Kea class have been busy learning the Physics concepts of elastic potential energy and kinetic energy! To demonstrate how energy transfers from one state to another, the students used a stretchy elastic tube and experimented with squashing the tube and releasing it to see how far the tube could travel. The children had great fun trying to aim for the bullseye and learnt that the results could change depending on how much the tube was squashed and the angle it was held at.

For Te Reo and Art, we have learned about the Māori Koru, a symbol of new beginnings and growth. Adding the Koru to our designs helped us understand its deeper meaning and connection to nature. The combination of pastels and the Koru made our work both simple and meaningful. The students in Kiwi C have enjoyed the design process, and choosing colours they like.

Throughout Lent, Takahe has been following the Caritas Lenten series. Caritas has allowed students to reflect on how they can be more hopeful, compassionate, and loving towards people throughout their Lenten journey. In class, we have also been reading about Jesus’s journey leading up to his crucifixion and understanding that Jesus' crucifixion was the ultimate sacrifice of love, offering salvation and forgiveness for humanity. To solidify the students' understanding of the crucifixion, Takahe created Lenten art depicting the location of Jesus' crucifixion. They used watercolour for their landscapes and cards for their crosses.

Our Piwakawaka team has been learning about ‘God is Love’ this term. We made beautiful hearts on St. Valentine’s Day using crayons and watercolours. We have also enjoyed singing and dancing to God’s Love Is by John Burland. During Religious Education we talked about the love we have for our family and friends. Term 1 is also a time to make new connections with new children to Mt Carmel and we have welcomed Jacob, Dominic, Max and Mia into our school. We are learning about each other through our History Boxes where children bring special items from their early years to share and discuss with others. These items are such precious taonga of children's early days. Thank you parents for your help with this. 

Ngā mihi, Gina Potter.

As we farewell our Year 6 students, we would like to thank them for the contribution they have made to Mt Carmel this year. Throughout the year they have taken on responsibilities, shown leadership skills and been role models for the rest of the school. From House Captains to bell ringers to sports monitors, they have taken on jobs with enthusiasm and efficiency. They have also been “Tour Guides” showing new families around the school, organised our Mini Olympic games and have given Hamid a helping hand when needed. We think they have done a great job and will head off on their next journey with the Mt Carmel Values of Strength and Kindness firmly in place. Best wishes for your future!

All term the Pukeko class have been growing vegetables as part of our living and giving curriculum.

This week Sister Marie Brown from Te Waipuna Puawai  came in to collect our bounty, she was so impressed with our little garden and the fantastic vegetables that have been grown there

She planned to take the vegetables away in her van to give straight away to the grandparents she knows who are raising their grandchildren.

Te Waipuna Puawai grew out of the work of the Sisters of Mercy and from Mercy house based in Waddell Ave from 1990. In 1999, Te Waipuna Puawai opened its doors in Glen Innes to the Tamaki community, invited by the women of Glen Innes who were looking for support for personal and professional development, with a focus on childcare.

At the beginning of Term 4, we dedicated the first week to revisiting all the rich and wonderful learning that occurred in Ruru, especially focusing on Time. We had an engaging maths lesson where students used their bodies to form the hands of a clock based on the time chosen. This activity was a huge hit! The children thoroughly enjoyed it and made incredible connections between measurement and the lengths of the clock hands. It was truly fantastic to witness their excitement and understanding!  

Caritas Social Justice
At the end of Term 3, Mt Carmel participated in Social Justice Week through Caritas. In Takahe, we read stories about how different people face injustice. The stories were sad but made us want to create a sense of Peace for all.
Takahe reflected on creating Peace within Mt. Carmel and our class. We discussed the importance of forgiveness, which may be difficult but is essential. Through Jesus's actions and teachings, we reflected on what we can do to be more peaceful, forgiving, and grateful people.
To further develop our understanding of Peace, we thought about how Peace feels, sounds, tastes, touches and looks. From our reflections, we created artwork of 'Peaceful moments.'
Here are some moments students felt Peace

• At the beach
• With my family
• Patting my dog
• Watching a sunset
• Sitting by a campfire
• Sounds of birds chirping
• The smell of Mum's perfume

If you would like to see our art based on Peace, it is in the Hall.