29th January 2014 Dear Parents and Caregivers of Room 25 students, Hello, Im Tom Rowe, your childs teacher

for 2014! This will be my second year at Balmacewen Intermediate. I graduated from Otago University with a degree in teaching in 2012. I am local to Dunedin and have been heavily involved in youth sport within the Otago region. I am really looking forward to getting to know your child, their interests, and any outside of school activities they may participate or be interested in. Year 8 is a busy and exciting one for your child. They will cover a range of interesting topics; experience a challenging and fun camp at Berwick; participate in a triathlon and many other exciting activities which I am sure they will thoroughly enjoy! As a Year 8, your child is now a role-model for the new-to-school Year 7 students. I will be expecting your child to set good examples for these students through modelling appropriate behaviour and presenting themselves with pride. Being a responsible individual is vital as a year 8. This begins from day one with the expectation that their PE gear is brought every day, and their homework is returned on time to a high standard. The students in Room 25 will have fitness most days, so they will need to have their PE gear at school every day. If their gear is in the wash they need to bring a note and replacement gear. Your child will also be expected to use their initiative in Room 25, and shouldnt need to be repeatedly told about what is expected! The students in Room 25 will have homework each school night of the week. As class inquiries are introduced, children will have research to complete, and studies to work on and spelling to complete. Some nights there may be additional work to complete, like finishing class work or current events. My expectation is that the students will spend about half an hour a night on homework, possibly more when they have inquiries to complete. I have high, fair expectations of my students. Success is a theme that will have a strong influence in Room 25. It is expected that your child will devote themselves to being the best they can be. It will be a tough but enjoyable journey. I expect all set work to be completed on time and to the best of their ability. As your child knows, there will be many opportunities for them to join sports teams and take part in cultural activities this year and I strongly encourage them to do so to get the most out of their last year at Balmacewen. Not only are these activities great fun for your child, they are a great way to broaden their horizons and make new friends. I am really looking forward to meeting you at the meet the teacher night which will be held on Wednesday the 5th of February at 7:00pm. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to ask. Kind Regards Tom Rowe trowe@balmacewen.school.nz