date being the following day, Friday 9th November.

The events will start at 9:30am and run through until approximately 2:45pm.

Students will need to wear their school sports uniform with track suits or track pants and school jersey over the top. Sun hats, sun block, a warm jacket and plenty to eat and drink are needed.

All children are to be at the park by 9:15am. If your child will be travelling to school by bus on the day, please let me know so that we know who to wait for, and your child will be walked or driven to the park – wait in the school office area once you get off the bus.

If you are able to help on this day at an event please email ollieyeoman@stgerards.school.nz. Thank you to those people who have already indicated that they are available to assist. These people need to meet Mr Yeoman in front of the steps at 9:15am on the day of the athletics.

The Athletic Sports timetable will be on the window in the school foyer to enable parents to plan ahead the best time to visit if possible. 


Library 
We will be heading down to the library on Tuesday, so if everyone can bring their books and library cards on this day. 

On Friday, there will be a mounted Rifles display on the field at 11.15-12.30.

Assembly is also on Friday this week, lead by Room 3.

Hope you all have a great week!

Week 3, Term 4

Wow, weren't the children amazing at the production!!  Everyone should be so proud of their efforts building up to the show and the 3 shows.  All children really stepped up and the hard work paid off.

Congratulations to the children who made their First Holy Communion and Confirmation today (Sunday), you all looked beautiful.  May the Holy Spirit guide you and be with you as you continue on your faith journey.

This week, we begin our preparation for Athletics.  We will be doing rotations in the afternoons so sports uniform can be worn.

The Kapa Haka group will be performing at the Thyme Festival tomorrow at around 1pm.

Tomorrow morning, we have our Class Mass instead of Whole School prayer, all welcome to join.

On Tuesday there is an open day for new enrolments.  If you know of anyone who might be thinking about coming to St Gerard's let them know about our Open Day!

Hope you all have a lovely week.

God Bless

Week 2, Term 4

We trust you have all had a wonderful long weekend! How amazing is this weather?!

Aladdin
Wednesday and Thursday of this week we have Aladdin Practise at the Town Hall.  So pick up at the end of the day is from down there. If your child catches the bus on these days, can you please let us know and we will ensure they are back at school at the correct time.

Tickets for the show can be purchased from the School Office.

First Holy Communion and Confirmation
This Sacrament will be celebrated this Sunday at 9am.

Busy week and some late nights but should be lots of fun seeing all of the hardwork everyone has put into the production coming together.

🌞

Week 1, Term 4

Welcome back to Term 4! 
We hope you all had a lovely break and are ready to start this busy term. 

This week in the afternoons, we will be continuing to practise for the production.  We will run our normal programme in the mornings. On Friday, the whole school will be walking down to the Town Hall to practise Aladdin. On this day (Friday, 19th) we ask all children are picked up from the Town hall at 3.00pm. If your child catches the bus, they will be brought back to school in time to catch their bus. Thank You! 

On Thursday, St Gerard's is participating in the nationwide 'Shake Out Drill', this is to practise what to do during an earthquake. 
These are the main points we will be going over before are:

• DROP down on your hands and knees. This protects you from falling but lets you move if you need to.
• COVER your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if it is within a few steps of you).
• HOLD on to your shelter (or your position to protect your head and neck) until the shaking stops. If the shaking shifts your shelter around, move with it.
• If there is no shelter nearby, or you are outside, DROP down on your hands and knees and COVER your head and neck with your arms and hands, and HOLD on.

Hope you all have a wonderful week. 

Week 10, Term 3

WEEK 10!! 😮

Welcome to Week 10! 

On Monday, we have Mercy Day, we were founded by the Sister's of Mercy.  St John's Ranfurly will be joining us on Monday, for Mass and games.  I please ask all children to bring a can to school on Monday, this will be donated to the Alexandra Food Bank.

Tuesday-Thursday will be production practise.  If all the boys costumes could come to school by Thursday in a named plastic bag.
Girls are sorted! 

On Friday, it is the Singing Eisteddfod assembly at 1.30pm. I will let children know on Monday who got through.

It was awesome, seeing so many familiar faces in the Blossom festival parade, well done to all those involved! What amazing weather.

We're on the home stretch to the school holidays, I hope everyone has a well deserved break and all children come back excited to put the final touches on our school production - Aladdin.

God Bless

😃

Beeswax Wraps

Some people have been asking where I bought the beeswax from.. http://www.wildpure.co.nz/Wildpur_1./Organic_Beeswax.html

The recipe I used was from here http://korukai.co.nz/index.php?fc=module&module=csblog&controller=post&id_cs_blog_post=27&category_parent=7

Claire :)

Week 9

Kia ora,

I hope everyone had a wonderful week last week.  The Year 3/4 camp was lots of fun. Here is a link to the mural that the children completed at the Dunedin Art Gallery.  https://education.dunedin.art.museum/workshops/early-new-zealand/otago-gold/goldfields-mural 

Thank you to all the parent helpers during camp and the donations of food.  We wouldn't be able to go on camp without all of your support so thank you!! 

