What an exciting day for Science and Space!

Mindfulness for Kids in Room 3

Mrs Venville introduced Room 3 to Mindfulness today. While many in our class are familiar with the concepts from last year, we were able to revisit this important concept of hauora - well-being. The key to mindfulness is to pause and breathe. If there is a sense of being overwhelmed or stressed - taking time to pause, breathe and smile can make all the difference in calming us down. It is good for the body and mind. If you want to know more, check out the video link below on Mindfulness for Kids.

Mindfulness for Kids Explained

We also took time to eat mindfully. The deliberate choice to pause, study and appreciate the texture, appearance, aroma and flavour of food creates a new sense of well-being. Concentrating on what we are doing and experiencing 'in the moment', instead of being distracted by our environment or our thoughts. We can appreciate every mouthful more - even with a small raisin!

Bike Safe photos

Project Jonah and our Sea Mural

We have completed our collaborative masterpiece. The discussion, debate and fun in planning, designing, creating and finalising our project have resulted in a very pleasing piece of art. A spark of an idea from Chanel during the start of Sea Week ignited this project.

Concept Drawing by Cynthia, Indy and Leora

Debating the location of Titanic's final resting place.

All Hands to the Deck

Attention to detail!

Blending carefully.

Collaborative effort.

Project Jonah's Team came to visit Sunnyhills on Wednesday. We learned so much information. Did you know that there are 88 different types of whales and dolphins in the oceans worldwide, and 44 of those species are found in New Zealand waters? We are home to the endemic endangered Hector Dolphin - the smallest dolphin in the world. It was tragic to hear on five being killed in fishing nets this week. The size of these magnificent creatures of the sea was measured out with a tape measure - wow - the size of the smallest dolphin is as big as a Year 3 student right through to the Blue Whale that would span the width of our Sunnyhills Hall as you face the stage!

We learned how to take charge of a whale stranding and the steps we should take to ensure their well being. 

• Call 0800 4 WHALE or 111 and ask for the Fire Service

Final Placement Decisions

While you wait - get started on the rescue:

1. Keep the whales or dolphins wet with sea water (they are sea creatures)
2. Don't cover their blowhole (they breathe oxygen) or their eyes (they like to see what is going on)
3. Cover them with wet sheets - this keeps them wet and protects them from sunburn

Why do whales, orca and dolphins get stranded? There are a number of reasons including being unwell and malnourished OR because they are chasing their favourite food source into shallow waters and then get stuck. Orcas LOVE stingrays. 

Many sea creatures die because of ingesting plastic. What can we do? Be sure that plastic doesn't go into the ocean via the storm-water drains - pickup rubbish on our roads and beaches. Be part of the NO PLASTIC movement to help our planet and its amazing creatures. 

Come in and see our Sea Mural sometime!

Sea Week - Exploring life in the ocean

This week we have enjoyed exploring the theme of Sea Week.We had an opportunity to follow our interests and use our curiosity to discover more about our oceans. The highlight of the week was our giant seascape of a coral reef and a kelp forest - two important eco-systems for our marine creatures.

We also had a thought provoking discussion about rubbish and the plastic islands that are forming in the currents of our seas. The devastating effect that this has on our sea animals is at crisis point for some species. We talked about how we can each make a difference in our habits to reduce trash and chemicals getting into our waterways and ending up in our oceans.

Settled even before the morning bell! Room 3 engaged in their art.