Where has this year gone? My first year here has just whizzed by? Has it gone as quickly for you?

It has been a very busy year, that’s for sure! Here are just some of the things we’ve done:

• Sports Day
• CSIRO workshops
• Year 6/7 plays
• Performance at Blackwood High
• Tree planting at Belair National Park
• Indonesian performances
• NZ choir visit
• Cluster Sports Day
• Cluster disco
• Excursion to Port Adelaide
• Collaboration with Mrs Burton’s class @ Paringa Park
• Meet the Writers
• Collaboration with Mr Bob’s class in Queensland
• SAPSASA events
• Premier’s Reading Challenge

Have I forgotten anything?

Don’t relax just yet – there may be only 2 weeks left but there are still a few things to do!

• End of year concert
• 6/7 Quiz
• Graduation
• Secret Santa

I’ve had a great year with you all in Room 13. I’ll miss our wonderful Year 7 students who are moving on, but I wish you all the best in whatever you do.

Our Year 6/7 students who are in our NZ Performance Choir have been looking forward to this visit for a very long time. Tomorrow we will hear them perform separately and jointly. AS I’m new to the school this year I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing/hearing the NZ choir before, so tomorrow should be a real treat!

For those of you who missed your words & words study tasks today, here is the link to access them.

In the museum we had a talk from the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society. Alan gave us lots of really interesting information. Did you know that the Yangtze River Dolphin became extinct last year? And that it’s highly likely that the Maui dolphin will be extinct in 10 years time? We learnt about the impact we humans have on the dolphins’ lives – including the use of fishing nets & lines, plastics in the river & noise pollution. We are unique here in South Australia – Adelaide is the only place in the world to have dolphins living so close to the city. Our dolphins are also unique in the way that some of them tail walk – this is usually only done by dolphins in marine parks. Have a look at this video to see them in action.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Anyway, did the weather matter? Absolutely not! Everyone had a ball with the variety of activities on offer. There was screenprinting. indoor rock climbing, giant swing, canoeing, raft making, team-building skills, Earth ball and archery. Added to that trampolines, flying fox, Tarzan swing, gym and tennis courts to use in our free time, made this camp an energy-filled experience. I think most of us were exhausted by the time we got back to Adelaide!

I was so impressed with all the students’ behaviour, good manners and team spirit. They amazed me with their courage, risk-taking and persistence. Just watching them on the giant swing made my stomach flip, but every single student had a go, even though some of them were really facing their fears! Well done to all of you! I think some of you certainly learned something about yourselves during this camp.

This is a great camp for middle years students. If you teach in South Australia why not give this camp a go? I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Now we need to get ready for Fair Day on Friday!

Those of you with your own blogs should now be able to register for the student blogging challenge. I think this would be a great idea so that you can try out some new skills and/or improve your blogging. Click here to register.

Today some students went orienteering and had a great day. Congratulations to Blake who came first in his event!

This afternoon Kye’s grandfather, Joanthan, came in to talk to us about his recent trip to see aome of the treasures of the ancient Maya world in Guatemala. He had some wonderful photos for us to look at & shared some interesting information.Thanks Jonathan we are very grateful to you for your visit.

Everyone should be well on their way with their IB Challenge now. You should have started your journal entries about your selection, decision and Areas of Interaction. I’m looking forward to seeing how you all go with this challenge – some of you have some very interesting and creative ideas.

W3 Silent letters