Room 9 Scholars

Friday, February 13, 2015

Our School Motto - To Love/Kia Aroha, To Learn/Kia Akona, To Serve/Kia Aro Atu

Saturday, February 7, 2015

The Treaty of Waitangi and Room 9's Treaty

In the first week of school, Room 9 children have been learning about the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi, and its significance it played in shaping our nation while forming who we are today. Below are some images and photos of the treaty that we looked at.

While studying the Treaty, we also spoke about terms such as: agreement, fairness to all, equal rights, guardians, legal document, etc. We decided to come up with our own 'classroom treaty.' Our treaty consists of six guidelines, these include:

1. Be responsible

2. To care for everyone

3. Don't hit or touch others

4. No running or shouting in the classroom

5. Only ONE person speaks and the others listen (during whole class or small group discussion)

6. To have fun at school

Saturday, January 31, 2015

2015 'Staff Only Day' - Waitangi and Russell

Our 'Staff Only Day' was a visit to Waitangi and Russell. This day provided us with an insight into our own cultural beginnings, and for many, where it all began. Our first stop was the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This place is of huge significance in New Zealand history because it is the birth place where Maori chiefs first signed with the British Crown the Treaty known as Te Tiriti of Waitangi. What an amazing experience and insight into how the Treaty came about, and how it affects us all today.

We then caught the ferry to Russell and visited Pompallier Mission and Printery. Pompallier Mission is an historic building where the Catholic brothers translated religious books into Maori, then printed them, and bound them into beautiful books. It was built in 1842 and used as a working printery and tannery. Our tour guides took us through each step of the leather and book-making process.

Our final part of the day was sailing on the R. Tucker Thompson. The sailing ship was built from 1970 to 1985. The ship is 26 metres long and has a beam of 4.9 metres high. It can carry up to 47 passengers. The R. Tucker Thompson helps young people in sail training voyages. Whea Rose and myself had enough courage to climb the mast...wow, what a view! I even got to be the helmsman for a short time. My fastest speed was 4.5 knots.

We arrived back to Whangarei at 7.30pm. Special thanks to the school management team and the BOT for organising the day, and making us reflect and think deeper about 'Our Story, Our Culture.'

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Nau mai / Haere mai

Haere mai / Welcome back whanau and new scholars to Room 9 and Karaka Whanau! I hope you all enjoyed a restful time with whanau and friends. Karaka Whanau includes three classrooms: Room 9, Room 10 (Mrs. Wendt and Karaka Whanau Team Leader - Year 5/6) and in Room 11 (Mrs. Webber - Year 2). 2015 will bring new challenges and exciting discoveries. I'm so excited and can't wait!!! Our concept this term is 'My Story, My Culture.' Below are some aspects to think about during the first few weeks of the term. School Powhiri is scheduled for 9am on Monday. Mauri ora!