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== = = = Welcome to Room 4 Wiki Pukekohe Intermediate 2011 =

Room 4 classroom teacher is called Len Doel and can be contacted on:

l_doel@pukekoheint.school.nz

or via a telephone message left at the school office. Before and after school are also good!

Please let Len know if there are concerns or triumphs both at home and school. He would like to know about celebrations and the things that interest you and your family!

Room 4 students have had an interesting and productive start to the year.

Term 4 has started and we are working on ten minute seminars. Students are now stepping up to produce information about a topic they are confident with, and present this information to the class using props and visual aids. This is an exciting time because we all learn so much about our class mates and their areas of expertise. We expect students to use their own resources including creating photographs that include themselves, interviewing people and acknowledging where information has been accessed. This is not a trawl through the internet, although as a secondary source of information internet is fine as long as students have rewritten text in their own words.

Term 2 2011 has started and we have lots of exciting activities planned.

During July we have been experimenting with the spreadsheet MS Excel and using the programme to chart some class statistical investigation results.



Monday 27 June 2011, with the shortest day just past, we have been measuring the length of sun shadows. At 0845, the shadow cast by a one metre gnomon was 5.25m.



Ngata house has been taking advantage of fine weather to participate in a number of different sports.

Science Fair projects will give students a chance to practice independent study and time management skills as well as give pupils an opportunity to work on interesting topics with adults outside of the school. We are often surprised at the high standards of work. This is a time to step up and really show commitment and perseverance. In the past, students have found that starting early gives them more options, especially when things do go wrong. Sometimes we need to start the project again. Check out the Science Fair button the left.

R4 and R1 have been working together on science experiments and observations in the last few weeks.

R1 & R4 students observing, drawing and labeling features on and within a block of ice.

A R4 student observing some properties of air pressure.

R4 has also had the opportunity to work with R1 and learn about Mau Rakau with Whaea May. Most of our students enjoyed this new cultural experience and thought the moves were interesting and challenging.

R4 has had a great time working with and getting to know our Y8 buddy class R12. These students organised a games hour and we got to know something about each other during that time. Most R4 students enjoyed the activities and would like another session.



Friday 25 March 2011 Rooms 3 & 4 sold cakes at a stall during lunchtime. They made $309 as part of their contribution to the earthquake victims of Canterbury. Well done to the students involved and to all of the people who bought cakes. We had a great day.

We have started listening to and evaluating student speeches. The first courageous people presented their high quality work to R4 Thursday 24 March. The audience was very supportive and we now have a number of pupils who have booked their speech spot in the next few days. We look forward to some more interesting ideas and thought provoking work.

Our PB4L work has included a study of "Killer Comments" and how to stamp them out with "Booster Statements."



We have worked on poetic devices that have resulted in a Room 4 "Tree of Remembrance" wall display.





24 February 2011 we were visited by Rhythm Interactive. What an inspiring performance. Their theme was "Actions speak louder that words!" Many students were surprised when the drummers spoke to the audience at the end of the show and answered questions!

Two R4 students enjoying the drumming experience!

Our R4 class agreement for 2011 term 1!

A "Y Chart" from our PB4L studies that explains how we should move to full school assembly at Pukekohe Townhall!

"Y Chart" from our PB4L studies that explains how we should look after R4 bags!

They have gained confidence and learned many routines for use in a large school with multiple teachers and a six day timetable!

Students have been swimming, discovering art and drama and enjoying Jack's interval activities!

Pukekohe Intermediate has a new initiative called "Positive Behaviour for Learning" or PB4L. Students are coping with many new ideas and expectations as all staff and students work through this program!

It was great to meet and speak to parents who attended the Year 7 information evening last Monday 21/2/2011. We had an excellent turnout, thanks for your time!

The issue of homework was raised by Mrs Marks. For students in Room 4, I would like them all to spend 20 to 30 minutes each night reading books, magazines or newspapers and learn 10 spelling words per week. Children know if they need to work on basic facts as we have recently tested them in class. There will be other homework from time to time including a topic of student interest in class and also such studies as speeches and Science Fair!

Please check out the maths section of this wiki to access websites that can be used to practice basic facts!

These are exciting and rewarding times for everyone!

Take care, stay safe!