Welcome to 2018's Kawaka syndicate blog. - Greytown School NZ

Kia ora to all our families and friends. 

Please enjoy this blog with updates of upcoming events, news and other tidbits.
Our new syndicate is made up of four year 3-4 classes...Room 6, Room 7, Room 8 and Room 9.

The staff who work in this syndicate are:

Syndicate leader Mrs Rhonda Jones - teacher in Room 9.

Mrs Sue Lyford - teacher in Room 8. 

Miss Rachel Burt - teacher in Room 7. 

Ms Gaylene Hansen - teacher in Room 6. 

Our syndicate is named after the mighty KAWAKA tree: 

Libocedrus plumosa (kaikawaka or kawaka) are not true cedars at all but actually belong to the cypress family and closely resemble cypresses of the northern hemisphere. Both tree species have small, distinctively conical crowns and papery bark that separates in long narrow strips and hangs from the trunk. 

Kawaka has 4 classes, each with year 3 and 4 students. This allows for increased collaborative planning by teachers, which will improve teaching practice and opportunities available for students.

We have 16 ipads in each class which are used to aid our learning in all curriculum areas. They will also be used to upload work to Seesaw which will be explained and evaluated by students and shared with parents.

Learning through Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) is encouraged. Two trips are planned each year to provide interesting and challenging opportunities.

Students are encouraged to become independent, self manage and gain student voice through their learning. Opportunities for student leadership within the syndicate are given through PE leaders, literacy group facilitators, group work in class, librarians and opportunities to lead syndicate assemblies.

Other opportunities available to students in Kawaka which will develop interests, self management skills and confidence for yr 3 and 4 are: Kapa Haka, Choir, Enviro Group, Jump Jam. Opportunities for Art Extension and Dance Splash are available for yr 4 up.