2020-The Possibilities are endless.. :)

Hi Guys,

Recently I entered a speech competition about College Street and learning in 2020. I was delighted to find out I had won. I also listened to all the other speeches, and I must say, CSNS have some really creative people! Enjoy! Imagine if learning could be like this...BOOM!!

2020. As far away as it may sound, it is actually only 3 years away. I will be far gone, but lots of people will still be here, like my brother and sister. So here are some possible improvements for College Street that I urge you to consider.

In the time I have been here, CSNS has changed and improved! So our vision statement should change too. I believe that College Street’s Vision Statement should be (pause)     

empower, equip and excel. I think this shows that we are a school of the future. Yesterday we lived in a world where we needed identical factory workers, but the world has progressed. Today we need people who think innovatively, creatively, critically, interdependently with the ability to connect.

Being in a MLE last year and this year has been truly incredible. I can confirm that this way of learning is beneficial, because you learn not only academic skills, but life skills such as collaboration, to be self driven, creative, and have a growth mindset. I think as a school we don’t need to be scared of Modern Learning Environments and avoid them. Come, on, that was the past. We look to the future now don’t we? (ask them and pause) Juniors should get the opportunity to learn in an MLE. I’m not saying that we should completely get rid of traditional classrooms, I just believe it should be an option. I think that if the whole school is on the same journey the transitions will be easier between year levels.

I also want to say that we should be involved in strategic planning and general planning. I know that this would be a huge step, but, (on behalf of CSNS kids) I think that children have a lot to bring to the table and our ideas are worthwhile knowing. This is the 21st century! MLEs = Children are independent and more mature. Why, you may ask? Because in MLEs we are in the front seat of learning. This doesn’t mean that the teachers aren’t there to push and extend us - but we have more choice and ownership over our daily learning.

All these improvements individually are one small step for a learner. But all these improvements together are one big leap for learning kind.

Children only get to go to primary school for six years of their life. Let’s make it is the best six years of their life.

Thank you and I hope you take my ideas into account.

Kids Nasa Site

Hello! As you know, this term we are studying space. Here is a really cool website I found about space. I really love it. Enjoy!

Kids Nasa Site

Solar System

(Helpful Hint/s) If you watch the video, you will see the orbit pattern of all the planets. If you click on a planet, you will see the name and a few fun facts. Enjoy!

Welcome to Term 4! It is so exciting that at the end of this year, the Year 6s and myself are leaving CSNS! I am going to miss it here so much! I love College Street. 

For Term 4 our Integrated Unit is Space. On the 1st day of term, we wrote about a picture. It was a picture of Neil Armstrong on the moon, with an American flag planted. We could choose any text type, and I chose a report. After that, we were put in to random partners. I was with Mickey.

In the afternoon, we did some coding and made a digital model of our Solar System. I had never coded before so I had lots of fun and learnt so much not only about coding but about our Solar System!! What an awesome start to Term 4. 

NZ Chinese Language Week

NZ Chinese Language Week

Ni Hao Dajia,

Did you know that this week is National Chinese Language Week? 

This week, I challenge you to learn some chinese words and use it at home and school. Here are some useful and awesome chinese words. Have a go at speaking some Chinese this week! 

Hello: Ni Hao (prounouced knee how)
Goodbye: Zaijian (prounouced
Everyone: Dajia 
Please: Qing (prounouced
Thank you: Xiexie(prounouced sheih sheih) 
I am: Wo Shi
1: Yi
2: Er
3: San

These images are credited to other people. I do not own these images.

Maori Language Week

Hello!

Did you know that this week is 
National Maori Language Week? 
This week, I challenge you to learn a word in Maori, and use it at home and at school. Here are some cool maori words. 


Please: Koa

Thankyou: Mauruuru

Awesome!: Ataahua!

Hello: Kia ora

Smile: memene or menememe

Exciting: Whakaihiihi!

Ko toku ingoa: My Name is

Maori Languaage is one of the three official languages in NZ. It is important to know that Maori should be a part of any Kiwi's life. 





