Balmoral School Newsletter - 15 November 2024

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Te Tumuaki / Principal

Kia ora e te whānau

Thanks to the thirty parents who attended the mathematics evening last Wednesday. Learning theory is complex, and translating this into practice requires a highly trained teacher, not a one-off worksheet. I hope those who were present understood this message last week.

Recent research on brain theory influences what we do in the classroom. Scientists believe that neuroplasticity persists throughout life and that the brain's elasticity does not diminish with age. This indicates that individuals can acquire new skills and knowledge at any stage.

These findings have significant implications for education and personal development. They suggest that adults can continue to expand their intellectual horizons, learn new languages, master new technologies, or even transition to different careers well into their later years.

Mathematics as a Model for Brain Development

Recently, researchers have used mathematics as a framework to illustrate the brain's adaptability. They discovered that proficiency in math is less about inherent ability and more about the development of neural pathways through practice and exposure to mathematical concepts.

Mathematics fundamentally involves pattern recognition and problem-solving. As we engage with mathematical concepts, our brains generate new synapses and reinforce existing ones, enhancing our analytical and logical thinking abilities. When students connect math concepts to real-world situations, their brains form stronger neural connections, making learning more meaningful and lasting.

These findings should challenge conventional educational approaches, which frequently portray mathematics as fixed disciplines with definitive right or wrong answers. Instead, neuroscientists advocate for teaching methods that emphasise conceptual understanding and encourage growth. This is exactly what our school does through DMIC Mathematics.

Broader Implications of this Research

This research has broader implications for lifelong learning and cognitive health. Continuous learning activities may contribute to sustained brain health, mitigate cognitive decline, and potentially prevent age-related neurological disorders.

Our developing understanding of neuroplasticity will open up further opportunities for personal development, education, and cognitive well-being throughout our lives.

The underlying message is clear: learning, growing, and transforming our brains is never too late. To build on this we all need to keep our own curiosity alive.

Ngā mihi

Malcolm

Learning is about failure as well as recovery from failure (Prof Roger Schank)

Aroha mai, Aroha Atu

All our staff here thank you for the beautiful morning tea given to us this morning organised by our PTA. We certainly experienced much aroha from the fantastic food made for us.  Mo tō āwhina mai i a mātou ki te kai. Thanks also to the parents who came in and experienced a wet day duty so that we were all able to share this kai together. Aroha mai, aroha atu.

Ngā mihi Balmoral Staff

 Parent Help @ Athletics Days

This week, we held two major school events, the Intermediate Athletics Day and the Primary Athletics Day. 

Events such as these require a lot of background work from venue hire, bus transport permission slips, budget development and ensuring we have the right equipment there on the day to use. Lastly, we must prepare a Risk Analysis Matrix (RAMS) and safely transport the tamariki to and from the venue. I sincerely appreciate all the staff, especially Bhavana and Beth, for the hours spent outside normal classroom duties to offer these activities. 

These days could not happen without the support of our parents. From getting permission slips back quickly without us having to chase you to taking time off work to help run events, we can't do this without you. Thanks for being involved in your child and other children's learning. 

Pertussis (whooping cough) update

Te Whatu Ora | Heath New Zealand has reported increasing confirmed pertussis (whooping cough) cases. It is highly contagious and particularly serious for pēpi, tamariki and older adults – it can be fatal in some cases. Vaccination provides the best protection against pertussis and is free for children under 18.
 
Health advice is available here:
Pertussis (whooping cough) public health key messages [PDF, 137 KB]
Pertussis (whooping cough) public health key messages for pregnant people [PDF, 135 KB]
 
Health New Zealand are recommending the free Boostrix vaccination for pregnant people.
 
To book a vaccination visit:
Book a vaccine – Te Whatu Ora

Primary School News

News from Whānau Hiringa

EOTC- Lake Pupuke

Hiringa made the most of the warmer weather last week and had loads of fun in the sun! We made it to Lake Pupuke and prepared to get into some kayaking, raft-building and orienteering. 

The lovely instructors taught us how to get our kayaks safely into the water and how to not crash into each other. We also got our paddle-game on, and of course, learned how to dance to ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes’ whilst standing up in our boats. 

Then came raft building, where knots were learned, bamboo and floaties were combined, and people got soaked. We used our problem-solving strategies and team building skills to make different kinds of vessels, which were all lake-worthy in the end. 

We ended the day with orienteering, which we managed without a compass! After putting on our sleuth caps and checking under every rock and leaf, we managed to find almost all of the clues around the park. It was tough work, even for the adults at times. 

Overall we had an amazing day, we really couldn’t have done it without the fabulous parents who helped us and the fantastic instructors!

Inquiry- Dominion road walk and art 

Recently, our students went for a walk along Dominion Road, reflecting on what they saw, thought, and wondered. Many were particularly drawn to the Capitol Theatre, with several asking about its age and history. As we explored, some students made connections to our work with “Little Light”, thinking deeply about the cultural diversity along the street.

To build on this, the students are working on a collaborative drawing of Dominion Road, showcasing its changes over time. They’ve started by sketching the modern-day buildings and adding color to represent the different cultural influences that shape the area. At the moment, students are creating their own interpretations of how these buildings might have looked in the past, imagining what shops would have been there and how the buildings themselves might have looked, based on the needs of the people at the time.

Through this project, students are noticing details like the different languages on shop signs and discussing the importance of having a variety of stores in the community. The artwork will be displayed, with each building shown alongside its modern and historical versions, offering a side-by-side comparison of Dominion Road as it has evolved.

The result is a beautiful display of a modern colourful Dominion road with a reflection of what the students think it looked like in the past.

