Junior School

This term the Year 0-1 classes are focusing on exploring relationships by learning to show respect through sharing and cooperation in groups. We worked together to tell the story from the book I am a jellyfish by Ruth Paul. We noticed in the story that we can shine in different ways and in different situations. Just like jellyfish managed to shine. Together we used our bodies and imagination to step into the story to retell each moment. Some of these moments were uncomfortable for swordfish!

Within Room 4 we have been using our Numicon Math Resources. We have been learning to become familiar with the Numicon Shapes and their colour names, to notice the size order of Numicon Shapes and to use the language of size and make simple size comparisons, e.g. big and small. We also covered the whole Numicon Baseboard with Numicon Shapes by matching and manipulating them to fill the available spaces. We have had great fun exploring.

We have also been learning about positional language. The children had to draw a map so the bear could get to Golidlocks’ house. We had to use words such as through, past, over, under. 

Middle School

The Year Four students went on a trip to Tauhei Marae last week. When we arrived at the bus, we climbed up the steep stairs and quickly found our seats. As we twisted and turned on the country roads, our voices joined together and made a beautiful waiata. When we arrived at the marae, we put our bags down at the waharoa/gateway and gathered together. This was the start of the powhiri! We walked slowly and silently towards the wharenui while listening to the karanga. Everyone removed their hū/shoes before entering the wharenui. First, George (kaumatua) did some kōrero/speaking and the tangata whenua sang a beautiful waiata. Matua Andy replied and we also sang. The adults did a hongi and we headed off to have our morning tea kai. When we had finished our kai we listened to George tell us stories about himself, the land, the marae and more. It was then time to start our rotations in our classes. The rotations were poi, rakau, maui matou and kitchen duty. Room 13 prepared the items for lunch and it was soon time to eat. We made our own buns which had ham and lots of salad vegetables. Yum! After a big tidy up it was time to return back to school. The bus trip home was noisy but fun and we all had a great time. Thank you to the parents who were able to spend the day with us.

By Avleen and Saaral (Room 13)

Middle School Ako Update – Exploring Early Māori Life

Our middle school students have been diving into the world of early Māori life as part of our ako focus this term. We've been learning about how Māori communities lived around the year 1500, how they fished, built, and gardened using beautifully crafted tools like toki, bone and shell fishing hooks, and weaving implements.

We've also explored the structure and purpose of pā sites, fortified villages built on hills or ridges for protection. Students studied how these were designed with defensive ditches and palisades and how people lived and worked within them.

To bring this learning to life, the Year 3 students recreated Te Pā o Ruamutu, a local pā site, and visited Hammond Park to explore what life may have been like in a real pā. The Year 4 students went on a trip to Tauhei Marae, where they learned about different te reo Māori practices.

It’s been a rich and hands-on journey into Aotearoa’s past!

Senior School

This Term, the Senior School has been learning and playing Ki-O-Rahi, a traditional Māori game that pays tribute to our ancestors. 

Here are the main rules of Ki-O-Rahi:

There are two teams, the Taniwha and the Kīoma. It is a pretty confusing game at first when you are learning, but once you have played it a few times, it’s a little easier! The Taniwha scores points by throwing the kī (the ball) at the tupu (the barrel in the centre). The Kīoma score points by charging the kī up by touching the nga pou and running in and dodging defenders to score a try in the pawero area. Two Kīoma defend the tupu, and three Taniwha try to throw the kī at the tupu. After a certain amount of time, the teams change roles. 

This week, we started a Ki-O-Rahi tournament throughout the senior school. All of the Senior classes will compete in a round-robin tournament. 

The first games this week are:

Room 7 vs Room  23

Room 8 vs Room 22

Room 6 vs Room 24

Room 9 vs Room 10

We will update you with some results after a couple of weeks of games! 

Sara, Pippa, Rylee & Jack