#notjustkiwis
#koretikatamati (notjustkids)

Maori Triple Koru

Daffodil Day

Daffodil Day 2017

Here are some photos from CSNS Daffodil Day On Friday, the 25th August 2017. 

Co-CEO of the Warehouse

In every business there is a required role of a CEO. I have been lucky enough to gain that role, along with a fellow colleague, Lucy McLean.

At CSNS this term, we are focusing on Financial Literacy to prepare us for our futures. The Year 4s, 5s, and 6s are running businesses and learning about being an entrepreneur through CSNS’s own currency. We have online banking, interest, debt, grants and annual leave. We are doing lots of tasks about pricing and matching descriptions to roles. We have all written a Curriculum Vitae, which we used to enhance our Job Application we did. A few weeks ago, the teachers selected our positions in the businesses. This lead to me becoming the Co-CEO of PriceLESS Products.

I am delighted to be in this company, because of the advantages we have. We are lucky enough to have a dedicated teacher, Ms Casey who is available to help us all the time. We have a spacious, luxurious, quiet workplace, in the staffroom, where we can spread out. We also have been given the responsibility of the first company to be selling products and services - we had to be ready to receive orders by day two! We have a variety of products and services available. Summarised, I feel so privileged and proud to be working in this business.

As a Co-CEO, it is lovely to have someone else to share all the hard work, behind the scenes jobs. We are #partnersincrime! and it is awesome! Lucy and I have the final say in serious matters, such as assigning roles, and wages. We also have to bear in mind, that if it all goes wrong, we don't make a profit and are unsuccessful it is us who has to take the blame. However, if it is successful everybody has the equal amount of credit.

Some of my other weekly tasks are:

• working with the accountants to give every employee the correct amount of wages, and to double check the invoice for customers.
• working with the Marketers to create adverts, and logos that represent us.
• working with the Customer Services department to create a successful system.
• regular meetings with Lucy and Ms Casey, to organise a criteria for the day/week.

We hope to achieve a lot at PriceLESS Products. I will update everyone with our progress.

Have you ever worked in a business?

What was your favourite memory from being in a business?

If you have been a CEO, what was your favourite part?

I would love to hear your answers in the comments!

Kate :) #notjustkids

#Not Just Kids

Hey guys, :)

As you may know, last term I did an impact project. I spent my time making a blog about how children have a lot to offer, and can be just as creative, innovative and useful as adults. My blog is called #Not Just Kids. I really hope this blog can inspire you! Please take a look.

Kate

Old Saint Paul's

Hey there,

Last week I went to Wellington (NZ's Capital). As part of my trip I visited a unique old church, called Old Saint Paul's. Keep reading to learn more. :)

Old Saint Paul's was beautiful. It had a deep history, and there was super high ceilings, and a grand piano. It was very majestic. The had a cute little Christmas shop too. In Old Saint Paul's I saw stained glass windows. When watching the short documentary clips I realised that every single window told a story. There were also various different Marine Corp flags. Here is a link, and a few photos.

Enjoy! Have you ever explored an old building? Kate :)

Link: http://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/wellington-region/old-st-pauls

 Coming into Old Saint Pauls

A Grand Piano

Holidays

As you may know, Term 3 has officially started. How is the new term going for you? Beforehand, I had a really awesome holiday. Thank you to all the people that helped me have an amazing break.

I went to see Despicable Me 3. Have you heard of Despicable Me? It was so funny, and different to the other films in the franchise. SPOILER ALERT: My favourite part is when Gru’s daughter Agnes finds a goat with one horn broken off. She is delighted because she thinks it's a unicorn. It is so cool! If you've seen it, what do you think? I was also really lucky to catch up with some friends from school, and friends of my family.

The highlight of my holiday would be taking a trip to the capitol of little NZ. Have you been to Wellington? I went with my grandparents, and I learnt so much! I was fortunate enough to visit a beautiful old church, called Old Saint Paul's. I took a tour of Parliament, the National Library, and National Museum. I also was lucky enough to see an amazing international facility, called Weta. I have done/will do some separate small posts about all of these places, if you would like to know more.

How was your holidays? Did you have a staycation? Did you go somewhere exotic? I would love to know. Term 3 is going to be a great term, I can just feel it. All the best. Kate :)

How a Three Way Conference works in Colab.

