Saving Our Environment

On Thursday, Rosemary and I were chosen to go to the Parish hall where we met several ladies passionate about the environment. Their names were Christine Morrison, Julie Holt (from the 'Enviroschools Foundation'), Gillian Cutforth and Mrs Douglas. The enviro school teachers talked about our environmental learning and how it flows like a stream starting at the top and then traveling down to the ocean. We were put into small groups and discussed what words meant in the bronze and silver enviro awards. We also drew a river and put little tags on where we thought it would be in our journey of leaning about our environment. Then we made an actual river with cloth and put different material for the froth. During the morning, we really thought hard about how we can help save the earth at our school and in our community. We had an enjoyable time and learnt plenty!

By Rosemary and Sinead (Blog Reporters)

My Mansion

Above my mansion are marshmallowy clouds swiftly skipping through the warm wind, while the fern green trees swing side to side in the burning sun. SWOOSH!!!!!

Beside my mansion is a relaxing warm pool with a small garden in the circled swimming space.

Below my mansion are slimy black bugs trying to squirm out of the muddy surface of the yucky brown ground. GASP!!!!!

Around my mansion is a beautiful garden with a creaky old gate, swinging like a chimpanzee around some red attractive flowers, squashing them like a tiny ant under a humoungous boot.

Inside my mansion are my family, Alyssa getting ready for swimming, Mitchell playing on the nintendo and Mum and Dad sipping tea while reading, but there's someone missing. I wonder who that is???


P.S. = MEEEEE!!!!!

By Yvette

Hockey One, Hockey Two, Hockey Three

On Thursday, Room 15 walked over to the hockey turf to practice our hockey skills. Beven (from Northland Hockey) taught us how to pass the ball, how to dribble the ball, and how to push the ball. I think the best part was playing the game of hockey. Hockey is fun. You should try it! Our next session is next Thursday.

By Harna (Room 15 Reporter of the Week)

Ta Moko

Tā moko is the permanent body and face marking by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. It is distinct from tattoo and tatau in that the skin was carved by uhi (chisels) rather than punctured. This left the skin with grooves, rather than a smooth surface. Our 'green hat' challenge for this week was to design a moko using our knowledge of the Maori culture. The children had to describe to their peers its message, while acknowledging the importance that moko has within the maori culture. Their mokos are amazing!

Harakeke

Tihei mauri ora! This week we have been reading a text about harakeke (flax). We learnt about its importance to the Maori culture. We discovered some interesting facts about harakeke. It takes about 17 years to mature before it can be harvested. The harakeke has three distinct blades, these are called "whaea" (mother), "matua" (father), and "rito" (baby). When cutting the harakeke, you need to cut the "tipuna" (grandparent) blades on the outside of the plant, and it should never be cut in the rain. We weaved the plant to create a headband. The left-over plant material needed to be returned back to where it first came from. The children enjoyed the experience and gifted their first headband to another person as a sign of respect and Maori protocol. We began and ended the session with a karakia. A special thank you to Mrs Collyer for your input. Enjoy our photos.

Day Dream Poem

Mr Werder thinks I'm reading...

But, I'm sunbathing in Madagascar with
the wild wind blowing sand all over my
sweating face.

However, I'm actually wrestling five
thousand hypo snakes in the middle of
freezing Antarctica.

But, I'm certain that I'm bouncing on
an immense pogo stick trying to beat the
world's fastest people ever!!!

Mr Werder thinks I'm listening...

But, I'm positive that I'm swimming with
a swarm of grumpy bees in a pool of melted
honey, aaah!!!

However, I'm shipwrecked on a deserted
island with no one to comfort me.

But, I'm actually fighting the New Zealand
Bank because I want my wages of five
million dollars!!!

I'M IN MY OWN WORLD!!!!!!!

By Olivia