The first three weeks

We began Term 1 on February 4 and already three weeks have flown by.

We have 27 students in the class, 10 in Year 8 (3 girls and 7 boys) and 17 in Year 7 (9 girls and 8 boys). They have come from a range of schools and are coming together nicely as an interested, supportive group.

In the beginning we do many class building activities and lots and lots of testing. This helps us work out how we can best support each child’s learning.  

Tests your child has done so far include asttle Maths, Reading and Writing; two detailed spelling tests, a grammar test, 100 basic facts (25 each of +, - , x , ÷ )  and the AWS Maths test on Number skills. I am currently working my way through one to one GLOSS (Global Strategy Stage) maths testing and running records for reading.

We have discussed and practised class and school expectations, the school theme (Be the change...) and our five Golden Rules. 

1.   Do as you are asked by teachers and other staff members. 
2.    Be respectful when speaking and listening.
3.    Respect others, their property and our school environment.
4.    Participate in your learning to the best of your ability.
5.    Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Our focus behaviour is effective, respectful listening skills.

Listening

The students have reflected on listening and realised that to listen, you need to be able to hear, but hearing and listening are not the same thing. Listening is HARD WORK! You need to pay attention; keep your mouth closed; think about what is being said; see the speaker’s point of view; try to understand and remember what is important and take your turn to ask questions or make comments.

The students are still interrupting a great deal. I will keep reminding them how to practise effective, respectful listening skills and noticing when they do a good job. I'm sure they will learn to think about what they need to do and manage themselves to do it much more often. After all, everyone wants other people to listen to them - they need to show they can listen too!

Participation

Participation in PE and swimming has been excellent. Class discussions have also been lively and interesting.  The first homework task was completed by almost everyone, earning them a virtues card for responsibility. Unfortunately last week there were many excuses and a lot less homework arrived on Friday. 

Our school policy is to give homework which will take no more than 30 minutes a night. I never ask for this much time and I give tasks which I think are useful for the students’ learning. 

I understand that sometimes there are serious issues or extremely busy times which interfere with doing homework. The rest of the time completing and returning their homework will be helpful for building your child's time management and organisation skills. These are important life skills. Please support your child with a quiet place and time to do their homework.