Week 6 Term 4

I hope to have all the testing finished at the end of this week.  Last week we completed our end of year writing assessments which have been moderated against the Room 6 writing. We did our Spelling Alive final assessment, where most people maintained or improved on their midyear results.  There are still some very simple basic words like 'they' that trip some of us up.  Finally we completed the Star Reading Test from which we can measure our results against the rest of New Zealand - these results showed us to be right up there. Well done everyone. This week I am completing the maths and Probe Reading testing which are individual interviews.  Once these are done I will have the necessary information to write the end of year reports. You are welcome to visit to look at your child's results.

Mrs Ward will be taking a unit on dance while I am out of the classroom.

Good news is that Molly's tonsil operation went well last week and she is now recovering at home.  We look forward to seeing you back at school soon, Molly.

Congratulations to the wonderful performances at the Thyme Festival last Thursday - lots of positive comments from members of the community.

Unfortunately my cellphone inwards texts are no loner getting through!!  Time for a new phone.  In the meantime I can text you, you can phone me or email me at chrisbeilby@stgerards.school.nz

Touch Tournament:
The only other school attending this year is St John's Ranfurly who only have one years 5 & 6 team, which is a bit disappointing.  We will enter 4 teams which I will select when I know who is available to help us as manager/coaches on the day.  I do need 4 people able to help - it does not need to be a parent, a high school student would be fine.  At this stage I have not had any offers of help.
Please remember that each family is asked to provide a plate of food to feed the referees and visiting adults.  Is there someone willing to lay out the food in the library and keep the kettle hot?
The PTA will have a sausage sizzle with a few extras for sale.  Please order what you want on the form that will be in the newsletter.

Friday Mass:
This week Rooms 3 & 4 will be participating in the mass at 12:00, please join us to celebrate St Cecelia's Feast Day - the patron saint of music.

Dyslexia Film "The Big Picture":
Yes, the film has arrived at last and will be screened in Room 2 at 7:30 on Wednesday 20th. This is a fantastic movie and there will be an opportunity for discussion following the viewing.

LIFE Education:
We will be working with Pip and Harold looking at "Friends" on Thursday and Friday this week. Workbooks will come home as part of the homework for this week and next week.

This Sunday a number of Year 4 students will be celebrating their First Holy Communion.  It would be great to see people attend mass to celebrate this milestone with them and their families.

Homework

• Pleasure Reading - complete your log
• Spelling - ready for the test on Friday
• Eisteddfod Song - have your lyrics in your homework book by Friday
• Maths - keep working on knowing your facts really quickly - last test for the year coming up.