Haere mai to 2013

Kia ora and welcome to another busy year.  A special warm welcome to those new pupils starting at our school and in Room 14.  Blessings to you all!  This term's concept is "Hauora."  The enduring understandings are: 1) "Hauora comes from making the right choices" 2) "Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus guides us to live a balanced life."  The essential questions are:  "What is Hauora?"  "How does taking responsibility for our own well-being make a difference to others?"  "What do we need to consider when making healthy choices?"  The curriculum focus is primarily Health & Physical Education and Religious Education with support in English and Mathematics.  Ma tau rourou, ma taku rourou, ka ora te iwi  My way and your way, wellness to all. 

Below are some photos of my time at the Auckland Zoo, and also of the "Teacher's Only Day" in Auckland where we (the school staff) experienced tours of the Hebrew Centre, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Catholic Diocesan Centre.  God bless and enjoy the school term.

Thank You

This is the final blog posting for 2012.  I would personally like to thank all those parents and caregivers who have assisted me during this year.  Your support is greatly appreciated.  I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching this year and continue to experience a thrill in making a positive difference to the lives of children.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas and safe and happy holidays.  God bless to you all.

Iti rearea, teitei kahikatea, ka taea.   The smallest bird can reach the top of the tallest tree.  

'Still Life' using shapes

Kauri Whanau Day

On Wednesday, kauri whanau had their final assembly and sports day.  We watched a keynote on Felix's trip to Hollywood and Mrs Collyer showed images from her recent classroom play.  After our assembly, we had our sports rotation, this included games such as: lily pad hop, non-stop cricket, capture the flag and sketchers.  We had lots of fun in helping each other learn new games (and old games).  Lunch together under the trees in front of whanau block was next on the agenda!  Thanks to all teachers and whanau captains for supporting the day.  Well done TEAM!!!

Riya's live performance of Lavani at Northland Indian Association Cultural Festival - 2012

Te Reo Kori

 We have been learning (and having fun) using 'Te Reo Kori' rakau games.  We had to create our own routine in pairs and then in groups of four.  Finally, we got to perform our routine to the rest of the class.  There were lots of smiles..and the odd bump on the head. Tino pai nga tamariki ma!

Te Reo Kori, the language of movement, is about mastery of basic Māori movement and movement patterns, as exemplified in haka, poi, tirakau and other traditional movement forms. It is directly related both to the Māori performing arts and to the Māori concept of health and well-being, hauora (Walker, 1994).

Future Olympians

The two Ben's and Thomas...mates forever!

AJ, Ben, Deborah, Mia (Year 4 Relay Team - 3rd 60m)

Lucy (3rd Discus), Ben (1st Shot Put), Ben (1st 60m Sprint, 1st 80m Sprint, 1st High Jump), AJ (2nd 60m Sprint, 3rd 80m Sprint), Thomas (2nd High Jump)

Last week, 39 children represented our school at the Whangarei Primary Schools Athletics Championships.  Our Year 4 children did extremely well.  Above are some of the winners.  Well done to all those who competed and also to the parents/caregivers who supported the team.