West Melton School

Pet Day

2011-11-24T14:09:00.001-08:00

Here are the 1st place getters in the range of make-at-home categories. Congratulations to all children who entered. The extremely high standard of your entries made judging extremely difficult!

Tuatara visits Kiwi Team

2011-11-24T12:48:00.003-08:00

ICAS Top Scores 2011

2011-11-24T12:48:00.001-08:00

2011 ICAS Results

Congratulations to all the children who participated in the Australian-based ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) competitions. The results have been filtering back from Australia, and there have been some excellent results.

Computer

Distinction - Katherine Hadler (top 3% in New Zealand)

Credit - Madison Dalgety, Laura Dachs, Nicky Dachs and Ally Taylor

Spelling

Distinction - Nicky Dachs (top 6% in New Zealand)

Credit - Madison Dalgety and Laura Dachs

Science

Distinction - Katherine Hadler (top 3% in New Zealand) and Charlotte Darry (top 6% in New Zealand)

Hannah King wins LIC Art Competition!

2011-11-24T12:47:00.003-08:00

Amazing Competition Success for Hannah King

Congratulations to Hannah King who won the 2011 nationwide art competition run by LIC (Livestock Improvement Corporation)! Hannah won the 5-7 year old section, which was decided by a panel of LIC judges, then went on to win the entire competition which was decided by public vote. Hannah was presented with her $4000 Stallion mobile calf feeder at a special school assembly on Tuesday 22 November.

Kerryn Tomlinson wins Kidz Kartz!

2011-11-24T12:47:00.001-08:00

National Sporting Achievement for Kerryn Tomlinson

Kerryn Tomlinson won the 2011 Kidz Kartz NZ Trotting Cup. Congratulations Kerryn and Frisbee! This is an amazing achievement.

Moa Team Museum Visits

2011-11-24T12:46:00.001-08:00

Lincoln Zone Athletics

2011-11-24T12:45:00.004-08:00

Lincoln Zone Athletics

47 children competed at the Lincoln Zone Athletics held at Ellesmere College on Friday 4 November with the following results:

9 year olds

The girls relay team of Sara Dorsey, Grace Horsbrugh, Zoe Spinks and Sophie Ilton came 1st

Zoe Spinks came 1^st in long jump and 3^rd in 50 m

Sophie Ilton came 1^st in the 1000 m

Ben Wright came 2^nd in long jump

10 year olds

The girls relay team of Kacie Austin, Grace Manera, Ally Taylor and Annabel Veitch came 1st

Sam Clarke came 1^st in the 80 m sprint and 3rd in long jump

Kacie Austin came 2^nd in the 50 m sprint

11 year olds

Isabella Hurley came 1^st in discus and 1st in the 100 m sprint

Max Spinks came 2^nd in the 60 m sprint

13 year olds

Sheree Tomlinson came 1^st in high jump and 2^nd in the 60 m sprint

Toni McKee came 2^nd in discus

Congratulations to the competitors and our sincere thanks to our dedicated band of parent helpers.

St John Safe Kids

2011-11-24T12:45:00.003-08:00

St Johns

The Kiwi team began the term with a visit from St Johns, who taught the children when and how to dial 111, as well as discussing how important it is for children to know their full address, including rapid number.

School Athletics

2011-11-24T12:45:00.001-08:00

School Athletics

The 2011 school athletics were held on Monday 3 October with the following results:

Amazing Electricity Demonstration

2011-09-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

Rudy Kremers had the entire school enthralled today as he conducted several demonstrations of electricity at work using largely homemade equipment. The children were particularly impressed by the Tesla Coil!

Opening Ceremony

2011-09-15T20:18:00.001-07:00

Toni wins Ellesmere Speech Competition

2011-09-13T20:25:00.002-07:00

Toni McKee won the Year 8 section of the Ellesmere Speech Competition with her outstanding speech 'We must rebuild QEII'.

Year 1 and 2 Cricket Coaching

2011-09-13T20:25:00.001-07:00

The Year 1 and 2 children had a wonderful cricket coaching session.

Rippa Rugby Tournament

2011-09-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

The Moa Team had a fantastic onsite Rippa Rugby tournament to celebrate the beginning of the Rugby World Cup.

Year 4 Camp at Woodend

2011-09-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

A bunch of very excited Year 4 children, parents and teachers had a fantastic time at Woodend Christian Camp.

Year 5 and 6 Camp at Woodend

2011-09-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

First Assembly in new block

2011-09-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Our first assembly has been held in the Wharenui of our wonderful new block.

Lincoln Zone Rugby and Netball Tournament

2011-09-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Here are the results from Tuesday 23 August
Year 7/8
A Netball team came 5th
B Netball team came 10th
B Rugby team came 3rd
Year 5/6
A Netball team came 4th
B Netball team came 7th
A Rugby team came 4th
B Rugby team came 1st=

Science Alive visits Kiwi Team

2011-08-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

Science Alive

On Thursday LC8 did Science Alive. The two leaders were called Julie and Sarah. My fourth activity was cooking some bread because the toaster is electric. At the end of the cooking we got to eat the bread!

