Dear Families,

This year we are using Seesaw to share and communicate with families! Your child will post to Seesaw to share their learning. I'll also use Seesaw to send you messages and reminders. Seesaw is private; you'll only see posts created by your child.

Please Sign Up Now

1. Click on this link: https://app.seesaw.me/s/836-499-954
2. Choose your child from the list
3. Create your account
4. Once I approve you, you can see content from your child

After you sign up, download the free Seesaw Family app and sign in. You can also access Seesaw from a computer at https://app.seesaw.me.

Thank you for supporting your child's learning!

Allanah Johnston

P.s. If you used Seesaw last year or have more than one child using Seesaw, follow the link above, then click the 'Sign in' tab at the top of the screen. You do not need to create a new account.

Hello Parents and Guardians of the lovely students in room 16!

Welcome back or welcome to Torbay School. We have had a lovely start to 2018 and we are looking forward to having a fantastic year together.

My name is Mrs Allanah Johnston. I have been teaching for 17 years and have taught at many different levels. I have 2 Children Matthew, who is at Orewa College and Ashley who is in Orewa North. My Husband Kevin and I moved to the beautiful Puhoi in 2014. We love spending time together at the beach or out walking our dog Roxy.

At Torbay School we are trying to grow amazing learners and good well rounded independent students. Please encourage your children to have their own pencil case with their own stationery. (I will keep all of the spare stationery)

Swimming

This term we are doing swimming. Please ensure that your child has their togs and towel and sunscreen if required, on each of these 3 days: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Library

Our Library time this year is Thursday 9 - 9.30. Please help your child to understand that they need to return their books on this day. Because they are becoming more independent readers, we encourage our learners to choose at least 1 chapter book to read at home, and 1 to have at school to read independently.

Year 4 is a time when children become increasingly advanced, more competent and independent readers. Reading lessons therefore, have a much greater focus on reading for meaning and enjoyment as opposed to just decoding the text. Many children will be reading lengthier stories which may require up to a week to read, discuss and complete follow up activities. This means your child may not be sent home an ‘instructional’ book to read each night. Nevertheless, your child is still expected to read at least four nights per week using books from their reading groups’ ‘pick box’, from the school or community library or from their own collections.

In Torbay this term we are all focusing on “I wonder how I can use my learner powers”

Together we are writing Mihi. You can help by talking about your family names, and where you are from.

At Torbay School children are welcome to bring Brain Food. This is a snack sized portion of food that must be brought into the class at the beginning of the day. Brain food helps to maintain the glucose supply to the brain. Suitable food include: fresh peeled fruit/ vegetables, dried fruits (prunes/ apricots/ raisins and sultanas, plain unsalted popcorn.

Homework

Home learning is an extension of the school programme and supports, enhances, and consolidates teaching and learning. It provides a positive link between home and school.

Brainfood

Students will have a brain break at approximately 10.00. Please ensure that you supply your child a small healthy brain snack for this purpose, such as; fruit, vegetables etc. that can be eaten quickly. Please no peanuts.

I look forward to meeting you either informally during the week and/or at our Classroom Information Afternoon on Friday 9th February.

⭐ As part of starting our email trail can you PLEASE email me something you love about your child.

Thankyou

Allanah Johnston

ajohnston@torbay.school.nz

Room 16