We have written bio poems

We have written beautiful bio poems and we have been listening to each other read them. Now they are all displayed and ready for you to read.

Our first pen license

Today a parcel arrived for Hannah. She has received her pen license and she has her own pen to work with. Well done Hannah!

The Seven Kites of Matariki with Mr Marshall

What a treat we had today. Mr Marshall came in and read us a brand new book. It told the story of seven sisters who made beautiful kites. One night the girls fell asleep under a tree and the kites flew away into the night sky. When they woke they could see them low in the sky far away. The kites turned into stars and every year we can see them at the start of June. We think of them when we celebrate Matariki, the Maori new year. Thank you Mr Marshall for sharing this story with us.

Middle Syndicate Guitar Club

15 children arrived in the Allen Centre at lunch time today to continue their guitar lessons. We have learnt A chord and E7 chord and today our new song was Michael Finnigin. Keep practicing everyone because you have made a great start.

Photographer: Michael

The Room 9 Bird Cafe opens for the season

The first frosts have arrived and this makes life very difficult for the birds in our area. We have started putting food scraps out for the birds and today the sparrows were the first customers to enjoy the feast. We will need to have sweetened water available for the tuis and bellbirds.

A challenge for the Koala's reading group

As an independent task, the Koalas reading group had to make a Hungry Hen following the instructions in their Junior Journal. Today the five children each led a group and guided them as they also made a Hungry Hen. They found it quite a challenge being a teacher. I thought they did very well indeed!

Ice and artists

In the morning I drew a kaka from my book. Then I brought it to school. I think it's beak is cool. I know a lot about birds because I have bird books at home.

Reporter: Dan

I found a great big piece of ice in a puddle. I brought it into the class room.

Reporter: Rakai

Finding out more about endangered creatures in New Zealand

Today we worked in groups to find out more about endangered creatures in New Zealand. Each group had an excellent leader. When we have published our research we will share it with the class.

Remarkable perseverance and dedication

Yesterday Will and I got the ball in the hoop 20 times backwards with the help of Jaxin. Will got it in seven times, Jaxin got it in three times and I got it in ten times. We were practicing for quite a long time.We had so much fun doing it. At the end Jaxin had to go play with his little brother Hunter. Next time we are going to try get it in 30 times in a row forwards.

Hooray for penpal letters

Everyone was delighted to get another letter from our pencils this morning. What a lot of chatter there was as we shared our letters. Already we are thinking about what we will say when we reply.

Room 9 pupils are amazing!

I won a trophy at Oamaru competitions. We stayed at my Mum and Dads friend's place. I felt very scared and nervous.  I forgot to get my ballet cd so my sister and went back stage and the lady on stage said my name . bSo I had to go on stage and get my trophy.  I was very proud of myself.

Reporter: Matilda

I got a trophy and some ribbons at my pony club prize giving. I love riding my horse.

Reporter: Paige

At lunch time I drew a Rhino. It was in the plains of Africa. It was cool.  Mrs Wright liked it.

Reporter: Dan

A "Room 9 you shine," cake

We had a lovely surprise in Room 9 this morning. Rakai and his Mum came in with a magnificent "Room 9 you shine," cake that was especially gluten free to allow everyone to have a slice. It was delicious. THANK YOU so much.

Photographer: Cydney

Strike came to Outram School

There was great excitement as we processed into the hall.  A huge range of drums and a marimba were in place and when Tim and his team started to play the noise was terrific. Two teachers competed on the drums and a group of children were able to play on the Cook Island drums. Tim and his team even used fire! We hoped all the drumming wouldn't damage their ears!

A Skype call to Stewart Island

We read "Old Blue," the story of the remarkable Chatham Island black robin. We started wondering about special areas in New Zealand that are set aside to be a safe place for our native wildlife. We decided to do a Skype call with Peter Tait from Stewart Island. Peter shared his extensive knowledge about Ulva Island the wild life sanctuary and we were able to ask him our prepared questions.

Even more success

Denley sat down at lunchtime to have a go at the "Drive Ya Nuts" puzzle and he sorted it out straight away. The children in Room 9 really do shine!

Success at last!

                                     
                                         

Will and Tim worked with great determination and finally solved the "Drive Ya Nuts" challenge. Well done boys.

Autumn leaves

Everyone went searching for leaves at home and at school and today we had a wonderful collection. We chose a leaf to sketch and using drawing pencils we carefully drew our leaf. The room was silent as everyone closely observed their leaf.