Using our Sound Smarts

On Friday Te Kinga students took a day to use their 'Sound Smarts'. First we explored water sounds using the xylophones, then we used a range of percussion instruments to create a 'storm'! Some students enjoyed conducting the 'orchestra' while others enjoyed sitting in the sound circle listening to the 'rain'.

Later in the day we listened to some sea shanties; 'The Edmund Fitzgerald', 'Nantucket Sleighride', 'Davy Lowston' and 'The Wellerman'. Many students in Te Kinga had studied NZ shipwrecks for topic studies so the challenge was to use the stories to create a short sea shanty. Check some of the results...

Using our Natural Resources

 Using our Natural Resources

In the past few weeks (when the weather has allowed) Te Kinga students have been exploring the traditional uses and properties of Harakeke. When we harvested the Harakeke we learnt and observed the tikanga of taking the older fronds and not the centre three, so as to keep the plant healthy.  

Luckily for us there are some large healthy plants growing around the water's edge. Once we had finished cutting we returned to class to strip the frond back with a kūtai (mussel) shell to expose the muka (fibre) hidden within. 

Next we plaited (as best as we could) simple lines and rope to use as fishing lines.  This process took us half a day! 

As soon as we could we went  down to the lake to test our lines (we tied the bait to our lines).  Although we didn't catch anything, small fish and water animals went after our bait. We had many ideas about how we could improve out lines and fishing strategies in the future. We also learnt by our experience how skilled, knowledgeable and resourceful early Māori must have been as hunters and gatherers. 

 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...