Classroom Computing Devices

 Classroom Computing Devices

In Room 6 at St Mary's we are very lucky, because like most other classes, we have a wide range of devices available to us for computing and connecting to the Internet specifically. We have an interactive whiteboard that has a new very bright projector powering it for class modelling and discussions. We have 6 standard n-computing monitors connected to one hub and two mac books that can be taken anywhere around the room. And we also have 5 i-Pads that can also connect to the Internet and have many apps that allow the practising of skills learnt. Middle school classes this year on top of this have a pod of 15 chromebooks available in a trolley for one classes use at a time. When Mr. Bach started at St Mary's we had one computer terminal at the back of the room, which didn't work very well. We are indeed very fortunate even before we start considering the possibilities with the introduction of byod (bring-your-own-device) at some time in the near future.

Google Apps for Education

 Google Apps for Education

Room 6 children have been receiving training in using the Google Apps for Education learning management system, starting from the beginning of term one. Mrs Cato has been coming in on Monday afternoons to assist teachers in getting the middle school children up and running. At first we were focusing on simple skills, such as logging in and creating and naming documents. We are slowly moving on to more complex skills such as sharing and collaborating on documents online with other students in the class on other devices. This Monday we will be teaching more about commenting on other's work appropriately using the comments functions on Google Apps. This basically entails writing something another student has done well and something that they can improve on.

 Children seem to really enjoy learning using computer devices and Google apps and listen carefully to Mrs Cato and Mr Bach.

 Everyone wants to have their turn using a Google Chromebook or Apple laptop to use Google Apps.

Children love being allowed to use Mr Bach's super-duper cool Apple mac laptop to access Google Apps as Te Oki, Mele, Krishn and Koby.

Structures

 Structures

This term the concept we are studying at St Mary's is 'structures' and our key understanding for the concept is 'an organisation of many parts'.

We will be looking at many types of structures but focusing on natural features that Rotorua is blessed with in abundance. All our lakes are calderas or volcanic craters and most other features around Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty can be linked to volcanism or earthquakes and plate tectonic activity. Please encourage your child to become aware of the different types of structure around them. In the end everything is a structure even the atom itself that makes up all other structures.

 Volcanic structures (lake and volcanic plug), living structures (human and tree) and human made structures (kayak) in the same photo.

 Large human structures in the form of sky scraper buildings can be found in big cities.

 The sun is a structure in the galaxy and it sends light and heat to earth keeping living structures growing and moving and water in liquid form.

Jozef the Cellist

 Jozef the Cellist

Last term St Mary's was lucky to receive a visit from Jozef, a visiting Slovak classical musician. Jozef came to see us thanks to the Woolacott family who were hosting him in Rotorua. He played the cello but can also beatbox and sing. What a talented man! Josef also talked to the children about himself and his works and answered questions at the end from any curious St Mary's students.