Richie's on top of the world!

On 13.5.16 one of my oldest friends, Richie Hunter, summited Everest. This was his 3rd attempt as a guide for Himalayan Experience. Richie has worked his guts out to achieve this feat and has pushed through physical and mental realms that 99.9% of the human population will never experience nor fully understand. He is truly inspirational and at only 29 years of age, it is mind boggling to think about what he could still achieve in his lifetime. Mate, thanks for continuing  to inspire me and everyone else you associate with. Go well. Looking forward to seeing you 'state side'. 

cave stream reflection

I’ve been through Cave Stream many times but every time feels like the first. Yesterday was special. We’ve had a massive Term at school. We were all ‘hanging out’ for this challenge; we needed it. One of the best aspects of taking children into the outdoors is watching their unique cycles of anticipation; witnessing their anxieties and sharing in their excitement. Individually, they deal with the build-up in their own ways. Some verbalise to their peers, many internalise and a few are secure enough to make their worries and fears known to all! I love watching this. The whole process of adventure reveals a lot about the child - much of which would otherwise never be revealed in a school setting. Watching how they cope, then overcome their fears enhances my ability to cater for their needs both in and outside the classroom.

Cave Stream trip is on

Cave Stream trip is on. See you at school :)

boomwriter engages

Emma B, winner of Chapter 2, explains how Boomwriter works in Room 8: Boomwriter 

Parents, when Chromebooks start going home (Easter), please get involved with your child's current Boomwriter entry. Your feedback and encouragement is inspirational. If you'd like advice and guidance on how to give effective feedback in relation to their writing, please book a time to see me. I'd be happy to help :)

dynamic start

It's been quite some time since my last post. Our start to the year, across the school, has been full-on. We have been engaging in a number of new testing and follow-up analysis in order to report more efficiently and consistently across the Grey District cluster. Researchers from Auckland University are conducting studies of Toki Pounamu outcomes which has naturally placed a huge emphasis on reporting this Term. 

It's been nice the last couple of weeks to establish some routine in terms of learning in the core curriculum areas. Students are fully engaged with their 'Boomwriting'. It's awesome to see such high levels of engagement. If you're not sure what I'm I'm referring to, please have a chat to your child or visit boomwriter.com. 

We charged through some diagnostic testing in Statistics and students have been focusing on their challenges or 'gaps' in this area. I'm looking forward to starting our Numeracy programme next week with our re-designed progressions.

One of my key focuses this year is to facilitate a more balanced programme that incorporates more curriculum areas. I feel very lucky to have Mrs Gibson who is teaching French on my release days. Mrs Elvidge is teaching Science on Wednesdays for a session while I'm helping Room's 5 & 6 with their Toki Pounamu learning. My students were very proud of me for attending a Visual Art course this week. I am aiming to incorporate more opportunities in The Arts this year as I'm conscious of the importance of students being able to express themselves artistically. 

With the conclusion of the Swimming next week and beginning of the year testing, we will now be entering a 'settling in' and consolidation period where the depth of learning will increase. This period will also present more opportunities to explore The Element and Community components of the Year 8 Programme. I'm really enjoying these students, they're dynamic, fun and focused.

Day 1 Journal Reflections

What better way to cap-off an awesome first day than to face the mighty Tasman while journal writing!

An important message to start the year

An open letter to my students

Dear Students

I write this letter to you whilst sitting in an empty and somewhat lifeless classroom. Soon, that will all change. Tuesday 2nd February 2016 marks the first day of your final year of primary school. Are you prepared?

Are you prepared to give it everything you’ve got? And I mean absolutely everything. I will greet you on your first with this expectation. This expectation will not fade. It will permeate through our room everyday. You have that promise from me. My attitude is, you’re either all in, or all out. Seize the day. Everyday in Room 8 is an opportunity to learn new things about yourself and the world.

Are you prepared to be treated with respect and as an equal? You have that promise from me. In Room 8 there are no bigots or bullies.  From the moment you step through that door, you become part of the Room 8 Whanau. The Room 8 Whanau is respectful of one another. We treat others the way we want to be treated ourselves. We value our peers for the ‘life stories’ and experiences they bring to our learning environment. We are respectful and tolerant towards their differences - we embrace these and learn from them. Above all, we like each other, we enjoy each other’s company and in doing so, make learning really fun! There will be times that this will be put to the test - that’s what life is all about - not being intolerant or indifferent, but interested. Interested in learning how to accept and learn from each other’s differences. Together, we will grow from these experiences.

Are you prepared to help others when they need it? You have that promise from me. I will stand-up and fight for you. As your teacher, I am loyal to your needs. The Room 8 Whanau has each other’s backs. That means if we see someone in difficulty, we go to their aid - no matter who they are. If you are having difficulty, take comfort in the fact that someone has your back.

Are you prepared to make mistakes, accept them and learn from them? You have that promise from me. I like to challenge myself as a teacher - if I don’t challenge myself and try new things, I’m not doing this job justice. The fact that I like to take risks means that I will make mistakes. Many mistakes. I will learn from them and so will you.

Are you prepared to accept that your brain has a capacity to grow? You are not born ‘smart’ - you have to work hard for it. In Room 8, we believe in a Growth Mindset. We understand that our brains are muscles that need training. You’ve gotta fight and fight hard to learn and cement new understanding. Don’t worry, I’ll be in your corner. I’m in this fight with you.

Are you prepared to run like your lives depend on it? Because your lives do depend on it! We will be running 2.6km 4 days a week and measuring your cardiovascular fitness with a Beep Test twice a term. Like last year, I will be doing this with you. You have that promise from me. What’s my motivation? My children. I want to be able to keep up with them and be a healthy and happy Dad and I want to thank you in advance for running with me and helping me reach my fitness goals. What’s your motivation?

Are you prepared to communicate - openly - with your teacher and peers to help you grow? You have that promise from me. I will communicate with you when I’m having trouble with something. I will communicate with you when I’m frustrated. I will communicate with you when I need help. In Room 8, we believe that communication is the key to everything. Being honest, open and addressing difficulties, not ignoring them, opens exciting doors.

Are you prepared to be a role-model? You have that promise from me. By moving into Room 8, you need to accept that all other students are looking at you and learning from your actions. You need to make sure that your actions are positive. You are positioned to have a huge influence on your younger peers. I’ll let you in on a secret, I’ve worked in a lot of schools across New Zealand. In my opinion, school behaviour has a ‘top down’ effect. The behaviour across a school is influenced by the oldest students. You are the oldest students. Honour this privileged role and maintain Paroa’s reputation as a positive, safe and exciting school.

Well I can’t wait. I love this job. There are no two days that are the same. You children are dynamic, exciting and mind-blowingly inspirational. I will try and match these characteristics as your teacher. You have that promise from me.

Game on.

Mr S-W.

A Message to Mr S-W

My Digital Stamp & Digital Legacy