The last couple of weeks have been extremely busy for Tui class with a big focus on science!  They have been working as budding engineers as part of an exciting STEM based project called The Wonder Project Rocket Challenge. The students were introduced to the engineering design process and challenged to work as a team to learn the skills to build and improve an efficient and aerodynamic rocket.  We have been extremely lucky to have an awesome Wonder Project ambassador, Scott Cairney from GHD who has been sharing his knowledge and skills with us and encouraging the students to think like engineers; to ask, imagine, create and improve.  We’ve already had some epic prototype launches and are currently in the process of improving the initial designs for the final ‘blast off’ later in the week!

Alongside our rocket fun, the students are also busy working on their action projects as part of their Mountains to Seas learning.  After comparing both a local freshwater and marine habitat to the pristine environments of Goat Island, the students have been inspired to think of their own initiatives to help our local freshwater and marine communities.  From composing raps and creating ‘Kahoots’ to educate others about the importance of looking after our environment, to designing drain art and campaigning for a school water tank -Tui classroom has been a hive of activity!  Due to the weather, we have unfortunately been unable to get back out into the community to do some facilitated action tasks with our wonderful Mountains to Seas educators. However, last Wednesday, they came and explained the pest control programmes that they have running and demonstrated how to do a Marine Metre Squared survey, which students are encouraged to do as a way of contributing to collecting meaningful, valid data about their local seashore.

This term our Science Topic in the Junior School is Forces.  To introduce the tamariki to push and pull forces found in everyday phenomena, Kākāriki Class have enjoyed looking more closely at examples of the 6 simple machines: levers, wedges, screws, pulleys, wheels and axles and inclined planes, thanks to the Simple Machines Kit from the House of Science which we subscribe to and receive relevant kits to support or science learning at school. In our first experience, we read a book called, 'How Do You Lift a Lion" by Robert Wells, and this got us thinking about the wonderful things we can do with simple machines, like moving heavy objects.  We then explored each simple machine and had lots of fun thinking like scientists: making observations, suggesting hypotheses and collecting data to understand how simple machines help make work easier.  The Kākāriki Class handled weights, used force meters and measured forces and distances as they explored the different activities.  The children even got to use real hammers, which was a complete hit!  It was pleasing to see the children work together to read and follow diagrams when assembling pulley stands and different types of pulleys or following step-by-step instructions to measure how the diameter of a wheel influences the distance it can travel.
Many children rate Science as one of their favourite subjects at school and we are grateful to the House of Science for supporting teachers to bring this important subject to life for our tamariki. I hope the enjoyment of your budding scientists is apparent in the photos included in our Spotlight.

Kakapo has started the term with their R.E strand “Te Rongopai - Good News”. During this time, we have been getting to know our way around the Bible and finding the good news that Jesus has left for us. Kakapo has been reflecting on the messages we have found in parables and other teachings of Jesus such as the Beatitudes. We have talked about what it could mean in our lives, as well as how we are going to put these words into actions.

Kakapo then worked collaboratively to create Beatitude posters that illustrate how we might live these messages in our life!

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!