Then Sarah clapped her hands and said “time to move over now”. I had to go to another table. I got some sheep skin and rubbed it on something, which had balls in it. The balls went to the top and stuck on then fell down. Next I went to a table and kind of did magic. I rubbed a straw with sheep skin and moved a star without touching it!

It was the best day of my life! My favourite part was eating the bread and waking up Rosie the robot.

By Emma Miles

Year 2

Science Alive

On Thursday 19^th August we had Science Alive. We did it in LC8. Sarah and Julie taught us. Rosie is a robot. Her wheels spin round very fast.

First we did one activity with a light bulb and a fire truck. Next we had to do one with a circuit and a battery. Then we had to do one with a board and some power cords. It was really fun!

By Liam Murdoch

Year 2

Science Alive

On Thursday the 18^th of August 2011 Science Alive came to our school. LC8 saw them first.

First we sat on the mat. Then Sarah, one of the Science Alive ladies brought out a robot. The robot’s name was Rosie. Next we went into groups. Then we went to tables. After fifteen minutes Sarah said “tidy up”. We tidied up the table we were at and folded our arms. After we had been to four tables we stopped. It was awesome!

By Madeleine Bakker

Year 2

New Art and Signage

2011-08-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

There are lots of new things to see at school to start the term. It has been great to see the children oohing and aahing over the new achievement board, the KC Kids with their bus, LC 7's gorgeous teddies in the foyer and the wonderful mural on the end of LC3. Come and see for yourself!

Ronald McDonald visits Kiwi Team

2011-07-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

The Kiwi team children had an exciting start to the new term today with an entertaining visit from Ronald McDonald who was in search of his lost sock. The children learnt a lot about road safety and were even allowed to keep the sock!
The children then put their road safety skills to good use making the hair-raising crossing of West Coast Road. Thank you to local police and parents for helping with this.Thank goodness our new multipurpose room is almost ready for use. Next time Ronald will be able to visit us onsite at school!

Ronald MacDonald Road Show

Ronald MacDonald told us to stop, look and listen at the roads. Also he told us to stay on the house side or the right.

Ronald MacDonald wanted us to make our seat belts click because it keeps us safe.

By Emma Miles

LC8

Real Art Roadshow

2011-07-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

The children have all had an amazing onsite art experience today with the visit of the Real Art Roadshow, a travelling exhibition on the back of a truck! Make sure you ask your children about it at the dinner table tonight. You can also find out more at www.realartroadshow.co.nz

Moa Team Speech Competition

2011-07-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Moa Team Speech Competition was an entertaining and informative event. Congratulations to the following winners!

1st Charlotte Darry Earthquakes
2nd Jorja-Rose Parsons Whales
3rd Nick Pitts Elephants

Yr 5/6
1st Leah Parsons Benefits of Play at School
2nd Ally Taylor Give Us Theme Parks in the South
3rd Esther Blain Buy Burglar Alarms!

Yr 7/8
1st Toni McKee Let’s Move QEII
2nd Daphne O’Rourke We Need Younger Drivers
3rd Nicole Cochrane Say No to Whaling

Thank you to our very experienced adjudicators Yvonne and Robert Overton, who provided valuable feedback to the competitors about the importance of making an initial impact, and the effective use of cue cards. Yvonne and Robert also remarked that the overall standard was high and the final points tallies very close, particularly in the Year 7/8 section.

Thank you to parents for supporting the finalists by being part of the audience

Finally, thanks and congratulations to all the finalists for their wonderful achievements in having made the finals.

Lincoln Zone soccer and hockey

2011-07-10T18:16:00.002-07:00

Here are the preliminary results for the Lincoln Zone soccer and hockey tournament - we are still waiting for the official results.

Soccer
Year 5/6 A team 2nd=
Year 5/6 B team 4th
Year 7/8 team 9th

Hockey
Year 5/6 A team 2nd
Year 5/6 B team 6th
Year 7/8 team 6th

Well done everybody!

Indoor Tournament

2011-07-10T18:16:00.001-07:00

In the 2011 Primary Schools Championship Indoor Tournament the volleyball team was placed 6th, while the boys' basketball team was placed 6th in Pool A.

Arbor Day

2011-07-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

The whole school, led by the West Melton School Eco Warriors, dedicated parent Suzanne Pickford and Enviroschools facilitators, and assisted by a willing band of parents and senior students, planted approximately 70 native trees, bushes and shrubs in our new native garden project. We would love you to come and visit this lovely new native garden area with its walnut shell path, stone ‘river’ and pine cone bird feeders.

Fantastic Rhythmic Gymnastics Results

2011-06-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Canterbury Primary Schools Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition was held on Monday 27 June at Olympia Gym. Once again West Melton School children had a great day, with the following results:

Recreation Grade Level 2 - Zoe Spinks came 2^nd and Kate Caldwell came 3^rd

Competitive Grade Level 1 - Annabel Veitch came 2^nd

Competitive Grade Level 3 - Esther Blain came 6^th

Congratulations to all of our gymnasts and a big thank you to the dedicated parents who provided support and transport.

Canterbury Cross Country Results

2011-06-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

The Canterbury Primary Schools Cross Country Championships were held at Halswell Quarry on Wednesday 22 June. Sarah Pearce was placed 72^nd and Kacie Austin 107^th in the 10 year old girls event and Dylan Simpson-Mabey was placed 82^nd in the 12+ boys race.

