Earthquake Drill

Every term we hold an emergency drill.  Sometimes it is for fire, sometimes it is for lockdown and today it was for an earthquake.  

We are really good at getting under cover quickly and staying quiet.  It is important that we stay quiet so we can hear the instructions from Mrs Watson as well as hear if anyone is hurt.

Māori Showcase

Every class selected a story, song or dance to present to our community.  Our class retold the story of "Ruru and the Giant Pouākai."

This is a tale of problem solving and working together in very challenging times. It is about a Giant Pouākai (Eagle) that would swoop down and grab hunters. The Māori people were scared and unable to hunt. Finally one warrior had a plan. They created a giant cage. Ruru ran out as bait for the bird. Then luckily he made it back into the cage. When Pouākai landed on the cage all the warriors inside grabbed at his feathers and attacked him. The warriors won and could once again return to the forest and rivers to hunt.

We made masks and used props made from harakeke (flax).

Writing Idol

This term we are writing about a journey taken by a young boy who has become the Wayfinder.  The Wayfinder guides the waka across the Pacific to discover new land. 
Ma'ake and Dylan have writen about one part of the journey.

As birds were squawking furiously trying to search the sea for food, someone called, "Help!" As soon as the birds heard this call, they wasted no time searching.  "Hey, help me!"
"Fine," said the birds telepathically. 

By Ma'ake

"Follow the doves," Manu shouted.  "They will lead us to land, food and water.  What luck the gods have brought onto us."

By Dylan

 

Daffodil Dress Up Day

To support the Cancer Society with Daffodil Day we dressed up in yellow or floral clothes on Friday.  

Sadly in New Zealand approximately 25,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year.  So thank you everyone for supporting this cause.

Swimming Fun

We have had our swimming lessons at the Ashburton EA Stadium.  Lots of learning about freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, but also survival skills.  

Check out our photos and videos.

Cook Island Language Week

We have 4 very proud students that are Cook Island descendants.  Two are from Rarotonga and two are from Atuitaki.  

Havana brought in some very special items - a photo of her Nana and a wooden turtle that is her fathers.

As a class we looked at the hibiscus flower and created the following art work.  This work will be displayed in class so come and have a look.

Let's get recycling

Our renewable energy inquiry lead us to think how we can reuse items that are no longer being used around our homes, our relatives home and even packaging found at school.

We had so much fun planning (discovered planning was far easier than actually constructing), modifying our plans and creating.

Check out the proud faces showing their products from skirts, car garages, canoe to many games.