Wednesday 21 August 2013

Collective art for the art auction

We have made some lucky touchstones for our piece of art to auction at the Big Night Out, our major fundraiser this year.  All going well, the finished piece will look beautiful enough to adorn any wall!

Here is the back story:
When the train tracks were altered a couple of years ago at New Lynn, I went along to collect some of the clay they dug out. This clay was one and the same as used in Crown Lynn pottery, and the factory was on the site by the railway.

We have used some of this special clay to showcase the symbols we like and think are important to make us feel happy.  We aim to bring good luck and cheer to the lucky bidder!

Here is what we have so far...

These are bisque fired and ready for glazing...

Here the touchstones are on the batt, glazed with a celadon glaze named 'ching pai'. 
It looks pink, but don't panic, it will be nearly clear once it is fired!
 
Once glazed, I will glue them to a woven flax backing and frame them.  If anyone has any expertise in this area, I would appreciate some assistance, otherwise it is a job for No more Nails...

How time flies! Parent help roster...

Hello everyone
I sent this note home yesterday, and Mahad asked if I had put it on the blog yet, so here it is!  All going well we can get some regular help to make our learning times more effective and enjoyable for all:
20 August 2013
Dear parents and caregivers
We have been working hard in Room 1 to develop our self-management skills, and complete our own levelled work independently.  This is quite tricky to do on our own, so we are hoping that some kind parents will be willing and able to support us in our learning. 
On the table below, the shaded areas are the times that would be most beneficial to our learning to have help.  The help would mostly be keeping our groups on task while Ms Werder is teaching small groups, with reminders and encouragement to keep on trying, and doing the right thing at the right time. 
If you are able to help at a set time, Ms Werder will set up a roster for parent help.  Please email her on gretchenw@parnell.school.nz  or send this back to school.
Thank you very much
Room 1 and Ms Werder.
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9-10
writing
 
maths
 
maths
 
maths
 
maori, drama,
inquiry
10-11
reading
 
reading
 
reading
 
reading
 
poetry, publishing
11-11:30
Playtime
11:30-12:15
maths
writing
 
writing
 
writing
 
ict
12:15-1
phys ed
topic
library
topic
topic
1-1:45
Lunch
1:45-3
assembly (even) syndicate (odd)
science
buddies
spelling
art
 
developmental
Please add your name and time available, or if you are able to be contacted for special events.
Name ___________________ Contact_______________________
Time able to help:­__________________________________
Thanks!

Friday 2 August 2013

Ancient Egypt

The year 2 classes will be learning about Ancient Egyptians as the global aspect to the school's Taonga theme.

We have begun to use technology in order to learn more - we have a wealth of information around us if only we know how to access it!  Please find below a website from Manchester University.  We have used this in class today, and have had a good introduction to a number of exciting aspects of life in Ancient Egypt.  Have a go at home!


I hope it works!
Ms Werder