Cantamath

For the first time in several years, we entered one Year 7 and one Year 8 team into the Cantamath competition.

The teams were:

Year 7:

Thomas (Room 18)

Matthew (Room 22)

Emma (Room 23)

Lilly (Room 23)

Year 8:

Kate (Room 19)

Christian (Room 22)

Sean (Room 23)

Sophia (Room 23)

Both teams represented our school admirably - finishing the competition on 40 points each.  The excitement on the evening was electrifying!  If you missed the event this year, I strongly recommend attending next years event! 

I was so proud of the teamwork and composure demonstrated by the students.  Thanks must be given to Mr Roberts for heading the selection process and organising team practices.  Your dedication and commitment to student learning makes you an asset to our teaching team. 

      

MAGGI Cooking Competition - Erin Simpson Show

Our MAGGI Cooking Competition South Island Finalists were televised on the Erin Simpson Show this afternoon.  If you missed it, be sure to check them out on TVNZ On Demand:
http://tvnz.co.nz/the-erin-simpson-show/video

If you look closely, you might even see Mrs P in the background :).  That's what I call 'World Famous in NZ'!

Sutherland Superhero Day - Thursday 14th August

 The Justice League

 

We had a special visit from Christchurch's own superhero - Flatman

Kate as Batgirl (Room 19)

Ella and Tash as Onesie Heroes (Room 19)

 Some Room 23 superheroes made a special appearance in our room

Wonder Woman (aka Mrs P) and Fairy Hero (aka Brooke)

 Room 18 superheroes

Making molecules

On Tuesday afternoon we made molecular bonds out of jubes and marshmallows. 
We learned about electron shells and how an atom can bond together with another atom.

CH4 - Methane

NH3 - Ammonia

H2O - Water molecule

The Periodic Table

We have began our study into the Periodic Table.  We discovered today that the Periodic Table is organised into periods (horizontally) and groups (vertically).  Together, we are gaining a better understanding of natural and synthetic elements, and how an atom is made up of protons (+ charge), neutrons (neutral) and electrons (- charge).

Tomorrow we are going to make our very own molecules out of marshmallows and jubes... yum!  Watch out for our next post on molecule bounds.

 

PS: Congratulations to Noah (Room 19) for being the first student to be able to recite The Elements Song.  He earned himself a whooping 200 votes towards the class governance system.  Well done!  Who will be first in Room 18?  

     

New Home Learning Programme

This week, students were introduced to their new Home Learning books.  When I checked books today, I was very pleased with the number of students who completed their reading, Mathematics and spelling home learning for Week 1.

Further to this, a number of students have started to embark upon one of the 'Can Do' challenges which contribute towards Senior Success Award eligibility.  Theo and Jaden are working towards holding a sausage sizzle to raise much needed funds for the Westpac Helicoper service; Emily has started to document her level of physical activity in a fitness journal, and just today, Mitchell completed a 1000m continuous swim.  The initiative and enthusiasm that Room 18 students are demonstrating towards these challenges is really exciting!  Well done team... keep up the super work!

   

Year 8 Term 2 Technology Award Winners

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Celebration of Learning session at Christchurch East Technology Centre on the last day of Term 2.  I witnessed students talking about all the cool stuff that they had made and reflecting on their learning.  I really enjoyed the opportunity to see our wonderful Year 8's participating in such a meaningful learning experience.

The Technology teachers had the difficult task of selecting two students from each class (who they thought deserved a little extra recognition) to receive the 'C.O.O.L. Factor' Awards.

Congratulations to the award recipients:
Mitchell (Rm 18), Jack (Rm 23), Willow (Rm 23), Karina (Rm 22) & Maia (Rm 19).

 

Fergus with his innovative eye-ball pillow.  Love it!

Anzac's 'Running Man' bookends

Mitchell (Rm 18)

Jack (Rm 23)

Willow (Rm 23)  

Karina (Rm 22) & Maia (Rm 18)