Kia ora whānau!

We are already nearing the end of week 2. Our classes, Mataī Tahi and Mataī Rua are settling in nicely and all staff are passing on fantastic feedback about the work being achieved and students much more engaged with less distractions. This is great news!  

We have a very busy term with a few different things happening. This term hosts:

• Winter Tournament (rugby, netball, football, hockey) and many of our tamariki have opted to join in this. Please check with your child to see if they have. If you are unsure, contact their classroom teacher (emails below).
• We will have several outings in relation to our William Pike Challenge, both for the physical adventure aspect and the community service. If your child has not completed their passion project hours, this will also need completing in their own time.
• In Week 10, it is the senior swim week. We will head to EA Networks for swim lessons each day that week.
• Many of you will have hopefully also heard that this term is our local Science Fair. 
• Tuesday Week 3 will see a group of our students competing in Aoraki Maths Competition in Timaru
• Later in the term some of our students are participating in the LDA school dance challenge at the Ashburton Events Centre (tickets on sale now)
• Flava Festival is on this term for those students in Kapa Haka

Science Fair will use a lot of learning time this term as a multi-disciplinary topic, covering maths, literacy, science and other curriculum areas. Please discuss with your child what fair tests they are conducting for this. As they will be conducting research as part of their science fair, it would certainly be beneficial for them to have their own headphones at school. Students often watch documentaries as part of research which can get rather loud with several at once. The office are happy to get some on your behalf, these cost $15/pair. 

Please check with your child if they are missing any stationery. Several students seem to be lacking in pencils/pens. We also ask that all student get a whiteboard pen, as they are using white boards often in maths. If they can have these on Monday that would be fantastic.

We've been in touch with many of you already this term, but please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

Mataī Tahi - Angela Winchester (angela.winchester@ashborough.school.nz) or Jackie Brown (jackie.brown@ashborough.school.nz)

Mataī Rua - Jolene Lewis (jolene.lewis@ashborough.school.nz)

Pō marie - good evening!  Tomorrow marks the start of our work towards the community service part of the William Pike Challenge. We will spend tomorrow off site giving back to the community. Our senior cohort will split into two groups. 1 group will be tidying around the domain, weeding/picking up rubbish while the other group will volunteer their time with one of the local preschools. The two groups will then swap roles (with a different preschool). If you need to get in touch with your child, please contact the school office and we will be able to direct you to their approximate location and can contact their teachers for you. 

Our students are working towards 20 hrs of community service which can be done in or out of school. If your child volunteers their time outside of school (coaching/reffing, charity work) please remind them to record their hours. 

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. Please still wear school uniform tomorrow. 

Kind regards,

Year 7/8 team

Kia ora koutou Toetoe friends and families

It has been great being back at school, settling back into our learning routines and reconnecting with each other.  This term we have begun a learning enquiry into Planet Earth and Beyond.  We have been exploring the different planets in our solar system, beginning with Mercury, Venus and Mars, learning some interesting facts about each planet.  Later in the term we will look more closely at planet Earth and what makes our planet unique.

Fundraising Events

• Year 6 Camp - You child will have brought home an order form for Naked Baker Pies.  These are great value at only $8.50ea and is helping to raise funds for our Year 6 Camp to Living Springs.  Orders are due by 15th August with delivery for the 29th August.
• William Pike Challenge - Ashburton Borough School are hosting a quiz night on Friday 8th August.  Funds raised will cover the school's contribution to the William Pike Challenge.  For further details, see our Facebook page. 

Upcoming dates:

July 25th - We have our first art day this Friday at the Ashburton Borough School town site.  We will travel by bus, leaving Lagmhor at 9am and returning by 2:55pm.

August 8th - 2nd Art Day at Borough

August 22nd - 3rd Art Day at Borough

August 25th-29th - Swim week at EA Networks.  More details to come.

September 19th - Final day of Term 3

Ngā mihi

Jason

jason.taylor@ashborough.school.nz