School Cross Country Cups 2011

2011-06-26T18:53:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the West Melton School Cross Country Cup holders for 2011

Junior Girls Cup Kacie Austin
Junior Boys Cup Sam Darry
Senior Girls Cup Sheree Tomlinson
Senior Boys Cup Dylan Simpson-Mabey

A play in the life of West Melton School

2011-06-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

All of these images were captured today by Ms. Jackson in a single play time! It's great to see such busy, happy children!

Great Artistic Gymnastics Results

2011-06-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

The Canterbury Artistic Gymnastics Competition was held on Monday 20 June. West Melton School children performed extremely well, with the following results:

Grade 1 Team – Annabel Veitch, Matthew Ryan, Deanna Embling, Grace Horsbrugh came 3^rd

Grade 1 Bar – Matthew Ryan came 1^st and Annabel Veitch came 3^rd

Crusaders Training

2011-06-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

On June 8 thirty five very excited children (and parents!) had a chance to train with Crusaders Matt Todd, Nick Barrett and Quentin MacDonald at Malvern Park, after West Melton School won the Investec Super Rugby Term Deposit Campaign run by BNZ. Thank you to BNZ and all investors who nominated our great school!

Lincoln Zone Cross Country

2011-06-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following placegetters in the Lincoln Zone Cross Country held on Thursday 2 June at Halswell Quarry. They have each earned a spot at the Canterbury Cross Country on Thursday 6 July. Well done and good luck to:
Kacie Austin 3^rd 10 year old girls
Sarah Pearce 5^th 10 year old girls
Dylan Simpson-Mabey 11th 12+ boys

Highlights from today's assembly

2011-06-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

LC4 and LC10 did a great job of leading today's assembly. LC10 sang us a beautiful song called 'Seasons Come and seasons Go', Jack and Campbell from LC4 presented extremely convincing arguments for and against having chocolate at school, Student Executive members reminded us about Tuesday pizza and Friday hot chocolate, and Totara whanau came top in the tally of whanau points.

Amazing Science Lab News!

2011-05-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

West Melton School has been awarded a $25000 grant to fund our new Science Laboratory! Thank you Transpower. This gift will make a huge difference to children's science learning, now and in the future!

Walkathon Results

2011-05-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

The school walkathon to raise money for our new science lab was a huge success with more than $8000 raised. Winning fundraisers Carter Dalgety and Tahlia Hemaloto won amazing new bikes, while Ally Taylor and Greta Beattie each won a $50 Rebel Sport voucher.

Science Week

2011-05-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

The first week of Term Two was National Primary Science Week. Children and teachers had a great time participating in a range of exciting science activities using ideas provided by our Science Co-ordinator Maree O’Boyle.

Shoeboxes of Love lift post-earthquake spirits

2011-05-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

Early in May Amy Adams delivered over 200 ‘shoeboxes of love’, including 62 from West Melton School, to the Aranui Community Trust, who were overwhelmed by the care and thought that had gone into each box.

“I'm blown away by the care and thought our people have put into this effort. I know it put smiles, and tears, onto the faces of some of the worst hit Christchurch residents. I’m particularly proud of the kids that got involved. They give me great hope for the future of our country." Amy Adams MP for Selwyn

We congratulate West Melton School's shoebox organiser Ally Taylor and sincerely thank all contributors

West Melton School Cross Country 2011

2011-05-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

The 2011 West Melton School Cross Country was held on Monday 16 May. The weather was perfect and we were all extremely excited to be using the brand new cross country track in the Preston Downs subdivision for the very first time. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Preston Downs developer Hamish Wheelans of Gillman Wheelans who has been very supportive of our great school and even provided optional Powerade for the event.

Cross Country Results

12+ year old girls 1^st Sheree Tomlinson 2^nd Toni McKee

12+ year old boys 1^st Dylan Simpson-Mabey 2^nd Samuel Robinson 3^rd Steven Wanhalla

11 year old girls 1^st Isabella Hurley 2^ndDaphne O’Rourke

11 year old boys 1^st Jack Manera 2^ndJack Ryder 3^rd Joshua Kuhn

10 year old girls 1^st Kacie Austin 2^ndSarah Pearce 3^rd Bailey Hughes

10 year old boys 1^st Sam Darry 2^ndGrayson Cullen 3^rd Samuel King

9 year old girls 1^st Grace Horsbrugh 2^nd Zoe Spinks 3^rdTaylor McKenzie

9 year old boys 1^st Sam Clarke 2^ndJak Phillipson 3^rd Lachlan Summerfield

Year 4 girls 1^st Charlotte Darry 2^ndSophie Ilton 3^rd Jamie Walker

Year 4 boys 1^st Cody Austin 2^ndOllie Blain 3^rdJesse Gray

Year 3 girls 1^st Hannah King 2^ndChelsea Parrett 3^rd Emily Waters

Year 3 boys 1^st Calum Murdoch 2^ndLogan Holland 3^rd William Brown

Year 2 girls 1^st Caitlin Parrett 2^ndRebecca Wright 3^rd Arjana Kremers

Year 2 boys 1^st Jack Barnes 2^ndToby Blain 3^rd Campbell Horsbrugh

Year 1 girls 1^st Molly Macpherson 2^ndIsla McPherson 3^rd Eliza Frew

Year 1 boys 1^st Jackson Austin 2^ndHamish Earnshaw 3^rdCharlie Marr

29 children, 9 years old and over, will be representing West Melton School at the Lincoln Zone Cross Country to be held at Halswell Quarry on Thursday 2 June. Good luck to all of these competitors!

