News From Timaru

It was a lovely surprise to get a letter from Jonty last week.
















We wrote him replies and made cards to let him know what we've been up to.

Farewell Jonty!

Today was Jonty's last day at our school. We have made a book to introduce him to his new school and class.

We're looking forward to hearing how you get on at Gleniti School.

Happy Birthday Jonty!

Have a super hero's birthday Jonty!

Tell you what - we'll all the the day off to celebrate!!

Peter Pan Comes Back to St Albans

The air was sizzling with excitement last Thursday as we waited for two o'clock when Ben was due arrive at St Albans School. Mrs Ross found the photo of Ben with his year three class so we looked at that and some photos of him as a baby and a toddler.
Finally two o'clock arrived and so did Ben in his Peter Pan vest!

Ben told us about how they created the Peter Pan play. They had to read the story Peter Pan and watch some movies of it. After they had done that all the actors came together and talked about the story. They had to decide which bits of the story and which characters they wanted in their play. Ben said it was important that they all shared their ideas and listened carefully to other people's opinions and ideas. Once they had agreed about what needed to be in the play they came up with a story and actions to go with that.

The actors worked for four weeks practising their parts and learning skills like flying and sword fighting. They had to learn to help the audience imagine they really were flying and talking to fairies. Ben said sometimes he felt nervous, but mostly he was excited. Once he nearly lost his voice so he had to change the way he acted that day. It was a struggle to manage his time once school started and he had to go to school each day and then perform at night.

Ben let some children wear his vest and hold his dagger. He told us that often actors who play Peter Pan are girls. He explained that it is the actor's job to help the audience imagine they are the character.

All the children enjoyed hearing about Ben's time at St Albans School. He had some interesting ideas for things you can do at lunch time! 

It was wonderful to talk to Ben about his amazing experiences. Ben also loved coming to talk to his fans. 

I know he'll love those cards you've made him! You can see them on the writing page up above.

Massage Circle

What a lovely way to finish our swimming session today. Jonty, Marissa, Harvey and William M organised a massage circle for us. They got the instructions from a story they read.

What did you like the best? Perhaps it was the thunder and lightning or maybe the hugs at the end.