Tuesday, October 4, 2016

HSS visit the Phoenix at T park


On the first day of the term 3 holidays, the Wellington Phoenix were in town. Many children from HSS got the opportunity to see the only professional football team in NZ play against the Central Coast Mariners from Australia. A fantastic fixture ended 2-1 to the Phoenix in an entertaining encounter. 



HSS players were fortunate enough to ballboy and ballgirl the event, and treated to VIP service throughout!
Tasman United's first ever game preceded the Phoenix game, seeing record Phoenix goalscorer Paul Ifill and swedish striker Ermal Hajdari play in front of a lively Trafalgar park created a real spectacle. Tasman United will compete in the National league, commencing at the end of October.

Cashmere orchestra visit HSS!

Cashmere orchestra from Mr Skiperoo on Vimeo.
On the last day of term 3, HSS students were treated to a masterclass of musical talents at the boys college. Cashmere orchestra (from Christchurch) had stopped off on their South island tour to educate and demonstrate the various areas of the orchestra and harmonies. At the end, the children were encouraged to dance their way through a bit of jazz and swing. A fantastic way to end the term!

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Teacher reads

 


'Teacher reads' has been a real highlight in the Senior syndicate timetable. With the help of the children's suggestions, the teachers have chosen books of differing genres and read them throughout the term with Rooms 5 and 6.

Whilst Mr Marston and Mrs Bailey read, the children follow comprehension tasks or art tasks relating to the book. The members of Rooms 5 and 6 have examples of their examples of work on their individual learning logs. 

At the end of the term, we have decided to show the movie versions of the book, an form comparisons about characters an events. 



Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Olympic ideal?

Room 6 have been looking at the overall Olympic picture. Was it really worth the NZ$19 Billion that the Rio government spent in hosting the Olympics? The endless heroic stories of success, and overcoming adversity inspire generations around the world. However, for every success there is often multiple failures, careers on the line and the pressure and greed to attain glory. The Olympic ideal, where do you stand?

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Production: Sammy the Seagull


The production has taken centre-stage this term (No pun intended!). Non-stop rehearsals, assembling props, choreographing props, make-up and choosing outfits, but the end is in sight. 

32 members of the senior syndicate make up the 2 main casts for this years production of 'Sammy the Seagull'; a NZ hopeful at the Rio Olympics. Whilst the remaining members of the syndicate have opted into a pool, track or random events scene. All the children have worked incredibly hard to rehearse lines, prepare props and go over dance routines.

Scripts, props and routines have been jointly prepared with children and teachers, so has been an outstanding team effort.

The production begins on Wednesday 14th September, Thursday 15th September, Tuesday 20th September and Wednesday 21st September. All Senior children need to be at the Senior syndicate at 5:45pm to prepare costumes. They can be picked up at 8:15pm that evening.

A huge thankyou goes out to all the parents in preparation of costumes, materials, time and supporting the teachers in making this years production a huge success.



Speeches


 Room 6 have been working passionately on their individual speeches over the last few weeks. Each individual has chosen a topic which interests them, and has the capacity to engage others. 

We have worked closely on structure, persuasive language, the impact of rhetorical questions and the pace and content of an effective speech. Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King, Donald Trump... everyone has their favourite speeches, but sometimes the body language, expression and eye contact can also have a greater impact on the audience. We have analysed successful speeches, and possibly the less successful speeches (Ivana Trump?!), and practiced ours intensely to perform to our peers.

Following the presentation of everyone to their Room 6 classmates, Alex B and Jessica were sent through to the syndicate finals, following outstanding speeches on 'Animal testing is a necessity for our human existence' and 'Feminism: what we need to know'.

Following a nerve-racking syndicate final, where both Alex and Jessica performed gallantly, the judges (Mr Mclean, Mrs Webb and Mr Matheson) decided to send Tomas Wall and Jessica Tuhua to the regional finals at Victory Primary school in the final week of the term. An outstanding effort, Room 6 will wish Jessica every success in the final!