Moanamana: Trialling the new Moanamana App

Over the last few weeks we have been spending time at the Worser Bay Boat Club learning the tools for collecting Marine Science data. This, in preparation for entering into the new Marine Research data base on the Moanamana App. Now data we collect at the beach will be stored in the same place and we will be able to make comparisons with other group's data, analyisng differences and similarities over time and in different conditions. Following this approach we will build base line data for further comparisons. It is truly a wonderland when you start to look at Plankton under the microscope. There are so many questions about the species we are seeing but we are beginning to be able to navigate our way around this using other Apps like inaturalist.

Last week we launched the Waka Hourua as well as doing the Science and this week some of us sailed the Optimists, a good name for a boats used by Worser Bay kids! It was great to see our kids so confident in the water.

Perspective Paintings

We have been learning about vanishing points when drawing landscapes with perspective. Everything in the frame disappears at the same angle, to the same point. Perspective is a sophisticated concept to grasp but our students had a good go at using the ideas in these art works. Also evident are healthy dashes of Creativity!

Eastern Zones Cross Country

Today, 23 of our Year 4-6 students headed to Scot's College for the Eastern Zones Cross Country Competition. The competition was a fantastic opportunity for our kids to put weeks of training into action. Many had even been spotted out on the Scot's course over the weekend, getting in some extra practice!

The event showcased Positive Education in motion! Our kids showed Resilience as they tackled the hill and pushed through tiredness, and experienced the joy of Positive Accomplishment as they crossed the finish line. Participation in events like these support both physical wellbing and mental strength, two key pillars of Positive Health. Well done to all runners for showing up, giving it their best and supporting each other, we are proud of you!

An Introduction to Philosophy.

We have been learning about the main catogories of Philosophy: Metaphysics, Epistemology and Vales Theory. Sounds complicated doesn't it? We thought so too until we started to have conversations about it. We are all Lovers of Wisdom, the meaning of Philosopher so this task was full of interest and learning for us.

Here we can be seen deciding which catagory of Philosophy each of the questions represent.

Are all things in nature beautiful? Is it ever right to steal? Are old things beautiful? Are chemistry and Biology all the same thing? Is it ok to eat animals? These are examples of some of the questions we looked at and set under the headings above. Many of us had conversations about the questions and they got us wondering. Here are some thoughts....

Cross Country training in action!

Term 2 is off to a great start with a burst of energy and enthusiasm! Each morning, we've been focusing on cross country training as part of our Positive Health programme. We are learning techniques to improve endurance, posture, breathing, alongside stretches to support recovery. It's been fantastic to see the kid's determination and growing confidence as they notice improvements in their fitness. We're working towards our school Cross Country event next week. Whānau can support this learning at home by encouraging regular movement, weekend walks or jogs, and helping kids stay hydrated and well-rested.