We had a visit from Mr. Nic and some of his year 7 and 8 students from Ilminster school in Gisborne this week. It was a great opportunity for us to practise our haka and the way we welcome visitors to our school. We talked a bit about the significance of our school's site, Kupe, Whetu kairangi and the wheke and then we made our way down to the beach. We practised our hosting, showing manaakitanga and being leaders.
We walked to the beach, exercising our appreciation of beauty and excellence, as we marvelled at the place we are so lucky to call ours. We worked in groups, fostering positive relationships, and building sand sculptures. It was a lovely way to connect.
Thanks Mr. Nic for a lovely visit and for helping us make new connections and positive relationships.
On the last day of Term 2, we went to Te Papa. This was linked to our whakapapa Inquiry.
We had a session with an educator to discuss immigration. We explored migrations to Aotearoa from the Pacific, Europe and across the world. It was great to think about our own whakapapa too. We learnt about the knowledge, skills, and taonga navigators from around the Pacific brought to Aotearoa. We also discussed how early explorers adapted to and shaped Aotearoa into the country it is today. We learnt about the journeys of 19th and 20th century arrivals from across the globe and how they continue up to the present day.
Movie created by Rézi
Next term, we will be looking forward and preparing for the Arts Celebration. We will be learning and creating portraits ourselves. How can we create a collage to capture our own identity?
When we are working through the Writing Process we seek feedback from our peers, in the form of the Helping Circle.
What is a helping circle? The idea is that we share our work with someone else and we are given specific actionable feedback. We aim to focus on the content of the Writing and how it can be improved. Sometimes, students are asked to give '2 stars and a wish' or two things they like about the piece (and why) as well as a wish for improvement.
An important part of any Helping Circle, is listening. This is a skill we cannot practise enough! We encourage students to sit "knee to knee and eye to eye" so their body language says "yes I am present and I am listening to you". We take turns when sharing making sure to respect each others share time.
Poetry - That was Camp
We have been been writing poetry about camp. We used this poem by Marci Ridlon as a model.
That was Camp by Marcia
Remember that bumpy bus ride With the big heavy bags too? You should remember that, With all the wet weather Sure you do! That was camp!
Remember the sticky weather With lots of drama too?
Sure you do!
Remember when our Shoes got all muddy? That was camp!
Remember the wobble of crates As you stack them high, And the big shake you Get in the kayak? That was camp!
Remember when we had To step in Shrek's poo
Joined up with Rocks, sticks and a Lot more,
That was camp!
That was Camp by Kyran
Remember that time when you were zooming on the super fox?
Remember when you’re looking down when you’re about to go?
Remember when you want to go again once you have finished?
Remember you look up and see kids zooming above when you’re in the forest?
That was camp.
Remember the crates start to wobble when you are high up when crate stacking?
Remember when you are just waiting and waiting?
Remember that time when you fall off and the belays lower you down?
Remember when you feel like you are going to fall off?
That was camp.
Remember when you feel like you can’t go any further when rock climbing?
Remember your hands start to slip off?
Remember when you are walking backwards down the wall?
Remember you are so proud of yourself for rock climbing?
That was camp. Remember you are getting soaked by the rain?
Remember sleeping in the cabin and you are so tired?
Remember the food you ate at camp?
Remember you are so proud of yourself for doing camp?
We all had an absolute blast at camp. Thank you to all of the instructors, parent helpers and teachers who made this possible. Here is the Camp Kaitoke Documentary:
"We walked up the hill, the sun was blazing down on our heads, the insects came out and the fantails fluttered and played. Above, the Tui squawked from the nearby tree. After about 2 hours, we reached the hut and we ran into the Kea room excitedly and started setting up our sleeping bags. As the kids chatted about the lyrics we made on the walk of a little bit of a version of the wheels on the bus go round and round. It didn't really sound like that, it sounded more like; "the John on the bus goes yell yell yell." - Ella
"So the first week of Term 4, the year 6’s got to go on a super fun tramp at the Orongorongos. We walked to Turere Lodge and got there around 1:30, me and my friend were at the front for most of the way there and back. The floor was so slippery that we slid along the hallway and were nearly tripping over each other! We went to a swimming hole which I didn’t really go in but it wasfreezingbecause I went up to my waist! I loved it, it was so fun!!!" - Nina
"We walked up the hill and the sun was shining down. people were slowly snacking on sweets. There were lots of birds flying around.
We walked along the track singing our own version of the wheels on the bus which sounded a bit like this: the john on the bus goes yell yell yell and we were singing a lot of the way.
We stopped at Midway bridge for a snack. After 2 hours of walking we arrived at Turere Lodge everyone excitedly ran to their cabins.
We all played together and went down to the swimming hole which my friends and I had discovered when we went on a tramp for one of our birthdays. We also played ultimate frisbee.
When we got back to the hut we roasted giant marshmallows " - Lisa
We had a fantastic couple of days in the great outdoors at the end of last week. We were getting out and exploring the peninsula. Ākonga presented their Magic Places to each other and in the process, learnt about some of the history and special features of the area. We did a solid amount of walking which was challenging for some; all part of our focus this year of building Grit!
On Thursday, we went around the Seatoun Peninsular, Oruaiti Reserve and over the Eastern Walkway to Tarakena Bay.
On Friday, we headed North, via Centennial Reserve and onward to Massey Memorial.
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