Active Learning

It's been a very full year of learning for these two little Clarksters. Helena started her first year at Miramar Christian School as a Yr One student in Mr Toelupe's Kowhai classroom. She LOVED it! Hunter finished his first full year at the school as a Yr Three student in Mrs Anderson's Totara classroom. Both of the kids are quite keen learners - both at school, after school and at home! 

 Just after Tony had left for Brazil, it was time for the school speeches. Helena asked me to come along to watch hers which we had been practicing for a couple of weeks. She nailed it! She didn't look at her cue cards and she used great expression... she had so much fun talking about "cute chicks" that she earned the first place prize for her year group in class and at the school speech competition. Well done Helena!

 I've already mentioned that we've been part of the Arise Breakfast Club at Kahurangi School all year long. The kids have learned lots of new things: how to make loom band bracelets, how to juggle, good sportsmanship, how to eat as much dairy as possible in one morning, and the effects of greediness on your tummy later in the day. It's been a real treat to see them making friends with the students and building relationships with the other Arise volunteers.

Mid way through the year we decided to give music lessons a go. It must've been Term 3 when we started... 

Hunter trialled the guitar with his teacher Jackson. He actually was pretty good at it, but found it a bit too frustrating as it got more challenging. He really wants to play the drums, but neither Tony nor I are very keen to take on that instrument. I think we'd need to see some real drive and ambition for it before we invested in something so well... loud.

Helena took a general music class which included learning the recorder, the ukulele and some basic music theory. Her teacher Brognan said she had good rhythm and timing and caught on very quickly. Her class performed "Jingle Bells" in a Christmas concert one Sunday afternoon. Though really nervous, Helena nailed it and enjoyed her experience on stage!

Having both kids at school has been a bit of an adjustment for me, but I've really enjoyed being part of the school community as a parent helper, APT member and opening my home for some of the other moms to come get to know each other. 

 The school is conveniently located to our home, plus it's right across the street from the Weta Cave so every once in a while we see some interesting things - like this King Kong bigature!

 It's been really good seeing Becs daily and it's also been good that she's an aide in Helena's class so I get the inside scoop! 

 You gotta love that we can go to the beach as our end of year fun day!!!

 Yep - the moms... we're just as excited (if not more so) that school is ending! 

Helena's going to miss her Year Two buddies - Amelia and Angelina!

 Both kids earned Awards of Merit this year for their academic performance and dedication to learning! Way to go, Hunter! Way to go, Helena! Daddy & Mommy are so very proud of your efforts.

There will be plenty more active learning over the summer and as the years go on... we are the Clarks - we are life-long learners!