Scootering Safety with Andy from Auckland Transport!

Away We Go! Scootering Safety with Andy from Auckland Transport!

Year 3, 4,and 5 practiced scootering skills last week.  We learn how to do an emergency stop, look out for pedestrians, brake effectively, turn left and right, use both feet - one at a time - to brake and how to fit helmets so they do not fall off when we fall over!

Here are some photos of Room 14, a Year 3 class, in action

Starting to Bark our New Native Trail Area

On Tuesday we made a start on barking the New Native Trail Area.  Room 3 spent the whole morning working with classes from all levels of the school so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

Planting Our New Native Trail

Our Community is amazing!

Thanks to parents and students we have planted 1500 natives to create a new Native Trail that runs along the bank behind the school pool and hall.  This extends our bird corridor and brings in more native animals such as skinks.  A huge thanks to Fraser and The Gecko Trust for supplying the plants and teaching us about each species.

Travelwise Parking Survey Results

Travelwise Parking Survey

In Term 2 the Travelwise Group conducted a Parking Survey at both our school gates.  They are happy to report that most parents were parked correctly.   The Travelwise Group handed out positive parking messages and rewards to many of the correctly parked motorists.  Only 19 cars were observed parking on yellow lines which is a pleasing reduction.

The survey did highlight that many parents were parked too close to driveways. The Road Code states that you must not park closer than 1 metre to a vehicle entrance. Another problem is people parking in the clearway section on The Crest.

The results and information about parking is being included in the next school newsletter

                                          Tabulating the results of the survey

Travelwise members collecting data with Mrs Venville

Visit to the Buddhist Temple

In May the whole school visited the Buddhist Temple.  The students learnt about the 3G's and 4G's.  They visited the temple, made a lotus flower, learnt a little about mindfulness and were given a yummy morning tea.

Citizen Science - The Landcare Bird Survey

Building from our work to provide habitats for our native birds at Sunnyhills, we've been taking part in the Landcare Bird Survey. It was so much fun spotting birds in the sunshine.

Our favorite finds were the two fantails and tuis in the Fordyce entrance trees. The  flock of 9 African swallows dipping and diving over the field were pretty spectacular as well.

UPDATE - Room 20 saw two Spur-winged plovers hanging out on the field and hall roof. Wow!! Another Australian import we saw were a group of rosellas.

Sadly we also saw a cat catch a silver eye and two dead silver eyes😢 It was an action packed survey session.

We're wondering how to help our native birds and what threatens them.

And you can take part in the survey at home too! Just follow the link - http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/science/plants-animals-fungi/animals/birds/garden-bird-surveys

Year One Classes Road Safety Sessions

As part of 'Road Safety Week' the Year One and Two classes had a class lesson with Constable Merv and Marianne from Auckland Transport.  They learnt how to cross the road safely using a pedestrian crossing and to be aware of sneaky driveways.  Very important messages - especially for all the students who walk to school regularly.

                                                   Messages for drivers around schools

New Worm Bin - Very Exciting!

Last week our new worm bin finally arrived.  Our bin was sponsored by Prolife Foods.  Colin McPike talked to the Middle School about the bin and how to care for our worms.  He then worked with the Room 21 worm bin monitors to ensure they know how to feed the worms correctly and operate the bin.  It is a very exciting addition to our Edible Garden Area

Students listening to Mr McPike

                                                           The Worm Bin Monitors

Travelwise Update

Constable Merv worked with the Sunnyhills Travelwise group on Monday.  They have decided to that during Road Safety Week they will conduct a survey and record how many drivers are parked illegally at both school entrances.  This will be followed up[ with a survey to find out how the students get to school and a study of times taken to to walk to school within various circumferences.  Long term the group hopes to encourage more students and parents to walk to alleviate congestion around our school entrances