Year 7 News

Our major focus throughout the term was around the concept of Hauora - and looking at the factors that contribute to our overall Hauora - mental,  physical and emotional wellbeing.  All classes took part in a range of activities looking at food, fitness,  focus and mindfulness,  puberty,  body systems friendships and ways to maintain a balanced lifestyle.  For our integrated theme,  the success of our PBL  projects - our "FFF" bag business and survival kits,  gave our students the opportunities to follow areas of interest, take on leadership roles and reflect on their own personal wellbeing.  Over the term we have also had a huge focus on our school value of "Kindness".

He aroha whakatō, he aroha ka puta mai.

If kindness is sown, then kindness is what you will receive

This underlying theme has run throughout our programmes encouraging empathy,  respect and kindness in our classrooms,  playgrounds and school.  Some classes have finished the term with "Kindness" activities and challenges.

Another highlight was our first ever Colour Run to celebrate families and fitness in a fun challenge.  This was a fantastic night and a great success.

Last Friday we had a guest speaker at our Year 7 Assembly - ex student Ben Mason who has just returned from competing in the U19 World Rowing Championships. He spoke to our students about goal setting,  perseverance , nutrition needs and sacrifice in order to reach your potential.  His key messages to our students about following your dreams and taking responsibility and making no excuses  resonated with our Term Three Health and Wellbeing messages. 

In Term Four our main focus will be under the "Arts" curriculum.  In Week One we have a visit from Stu Duval, a storyteller and writer,  as an ignitor for this unit with workshops for students to support our writing programme also.  All students will also be writing and presenting speeches,  performing plays,  writing narratives which will lead into a class performance for our PBL focus including dance and drama and  they will also be taking part in a ballet session! Our EOTC programme next term includes Rock Climbing at Long Beach as we encourage students to challenge themselves and support and encourage others. Athletic Sports will be our PE focus for the first two weeks with our school Athletics on in Week Two, and then students may qualify for the North Zone and Otago sports days.  

It is hard to believe that the year has passed so quickly.  We are so impressed with the growth and development we see in our students every day as they become more independent, confident and take on new challenges with a growth mindset. These skills and attributes are going to set them up well as they head into their last term as Year 7 students. 

Finally, from all of the Year 7 team we would like to thank everyone who continues to support not only their child, but our classroom and school activities. We look forward to continuing to work with you in Term Four. 

Ngā mihi nui

Lisa Dixon

On Behalf of the Year 7 Team