Maths Evening.

Wednesday night's maths evening attracted a lot of parents eager to learn how we do maths in the 21st century.
We had a guest speaker, Charlotte, from Team Solutions show us examples, share a Powerpoint presentation and some movie clips of children explaining their mathematical thinking.
The teachers then shared what goes on in the classrooms at trestle tables with equipment and modelling books.
Positive verbal feedback and emails have been received confirming that the evening was the success we hoped it would be.

School Disco

Last Friday we had the most amazing school disco in the hall.
I am sorry to say that I was soooo busy enjoying myself on the stalls that i forgot to get any photos!!!
I sold laser rings, headbands, glowy things galore and jazzy glasses.
If anyone has any photos for me to add here ... please email them to me on:
louise@bbps.school.nz
Thanks, Louise Johnson.

Trinity Methodist Church Puppet Show

Yesterday, Thursday 14th of April, we were lucky to enjoy a puppet show at school.
It was the Easter Story told by a family of rabbits and from their perspective! They said they were present when it happened!
It was very funny and a nice way to lead up to the holiday break that will incorporate Easter in it.
Mrs McArthur showed us a trick where you can fold ONE piece of paper a certain way and make only ONE straight cut in it to gain a perfect cross.
Try that at home!!

Lawn Maintenance by The Principal

Today Mrs Bodley thoroughly enjoyed having a lesson and test driving our lovely new mower!
It was just an impromptu event at lunchtime and was witnessed by many students who got as bigger 'kick out of it' as these photos show she did!!

Mini Gala for Christchurch.

The Earthquake Committee is a sub-committee of the PTA putting together a financial donation package for the children of Christchurch.
What an amazing job they did putting together this fabulous Mini Gala in such a short space of time.
The weather did not dampen the event at all as these pictures show.
In fact, I should say 'the weather is not dampening the event' as it is still going on as I put this entry onto this blog.
Happy children, happy families, happy teachers - a great community and a great school to work at... and it is so nice we can help Christchurch as we enjoy ourselves.

Black Day for Christchurch.

Our hearts really are going out to the people of Christchurch.
We all thought of them today being the Memorial Service Day.
I really think the National Anthem sent extra chills through us in assembly this afternoon.

Our Motuihe Island Trips

Both Junior School and Middle School have been to Motuihe Island this week.
Both days were as beautiful as Auckland is known to provide!!

One of our Learning Objectives for this study is:
Looking at Motuihe Island with regards to:
Earth Systems -

• geoshere [land] - beaches, cliffs, rocks;
  
• hydrosphere [water] - sea, water tower;
  
• atmosphere [air] - wind, breeze, clouds;
  
• and biophere [life] - plants, birds, insects.
  

We are now going to research the science behind these systems, write poetry about, write recounts of our time, produce some art inspired by the trip etc.
Every class will put their own spin on it and we always enjoy sharing our findings and our outcomes with our buddy classes.

Black and Red Day for Christchurch

Last Friday we had a Black and Red Day. We brought money to donate and we managed to collect just under $2000. It was fun all wearing Canterbury colours.

Swimming Sports

All three teams have enjoyed Swimming Sports and Splish Splash fun days.
Inter-school competitive teams were chosen at the higher levels.