Pink Shirt Day

2011-04-13T19:07:00.001-07:00

We have had a fantastic time celebrating Pink Shirt Day - an international anti-bullying day. Children wore pink, participated in a great variety of anti-bullying activities and shared their learning in a special Pink Shirt Day assembly.

Crusader Israel Dagg visits West Melton School

2011-04-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sam Darry took homework challenges to a whole new level by inviting Israel Dagg to talk to the Senior Class about career choices and his life as a professional rugby player. Israel also took time to sign autographs and teach some rugby skills to a group of very willing learners.

Shoeboxes of Love

2011-04-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

There is still time to contribute a Shoebox of Love to our earthquake initiative, masterminded by Ally.

Walkathon

2011-04-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

We had amazing weather for our Walkathon to raise money for West Melton School's flash new science lab. Thank you so much to our lovely group of parent helpers.

Agrikids

2011-04-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well done our Agrikids team! Thank you to Adele King for the great photos.

2011 Lincoln Zone Swimming

2011-04-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all of our zone swimming competitors! A great day was had by all.

Moa Team Swimming Sports

2011-04-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

Kiwi Camp

2011-04-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

The overnight Kiwi team camp was a huge success!

2011 School Triathlon

2011-04-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

The 2001 school triathlon was a great success. It was wonderful to see our Senior Class helping the little guys!

Whanau Leaders

2011-04-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our 2011 Whanau Leaders.

School Leaders 2011

2011-04-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Head Boy Sam, Head Girl Sheree, Deputy Head Boy Dylan and Deputy Head Girl Toni.

BMX Track

2011-04-11T21:04:00.001-07:00

The children are loving our exciting new bike track!

West Melton School's newest new entrants

2011-04-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our five new entrants for the beginning of the 2011 school year.

Let 2011 begin!

2011-04-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to 2011 at West Melton School! School staff began the year with a great afternoon of teambuilding, ably led by Chris Allan of The Joshua Foundation.

Results from Lincoln Zone Athletics Sports

2010-11-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

Results from Lincoln Zone Athletics
BOYS Sprints
9 Yrs – 50m – 2nd Sam Clarke
9 Yrs – 80m – 1st Max Spinks
10 Yrs – 50m – 3rd Matthew Lane
GIRLS – Sprints
9 Yrs – 80m – 3rd Kacie Austin
10 Yrs – 80m – 1st Isabella Hurley
BOYS – Long Jump
10 Yrs - 3rd Cameron Cook
11 Yrs – 3rd – Jack Ryder
GIRLS – High Jump
9 Yrs – 1st Kacie Austin
RELAYS
9 Yrs Boys Relay – 3rd
9 Yrs Girls Relay – 1st

The Poets of Learning Community 4

2010-10-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Big Shake.
Early in the morning the violent earthquake struck,
And it sounded like a roaring truck.
It was the most terrifying thing I have ever been through,
I had absolutely no idea what to do.
In the dark I was petrified with fear,
Even Mitchell was caught in his bright red underwear.
Some of our friends and family nearly got hurt,
We were lucky to escape with just a ripped shirt.
I thought the world was about to meet its end,
This was a very hard idea to comprehend.
We were all huddling tightly together, waiting for the finish,
Finally the quake started to diminish.
I was in desperate need to find a powerful torch,
Thankfully everyone’s house did not scorch.
Our house shook and rattled until it eventually stopped,
Nearly all our wine bottle corks had popped.
Some of us lit candles to create some light,
Others lost a brick chimney from a great height.
We found the house in a gigantic mess,
Many people now have a new address.
We checked our house carefully for damage and cracks,
Most of Christchurch tuned in to listen for facts.
Bonding together to help friends and whanau,
Roasting yummy marsh-mellows while waiting for power.
Sleeping in the cosy and cramped lounge all on edge,
Our frightened animals rushed for shelter in the hedge.
Two weeks on we are still tragically spooked out,
Life is nearly back to normal but we still have some doubt.
When we grow older we definitely won’t forget,
I now live my life without any remorse or regret.
Thankful for being with those I love the most,
Sharing and laughing over nice warm toast.
How it started is a massive mystery,
We know we have now lived through history.
Written by the children of Learning Community Four West Melton School.
Matthew Blain, George Brown, Jack Burns, Cam Cook, Nicky Dachs, Sam Darry, Johan Esterhuizen, Tom Gullery, George Harding,
Jordan Hay, Mitchell Hedley, Bailey Hughes, Isabella Hurley, Lucy Jenkins, Jack Kelliher, Grace Manera, Josh McAlpine, Brooke
McKay, Sarah Pearce, Max Ryder, Ben Scarlett, Michaela Sibbald, Katy Silva, Max Spinks, Ally Taylor, Max Turner, Adam Walker,
William Zwarst, Campbell Bryant.
After Christchurch earthquake 4th September 2010

Chch Schools Music Festival - our school choir

2010-10-28T16:11:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to our Year 5 - 8 school choir, who
managed to sing their hearts out at the Town Hall last
Thursday evening and represented our school so
exquisitely.
The evening performance was a true exhibit of all the
wonderful musical talent throughout our region, and it
was fabulous to have a group of eager singers from our
school as a part of this magical performance. Thanks to
the choir students for their efforts to learn the lyrics,
parents of the students for their encouragement and
support, and Ms McKendry and Mrs Haywood for leading
the choir.