We didn't get through all of the Eisteddfod performances so this will continue into this week. 

We are nearing the end of Term, over the next two weeks we will be doing a lot of practise for the production. 
Here's the line up for this week: 

Monday 
9am No Whole School Prayer 
Kaboom Show in school Hall. 
Aladdin Production Practise 
Room 4 visit to the library  

Tuesday - Aladdin Production Practise 

Wednesday - Nukes Ukulele Workshop
Nukes performance  
ICT parent information evening - 5.30-7.00pm

Thursday - Deano Show in Hall 
Confirmation Meeting in Chapel (for those doing this programme) 6.30-7.15pm

Hope you all have a wonderful week!! 

Week 8, Term 3

Kia ora koutou,

Thank you to Jelena, Sophie, Jada, David and Bella, Pippa and Alia who all played a part in the Mass today (Sunday), you were awesome! Thank you to those who came too, it was lovely seeing a full church!


Wow, and look at that camp week is here! Hope all the Year 4's will be busy packing their bags and getting sorted. Each child will have a booklet, with their Mihi Mihi in it.  It's very exciting that the children will have a very memorable Maori Language Week - with experiences they will remember forever. :D


Singing Eisteddfod
Year 4's will be performing their Eisteddfod on camp and the Year 5's will be doing their's towards the end of the week with Mrs Chamberlain. Below is the marking schedule. 

WALTs:

·       Prepare and present a song using performance skills and techniques

·       Reflect on the live performances of the eisteddfod songs

Introduction State the name of the song Tell about who wrote it and /or who recorded it Say why you chose it	/5
Pitch Staying in tune throughout the performance	/5
Diction Singing the words clearly so that we can hear each word Remember to put the "t" or "p'' at the end of words Sing loud enough for the audience to hear	/5
Audience suitability Choosing something that Years 4&5 will enjoy Words suitable for our age group Theme suitable for our age group	/5
Preparation Know the song off by heart Actions? Costume?	/5

Thank you to everyone who brought in fabric for our Honey wraps.  We have all made one, and the Year 4's will be using their wrap during camp. Year 5's will bring their one home during the week. 

Many thanks

Kia ora rawa atu

WEEK 7!

WEEK 7! 

Tomorrow, we will be going to the public library in the morning, so please bring library cards and books to return. 

The Kapa Haka group have a couple of performances on this week, Monday they are performing at Ranui in the afternoon and Tuesday morning they are performing at Dunstan Educare and Little Oaks. 

School Photos are on Thursday. 

School Mass is on Sunday at 9am. 

Thank you to all of those parents who have signed up to Seesaw, we will continue adding to this to share our learning in class. If you are having trouble signing up, please come in and see us, we are more than happy to help get you set up. 

Year 4 students, during camp you will be performing your Eisteddfod singing.  So please start preparing this.  Year 5's we will listen to your Eisteddfod in Week 9, so the week after camp, so start practising too!! 

ALADDIN Production 

Parents of Room 4 girls, I will send a note home this week, telling you how much the costumes were. 

Parents of Room 4 boys - for the Aladdin production, the boys are guards.  They will need to wear, black baggy pants (black trackpants or similar) which they can pull up under their knees.  Also a plain white t-shirt (a t-shirt with a symbol, can always be folded inside out), they will also wear a sash around their waist.

 If you could please start to organise the track pants and t-shirt and  if anyone has spare material that could be used as a sash, could you please contact me - clairedwyer@stgerards.school.nz 

Thanks! 

Assembly

Good evening,
Tomorrow Room 6 will be leading assesmbly not Room 4.
Thanks

Year 4 Camp

To Year 4 parents,
Camp Notices went home last Wednesday, please check in your child's bag if you have not received it.

As part of the Marae stay, each child needs to have a Mihi prepared to share with the group.
Below I have put a outline of what their Mihi should look like.  If you and your child could complete this and email it to clairedwyer@stgerards.school.nz then I will print them off and keep them in a folder for camp. (I have one completed for Sam and Ted already).

Kia ora koutou (Greetings)

Ko ________ te maunga (mountain).

Ko __________ te awa (river).

Ko _______________ te whenua (land – Central Otago)

Ko _________ tōku mama (mother)

Ko  ______ tōku papa (father)

Ko St Gerards taku kura (school)

E   _______ oku tau (age)

Nō ______________ ahau (Where I was born)

Ko ______________ tōku ingoa whānau (Last name).