Hey guys,

Recently CSNS had their 3 Way Conferences. Colab's were very different in comparison to any other class. We wrote an explanation to explain how it works. Here is mine. Enjoy! Kate :)

How do your parents find out about your learning?
Do you have 3 Way Conferences?


How a Three Way Conference Works in Colab

A Three Way Conference in Colab is a conference  about a student's learning between a parent/parents, a teacher, and the student to inform the parents of the students learning. In Colab the student is the director and leader of the conference. They discuss what the student’s next steps are, and what they have achieved.

The parts needed is a scheduled time when both the parents and a teacher is available, a learning site, and a plan. The parents were invited, and they came to a twenty minute meeting during the school day. The teachers were present for support, but it was led by the students. The students showed their Learning Site, which included their Learning Target, their Writing and Maths Assessment for Learning (A4L), their Bookclub Document, their Blog, their Leading Their Learning slides, and their report. The students had created their Learning Sites themselves, guided by teachers.

Firstly the students talked to the parents, then they were emailed to be formally invited. Parents filled out a form to book in a time when they would be available. The parents came at their time for a twenty minute meeting. The teacher was available for support, but the student led. The student showed site, fast track, teacher timetable, and weekly plan.

I had my Three Way Conference on Wednesday, Week 8, Term 2 in Colab at CSNS.

Three way conferences in Colab are evolving. They unique compared to any other class. Colab is making College Street history!

Thanks Miss Marshall!!!!

Hi Guys,

I have been very lucky over the last few weeks, because Colab have had our excellent Student Teacher Miss Marshall. She is always so kind and helpful to me, so it was a real shame she had to go. Thank you for everything you have done for CSNS, Colab, and me. You are going to be the best teacher ever! All our best wishes for the future. Can’t wait for you to come in visit us. :) I am going to miss you! Here are some photos from her farewell. Have you ever had a wonderful student teacher? I love hearing back from you. Thanks so much everyone! Kate, :)

Assembly 

 Hugs, Hugs, and more hugs!

Thank you so much Miss Marshall!

Cross Country 2017

Hi There! 
A few weeks ago, I went to Cross Country. After coming back, I challenged myself and wrote a factual report - I have never done this before. Have you ever ran Cross Country? Do you like running? I love to see your comments. Thanks, Kate :)

Proud parents, supportive friends, and loving family of the CSNS Kids were crowded on the Dransfields Farm to encourage everyone on the 1st of June, 2017. It was the annual Cross Country Day! It was the day where Yr 3-6 children from CSNS travelled out to the country. This was the day of the year that the majority of students dreaded.    


The Dransfield’s Farm
They were out on the Dransfield’s Farm because it was perfect for long distance running. It very much fitted the description. There was squelching mud. Hilly terrain was what challenged the students and many participants fell over because it was such a steep, mountainous track. Lush forests were plentiful, that were littered with logs, leaves, and pebbles, layering the ground like a carpet. The creeks were meandering through the hills and forests. Some unpleasant features included gargantuan areas of land complete with oozing, putrid mud. All these components together, made a stimulating track that was challenging for every participant.

Getting Started
The participants started off after getting out of the bus by tramping up a huge hill where Mrs Langley and Mrs Tremain kindly had layered down an extensive tarpaulin. A team of volunteers had marked out a huge track with luminous orange cones. They had purposely not avoided disgustingly muddy ranges. As everyone perched on the ground, nerves aroused, there were butterflies fluttering everywhere. The first set of competitors readied themselves for the event.

Race Time
The time came for the races, and it was a success! Students strived and pushed themselves to their limit. They bolted across the finish line, their faces burgundy with a huge gawping smile. Everyone was grubby and masked in natural country cow poo. What a fantastic day!

Cycling Adventure

Hey Guys, 
A few weeks ago I went on cycling course. I learnt heaps of skills that will help me for life, and had heaps of fun. Huge thanks to Phil and Matt who taught and guided us. Please comment below. Do you go biking? Do you know the road rules? When did you learn to ride on the road? Thanks Kate. 