Eden Albert Softball

The EA softball team had an incredible day at Keith Hay Park, showcasing their talent and teamwork in an exciting competition. Both the girls' and boys' teams played with heart and determination, with the girls finishing in a strong second place and the boys securing third. It was a fantastic display of skill and team spirit, and a great way to spend the day together outside the classroom!

Intermediate School News

Otago Maths

A number of Balmoral Intermediate students took part in the Otago Maths Challenge throughout the year, put on by Otago University. Based on the results, five of our students were invited to participate in the Finals,  Amara Shah, Emily Douglas-Jones,George Kirk-Smith, and Daniel Xie. They all did extremely well. They had 60minutes to answer 20 questions (1 questions every 3 minutes).  Congratulations to Daniel Xie who was award Distinction.

Have a go with one of the questions:

Our netball team has won 60% of its games this season. If we can win the next 5 games then that will increase the percentage won to 68%. How many games have we won so far?

Learning in Hub 1

Today, I want to share something interesting we learned in class. It’s a cool way that art and maths, especially geometry, connect!

We studied Cubism, a style of art that was created by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. It was a revolutionary new approach in their time! So, what makes Cubism so special? Well, instead of drawing objects or people the way we usually see them, they took them apart and recreated them using geometrical shapes like triangles, squares, and rectangles. After that, they put all the shapes back together to form a new, unique art piece. Pretty cool, right?

But we didn’t just stop there! To dive deeper into the geometry behind Cubism, we made posters that explained the different polygons—those are 2D shapes with straight sides—that we could see in the art. For example, some paintings had triangles, others had hexagons, and some even had octagons. We focused on one type of polygon to create posters to describe their attributes—like how many sides it has, the angles inside it, and where we could spot them in the Cubist paintings.

It was amazing to see how maths could bring a whole new perspective to understanding art! We learned that both Cubism and geometry are all about breaking things down into parts, whether it’s shapes or objects, and then rebuilding them in creative ways.

Words by Caitlin Simpson/Image by Yuta Niwa

Central Zone Touch 

On the 7th of November, Balmoral proudly took a group of 9 enthusiastic touch players to the CZ tournament. Despite the last minute changes, the team managed to get down to Cox's Bay. Playing a strong Remuera side wasn't our ideal first game, but the team was ready for a challenge. Sadly, we came out second best after losing 6-2. In the last pool play game, we faced a well organised Waikowhai team, but unfortunately we still lost. This put us in the bottom side of the draw where we would face Waiheke, a similarly skilled team. But, thanks to our team's great effort we managed to bounce back from the first two losses and we won our first game of the tournament. With momentum behind us going into our final game we held our heads high and each individual played with great confidence. A spark of flair helped the team get some points on the board, resulting in a convincing win against Ponsonby Intermediate, ending the day with a high. 

Isaac Fraser

Barracudas Waterpolo Team Shines in Successful Season

From the very start of the season, we had a hunch it was going to be a good one. The Balmoral Barracudas Waterpolo team performance at Central Zones gave us a clear indication of the team’s potential, with strong teamwork and determination setting the stage for what would be a memorable season ahead.

This year, the team was made up of players with mixed capabilities, yet each and every team member brought something unique and individual to the table. Right from the beginning, the Barracudas showed they were ready to take on tough competition, hitting the ground running with solid performances and a fierce competitive spirit.

As the season progressed, the Barracudas faced some of the best teams in the league, and despite the ups and downs… the challenges, they powered through to secure a well-earned spot in the semi-finals. The team’s performance in this crucial game was nothing short of outstanding, with every player putting in their all and showing incredible teamwork. Their hard work paid off with a thrilling victory, earning them a place in the finals.

In a nail-biting final match, the Barracudas played their hearts out, leaving everything in the pool. Although they ultimately finished in second place, clinching the silver medal, their effort and sportsmanship throughout the season has been truly remarkable. This silver medal is a testament to the commitment, and drive of every player, regardless of skill level. It’s clear that the strength of the Barracudas has been in their unity and collective effort this season!!

A huge congratulations to all the Barracudas team members for their hard work, and a special thank you to the parents who showed unwavering support throughout the season. Your dedication in committing your Sundays to getting the kids to training and Friday nights to game time has played a key role in the team success. This season wouldn’t have been possible without your involvement.

We look forward to next season, and seeing the Balmoral Waterpolo continue to bring success! 

Clare Frost - Manager

Raising Money for a Rich Challenge

What if they were your pets? Would you do something then?

You go to sleep and wake up to commotion. The sky is falling. Sharp sounds pierce your ears. You hear people screaming, running. Where are your owners? You find yourself trapped under a piece of iron. You whimper, but nobody comes to your rescue. Everything goes dark.

This is the harsh reality that animals in Gaza face everyday. Many animals are injured, stranded by the war and left to die. Which they would, if it wasn’t for the work of charities like Sulala Animal Rescue.

By providing food, water, and medicine to these four legged victims of war, Sulala Animal Rescue is giving them another chance. But their main shelter, which currently houses about 150 cats, dogs and other animals, doesn’t even have four solid walls.

They need your support. The animals, the charity. They need your support.

While there are many charities dedicated to helping children in conflict, Sulala Animal Rescue is the only local charity for animals in Gaza. So I have decided to help them by fundraising for my rich challenge. Donate to my Givealittle page to give innocent animals a better future.

By Amara Shah

A few words from our school community

The morning tea is an opportunity to say a big Thank you to the staff for their unwavering dedication and care that they give to our tamariki and whanau every single day.

With thanks from the Balmoral School Community.

PTA Morning Tea

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