Ko ______ tōku ingoa (First name).

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

(Greetings again).

Week 5, Term 3

Welcome to Week 5, half way through the term already!! 

We will be going to the library on Monday.  I'm sorry, I've had to make changes to this so it is incorrect on the Term Planner I gave out. 

We have begun practising songs for our production, which is Aladdin. 

Gymnastics on Wednesday, so children need to be in sports uniform. 

Thank you to those who have linked themselves to their child's Seesaw account.  I have been putting photos up of children who were at school when they made Ice Cream. 

If you need a new  sheet on how to register, please contact me and I can print this off for you. clairedwyer@stgerards.school.nz 

Feel free to comment to your child on Seesaw.

Have a great week! 

Week 4, Term 3

Camp:  All Year 4 children were given more information about the camp, with names of parent help, hopefully you all received this. 

Wednesday: No school due to teacher strike.  All teachers in the Central Otago region will be gathering in Pioneer park around midday, feel free to come down and support us. 

Thursday: Soccer training, please wear your sports uniform. 

Friday: Assembly - At assembly on Friday, all the Year 4's will be presented with a dictionary from Rotary. 

Have a great week. 

Cash Calendar survey

The PTA have set up a survey about the Cash Calendar.  If you could all please complete this survey they would very much appreciate this.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HKYYTVS

Thanks!

Week 3, Term 3

Kia Ora, 

On Monday, Room 4 will be heading down to the public library, so please bring library cards and books that need returning. 

Wednesday is Gymnastics so sports uniform can be worn. 

This week, I am going to set up a programme called Seesaw.  It is a programme where the children can share their learning with you as parents.  I will send a letter home with details about how to sign up and the kids will learn how to sign in. 

Thursday - Zone Cross Country - 9.40am-2pm 

Have a great week! 

Week 2, Term 3

Week 2, Term 3 

First of all, Bridget and I really enjoyed watching the children share their learning with parents last week.  It was fantastic seeing even the quieter students in Room 4, stepping up and sharing their work.  Well Done Room 4!

Cross Country is on Monday afternoon.  Children can be picked up from the Cross country, please just let Neroli Laidlaw know when you are taking your child home. 

Library - We will be going to the library in Week 3 on Monday.  If you are getting overdue notices, don't worry too much as child library cards do not get overdue fines. :D

Year 4 Camp
If we could please have all permission slips for the Year 4 camp back by Monday please.  We need to organise who the adult help will be.  Also we are having a parent meeting on Tuesday at 7pm, it will be great to share our camp itinerary with you.

Thanks!

Claire Dwyer

Square or rectangle Mirrors Wanted

Hello,
If you have a small square or rectangular mirror at home, could you please bring this along to school.
😀

Term 3 - Week 1

Welcome back everyone to Term 3! We hope you had a lovely break. 

In Week 1 (Tuesday and Wednesday), we have three way conferences, if you haven't done so already please jump on to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and use the code dm3gr and then follow the steps to book your interview. 

The children in Room 4, will be leading part of this conference and will be showing parents their books and discussing their learning. Here are some questions you might ask your child during the conference time. 

 

We will hand out a Planner for Term 3 during the conferences. 

Play Is the Way 
On Tuesday we are starting a programme called 'Play is The Way' - this is a programme that teaches Social and Emotional skills using guided play, classroom activities and empowering language.  The whole school will be doing this Tuesday-Thursday at 12.30-12.45 and their will be a different game each week.  Room 4 will also be doing activities during the week which are called "Life Rafts". 

Gymnastics - Each Wednesday at 10.30-11.15 Room 4 will be doing gymnastics in the school hall.  This programme runs for 8weeks. 

Reconciliation
If your child is making their First Reconciliation there will be a meeting on Thursday at 6.30 in the chapel. 

Year 4 Parents! 

A quick update to allow people time to plan. Once we have everything confirmed, a note containing all information will come home on the first day of term 3. This note will include a slip to complete, for parents who wish to accompany us on this trip, which will need to be returned to school mid week 1. This will allow time for police vetting to be undertaken. Our BOT require all parents attending overnight camps to undergo this process, as part of their approval of the camp. This approval has already been gained from our BOT. We will require 10 parents. This year we also require a Dad who is prepared to speak for us at the marae. 

There will be a parent meeting in week 2 for all parents, where the confirmed programme will be presented, along with more finalised costings.

Dates: Wednesday 12^th September/Friday 14^th September

Leaving 8:30 returning 3:30 – 4pm.

