Year 8 News

Kiaora family and friends

Welcome to the 2016 Year 8 Whanau. All staff are looking forward to an action packed year in which your child continues their growth in academic, cultural, physical and social pursuits.

Each term we aim to provide a variety of out of school experiences, using community experts, to help provide unique learning experiences. These activities are only possible with your assistance. This Term all classes are planning to go to the Portobello Aquarium and Otago Museum. We would love to see you join us.

Next Wednesday, after the “Meet the Teacher Evening,” we are holding a Year 8 Berwick Camp briefing. The Year 8 Staff will deliver a thorough explanation of the main camp details. It will provide an opportunity for you to be informed of and ask questions about our camping philosophy and the activities planned.

Our integrated theme for this term is called ‘Survivor” and the key question we will refer to is ‘How and why do we adapt to our changing environment? The main emphasis here is that your children are now the leaders of the school and with that comes new responsibilities. A major focus has been the implementation of a caring and friendly manner to ensure the Year 7 students feel welcomed at their new school. It has been wonderful to see so many Year 8 students display the maturity and leadership skills to ensure this has happened.

Developing this family culture of Manaakitanga and Whanaunatanga will continue all year and we are looking forward to welcoming the new students / teachers to Balmac with our school Powhiri.

King Regards

Year 8 Staff