Year 7 news

It has been a fabulous start for our new Year 7 pupils. They have been fully immersing themselves in learning the Balmac Way - This is how we do it here. There has been plenty of brainstorming, discussing, and activities around developing being Aware, Honest and Responsible, building relationships and our school values of Perseverance, Excellence, Respect and Kindness (PERK). We are really proud of how well our new pupils are settling in and we know it takes time to make the transition from primary school but all pupils are making the effort and this is so pleasing to see.

Our school Mihi Whakatau was a very special time where our Year 7 pupils were formally welcomed to our Balmacewen community. A big thanks to Toa and Zac who presented the Whaikorero for the manuhiri on behalf of the Year 7 group and to Mr Brew and Mr Scott who prepared us well for the waiata to support our speakers.

Our classes have also been very busy working on teamwork skills in preparation for our first EOTC event of the year - our camp at Waihola! Room's 3 and 10 were away at camp this week and the rest of the Year 7 classes will be heading out over the next few weeks. Many thanks to our parents and whanau community for their assistance at camp. It is always a highlight of the school year.

Our topic for Term 1 is Tūrangawaewae - our belonging and our identity. We have begun with a focus on looking at the Treaty of Waitangi and early New Zealand history, who came here and why? This will lead into our first PBL (Project Based Learning), where the students will prepare an exhibition piece that shows their personal connection and where they belong - Their Tūrangawaewae. We will be visiting Toitu to look at how different exhibitions can be displayed. We will be having a Tūrangawaewae Exhibition evening where parents and community can come view the pieces the students have put together. and This is another highlight for Term 1 as students get the chance to show their creative side, through artworks, digital technology, model making and design.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if I can assist you in any way.

Lisa Dixon

Year 7 Dean