Sensory Learning in Room 8

Just take a look at the Room 8 children.  They are enjoying the Ukulele.

Room 10's Maori Masks

Room 10 at Base have been working on making Maori masks for their topic – NZ Cultures with Gabrielle.

These photos show the process the children went through in the creation of their masks. Visit the Room 10 class blog to see more about our learning.

Anchorage Park's Maori Pendants

Room 2, Anchorage Park Satellite

When we studied the Cultures of New Zealand topic we made Maori Pendants during art.
The Maori symbols we used were the Koru, the Fishhook, and the Pikorua. The Pikorua is the traditional symbol for friendship and growth and represents cultures growing together.
We practised rolling and making shapes with playdough before we used the clay.
We used photos of the Maori Symbols we were focusing on to help us form the clay to get the right
shape.
We let the clay dry before we painted it.
We practised plaiting with wool but it was too hard for us to plait the flax for the necklace so Carol
did it.
Our results are fantastic! Visit the Room 2 class blog to see more about our learning.

The making of the pendants....

Maui's Fish

In term 1 Room 11 explored Maui's Fish as part of their music prorgamme with Hillary King.  

Here are some pictures of the children and the fish.
Visit Room 11's class blog to see more about our learning.

Portable Pool

Sommerville currently has a 10 metre portable heated pool on site.
Many students will benefit from using the pool during term 2.

Using the pool supports students in learning water safety skills and helps many to meet their physiotherapy goals.

Take a look at some of the children using the pool below.....

Ashwin's Class

Sylvia Park Senior Satellite 

Will.i.am's $100k donation surprise

One lucky Sommerville student (Tai) had Will.i.am lean on his shoulder during a photo opportunity at Pt England School where he donated $100,000 to the Manaiakalani Trust - of which Sommerville Special School is a member. The money will go towards improving learning opportunities for students across Tamaki.

Will.i.am has a photo with students who will benefit from his donation.

Click here to view Will.i.am's presentation to the Trust and read the article on STUFF.co.nz

Click here to view Will.i.am's presentation to the Trust on Newstalk ZB

Term 1, 2013 - A very busy term!

Wow, it has been a very busy term here at Sommerville.  Check out some of the happenings throughout the school below.

Artwork - Gabrielle has been visiting Middle Cluster classes and has done some amazing artwork with the children.  This photo shows Sylvia Park Seniors...... 'Maui and the Sun' painting, pencil and vivid marker masterpieces!

Soapbox Derby - Sommerville once again participated in the annual NZ Derby Car Championships.  We came 5th in the Eastern Bays competition which saw us head off to the Nationals.  Check out the video from the day below.

School Social - Friday 12th April the senior students enjoyed their first school social of the year.  A very successful evening, happy students and staff members with dance moves galore!

V8 Supercars - On Friday the 12th of April, Kevin from Tamaki took his class, Xavier from Tamaki Class 2 and Marciano from the Sylvia Park Satellite Class to see the V8 Supercars in Pukekohe.  The children had a wonderful day as can be seen in the video below.