My heart was thumping as we paraded our bikes onto the footpath. This was such an unfamiliar experience for me. We had previously geared up in our hi vis vests and helmets. People undoubtedly could see us for miles. We all listened to Phil (our Biking Instructor), and Matt (a police officer) who gave us a short informing talk, reminding us of the road rules. “Come on Guys, we’re going first!’’ Phil announced with excitement. I was in Phil’s Group. I felt very mixed up. I felt flustered, yet bouncing with excitement. My emotions were wrestling with each other. Good feelings alway win though, and I felt enthusiastic. I hoisted my bike onto the road. I adjusted the petals until I was in power position and ready to go. I felt very responsible to be going on the road. This was going to be fun! We checked behind us. ‘CLEAR!” we all screeched at the top of lungs. And with that, we disappeared into the distance.  I was thrilled. 

My Pigeon Impossible Writing

Hello, 
Last week Colab watched a clip called Pigeon Impossible. It was about a secret spy called Walter, his briefcase and donut, and a pigeon. I wrote my take on the story. 

You know, some days, pigeons feel hungry. That's just the way of the world. On this particular day, one ravenous pigeon was so starving that he found any food irresistible! This pigeon was walking along in the gutter, when he saw the most delicious, amazing, biggest, best bagel ever in the hands of the very misfortunate secret spy Walter. This wasn't just any bagel either, it was fresh and warm, and the pigeon was craving bagels!

Walter praised and treasured his high tech briefcase that was nestled beside him. While having a lunch break he saw this pigeon. It pecked at his bagel. Fairly enough, he presumed. He broke off a modest amount of the bagel. It was only a crumb, yet the pigeon was famished. Poor pigeon. It squawked. Walter (slightly irritated) shooed the pigeon away.

Worst mistake ever! The pigeon snatched the bagel, and in all of the commotion the pigeon went flying into the briefcase. The pigeon, rather distressed skittered on all the buttons. He pecked on a button saying ‘fire’. Laser beams shot across the street towards Walter, but he was prepared and ducked behind a wall. This happened repeatedly. The Pigeon, flew up into the sky, and fired at a person in their car, and started causing destruction in the city. ‘This was nothing yet’, Walter thought.

The Pigeon pushed on a button that released the safety catch for the red button. Startled, was how the pigeon felt, but his curiosity won him over. He looked around, poking at this and that. He was becoming rather exasperated.  Pigeons, are a bit like bulls. When they get angry they run at red. The pigeon saw the hugest, biggest, bloodiest-looking, reddest of the red HUGE button! The pigeon backed up, before charging at the speed of lightning, towards the button, before flying backwards. The abuse to his beautiful wings only made him more enraged with anger, and he lunged again.

Suddenly a crisply coloured white tower erupted open, to reveal a huge missile, that soared into the air. The briefcase went skidding across the street before opening, catapulting the pigeon way into the distance. Walter, who was appalled, was obstinate to get revenge. But there was no time to worry about some as small as that! No, Walter was preoccupied with other things right now. Such as a multi million dollar explosive device, accelerating towards Moscow in Russia. Walter, with beads of sweat running down his face, frantically banged on the keyboard, hoping there was a ‘back’ button. No such luck! Aided with his high tech gadgets Walter zoomed into the sky. He adjusted his aim, only to discover the aggravating pigeon gazing at him.

Walter hurled the donut away, and thankfully, the pigeon followed after. The bottom segment of the missile detached and plunged below. “Phew!” Walter though. Walter aimed at the remaining segment of the bomb. He exhaled slowly, and pressed release. BANG! To Walter, the sky was black. He went plummeting down, but used his briefcase to prevent injury.

After landing, he scrambled back onto his feet. Walter slid his sunnys over his eyes, before casually strolling away, safe and sound. You might be thinking, where did the falling segment of the missile go? THUD! Well, let’s just say the pigeon’s fate was unfortunate.

Impact Project

Hi again!

Over the past few weeks Colab has been doing our inquiries a little bit differently, and I wanted to share that with you. We are currently doing impact projects.

We have a slide called leading my learning, which is the headquarters for our inquires. To get us started, we thought of all the things we love to do, all the things we are good at, and all the things we would love to learn about. We wanted our projects to always be exciting for us, so that we are running to school each day.

