STEAMS Day: Volume II

The atmosphere was electric; children pacing up and down the syndicate, the continuous murmer of enthusiastic voices discussing their choice of workshop, and looks of curiosity as the seniors prepared for STEAMS day; volume II.

The range was even more diverse than the last session 4 weeks prior. Craft, Sports, Drama, Science, engineering, IT.... all these activities under umbrella terms. However, the children are really starting to learn it's not the outcome, and reaching the destination, it's the journey getting there:

Explore - Research - Plan - Try - Fail - Reflect - Try - Fail - Reflect....... Succeed

Cross Country hits Fairfield park!

On Wednesday, the Senior syndicate took to Fairfield Park to embark on a tough 2.5km circuit. The challenging course involved tough uphills, winding bends, slippery grass and a lot of positive spirits! It was an amazing spectacle to see so many seniors cheering on their peers, and lots of smiles throughout a cold, brisk nelson afternoon. The Seniors have been following a weekly cross-country training regime, supporting their own individual goals for the whole of term 2. It's been a remarkable success seeing everyone complete the race with smiles on their faces and supported by their classmates.

Star-gazing at the observatory

The air was crisp, the sky was clear and the stars were shining bright. Monday evening brought the fantastic opportunity to visit the Nelson observatory, based at Clifton Terrace primary school. We had arranged for the volunteer group to host the senior syndicate, which would prove their biggest ever audience, and it wouldn't disappoint.

The views were incredible, the deep craters of the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, the Milky way, the Southern Cross were common observations and frequent points of conversation. A massive thankyou goes out to all the parents that brought their children along to the observatory, the exemplary behaviour of our HSS students, and above all the volunteers from Nelson Astronomy society.

If you are interested in re-visiting the observatory, meetings exist on a regular basis, with a gold coin donation to attend their 'Star-parties'. Follow the link for further details.

https://sites.google.com/site/nelsonsciencesociety/home/astronomy-section

STRIKE visit HSS!

Strike visit HSS! from Mr Skiperoo on Vimeo.

This week, the senior syndicate were privileged to see the awesome 'Strike' percussion group come to HSS. The Wellington based drumming trio put together a lively and entertaining performance, involving a lot of rhythm, enthusiasm and even fire! 

Various children from the audience had the opportunity to play alongside the talented group. Even Mr O and Mrs Pilcher got involved, much to their anguish! 

Roger Sanders Drama

In preparation for the Term 3 production, Roger Sanders taught Room 6 drama in the hall. An awesome morning full of expression, curiosity and creativity.

Roger will revisit HSS regularly over the next 4 weeks, developing our understanding of drama and expressing ourselves in different ways.

Fraction this, fraction that...

 This week, Room 6 have been exploring fractions. We have looked at explaining what we already know, looking at the Maths progressions to see what we need to know and planned our individual learning pathways.

We have started simple looking at basic fractions and progressed into simplifying fractions, equivalent fractions, then moving into adding/subtracting and multiplying fractions.

Some great discovery, peer tuition and exploring fractions. The children are responding well to feedback and acting on different strategies to gain a firm grip of their understanding.

 

Calculating the mean, median and mode

Today, room 6 were exploring the mean, median and mode in a set of data. The children had to collect their own sets of data and present their calculations and understanding. We had a range of projects: 

- How many seconds does it take to read page 1? 
- How many counters can be placed in the container in 30seconds? 
- How many siblings in room 6? 
- How many numbers in the order can you recall? 
- How many attempts does it take to get the ball in the hoop? 

Some great individual projects, and examples of problem solving using addition, multiplication and division in an innovative way!

Hockey tournament at Saxton

Last Thursday, a whopping 63 Senior students (a third of the syndicate!) descended on Saxton arena in Stoke to compete with Nelson's finest in a competitive Hockey tournament. HSS entered 7 teams against schools from the local region. 

There was a lot of talent on show, with HSS teams demonstrating an outstanding attitude throughout. Each team played seven games, with the over-riding victors Nelson Central school. A fantastic day out, and another great opportunity for children of this age to be exposed to competitive sport against their peers.

Darian is praised for his positive community actions

A local Nelsonian was re-united with their hand-crafted wallet and wealth, down to the honesty and integrity of Darian in Room 6. He found the wallet on the way to school and promptly handed it in at the HSS office. We immediately contacted the police and the grateful owner was soon reunited with his possessions. 

Local police officer, John McDonald praised Darian's actions. "It really shows off his outstanding morals and community values. Many people could have just taken the money or left the wallet lying there, but this young man knew the right thing to do."

The owner of the Wallet showed equal gratitude and came in to personally thank Darian for his actions. Another proud moment for Room 6 members in the wider community.

Jessica with an incredible tribute at the 'March for Moko' event in Nelson

In excess of 600 people saw Jessica read a self-written heart-warming speech last weekend. The 'March for Moko' event hosted in central Nelson, and across NZ was a stand against Child abuse and Neglect.  

Jessica's passionate tribute received a great deal of press attention, and delivered in a very emotive way. Room 6 were incredibly proud of her courageous actions, and ability to write in such a talented manner. Please follow the link below to read further information on 'The march for Moko'.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/80257808/march-for-moko-draws-big-nelson-turnout