Dear Parents/ Caregivers,

A big warm                                 to the 2011 school year!  I am looking forward to an exciting year full of learning and challenge in Room 21!

Some of this will be old news to my wonderful year sixes who I am lucky enough to have for a second year.  Your help will be invaluable showing newer class members the routines and expectations of Room 21.

Thanks to everyone who arrived at school with the correct stationary today- it really helps to get the year underway smoothly.  

Throughout the year I will be sending home a range of notes etc in the communication book.  It is really important that parents/caregivers make it a part of their daily routine to see and sign the communication book.  Students are also required to bring this book back to school each day.  There may not be notes in it everyday, however I will add notices, reminders, personal notes, upcoming events etc so please check this book everyday.  In addition if you have any comments or notes for me you could also write these into the communication book.

Homework this year will consist of a syndicate-wide homework sheet containing a grid which includes a range of tasks.  The children will be given 2 weeks to complete the grid.  Homework will be handed out on Mondays and must be returned the following week on the Friday. Spelling will be tested every Friday.  The first homework sheet will be sent home on Monday of week 2.  If your child is absent on a Monday, it is their responsibility to get their homework sheet and spelling words from me or from the class blog http://room21rockz.blogspot.com/ 

Reading at home is expected for all students in Room 21.  If children are reading above their chronological age they will not be bringing home reading books from school on a regular basis.  The expectation is that they are choosing a range of suitable material from the school or public library and are reading every night for at least 20 minutes.  This home reading will be recorded on the homework sheet.  Parental support with this is truly appreciated.

Our library day will be Thursday for this term and Wednesday from term 2 onwards. The children will be allowed to have up to 3 books issued at a time.  Also our swimming days are Monday and Wednesday.

We’re expecting lots of hot weather this term so please ensure you child has a named drink bottle.  Sunscreen is also very important and should be applied before coming to school everyday.

If anyone is interested in helping out around the classroom, or has any skills or talents they would like to share with the class please let me know.

A syndicate newsletter will be coming home outlining the terms events.

I look forward to meeting you all and the exciting year ahead.  Feel free to contact me via email: lyousif@kenakena.school.nz or via your Childs comm. book if you have any queries.  Please bear in mind that the mornings are my planning and preparation time, so if you need to talk to me regarding any matter I am happy to make a time that suits us both.  Thank you!

Laura Yousif