Rā o Ngā Hōia - 25 April 2015 

On Friday 24^th April the whole school was involved in an ANZAC commemoration service.  The Dedication was read by Mr Derbidge with Koro Akuhata leading the prayers and service for this somber but significant anniversary - ANZAC Centenary - 100 years since this nation’s involvement in the First World War. A big mihi to Matua Herewini who was the Master of Ceremonies and to Whāea Alice for organising such a beautiful occasion and for her direction on the day.  He toka tū moana, arā he toa rongonui.

Tivaevae-Rarotonga

We have been learning what life is like for students in Rarotonga.  During this week, we will be looking at different activities, art and food from the Cook Islands.  Why don't you join us this Friday 8th May for a morning of celebrating Cook Islands art, kai and festivities.  Maybe you know how to play the 'pate', or would like to make 'banana poke'.  Come in and share your wonderful talents!  Let myself or Whāea Jay know if you would like to be part of this kaupapa.

Whāea Maara







  

Mahi Kainga - Looking forward to Term 2

A massive mihi to all who attended the parent interviews on Wednesday 25th March.  It was encouraging to see so many of you as passionate about your tamaiti’s learning as we are!  If you were unable to meet with us, please make a time early next term so that learning successes and next steps can be shared.

There were a couple of queries surrounding homework but even though this was covered in our first whānau hui I thought it best to clarify now so that we can all start term 2 knowing what the expectations are - Ngā mihi.

Daily Reading

Tamariki are expected to take a book home everyday from their group boxes.  They are responsible for taking their book bags out of their school bag, changing their books, and putting these in the red basket.  I will write the daily sight words in their notebooks.  They also need to make sure they have collected their book bag at the end of the day.  If you think this is not getting done, please feel free to get in touch.  

Mathletics 

By now all Year 2's and 3's have a personal logon and do access Mathletics during their learning time.  However, they do need to practice and one of the ways they can practice is with the Activities section.  Tamariki can then work their way through the activities over the week.  Alternatively they can spend 5-10 minutes a day on Live Mathletics.  

http://www.mathletics.co.nz/

Nā

Whāea Maara

Kia Maia went to Wellington recently.  

Check out this short video clip of our day at Te Papa and the Porirua Aquatic Centre.  Enjoy!

We have been looking at objects that float and objects that sink as an introduction to our Tangaroa unit.   

Here we are finding out what happens when we put a selection of items such a dice,a 2D wooden shape,a plastic toy horse, a kōhatu and a plastic rod into water.  Which ones do YOU think floated?  Which ones do YOU think sank?

Kaute - Hibiscus
Blending using oil pastels

Kaute - Hibiscus
Blending using oil pastels

Kia Maia looked at blending with oil pastels.
First we chose 2 different colours and just used our fingers to rub the colours together to get a blend. One really interesting thing we discovered was that we had to stop regularly and clean our hands so that only the colours we wanted to blend were on the surface.

We chose a 'kaute' which is a native flower of the Cook Islands called 'The Hibiscus'.  Check them out the next time you are at kura!

Beach Day Reminder

Beach Day!

When: Tomorrow! Friday 6 March 2015
Where: Otaki Beach 10am - 2pm
Who: All Otaki School students and teachers

How: Bus for Juniors

Activities: Sand castles, beach art, volleyball, beach cricket, swimming, beachletics, beach clean-up, BBQ sausages!

What a day we have planned - it is the culmination of our water safety and Tangaroa/moana study.

The children will need to bring something warm in case the weather gets cooler through the day! They need to bring play lunch, a light lunch, and a drink! We are providing 2 sausages for each child. Lucky tamariki!

You are most welcome to join us.  We will be at the beach at 10am.

COST - Free!!

All children are expected to participate please - we have sent home a notice with a permission slip included - signed and returned ASAP!