Year 5-6 Term Two Update

Tēnā koutou, nau mai hoki mai | Greetings to you all, welcome back! 

We hope you all had a lovely break with your whānau. Our year 5-6 learners have loved being back at school and diving into their new concept. Our term has started with lots of excitement around 'He Hauora te taonga'. The children worked with year 3-4 learners through a rotation of activities exploring each aspect of Te Whare Tapa Whā. These activities included: marshmallow roasting, nature scavenger hunts, nutrition, hockey, boxing, karate, jiu-jitsu, and so much more! What a great way to start this term of learning. Read our update to find out more...

To contact the Hub Teaching Teams, please use the email addresses below:

• hub12teachers@stonefields.school.nz

• hub13teachers@stonefields.school.nz

He Hauora Te Taonga

This term will provide an opportunity for learners to explore their wellbeing through the Te Whare Tapa Whā model. This week, learners have engaged in various immersive activities to deepen their understanding.

In writing, Year 5-6 learners will investigate a variety of contexts, including explanations of the human body, sports commentating, and positive ways to experience a dopamine hit. They will draw from their passions and interests, as well as exploring different sports.

In mathematics, learners will continue to work through the new curriculum. Groups are delving into various methods for the four basic operations. Resources such as Maths No Problem and Education Perfect remain valuable tools that teachers utilize to support learners in their math studies.

In science, learners will discover parts of the brain and the overall science of the human body. Additionally, we have upcoming puberty sessions planned for our Year 6 learners.

Spelling will continue using Liz Kane's 'The Code' approach, and learners will receive weekly spelling lists to practice at home.

Learners will also participate in a variety of art activities and MITEY wellbeing lessons. In Physical Education (PE), learners will build their knowledge of different winter sports. 

Break Through Challenge - Physical

This term will be the first opportunity for senior learners to explore our first Break Through Challenge. This new challenge was introduced at the Break Through Festival last year. To achieve the challenge a learner needs to complete:

• A Physical Challenge

• A Passion Project

• A Social Impact Project

Each challenge typically takes a term to complete. Once all three projects are completed, the child must share their learning journey and evidence with a teacher so it can be evaluated against the Break Through Challenge criteria. A Break Through pin will be awarded to individuals who achieve the criteria.

Learner-Led Conferences - Thursday 29 May

Our annual Learner-Led Conferences for Years 1-6 will take place on Thursday 29 May, from 2pm-8pm. This is an opportunity to celebrate your child's learning so far this year. Learners will prepare a short presentation and share their learning with you. Parents will also have an opportunity for a 10-minute connect with one of our teaching team. Look out for the booking link coming soon. Please note school will close at 1pm on this day for Year 0-6.  

Year 5-6 Maths Parent Workshop

Wednesday 18 June, 3:15 – 4:15pm, Hub 13

We will be holding a parent workshop to introduce you to the new maths curriculum including how it's taught at Stonefields at a year 5-6 level, the changes that are in the new maths curriculum, and the Maths No Problem resources. We will explore how to help your child at home, as well as ways to stretch your child and their learning. Please come along to this workshop to find out more!

Puberty Sessions - Year 6 only

A reminder our Year 6's will be taking part in the Positive Puberty Plus programme on Friday 16 May. Delivered by Nest Consulting, this will cover male and female puberty, the changing body, and a sense of self. All topics will be covered age-appropriately. 

A parent information evening will be held on Thursday 8 May at 6:30pm via Zoom. Please rsvp here. 

Reminder: Chromebooks Charged, Ready for Learning!

A reminder that learners should be bringing fully charged Chromebooks to school each day. Chromebooks tend to be used at various points throughout each day, whilst balancing this with book work. 

• You may be interested to know that Keyboarding is a new element in the 2025 NZC Curriculum. 

• Please ensure that your child charges their Chromebook each night, so they are ready for learning the following day. 

• Chargers should be kept at home.

Winter Uniform

At Stonefields School we wear our uniform with pride. As the weather cools down, our winter uniform items will keep you warm. We appreciate your support in ensuring your child is wearing the correct school uniform:

• Blue polo shirt (short sleeve or long sleeve) 

• Charcoal trousers, skort, or shorts   

• Black shoes, including black laces (white soles are acceptable). 

• Black or white socks

• Beanie

• Fleece Jacket

• Black or dark blue plain hair ties/bands (no other colours please) 

• No jewellery or necklaces should be worn, as this is a health and safety concern during playtimes and PE sessions. Exceptions to this include jewellery of cultural significance, small stud earrings, and watches however no smart-watches. 

• Black tights/leggings and a black or blue thermal can be worn under the uniform for extra warmth if required 

New uniform items can be purchased online and delivered to your home. Pre-Loved uniform items can be requested here and collected from the office. 

Photolife Photo orders

Last term Photolife captured individual portraits, hub photos, and sibling photos (if requested). These are now available for you to order. You will have received an email from Photolife during the holidays with your keycode. Please go to the Photolife website, enter your keycode, and select the photos you'd like to purchase. Orders placed before Sunday 11 May will be delivered to school for free. 

If you haven't received your keycode from Photolife, please contact the office. 

Lost Property 

Don't forget to keep an eye on the lost property outside Te Pataka Ako! The rack is bulging with named jackets and the pile of unnamed jackets is even higher. 

Dates for the Diary

• Mufti Day for Nature Pathway  | Tuesday 6 May 

• Tamaki Football (Year 3-8) | Wednesday 7 May

• Puberty Talks (Year 6) - Parent Online session | Thursday 8 May | 6.30pm online

• Stonefields School Board Meeting | Tuesday 13 May | 5.30pm, Te Pātaka Ako

• Senior Assembly (Year 5-8) | Monday 19 May | 2pm, Hall

• Mid-Term New Entrant Cohort Start | Monday 26 May

• Learner-Led Conferences (Year 1-6) | Thursday 29 May

• Staff Only Day | Friday 30 May | school closed

• King's Birthday | Monday 2 June | school closed

• Visitor Tour | Tuesday 3 June | register here  

• Whānau Hui | Wednesday 4 June | 6pm

• Pasifika Talanoa | Wednesday 4 June | 6pm

• Tamaki Rugby League & Touch | Wednesday 11 June 

• Senior Assembly (Year 5-8) | Monday 16 June | 2pm, Hall

• Stonefields School Board Meeting | Tuesday 17 June | 5.30pm, Te Pātaka Ako

• Matariki Hikoi | Wednesday 18 June

• Year 5-6 Maths Parent Workshop | Wednesday 18 June | 3.15pm - 4.15pm, Hub 13

• Matariki Holiday | Friday 20 June | school closed

• Tamaki Ki-O-Rahi | Wednesday 25 June

• Term 2 ends | Friday 27 June 

View our School Calendar to keep up to date with all events