Individual Learners' Blogs

Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Week 8, Term 4

Dear Parents, Friends and Caregivers,

As you are aware, we use iPads at school, integrated across the learning areas in much the same way as other communication tools like pencils have been used in the past.

At Horizon School we are “preparing our children for their futures rather than our pasts”. This means that we integrate the tools of the present and future into learning and presentation of what we have learnt.

As we have integrated mobile devices into our school, we have seen increased engagement at school, ongoing learning at home, and a significant improvement in our achievement of National Standards.

A video made about Mahurangi Christian School's use of iPads about the value of iPads in our classrooms for learning 18 months ago. You may like to take a look at some of the many ways we use iPads by looking at this video clip here: https://vimeo.com/85292197 The Password is BeL. 

Which Devices?
Our school is set up for Bring Your Own Device. Therefore any device can be brought from home by the children and connected to the internet. However, it is easier as a school if we work on the same platform, and we have chosen to have iPads throughout the school as a priority.

Not all school work is on the iPad. There are so many subjects that still need a hands on approach such as the arts, sports, hand-writing and mathematical working out. Our learners still write some stories by hand.

Children in Room 1 have the use of devices kept at school as a class set.

It is our definite preference that children in Years 4-8 can take their iPads home in order to work on their homework and learning opportunities at home.  Our Year 6-8 learners in 2016 will use iPads significantly more at home.

Learners in Rooms 2, 3 and 4 have several options to enable learners to work at home and school with their iPads:

1.     Purchase an iPad for your child - FOR SOME OF YOU THIS COULD BE A GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT  IDEA. (We prefer juniors to have iPads, while older children can have mini iPads).
2.        Purchase an iPad through the school (we will buy it for you and you can make $20 payments per week to own   it)
        3.      “Borrow” an iPad from the school for $6 per week/$310 per year lump sum.
4.      Year 1-3 children can use school iPads if they do not have their own
5.       If your family is unable to afford an iPad, please let us know and we will work to make another option possible.

Please feel free to ask questions if there is any further need for clarity.


Helen Pearson


School News                                                                                       

NZCPT
The NZCPT will be the new Proprietors from January 2016.  Information packs have been sent out to all current families, with new Automatic Payment Forms.  It is important that those forms are returned ASAP, so that the payments can be set up for next year.  Please contact the office if you need another form emailed to you.

$4 School Lunch this Friday
Friday lunches have now finished for the year.   

Bracelet
A bracelet was found after the Snoops Production last week.  If you are missing a bracelet please contact the office.


Praying for the school
Every Monday morning from 8.45 – 9.15 we have prayer time for the school. All parents, caregivers and friends of the school are welcome to attend.
Scholastic Books School Essentials Sale
Scholastic is having an end of year sale. Over 500 books all at $3.00 – Sale ends 4 December. Go to www.schoolessentials.co.nz to have a look at the books in the sale.
If you would like to order please email isabelle@promosolutions.co.nz by 3pm Friday 4 December. Isabelle
will be able to collate all orders under Horizon School registration.

Baby Bunnies for Christmas
We have four baby bunnies that will be ready to go to new homes by 15 December. They are extremely cute. If
you are interested please call Isabelle on 021 985508
Community Notices                                                                 

Coastguard – Life Jacket Trade In
For a limited time trade in your old lifejacket for a latest generation Hutchwilco lifejacket at a fantastic discounted price! Visit the Old4New van at locations across Auckland, Waikato and Northland. For details visit www.coastguard.org.nz
Green with Envy
Green with Envy is located on the corner of Sharp and Matakana Road. They are having Santa photos on Sunday 6th and 13th December from 11am – 1pm.  There is a gold coin donation with proceeds going to local schools.  See www.greenwithenvy.co.nz         
Voices of Pain and Voice of Hope
Alexis Waterhouse has also recently published a book called Voices of Pain and the Voice of Hope. It is a visual, textural and emotional journey through pain to hope. It is designed to expose the lies (or patterns of negative thinking) that entrap people suffering through emotional pain or mental health issues.
It uses poetry, art, photography and reflection to encourage the reader to continue on their journey of healing; and to seek help and community.
The book also teaches mindfulness and grounding techniques which allow the reader to pause, breathe and reflect in the moment – regardless of whether the situation is positive or challenging.
Book retails at $25.95. All profits go to A Girl Called Hope (Residential Home).

Home Builder Courses this term
Festive Feasts
Ways to feed the family at your home this Christmas with interesting and delicious ideas. This course is designed with consideration to financial pressures of this time of year and budget restraints.
Friday 4th of December 9.30 - 12-30 Homebuilders Family Services

As usual child minding is available at no cost. Please enrol by phone or return email with your phone contact and child care needs. 0276226809 Brian

Rainbows End
Rainbows End is having a special Christmas Fun night on the 19th and 26th December from 5pm – 11pm, with live acts playing as well.  Through out January there will also be late nights every Saturday night.  Tickets are at reduced prices. See their website for further details: www.rainbowsend.co.nz

Aquakidz Swimming Programme
Monday 18th to 22nd January 2016
$75 - 5 days
Ages 4 years and up!
Mahurangi College Pool
Contact Cindy 4259924 / 0211635050
Kip McGrath
Kip McGrath Warkworth - English and maths tuition aligned to the NZ curriculum. Programmes designed to suit individual learning styles for Years 1- 12.
Phone Ann Cook on 422 2305 for a free assessment.
Emmanuel Family Camp
Emmanuel Family Camp is being run on the 19 – 21st February 2016 for families with children who have a disability.  For more information contact (09) 636 4763 or email kirsty@elevatecdt.org.nz.
Further information about Elevate Christian Disability Trust can be found on their web site www.elevatecdt.org.nz

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