Meeting a local photographer

We are lucky enough to have a number of talented photographers in the parent community.
After taking our macro photos we wanted to look at improving our photography and deepen our understanding of "what makes a great photo".


Matai went to visit a local photographer and learn more about the effect of lighting when taking a photo.

We looked at different ways that you can light a subject and the effects that this has on the final product. He also discussed how to frame a subject and the best way to use the school cameras to get the best shots using the camera flash, as well as natural lighting.

We finished the visit with a funny photo shoot of students....

Focus for PE in the middle school

Every Wednesday afternoon we have sport - weather permitting. The focus for this term is catching and throwing with accuracy. Outside we are using small balls to practice the skill of throwing and catching. In the hall we have set up the new volleyball nets to practice throwing and catching with accuracy by playing the game of Kiwivolley.
It is great to see the skills of each group developing week by week.

If you would like to learn more about Kiwivolley check out this link.

Compensation and Rounding Strategy

In maths, Star Ninja and Bubble Bobble have begun learning to use the maths strategy of rounding and compensating. Basically it is borrowing off one number and adding it to another (to make a tidy number) making it faster to add together.

In this basic example we have taken from 2 from 45 and added it to the 38 to make the equation
45 + 40 = ___

Have a go at this example:

145 + 56 = ____         What do you need to "take" to make a tidy number?

Bubble Bobble then celebrated their newly learnt strategy by playing a little calculator golf!

Vortex Wars

After focusing hard on our reading today (generating questions from the text), we got to go outside and enjoy some sunshine. Vortex Wars is a game we invented - it is a bit like a giant game of darts. The field is divided in half and each team has to throw the vortex into one of the scoring zones on the opponent's side. Points can also be won if you defend your zones by catching the vortex before it hits the ground (not like darts).
 Today we decided to introduce the rubber chicken into the game as well.

Song for Singing and Assembly:

Link to Waimarie Smith

Macro Photography

For art this week we decided to embrace photography - macro photography to be specific.
After looking at some examples of macro photography and building criteria around what makes a good photo it was time to explore the school up close!

Here is a small selection of our photos...

Welcome Back!

Everyone had a great holiday - rested and already working hard again.
We have been focusing on the key competencies of thinking, participating & contributing and managing self. It has helped us to build class criteria on how we learn, be organised and act like an awesome class member in Matai.

The last couple of weeks have been about setting up class expectations and routines so we can have a successful and supportive year in Matai!