Then we recorded some possible questions, ideas, projects, issues, or problems. They had to have a positive effect on something. I had a lengthy list of possible projects, and I took my time to figuring out what my term-long adventure could be. In the end, I chose something I never would have guessed I’d be doing.

I want to find other kids like me, that want to take action in the community, and provide help to others, and create a group. I am very aware of unquestionably successful programs such as the Model UN, and the Youth Council of Palmerston North, but I am under the impression that they are not very suitable for 10 Yr Olds. Hopefully by the end of the term we will have a project in mind.

So this is what my impact project will be. I wonder what projects you are working on? Please comment below. Thanks for reading.

Council Chamber

Hi Guys, This is a newspaper article that Madeleine, Eilidh, and I wrote. We went to Council Chamber. It was incredible. Thank you to Mrs Dennison, who made it possible.

On Friday the 5th of May, Madeleine James (10), Eilidh Mackay (10) and Kate Coutts (10) who are Young Leaders at College Street Normal School attended the Palmerston North City Council Committee Meeting to present their submission about Palmerston North. There were multiple meetings to decide whose ideas to include in the budget.

Kate Coutts recommended that a recycling bin be placed next to every rubbish bin in the city. Madeleine James and Eilidh Mackay thought of new ideas to make Palmerston North better, for example, having more free events, activities at the library for tweens and opening the science observatory to the public.

“These three girls are extremely passionate and are committed to making a difference in our local community” says Amanda Dennison, one of the teachers who work with the Young Leaders team.

“Today was an amazing experience that I will never forget” said Madeleine James.

“It was so much fun and the City Councillors were so nice. I just want to do it all over again!” says Eilidh Mackay

“It was an incredible experience and everyone was so welcoming. All the Councillors valued and considered our ideas.” Kate Coutts.

Madeleine on Left, Eilidh in middle, and Kate on left. At submitters desks, in the Council Chamber.

Selfie Time! 

Our Colab Target

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all have had a good holiday. For my holiday, I spent the first week in Kuratau, and the second week catching up with friends. I was very lucky and got lots of Easter Eggs, from family, friends and the Easter Bunny.  Here is some writing to inform you of what Colab has been doing recently.

I have had an excellent start to Term 2. For the first two days, we completed 5 fun activities, that was an introduction to Colab’s Target. The Target is what we aim to achieve. There are 6 areas of the target.

The first area is Collaboration. For Collaboration, my group and I did Breakout EDU which is a really challenging activity where you need to crack codes, find clues and keys to ‘Breakout’. This was so much fun, and really helped us be amazing collaborators.

The second area is Creativity. For this area we were challenged to invent something unique with a paper clip - and give it a new purpose. This was fun, and you really had to be imaginative.

Thirdly, we aim to have a growth mindset. For this activity, we listened to podcasts, read articles and studied pictures to gather information about how to create a growth mindset. Then, we presented our information. My group chose to present using a play.

In Colab, it is important to be curious researchers who have an impact. This was our fourth area. We did an activity called moonshot thinking. This is where you take a huge problem, one that has existed for centuries, or is up to a global scale. You use a crazy idea and combine with breakthrough technology, and you have a solution. In the activity, we pitched an idea that could be an incredible solution.

Lastly but most definitely not least is Knowing yourself as a Learner. For this activity we looked at kids in different scenarios-there was one that was relatable for everybody. We had to give them advice. To summarise at the end we wrote down 5 things that we should do as learners.

You might be wondering, ‘Hey, where’s the sixth area?’ Well, that’s where it’s down to us. The teachers cannot decide what criteria we’re missing, and neither can I! I wonder if you have any ideas for our final area of our target? So, this is what Colab and I have been doing. Thank you for reading this, please comment below.

Happy Easter

This week is the last week of Term 1, for me. I have learned so, so much this term, and I want to thank everyone for helping my experiences be that way.

 I am so grateful for all the opportunities I get, and all the wonderful people I’ve met. For example Camp Green Pastures. I met a ton of amazing parents on camp, who generously gave up their precious time to help our camp be what it was.