Learning Outcomes for:

Maori, Health and P.E, Science & Social Sciences, Art

Accommodation:

Wednesday 12^th: Dunedin Holiday Park

Thursday 13^th: Otakou Marae – Otago Peninsula 

We're looking forward to seeing you all at the conferences! 

Year 3 & 4 Camp, Term 3

Year 4 Parents! 

A quick update to allow people time to plan. Once we have everything confirmed, a note containing all information will come home on the first day of term 3. This note will include a slip to complete, for parents who wish to accompany us on this trip, which will need to be returned to school mid week 1. This will allow time for police vetting to be undertaken. Our BOT require all parents attending overnight camps to undergo this process, as part of their approval of the camp. This approval has already been gained from our BOT. We will require 10 parents. This year we also require a Dad who is prepared to speak for us at the marae. 

There will be a parent meeting in week 2 for all parents, where the confirmed programme will be presented, along with more finalised costings.

Dates: Wednesday 12^th September/Friday 14^th September

Leaving 8:30 returning 3:30 – 4pm.

Learning Outcomes for:

Maori, Health and P.E, Science & Social Sciences, Art

Accommodation:

Wednesday 12^th: Dunedin Holiday Park

Thursday 13^th: Otakou Marae – Otago Peninsula 

Hope you all have an amazing holiday! We look forward to catching up at the beginning of next term at Student Led Conferences. :D 

Week 10

Hi All, 

Monday we will be visiting Alexandra library, please remember books to return and your library card.

Monday and Tuesday, we will be listening to everyone share their poem. Thanks to those who have already performed, we have been very impressed so far! 
Eisteddfod assembly will be on Thursday - 1.30pm 

Tuesday and Thursday we have ice skating, please remember warm clothes - jacket, socks, gloves and helmet. A change of clothes is a good idea just incase you get wet! 

On Wednesday, we are on Mass.  All are welcome. Those children who are altar servers will be presented with a cross to wear on their uniform that Fr Vaughan will bless. 
Also on Wednesday at 2.30pm we have Brett Fairweather coming to school to do a Jump Jam session, which will be loads of fun! 

Alexandra Pastoral Area Sacramental Programme 2018
(First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion)
The programme begins with a parent meeting on Thursday 5 July at 7pm in the
church side chapel (accessed from the back of the church). Child and parent
preparation sessions will take place on Thursday evenings. Timetables etc. will
be covered at the parent meeting. Please be aware that children are eligible to
receive these Sacraments when they reach 7 years-of-age. Please enrol your
child in the programme ASAP. Enrolment forms are available in the church foyer
and St Gerard’s School office. Enquiries to: Fr Vaughan 03 448 9615
frvjpleslie@yahoo.com or Loretta Fonseca 03 449 2477 kiwis2001@xtra.co.nz

Three Way Conferences 
Interviews are Week 1, Term 3, Tues 24th July and Wed 25th July.
Please go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and use the code dm3gr and then follow the steps to book your interview. We hope you will all take this opportunity to talk with us.

We hope you all have a safe and relaxing holiday.
Blessings,
Claire Dwyer 

Week 9, Term 2

Thank you to all of those families who attended Sunday Mass, it was a lovely celebration and really special to witness 5 children from our school being baptised. 
A special thanks to Tara, Pippa, David, Jelena, and Alia who all helped out during the Mass.

Poetry Eisteddfod 
Please continue to prepare for Poetry Eisteddfod, the marking schedule is in a previous post.  Those that are ready will have a chance to start to presenting on Wednesday morning and then we will continue presentations in Week 10 - Monday and Tuesday.

Ice Skating 
Ice Skating is on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Please remember to bring your helmet, jacket and gloves.

Cultural Assembly
On Thursday at 1.30 there will be a Cultural Assembly, there will be a variety of cultural performances  - Room 4 will have Charlotte K performing a dance, a Maori stick routine and a Haka.
All are welcome to come and watch.

We hope you have a lovely week!

Poetry Eisteddfod

To save paper, I have just posted the Eisteddfod Poetry information here. :D

Year 4 & 5 Poetry Eisteddfod - information sheet

WALTs:

·      Present a poem to an audience

·      Use a clear voice

·      Listen attentively to the presentations

·      Talk about the presentations and help choose our assembly presenters

Marks	What I could do ….
Introduction  5	Say the name of your poem Say the name of the poet Say why you chose the poem
Presentation      10	Say your poem with expression Use the full stops, commas, speech marks and other punctuation Make eye contact with the audience Keep your head up Try not to rush Look like you are enjoying sharing your favourite poem
Preparation 5	Know your poem off by heart Speak slowly Choose a poem that the Room 4 audience will like
Voice          5	Use a loud voice so that we can all hear Keep your head up so that your voice projects Speak slowly Use expression