Money for Maddie

2010-10-28T16:11:00.001-07:00

Room 8 held a very special morning tea on the Wednesday
before the school holidays to present Maddie with a
cheque from the Fundraiser Auction.
The fundraising team really appreciated the support from
the school, the local community and businesses. This
support and generosity meant we were able to raise an
astonishing $13,300 that will contribute towards the
ongoing costs associated with Maddies illness.
Thank you!

Lincoln Environment Poetry

2010-10-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

A pleasant afternoon was had by all attending the prize
giving at the Lincoln Community center. All children who
were involved in the Writing Enrichment Programme
with Amanda Haywood entered this competition. Sue
Jarvis spoke of how many entries they had received this
year & how they had enjoyed reading them all & seeing
some of the great pictures that the children had drawn.
There were prizes given for:
6 and Under - 3rd Megan Rawlins (6)
- commended George Bassett-Smith(6)
7-10 years - 1st Nicole Cochrane (10)
- 3rd Esther Blain (9)
11-14 years - 2nd George Watson (12)

School Athletics Results

2010-10-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

8 year old boys 8 year old girls
1st – Benjamin Wright 1st equal – Grace Horsbrugh and
2nd – Joshua Esterhuizen Zoe Spinks
3rd – Benjamin Zwarst 3rd – Zita Spinks
9 year old boys 9 year old girls
1st – Sam Clarke 1st – Kacie Austin
2nd – Cole Spinks 2nd – Grace Manera
3rd – Ged Roessink 3rd – Katy Silva
10 year old boys 10 year old girls
1st – Jack Kelliher 1st – Isabella Hurley
2nd equal – Cameron Cook 2nd – Esther Blain
and Brock Hanham-Carter 3rd – Bailey Hughes
11 year old boys 11 year old girls
1st – Jack Manera 1st – Sarah Brown
2nd – Jack Ryder 2nd – Tristan Court
3rd – Jack Cleland 3rd – Georgia Doocey
12 + year old boys 12 year old girls
1st – Dylan Simpson-Mabey 1st – Sheree Tomlinson
2nd – Steven Wanhalla 2nd – Toni McKee
3rd – George Watson 3rd – Henrietta Haskell
Congratulations. A large number of these children are representing our school at the Lincoln Zone Championships.

Technology Whizzes!

2010-10-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday afternoon our school representative team of
Ally Taylor, George Brown, Kacie Austin and Dylan Simpson-
Mabey competed in the BP Technology Challenge at Villa
Maria College. The team were selected during the
Enrichment Programme in the second half of Term Three.
The students had three challenges to complete: A known
practiced challenge - marble ramp, A measuring challenge -
how much liquid in the mystery bottles, and a mystery
challenge, which was revealed to be making a container to
carry a 500g object over obstacles. Our team performed
brilliantly - they were effective communicators, they
listened to each other, they allocated responsibilities, they
were self managing and very creative thinkers! Our team
managed to complete each task in the allocated time (an
achievement in itself!) and each task was completed
creativity and effectively to meet the objective. Mrs
Haywood was so proud of the team! Four fantastic examples
of great West Melton KC Kids!

Commonwealth Games afternoon and wearable arts

2010-10-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

Last week at school all the students at school celebrated the Commonwealth Games with a Commonwealth games
afternoon in Whanau Groups, competing in activities such as equestrian (wheelbarrow races with children supporting
each other) and aquatics (moving water from one vessel to another using teamwork and creativity!).
Prior to the games afternoon, all the Year 4-8 students had a wearable arts parade. The students had made garments
based on a country from the commonwealth. The clothes were modelled in a parade in the outdoor amphitheatre.
Thanks to Miss Meyer for her awesome organisation of these successful events!

School Photos

2010-09-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

School Photos were taken last week. Can you spot your wacky teacher in the staff photo?? :)

Poetry Competition

2010-09-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

Last week West Melton School held their bi-annual poetry recitation competition. Students from Year3-8 presented their chosen recited poem to their respective classes, and then the top poem recitations from each class were then selected to compete in the school Poetry Recitation competition.

George Watson was judged to be the recipient of the Senior Poetry Cup and Nicole Cochrane was the winner of the Junior Poetry Cup. Coincidentally, both of these students wrote their own poems for the poetry competition.

Year group winners were:

Year 8 : George Watson

Year 7: Sheree Tomlinson

Year 6: Nicole Cochrane

Year 5: Kacie Austin

Year 4: Grace Horsbrugh

Year 3: Charlotte Darry

Photo: Certificate winners and placegetters in the West Melton School Poetry Competition. Back Row: Dylan Simpson-Mabey, Sheree Tomlinson, Harriet Watson Middle Row: George Brown, Brooke Harrison, Leah Parsons, Kacie Austin, Ally Taylor, Grace Horsbrugh, Charlotte Darry, Kate Caldwell Front Row Nicole Cochrane and George Watson with their Poetry Cups.

