Getting our Hands Dirty

This week in class we had an ‘arts intensive’. From lunchtime to 4:30 we learned how to make a Maori musical instrument called puoro. 

To successfully create the puoro we needed to listen carefully and watch demonstrations that Whaea Ra gave to us. 

When crafted correctly, the clay sphere is able to produce a unique, calming sound. Tumu and Taitokerau both found the technique second nature;  others had to persevere to play the puoro. 

Here are some photos. Soon students will post their instructions on how to make a puoro to their blogs. 

Science - the joys of discovery

How do plants get the nutrients they need? 

Exploring ideas by working through the scientific method, research and hands on task brings a greater understanding of ideas. 

The initial hypotheses of the class were very limited, ranging from a “I don’t know’ to a ‘nutrients are soaked up through the roots because that’s how they get their water”. 

Plan the Experiment 

Make Observations 

40 minutes later

How do we build suspense as writers?

 This week children have been trying to create a feeling of suspense or excitement in their writing.

After examining Paul Mason's story Chicken, techniques to try use are the following:

questioning

Short phrases for impact

Figurative and descriptive language

Planning the most exciting part towards the end

Here is a snippet of Hunia's recount...

Sea Week

Today we had an interesting visit from NZ Fisheries officers. They taught the class why it’s important to gather kaimoana within the rules and guidelines of recreational fishing. 

Some ideas that the class could do with exploring further are: What is a marine reserve and why is it important that we have more, what are phytoplankton and coral and how are they linked to other parts of nature, what does ecosystem mean?

Some students have watched Seaspiracy on Netflix. I encourage other to watch it too. The ideas of bycatch, the unsustainable nature of worldwide commercial fishing and the human and environmental impacts of overfishing are explored in the documentary. 

Book Day!

Last Thursday was a wonderful way to celebrate the joys of reading. We sure had an interesting and diverse range of book characters and some very creative students and families! Reading stories to your child (no matter their age) promotes reading and learning, imagination and increases their ability to concentrate for sustained periods. 

 I have fond memories of my grandfather reading snippets of Alice in Wonderland to me as a teenager. He would promote my engagement by asking me to recall what happened last time he read or to guess what will happen next. 

In today's fast-paced, over stimulated lifestyle sitting down and reading from an actual book is such a special way to connect with those we love. Make the time, enjoy the moments. 

 Stuck on ideas for books? Our local librarians have a wealth of knowledge of great read alouds. This term Duffy books also went home. Lastly, if your child says they don't have reading homework - reply with, "Oh really, I will ask your teacher about that." 

Rolling Hills and Breathtaking Bays - imagine it bushclad, a fortified paa, gardens and whare scattered along the hillside with a vibrant birdlife.

 As I drove a vanload of my students out towards Oihi Bay last Thursday afternoon, I couldn't help but wonder what the first missionaries and settlers may have felt arriving on these shores - excitement, trepidation or hope?

We all have our own whakapapa and our own histories. They make us who we are. We are also, all connected. As this school our vision and purpose is to follow the way of Christ, seek his Truth and Excel in life. Throughout this term our primary school have been learning that history is important, fascinating and complex; the same experience can be expressed and interpreted differently. Some topics include the retelling of Kupe's journey, t\ the Battle of Kororareka, Pompelliar House and the establishment early Christian missions. 

Last week we went to Ranihoua, the first Christian mission in New Zealand. At the top of the hill the class was put into groups of five. All groups were tasked with finding out certain information.  For the next hour we worked together to find information and form our responses as we walked down towards Marsden Cross. 

After dinner the groups shared the historical information they found out. We could get a sense of what the area was like in 1815 and who was there. As the sun sank behind the hills Komene led the class in a haka on the shoreline and explained its significance and meaning. 

The moon was so bright coming up behind the hill, almost like a floodlight. Most of us prayed, thanking God for this whenua and the Good News that was brought here. During prayer time the kiwi started their calls. We were lucky to hear them so close!

It's safe to say, once the class took off  to see the kiwi the kiwi all scarpered! Although kiwi are practically blind, their super keen sense of hearing meant most of the class did not get to see them. Good lesson in knowing when to shut your mouths, class. 

 We thank God for sending Jesus to earth to die for our sins so we can be made right with him. We thank him for the people of faith who brought the good news of Jesus to New Zealand.  We hope everyone has an amazing Easter holiday with their family and friends. 

Camp 2021

 What a wonderful week last week was. Here is a combination of photos and clips to tell a visual story of camp.