 My peers and I have achieved so much, I am proud of everybody. I myself have accomplished more than I ever thought I would. My top 6 things I am proud of are: Getting into Chorale, The Netball A Team, and Young Leaders. I am also proud to interviewing a councillor soon, and I have collaborated on a report on our school triathlon, that was submitted to the Manawatu Standard. Lastly, I came 2nd in the Championships Girls Breastroke. I cannot wait to celebrate everything this Easter.

For the Autumn break, my family and I are going to Kuratu, a small village by lake Taupo. I am looking forward to relaxing! How are you spending holidays? What are you proud of that you have done this term?  I’d love to know in the comments.

Peek-a-boo!!

Peek-a-boo! Here I am in the long grass of Green Pastures Camp.  

Mud Run 2017!

For camp this year my class, COLAB, went to Green Pastures. It was such an incredible, unforgettable experience. Therefore, I think you might like to hear a snippet of my adventure. Please check out my mud run story.

Mud Run

I was struggling through the oozing mud. My tired limbs were collapsing as they scrambled through a river of mud. This disastrous concoction was made from dirt, water, and fallen branches. We were surrounded by a beautiful forest, but what was underneath our feet was disgusting. I was tramping through a long track with every consistency of mud there is!

I held on to anything I could grasp to keep moving. This was an impossible task and I became cemented to the ground. I needed help to be extracted from the mud. I was lucky to be surrounded by lovely people that helped me all the way through. I was tempted to give up, but if I did I would be in stranded in this misery forever.

I looked liked a zombie stumbling and hobbling along as I dragged myself away from the mud run and towards my friends and classmates. I had a face masked with mud, and a body conditioned with mud. I was unrecognisable. I felt like a medal was being stamped around my neck for participating in such an agonising experience. However, for every tear there were oodles of laughs, smiles that recovered the hate. I have had my lifetime worth of mud.

 The Gruelling Mud run. 

 Unrecognisable!

Check out these other moments from Camp!

 Kayaking in the lake. 

 The shooting range. 

 Home sweet Home.

 Dorm Selfies!

Beautiful.

May I add, these are not my photos. These are credit of other classmates, teachers and parents. 

So...Where have you been camping? Have you been to Green Pastures? Please comment below.

My Tagul Creation About Me!

This is my Tagul about me! 

1st School Day for 2017!

So many things are going to change this year! For starters, I am in a super awesome class with 4 marvellous teachers and 90 peers. I remember my first day vividly. Almost all my friends were in the same class as me, and it gave me such a thrill to know that I could play with a different friend every day. Walking into that class it was a blank canvas. We were the biggest class in CSNS history. We could make the space to perfectly tailor our wants and needs for learning. Here’s my story for the 1st day of school. 

As I walked into this huge open space it seem barely possible that I would be calling this my classroom. Previously I had met my teachers and I was very excited to be in their class, but I was so nervous! I didn't want to leave this school yet! I felt a certain need to be really involved because soon all these wonder opportunities would be gone. There was an ocean of kids and I felt overwhelmed. I nearly burst my eardrums with everyone chin- wagging! 

 I received a Designer Profile very quickly from my quirkily dressed teachers. This term, the theme was Grand Designs, based on the famous TV show. We had to come up with a ‘Grand Design’ for our class. Accordingly, Miss Gordon, Mr R, Mrs Dennison, and Mrs Liddell were dressed as builders, and there was construction tape draped everywhere possible. We started off by doing tasks such as: making a lego model of furniture, filling out a google form, organising our tote trays and writing down some things about us.

 Then we went to the Porwhiri to welcome all the new people to our school. After morning tea we did a scavenger hunt, to get to know each other better.
 Then we started on our Grand Designs. I chose to be an interior designer, and helped make a colour survey. We spent the rest of the day finishing things off.

 My school day ended in one of the best ways possible. A dance party!        I am so excited for a great year this year!
Please comment below, - I wonder if your school year ever started like this?

Here is a designer profile.

Here is some construction tape, and a Grand Designs Poster.

Colour Survey Time!

 Focused Learning.

Scavenger Hunt!