Central Auckland Specialist School

Play and engagement are key elements of learning in our Early Years classes. By providing repetition with variety and creating irresistible invitations to learn, we make learning both meaningful and fun for the learners.
At Wesley Primary 1, students are developing their number knowledge by learning to count from 1 to 10 through motivating, hands-on activities that connect with their interests. Throughout these experiences, adults actively support and model number concepts, helping to build confidence and understanding in a positive learning environment. Ka pai for Tamariki for wonderful engagement and learning.

Science this week in May Road satellite was woven from our Samoan Language Week, using Astronomy as our topic for learning. Students have been able to explore how historical Samoan people used stars and constellations to navigate across the Pacific Ocean and understand that stars can be used as scientific tools. With support and guidance, students placed stars in the constellation of Le Anava (The Big Dipper). They used white paper stars on black paper as well as participated by adding the chalk constellation pattern onto the carpet.

Manulele 3 created their own beautiful versions of the Samoan flag as one of the learning activities for celebrating Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa..Students have been taking part in a mixture of language and sensory learning.
During morning circle this week, tamaiti have been learning the Samoan national anthem as well as the days of the week in Samoan, they have been proudly sharing with other classes in Pukeko hub.
To close our week celebrations, we shared chop suey and talked about the importance of food in bringing our aiga together. The students loved tasting, sharing, and learning how it’s made.

A special milestone for our school with the official opening of our brand-new buildings today. This has been a dream for our school since 2018. Through years of hard work and dedication, we now have a learning environment that meets our students' needs. We are proud to celebrate this achievement and excited for the opportunities these new facilities will provide for our school community. “Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi" Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.”

“E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u” - From the high mountains are the blessings of the village.
Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa holds significant importance for the Manulele classes, as it provides an opportunity to honour and represent our culture through art, crafts, and traditional foods. As part of this week’s learning activities, the children engaged in making and tasting one of Samoa’s traditional dishes, sapasui. The process included chopping vegetables and exploring the texture of the lialia (noodles), which supported their sensory learning experiences.
Our literacy programme also incorporated Samoan language learning. The children enjoyed reading storybooks in Samoan and learning the names of different vehicles while listening to a story song, making their literacy experience both engaging and enjoyable.

Sharing on behalf of one of our CASS families.
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/supporting-a-chilean-family-to-return

Beautiful Balmoral Intermediate 1!!
In Balmoral 1, we like to move it, move it! 🕺🤸‍♀️

We have been loving and enjoying our gym and physical education time, keeping our bodies active while having lots of fun with our friends! Through climbing, jumping, balancing, and moving our bodies in different ways, we are learning important skills like turn taking, sharing, and working together as a team. 🙌

There have been so many smiles, laughs, and “Look what I can do!” moments. We are getting stronger, braver, and more confident every day as we challenge ourselves and cheer each other on. 🌟

Well done Kuaka 3!!!
Learning through sensory exploration is fun and helps children learn better 😊✨ Students use their senses like touch and feel to explore different textures 🖐️🌿 This makes learning more interesting and easy to remember. The students were well engaged and took part actively, showing great interest 👍😊 A simple math activity was also included where they counted, sorted, and compared objects, making learning numbers fun and easy 🔢🧮

🌿 Class Waikowhai Intermediate – Kiwiana & New Zealand Landscapes

This term, Class Waikowhai has been exploring the theme of Kiwiana and New Zealand landscapes through rich, sensory learning experiences. Students have been developing their understanding of the natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand in meaningful and hands-on ways.

🌱 Nature Exploration
We went on local nature walks, collecting natural treasures such as leaves, pine cones, sticks, shells, and other interesting items from our environment.

🫙 Sensory Bottles
The children then used their collected materials to create beautiful sensory bottles. They added leaves, cones, sand, shells, water, and glitter, exploring textures, colours, sounds, and movement as they worked.

🎨 Our Learning
These experiences helped students to:
• Strengthen observation skills
• Develop communication and language
• Encourage creativity and curiosity
• Build appreciation for New Zealand’s natural environment

It has been wonderful to see the children so engaged and excited about learning through nature 🌿

Komiromiro 3 Amazing!!
So wonderful to see you confidently joining the morning circle with both adults and peers 😊 It’s lovely seeing you participate in different classroom and outdoor activities too. Taking part in activities you enjoy really helps with emotional regulation and builds confidence every day 🌟