A win at the Science Fair!

2010-09-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

Matthew Hadler was awarded a prize in the Canterbury Westland Science and Technology Fair held at AMI Stadium. Matthew's research, entitled Power from a Drainpipe, won a prize from the Institution of Engineering and Technology Best Engineering and Technology Exhibit, winning him an Apple i-Pod Touch. Awesome job Matthew!!

Jump Rope for Heart afternoon

2010-09-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

We all had a Jump Rope for Heart afternoon. We jumped, twirled, skipped and enjoyed fitness, having fun with friends. There were demonstrations of different styles of skipping, such as double dutch and backwards criss-cross, and parents/caregives were invited to participate too. The Heart Foundation kinldy donated some skipping ropes to school, and all students were asked to bring a gold coin donation for the Heart Foundation.

Wonkey Donkey Dress up Day

2010-08-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

All students dressed in country theme clothing for our Wonkey Donkey day. Craig Smith, author of NZ children's choice Book Award 2010 The Wonkey Donkey, performed two shows (one for the Year 0-3 students and one for Year 4-8 students) and the student executive had a coin trail that raised $269.30; one third of the money will be forwarded to the RSPCA, one third to the Student Executive and one third to the school. Hee Haw!!

Skipping practise

2010-08-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 14th September we are having a Jump
Off Day from 2.00 – 3.00pm with demonstrations of the skipping
skills we have learnt. Both the Moa and Kiwi teams have
been out practising skipping and wish to invite their parents and
caregivers to come and join in. The Heart Foundation kindly donated some skipping ropes and in support we are asking that children
bring a gold coin donation on this day for the Heart Foundation.
Looking forward to seeing you there.

Canvases for Maddie

2010-08-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Over the last few weeks, the students in LC8 have been busy
creating four pieces of canvas art works to contribute to the
Maddie Collins Fundraiser. The theme of the pieces is based on
the four seasons: summer surfing, autumn leaves, winter storm
and spring lambs.
The pieces will be included in the auction at this weekends
‘Shin-dig’ in the Community Hall and are currently on display in
LC8. If you wish to make a bid on our art work you will find a
bidding form alongside each piece in the classroom.

Indian guest speaker in LC8

2010-08-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

For our Social Sciences Inquiry, LC6 and LC8 have
been learning about India. On Wednesday 25th
August, we had two guest speakers from India visit
our classes. They were Dr. Kamal Ghose and his wife
Ila. Before their visit we were able to send them an
e-mail of all our questions. When they visited us they
showed us a power point slide show of pictures and
facts about India. They also showed us some Indian
jewellery and a DVD of a Bollywood dance. At the
end we were able to ask questions.
Alessandra Ward, from LC8, made a speech to thank
our guests and Anne-Marie Ward, Alessandra’s mum,
shared some Indian food with us. It was yummy!

Science exhibitors

2010-08-26T20:37:00.001-07:00

Our school representatives at the 2010
Canterbury-Westland Science Fair presented
their exhibits to LC1,3, 4 & 5. The exhibits were also on
display in the library so classes could come in and inspect them
close up and admire all the work and effort
that had been expended by these students to
complete their projects.
Our school science fair representatives are:
George Watson, Henrietta Haskell, Gemma
Waters, Dylan Simpson-Mabey, Kate Jenkins,
Matthew Hadler, Harriet Watson, Jordan Hay,
Shane Stewart, Matthew Blain, Johan
Esterhuizen and Tom Gullery.

Staff versus year7-8 netball game

2010-08-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

Some staff members participated in a friendly netball
match against the Year 7/8 students. A close game, with
lots of laughs (mainly at Mr D in a short skirt!), a few
props and great sportsman and sportswomanship!!

Student Executive Hot Chocolate

2010-08-11T16:38:00.001-07:00

Term 3 HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKS!!!
Every Tuesday and Friday at morning tea time in
LC3.
Buy your delicious hot chocolate and help
fundraise for the Student Executive and the
Wellington Camp.
Only $2 per cup—bring your own plastic mug
with handle.

Cantamaths Success!!

2010-08-11T16:36:00.001-07:00

Canta Maths Competition – Year 8
Last night an enthusiastic, dedicated and
excited but somewhat nervous, group of
four outstanding Year 8 problem solving
students, pitted their mathematical
skills against numerous other Year 8
students from other Canterbury
Intermediate/full primary Schools in the
annual challenging CANTA MATHS
competition held at the town hall.
Under the expert tutelage of the
outrageous Mrs Busch and many fiercely
fought out practice sessions they were
fired up ready to face any challenge!
George Watson, Henrietta Haskell,
Gemma Waters and Toni McKee were
absolutely awesome! They achieved
their high score of 55 managing to hold
off our local schools Darfield, Weedons,
Templeton and Yaldhurst.
Congratulations team. It is not only
about mathematical knowledge and
understanding. It is about problem
solving strategies, (thinking) working as
a team, (team players) communicating
(effective communicators) understanding
and accepting everyone’s ideas (self
believers) managing stress (managing
self) and having FUN!
We are all very proud of you. You
achieved an amazing result. Way to go!!!

