Cross Country Highlights...

We had a stunning day for the Midland Line Cross Country Race on Wednesday 26th May. I was so proud of everyone - particularly those who gave it their all despite distance running not being their favourite thing to do. Of our 40 competitors we had 13 finish in the top 5 which means they will continue on in the competition to the West Coast finals, taking place this Wednesday - well done everybody! 

Learning about our past and protecting our future...

 Learning about our past and protecting our future...

In the past few weeks Te Kinga have had the absolute privilege of having our whānau come and teach us about two different topics. 

A few weeks ago Kevin came in to talk to us about early times at Moana and the experiences he had growing up in the area (including being a pupil at Lake Brunner School!). One of the most interesting facts the students learnt was how many saw mills were once in the area, and how the saw mills used the lake as a saw-dust dump! Kevin recalled swimming in the lake with a big layer of sawdust on the bottom - it was very hard to imagine doing that now!

Early times at Lake Brunner

We also found out that logs were taken across the lake before the railway was built - this explained the tracks we found in the lake on our day out to Mount Te Kinga. 

Lake Brunner School opening in 1959

Keeping track of our waterways with Mike...

Mike works for NIWA. Part of his job is to measure the water levels in the lake, plus check the clarity and quality of the water on a regular basis. He also has to check rocks for film, algae and nasty things like didymo! Times, as we discovered have changed, because now people are people are more concerned with keeping our waterways as healthy as possible for future generations. The students we able to use the measuring instruments and record the results! After working with Mike we went on a 'critter hunt' in a pond adjacent to the beach of the Arnold. 

Using our 'SMARTS'

 Using our 'SMARTS' to study water through the lens of the history of Aotearoa...

In the past two weeks Te Kinga students have been exploring the properties of water, and in particular its role in the history of our country.  We have used a variety of 'Smarts' or ways to explore and learn about water. For example, for 'Book Smart' in week one we read all about the water cycle and recorded information in our topic books. Last week we took amazing photos of water in our playground, we looked at bridge construction and collected as much water as we could without using taps! Here are some highlights from our learning...

Watery green leaf by Krystal

Tara captures an amazing reflection...

Droplets and rain-cloud by Solomon

Beads of water on blades of grass - by Kaelyn

The first of the bridge constructions in Te Kinga.

The Water Challenge - working as a team! 

PALS begin in Term 2

 Te Kinga Students as 'PALs'...

In the past week Te Kinga students recommenced their PALs (Physical Activity Leader) programme with Moana students. 

This term we are looking at building skills in throwing and catching large balls. Of course we are also teaching Moana students some some fun games and activities that help them practice these skills. 

It is important for Te Kinga students be leaders and role-models at our school and this is a great way of stepping into those roles...

 

The End of Term 1

A 'Wheelie' fun way to end the term! 

The whole school had a fantastic 'Wheels Day' in the final week of term. Here are some Te Kinga students in action! 

Will it end in a crash?!

Just cruising...

Our resident roller-girl!

Life in the fast lane!

Lending a hand

'Roller Basketball'

Wipeout!

Our Lit-Quiz Super Stars!

Kaelyn, Zaine, Tui and Tara represented our school in the regional Lit-Quiz competition in Greymouth on Thursday 15th April. Overall we placed within the top ten of around 30 teams. 

Well done team Brunner! 

Exploring our world - some very fun lessons to complete our Geology Studies...

Volcanoes are always popular when it comes to geology. In this experiment we learned about the difference between Caldera and Cone Volcanoes. We discovered that one explodes and one implodes - can you tell which is which?

We also used the Mohs scale (measures hardness) to test everyday objects and the rocks in our collection. We also used computational thinking chart to rate the hardness of everyday objects. 

We also had a fun time using magnets and discovered that planet earth is one giant magnet! 

Finally we explored the different types of tectonic boundaries by creating tectonic pancakes! We created faults, mountain ranges and subduction zones before gobbling them down! 

 Student quote of the week:

"I wish school was like this everyday"

After a long Easter break, Te Kinga students faced the challenge of climbing up to the last lookout on Mount Te Kinga. This is the view from the top - and everyone made it! 

A group photo on the way up...

Snacking and enjoying the view at the top...

Some were overjoyed to come down!

Some were simply exhausted!

After a quick lunch it was down to the lake for a refreshing dip!

Followed by fire-making to warm up again!

And with fires there MUST be marshmallows!

Another quick dip...

and back to school! 

As the teacher in Te Kinga, I was extremely proud of each and every one of our students for making through the mud and conquering the slippery terrain to reach our goal destination. Those who were tired, those who stumbled, and those got sucked into the mud, showed great resilience by not giving up and continuing on. It also was great to see them look out for each other and work well in teams (especially in fire-building). 

Of course we wouldn't have been able to go anywhere without our dedicated team of adults and a highlight of the day was having karakia and singing a beautiful waiata with Di, as we looked out at the beautiful landscape before us at the top. 

And finally, it was refreshing to hear the words 'I wish school was like this everyday' with not a device in sight! A stunning day spent with a special group of people - it's going to be hard to top this one...