Hands on Water Expo
On Wednesday 26th October, students from around the Bay of Plenty learned about water quality and how they can contribute to protecting the region’s waterways. Ten students from Room 1 attended the 2016 Hand’s on Water Expo at Redwood Valley Farm in Te Puke. The students experienced a range of water quality and water conservation activities, and gained skills they can use in their community. Our students had a fantastic attitude, got stuck in and enjoyed the day. Our school is so lucky to have parents that are willing to put their best foot forward for the success of our students - thanks Karla and Fiona.
Open Day
Wednesday 21st September hosted an array of events to conclude our learning over Term 3. The morning was a hive of activity with some ‘old school’ teaching, sewing, butter making, pikelet making and lemonade making. At 12:00 pm it was wonderful to see so many parents join us for a picnic, memorabilia display, guess the baby competition, old games and a look at students work.
Great Kereru Count
The humble kererū is one of New Zealand’s most valuable assets when it comes to our native forests. Kererū are essential for native bush regeneration. And their disappearance would be a disaster for our native forests.
Tammy, Wild about New Zealand, worked with our students on ‘The Great Kereru Count’. We tested our knowledge on all things kererū (kererū quiz), walked around the school grounds with our eyes on the skies for kererū and undertook origami. The enthusiasm of our students was high. The opportunity provided to them promoted a sense of belonging and pride in their community.
Tammy, Wild about New Zealand, worked with our students on ‘The Great Kereru Count’. We tested our knowledge on all things kererū (kererū quiz), walked around the school grounds with our eyes on the skies for kererū and undertook origami. The enthusiasm of our students was high. The opportunity provided to them promoted a sense of belonging and pride in their community.
Katikati Visit
On Wednesday 7th September a visit to Katikati involved the Museum, the Haiku Pathway and a mural walk around town. In the museum students were sent back in time for some ‘old school’ teaching. They experienced how children were taught, making butter using a churn, scone baking using a range oven, old school games and a hit for many students, using a wind up telephone. Whilst spending time on the Haiku Pathway, students engaged in reading the largest collection of haiku 'stones' outside of Japan and the only haiku pathway in the Southern Hemisphere. The spot, in the heart of the bustling, country town also provided opportunity for our students to write their own haiku poems. Observing the murals around town students considered the changing community and recorded any ‘wonderings’ that they had to follow up on back at school.
Creating a Sense of Wonder in the Classroom
May 2016: Wild About New Zealand - How Healthy are Our Streams? Room 1 students investigate the water quality of their local reserve, Puketoki.
What is a “sense of wonder to us?”
Our students having their emotions aroused by something awe-inspiring, astounding, or marvellous;
Our students showing rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience;
Our students wanting to learn more about something;
The photos say it all!
What is a “sense of wonder to us?”
Our students having their emotions aroused by something awe-inspiring, astounding, or marvellous;
Our students showing rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience;
Our students wanting to learn more about something;
The photos say it all!
Koru the Kiwi Swims into Whakamarama School: 14th April
Rippa Rugby 2016
A great season for all our players that took part in Rippa Rugby. Parents and volunteers willingly gave up their time to support the involvement of our students in a fun game that promoted ball handling and running skills as well as team skills. Congratulations to all our players for uniting as a team, being positive team players and representing themselves and their school with integrity and pride - well done!
Whakamarama Kids Voting for the Second Referendum on the New Zealand Flag
On Tuesday 8th March, Whakamarama School students took part in a mock referendum on the future of the New Zealand flag with Kids Voting. Students had the opportunity to choose between the alternative flag from the first referendum and the current New Zealand flag; and will be able to compare their results with the results of the real referendum.
The aim of Kids Voting was to encourage our students to have a say on the decisions that affect their lives now and in the future. The voting experience focused on promoting our students' critical thinking and their knowledge of citizens' rights and responsibilities to contribute and participate in decision-making. Voting results were extremely close but with 22 votes to 16 votes, the new flag was favoured. What will happen with our nation wide vote?
The aim of Kids Voting was to encourage our students to have a say on the decisions that affect their lives now and in the future. The voting experience focused on promoting our students' critical thinking and their knowledge of citizens' rights and responsibilities to contribute and participate in decision-making. Voting results were extremely close but with 22 votes to 16 votes, the new flag was favoured. What will happen with our nation wide vote?
Wild About New Zealand: Puketoki Reserve
WONDERMENT AND AWE!
With the support of Caroline Kenny, Wild about New Zealand, our students are provided with the opportunity to help turn the tide for our native wildlife. Simple equipment and methods help our students to find out about the pests and native wildlife living near us. Puketoki Reserve was first on the list for 2016!