Wonkey Donkey Dress-Up Day!!

2010-08-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

Wear your gummies, overalls, your cowboy hats and farm clothes!
Friday 27th August is Wonkey Donkey Dress-Up Day, to coincide with
with a visiting performance by the author of The Wonkey Donkey, Criag
Smith. Coin donations will be used to make a coin trail - proceeds split into
thirds for RSPCA, Student Executive and School.
Hee Haw!!

Science Fair Entrants

2010-08-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

West Melton Schol has several entrants in the upcoming Canterbury-Westland Science and Technology Fair to be held at AMI Stadium on Sunday 29 August 2010.
Gemma Waters - Year 8 Science - Auto Sprinkler for propogation
Henrietta Haskell - Year 8 Science - Who reacts faster ; boys or girls?
George Watson - Year 8 Technoogy - Photosynthesising car
John Esterhuizen, Matthew Blain, Tom Gullery - Year 7 Technology - Laptop Recliner
Matthew Hadler - year 7 Technology - Power from a drainpipe
Harriet Watson - Year 7 Technology - Remember all that...
Dylan Simpson-Mabey - Year 7 Science- Sports for Life
Jordan hay, Shane Stewart - Year 7 Science - How Oil can Damage the Environment
Kate Jenkins - Year 7 Science - What freezes faster; water or juice?

We wish our competitiors the best of luck in completing their exhbitis and competing at the Science Fair!

Welcome to Learning Community 11!

2010-07-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

A big West Melton welcome to our brand new class - Learning Community 11 - and their lovely teacher Ms O'Boyle, who has returned to teaching at West Melton School after a six month Science Fellowship Award.

Buddy Reading Outside!!

2010-07-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful, still, sunny winter's day what better activity to do on a Friday before lunch than

read outside with our buddies from our buddy class. Now that Learning Community 1 and 2 are adajcent to the back court, it means there are even more classes congregating on the back court to share in the sunshine and read together.

Elena and Paige bake-off for charity

2010-06-20T19:46:00.001-07:00

Elena and Paige had a baking sale to raise money for the City Mission. This was part of the WM School Challenge Awards. For the sale they baked brownies, muffins, fudge, and cookies. Heaps of mpeople came along to purchase the delicious cooking. The baking sale raised a total of $173.20. Great effort girls!!

Art Enrichment

2010-06-20T19:39:00.001-07:00

Students from throughout the school have been selected to participate

in an Art Erichment Programme for two half days. The students

are working under the guidance of Mrs Kim Busch in Learning Community 11.

This week the Moa and Kiwi worked on planning and creating 3D sculptures .

They will continue on this work

next week during their final half day session.

Hockey and Soccer Tournament Training

2010-06-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks the Moa Team from Year 6 -8 have been trialling for soccer to get into teams for the Zone Hockey and Soccer Tournament. We have all now been put into teams for our tournament this Thursday (today). We have a Year 7-8 teamand a Year 5-6 A and B team. We have been training every Tuesday and Thursday with Dave Murdoch and Janet Bryant and we really appreciate their efforts to give up their time to coach us. Everyone is looking forward to the day and we hope we will do well.By Georgia Doocey, LC3

Gym Competition

2010-06-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 14th June 2010 a team of enthusiastic gymnists left to compete at the QE2, In the Lion Foundation School of Gymnastics. The weeks before the competition we have been practicing at the West Melton Community Centre every Thursday after school. The competition has four elements Beam,Floor, Bar and the Vault, plus warm up areas like the foam pit with a trampoline which was everyone's favourite.
In Grade 1 (amateurs) there was:
Toni Mckee, Sheree Tomlinson, Callum Sharp, Jack Manera and Kate Jenkins.
In Grade two, which has harder routines, there was:
Georgia Doocey, Rachael Phillipson and Steven Wanhalla.
While we did our routines we got marked in a score of 1-10. Jack Manera did the best by getting second in the valut.
Grade 1 Points overall elements:
Sheree- 34.1/40 points
Toni-31.9/40 points
Callum-31.8/40 points
Jack-34/40 points
Kate-29.9/ 40 points

Grade 2 points overall elements:
Steven- 12th/64
Georgia- 20th/64
Rachael- 46th/64

It was a great day and we had heaps of fun. Thanks to all the parents that helped and transported us to QE2. Hope to see everyone next year.

Toni Mckee
Yr 7

Whare opening

2010-06-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

On Friday the 18th of June Rose Brown and Denise Sheet from Taumutu Marae came in to West Melton School to do a blessing on the moving of the whare.
They told us a story about Hari Hari school and a green stone-ponamu.
They gave us the green stone to keep on the steps of the whare where people can go and rub it.
And to finish it off some of us got some kumara.

By Gemma Waters RM 3

Matariki Celebration

2010-06-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

On Friday 18 June RM 3 and RM 8 got together to celebrate Matariki, the start of the Maori New Year. Firstly RM 3 which later would be out onto wood using thread. Then our buddy class RM 8 chose which pattern they liked most to be put onto the wood. Then after morning tea we went back to our buddy class and started to thread it onto the wood. After we had finished we ate Kumara. There were Kumara fries, potatoes, and orange and yellow Kumara.
This was the ideal way to celebrate Matariki.

