Parent education - upcoming events

Many of you will have read in the school newsletter that there are a number of meetings organised this term that will explain various aspects of programmes in the Kakano Team.  You are welcome to any, or all of these meetings, which will be held from 9.15 - 10.00 am on the following dates.

• Friday 29 August - Mathematics
• Friday 5 September - Reception Class programme
• Friday 19 September - ICT

For new parents to our school, these meetings are a great opportunity for you to understand the sorts of things your child will be learning.  You will be able to ask questions and talk with others who have children in the Kakano classes. 

Parent Meeting, 13 August 2014

It was great to welcome parents and preschoolers to our first meeting of the term.  We talked about the Kakano Culture Club that we have each Tuesday morning at play time and how it is a time for students to mix and enjoy various activities involving art and craft, singing songs from other countries and learning the actions, and also listening to stories.  Yesterday morning, the children's focus was on completing a large scale chalk drawing in the playground.  They created a mural depicting the landscape changes from country to city.  In a short amount of time a lot of detail and colour was put into creating a really colourful art work.

We also discussed the importance of having our English Language Learners increasing their vocabulary knowledge of household articles, such as 'toaster' and 'washing machine' and the names of body parts. Most children know 'head', 'leg', 'arm' etc, but many children do not know, for example, 'elbow', 'ankle' or  'shoulder'.  So the secret is to keep talking to your children and extending their horizons.

E Papa Waiari - Maori Stick Game at Discovery on 1 August 2014

Each week in Discovery time, Mrs Kingston plans an activity to support our English Language Learners.  This term, the Kakano integrated topic is the Arts, and the Big Idea is 'being creative in a way to express identity'.  So the group tried out a Maori action song, and instead of using sticks, the students used rolled up magazines (which make slightly less noise when banged on the floor).  You can view the words and actions of E Papa Waiari on Mamalisa's World.  In addition, you can view different action songs from around the world in different languages.  Everyone participated enthusiastically and had great fun.