Harakeke Team Writing Inspiration. The Sorting Hat

I was so pleased to be a part of the Sorting Hat Ceremony in the hall. Thank you for all of the inspiration and effort that our lovely teachers went to to make this such an exciting and fun time for the children. 
Believe it or not, a voice could be heard from under the hat. It called each child by name, identified special qualities about him/her and placed the child in a house based on The Harry Potter books. Such fun.
There was so much anticipation and laughter. No surprise I was allocated to Sltheryn for cunning, ambition and leadership. How well the Sorting Hat knows me. 
Teachers are using the books as a source of descriptive language. It's not about the spells, magic or wizards. J.K. Rowling has a gift for painting a word picture with one or two beautifully chosen words.
We are seeing so much more engagement in writing. Our goal is to raise engagement, learning and ultimately achievement.  I'm looking forward to seeing some of the end products and definitely to seeing overall student capability rise over this term.

 

Cross Country Capers

I am so proud of the ways in which the children took on the challenge of Cross Country. Long distance running was never my thing and it has always left me with a sense of having concussion. Our children are different. They rise to the challenge and perform remarkably.
Thanks to Rochelle and her team who organised this event so beautifully.
 Our leaders also helped the more reluctant runners to complete the circuit and gave the children lots of encouragement.
Thank you to all of the parents and whanau who came to support the children. You make this school a magic place.