Thursday's Theme..

..is 'Change' and on Tuesday the children saw lots of exhibits related to this theme. We were at the Canterbury Museum and Discovery area, and all children had been primed with an 'online visit' last Thursday. It was a successful day, in terms of both enjoyment and learning.

                                                            "Getting taller every year…"

                                           Lutece, Neve and Chloe at the Discovery section

                                              Caleb and Nathanael ride the Ski-Doo

Friday's Final...

…was the Patiki Poetry final. Studio 23 were well represented by Hoani, Shelby, Arman and Chloe J. Great work Arman and Shelby who were awarded first and third, respectively, by our guest judges, Mrs Lott and Mr Guthrie.

Tuesday's Triumph...

...for Patiki team was the production of Little Red Rocking Hood last week. On Tuesday last the 3 classes combined talents to present 2 quite outstanding performances before the school and adult audiences. On Wednesday selected members went to Anneliese Rest Haven, complete with props, to do it all again. I was most impressed with the teamwork, talent and energy of the children. A big 'Ka Mate' - Awesome!

Wednesday's Writing..

..is a descriptive passage about New Zealand. The children have been studying our beautiful country, and
as part of this learned to write a description. The introduction and conclusion (or 'evaluation') were shared writing, with the main body being the children's words. Solomon completed the thoughtful piece, below, which he also read aloud to the residents at Anneliese last Wednesday. Great work Solomon and Studio 23!

"New Zealand, or Aotearoa as it is known in Maori, is the land of the long white cloud. New Zealand lies in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of three main islands, being North, South and Stewart Islands.
  New Zealand is cold in the Southern Alps, and not too hot elsewhere. It is about the size of Japan and the British Isles. The population is around 4.5 million people. The tallest mountain is Mt Cook, or Aoraki which is in the South Island. The tallest in the North Island is Ruapehu at 2797m height. Auckland is the biggest city but not the capital; it used to be Auckland. Wellington is the capital and has a famous building called the Beehive. Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Masterton, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Hokitika, Greymouth, Christchurch, Westport, Timaru, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill are all the main cities or smaller centres.
  New Zealand is a country full of natural wonders. The people are friendly and it is home to the unique Maori culture. Why wouldn't you plan to visit soon?"

Wednesday's Wishes...

..went towards the elders at Anneliese Haven, during this Peace Week. Today the children completed a cube as part of our study on shapes. They then put a small gift of 2 chocolates in each of these cubes, and took them as a gift for the residents. Amber is pictured creating her cube and sharing it with her 'buddy' at Anneliese. Other initiative during Peace Week include the planting of our Magnolia mascot, by the Peer Mediators, and a planned flower distribution on Friday. Peace!

Wednesday's Wackiness...

...involved witches, pirates, princesses and knights, just to name a few! Yes, it was Fairy Tale dress up day and the children looked fabulous. The day's activities revolved around the theme of fairy tales, and the children involved themselves with presenting a play and dance, firstly before the Patiki team and then at Anneliese Haven. I was proud of the way we all managed a busy and exciting day...and just look at us!

Tuesday's Traffic..

...includes these 3 little racers!..part of the wearable arts display that takes part in the hall on Friday for Patiki, and Monday next for the entire school. Check out Chloe, Caleb and Wyatt in their respective vehicles, and Holly looking sharp in her outfit.

Tuesday's Trimmings..

... are the ones children had to their hair during crazy hair day last week...and in keeping with the 'T' theme, check out Troy and Tahlia's terrific top trims.
S23 also hosted Whanau time and Max and Neve did a great job of announcing on the day. Well done!

Thursday's Thoroughfare...

...is the one children ran around yesterday - the cross country circuit. Well done to a number who really challenged themselves to improve...and did so...and those who had placings in the top ten.  Holly came 1st in the Y4 girl's run. Great work Holly!

                                            Kyle and Jewlz await the beginning of the course            

                                              Holly on her way to first place for the  Y4 girls

Joshua is all concentration 

Thursday's Thoughts

Yesterday the children enjoyed a great show from the Playhouse Theatre called "The Big Sad Wolf." It served a dual function in providing some hilarity for the class, while also allowing them to see how simple staging and costuming with just 3 people can provide such theatre. Attached are some photos from the afternoon performance.

Tuesday's Themes...

...were fitness, fun and challenge. Today the Patiki Team took part in a 'Sports Spectacular' organised by local sporting bodies, and run by a combination of 'specialists' and high school students. The children 'had a ball'- literally and figuratively! Look at them go...

                                             Tahlia attempts to hit a four in cricket skills
                                       
                                            Hoani, Alfie and Chloe lend a hand at tug-of-war

Amber and Colombia attempt to outdo one another in paper,scissors, rock

Thursday's Theme...

...is Art..more specifically Animal Art. This term S23 have worked on two themes related to Animals; Under the Ocean Waves and, more recently, Insects. As part of these studies, the children completed Art activities related to these themes. Check out the results some of the children have produced, which now adorn our studio. Feel free to pop in and have a look :)

                                                        Beetles from our Beetle Tree
                                                                                                                           
          Beautiful Monarch Butterflies                                                      Our Fish Mobile

                                                                        

                                                     

Thursday's Thoughts

As outlined in today's newsletter, S23 are creating a special relationship with the residents at Anneliese Haven. The attached photos show some of the children working on an Art activity, while Neve and Shelby have connected with Shirley and Brenda respectively.

Swim Time!

Welcome to the first post in Studio 23's new Blog site. Recently we have been spending a lot of time in the pool, learning skills for water competency and survival. The children enjoy this time and are making progress towards being competent in a number of areas.