In Matai we were very pleased to see our children participate in the school-wide Star Jam jump jam for children and young people with disabilities allowing the school tamariki to come together through the love of music and dance.

Looking around as we all took part in the Star Jam I was struck by how whakahi (proud) everyone was. Our children shone on stage and interacted well with the Rata children who were on the stage to support our Matai children.

With the rest of the James Street tamariki participating in front leading to a fantastic vibe with huge smiles all around along with our awesome James Street teachers.

Supported with a mufti day we were also able to raise money for children with disabilities.

A huge thank you to Sandra Sells for your organisational skills and time. 

ANZAC assembly/Grandparents day

What an emotional day, starting with a assembly celebrating and remembering the New Zealanders that faught and fell during the first World War. Like many that attended this day I am so proud of all our Tamariki who showed such poise, dignity and maturity beyond their years.
The outstanding leadership shown by our senior students set the tone for our assembly and many visitors commented positively about this. From Mrs Sells jump jam stars, Mrs Forster's shining choir to the many students that shared their writing, facts and art, leading to the placing of a wreath at the  remembrance garden James Street school shone.
After the assembly  grandparents and visitors were invited to view the visual displays and spend the morning in their mokopuna's class.

Teachings in Rata and Tawa

Rainbow fish

While working in Ruma Rata and later in Tawa at James Street School I wanted to include lessons that incorporated the strengths of the James Street School PB4L growing great learner’s programme; we are Proud, we are Respectful, we are Safe.

 After discussion with my AT and following her suggestions I selected Rainbow fish written by Marcus Pfister an awesome junior shared book with great messages easily linked to the PB4L programme. After reading the shared book to the class, children participated in discussion and brain storm about what they thought made a good friend these were recorded on the white board at the teaching station suggestions from both classes included choosing who is good to play with, being nice and kind, greeting others by saying hello, hi, good morning, kia ora, sharing our time and things, be good to make friends, help people when they are hurt or sad, ask others to join in. (here would have been a good opportunity to extend and involve children in a more in-depth discussion about why these suggestions make for good friendship tips and to think about what actions they are using to show this) overall I wanted these lessons to improve children’s thinking about their relationships with in the classroom and further out to the playground.  

 

1st label post

Community breakfast

What a great day for an early start, with the sun shining we served a hearty breakfast to our tamariki  and whanau