By Abbie Cider

RM 3

Writer's Club success

2010-06-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to budding writers at West Melton
School who won prizes in the recent Mother's Day
Writing Competition held by the West Melton News.
Entries from Madeleine McCully, Andrew Rider and
Sophie Ilton (all of which featured on the front page of
the WM News!) were written during a Writer's Club
session at school, and two other entries (Nicole
Cochrane and Toni McKee) were written during class
writing sessions at school. Elena Bakker's poem was also
a winning entry, and was written in rhyme!
It is great to see our young authors getting their writing
published. We are sure all the winning students will
enjoy spending their reward vouchers! Thank you to
Mrs Haywood for motivating students to enter the
competition, and also for submitting the entries.
Special thanks to the West Melton News for supplying
such generous book voucher prizes for the winning
entries. Those students who submitted an entry but
were not winners were all given a chocolate consolation
prize. West Melton School appreciates this kind gesture
as a form of encouragement for our bidding writers.

Zone Cross Country

2010-06-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Zone Cross Country - by Grace Manera
L.C.4
On the 1 June 2010, some other children and I went to
the Zone Cross Country at the Halswell Quarry. When
we got there we set up the big and beautiful school
flag.
I took off my jacket and then my race was called. I
was nervous, we all lined up and then the call “On your
marks, get set” and then he smacked the two wooden
blocks together. Bang! We all raced down the track as
fast as the speed of light! We had to run two laps of
the quarry when I passed people. I could hear their
hearts pounding and people breathing very loudly.
As I was on the last lap I came down the line. I was
very tired when I had finished my race. I got 29th. I
had a drink and when all of the races had finished we
packed up and got into the cars and went back to
school. I had a great day at the Zone Cross Country
and I hope I get to go next year.

Enrichment Programme presentations

2010-06-02T17:47:00.001-07:00

The Enrichment Programme students have been presenting their work about either topics related to Round and Round (Moa students) or a new school design (Kiwi students). Mrs McHarg was the invitedguest at the Moa presentation and Mrs Jackson attended the Kiwipresentations. All the students were able to clearly articulatetheir project ideas and concepts and competently answered questions fromboth guests and peers. Pictured: Mrs Jackson and the Kiwi Enrichment studentsshare ideas about their new school concepts.

KC Kid Activity Afternoon

2010-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

The KC Kid’s Fun Day
Yesterday the whole school participated in the “KC Kid’s” Fun day. The children participated in range of different activities such as board games, soccer and octopus, treasure hunts and artwork. We also had a lot of great leaders both running the bases and taking the groups round the fun activities. It was great walking round the activities and seeing the smiles on every ones faces. Everyone had fun even the organizers.
Holly from room 10 said”I liked doing the KC kid fun day because you get to do fun activities I haven’t done before.”

Duncan from room 3 said “The day was fun….”

By Harriet Watson

Book Sale at School

2010-05-26T16:56:00.001-07:00

Last Friday Kacie and I held a book sale to raise money for a primary school in Uganda who need to buy library books. Thanks to everyone who donated books and games for our sale and to all those who came on the day to buy books. We are pleased to tell you that we raised $162!
Esther Blain & Kacie Austin – LC5

Student Executive Mufti Day

2010-05-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

The school Student Executive held at Mufti Day at school

to raise money for the Chomondeley Children's Home.

Students were asked to bring along coins to be used to make

a coin trail on the front court of the school. The generosity

of students and their families ensured that there were

plenty of coins to make the words for the chosen charity and

a total of just under $390 was raised.

Pictured: Photo 1: year 5 students with Senior class teacher Mrs Kim

Busch and Student Executive members.

Photo 2: Mufti day organisers: Georgia Doocey, Gemma Waters and Rachael Phillipson.

Mothers Day raffle winner!

2010-05-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Mothers Day Raffle winner - Daniel Holland from LC7.

We are sure your Mum would have loved getting all those

goodies for Mothers Day!!

Special thanks to Viv Titmus and Janet Bryant from the PTA

for organising the raffle.

Judo at assembly!!

2010-05-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

During our last school assembly the whole school were

treated to a judo demonstration by Will Spinks, Zoe Spinks,

Zita Spinks and Cole Spinks, under the guidance of Graeme Spinks.

The children flipped through the air, hurled each other around and

demonstrated some very fancy judo moves!!

The the end of the assembly, pupils interested in learning judo were given

pamphlets about the judo club held

weekly at the Yaldhurst Memorial Hall.

Rugby Funday

2010-05-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Rugby fun day
On Friday the 7th of May, three West Melton rugby teams went to Ilam rugby fields to compete in 3 rugby games. There were two year 5 teams and one year 6 team. I was in the year 6 team. We played Halswell in the first game. We received the ball and I ran the ball up and got tackled. I scored one try in that game. We won 19-7. Then we had a morning tea break. Our second game was against ST Albans. I subbed for the first 10 minutes. I played winger in that game and got a run away try and set up another try. I got a drop goal over the posts. We won that game as well and the score was 21-7. Our last game of the day was against Sumner. It was a really hard game but we still won.
By Jack Kelliher