1. STUDENTS SETTLE BACK TO SCHOOL School started back last Tuesday and so far there have been reports of enjoyment and fun. The new Digital classes are up and running and, so far, there have been no problems. Because of the Digital classes the Intermediate school have chosen to focus on Digital Citizenship this term. The inquiry will be based around What makes a good digital citizen? And How do I keep myself safe online? Students have been asked to ensure that their devices are charged overnight and are ready to go, first thing in the morning. Dates: 12th February - Road Patrol Training 20th February - Whole School Assembly 26th February - MBS Swimming Sports @ Rodney College 27th February - Sport Northland Have a Go Water Safety Day (for selected Year 5-8 students ONLY) 6th March - MBS Triathlon @ MBS 13th March – Assembly 20th March - Disco 6:30 - 8:00 25th March - Manual @ Rodney College 26th March - Year 7/8 Rippa Rugby 27th March - Whole School Assembly 31st March - Bake Sale / Mufti Day 31st March - MBS Athletics @ MBS 1st April - Manual @ Rodney College 2nd April - Last day of Term 1 Intermediate News 10.2.2015 INTERMEDIATE SYNDICATE’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER - Since 2015 Homework: Standard homework is set each week. Students are expected to: complete 60 minutes of maths whizz – in replay mode; Read for 20 minutes each night – 5 nights per week; Learn essential spelling list words; and Practise times-tables up to 12x12; Classroom teachers may set additional homework from time to time. If you are unsure about homework requirements please see the classroom teacher. Websites Each class has their own website: http://mbsroom132015.weebly.com/ http://mbsroom142015.weebly.com/ http://mbsroom15-2015.weebly.com/ Student completed jigsaw puzzle piece, “We are all different but we fit right in!”

2. Literacy In Oral Language we have a focus on building and gaining confidence to speak to an audience. Intermediate students are given many leadership opportunities to practice this skill In Writing, students will be focusing on punctuation. Students will learn that punctuation can alter the meaning of a text. They will be learning about sophisticated punctuation such as ellipses, parentheses, colons and semi – colons as well as more basic basic punctuation such as the many and varied uses for the humble comma. In Reading, our students will continue to examine and think about the messages, themes and atmosphere authors create in a story. They will also be learning to skim read for key words when researching. Our Spelling focus will continue for those on List 7 and 8 to learn through their homework programme the words at their level. Maths We have analysed the data from the end of last year, and have set learning goals according to the needs of the individual students. The Numeracy program will look different in each classroom but all classes are focusing on learning the best strategy for solving the different mathematical problems. It is vital that the students know all timetables up to 12 x 12 at this level. This basic understanding will help them to grasp more complicated problems as they progress through the levels. P.E / Fitness Swimming takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students need to bring their togs, a towel and a swimming cap – Caps may be purchased through the school office. P.E. sessions are last block on Thursdays and will focus on Athletics training this term. If, for any reason, students are unable to participate in P.E. fitness session please provide a note. Contacts: If you have any questions or queries in regards to your child’s learning please do not hesitate to get in touch with the classroom teacher: Room 14 Anna Stockman – Syndicate Leader astockman@mangawhaibeach.school.nz Room 13 Jaimee Fletcher jfletcher@mangawhaibeach.school.nz Room 15 Ben Bradley bbradley@mangawhaibeach.school.nz