On Thursday we held our full school Cross Country event. This is always a special day on the calendar for Ōtaki School. It is a really positive event with all tamariki persevering with a long run. We enjoyed cheering each other on - and being witness to lovely expressions of sportsmanship from tamariki of all ages.
Ngā mihi nui to the whānau who came out to tautoko ngā tamariki.
This week we were lucky enough to be visited by Whaea Kylie from St Johns. We learned that 70 tamariki every week are admitted to hospital from falls and 5 per week from poisoning.
We talked about being safe when we climb. That branches need to be thicker than our arms for us to climb on them, and that to be really safe we need an adult nearby while we are climbing.
Friday Funday was full of the 'f' sound this week. We made a class book featuring the sound - Fireman Fred says 'f' in words 'f for...' with each tamaiti contributing an idea. This is the book after only two days in the classroom - a bit battered - but it gives an indication of how much tamariki enjoy being authors!
We also made some fish with dual personalities - a fierce side - a friendly side! It was quite the process - but we now have a shimmering school of fish floating in the classroom. Tamariki got to choose which side they presenting for this post!
Each year we get together as a school to celebrate the wonderful woman in the lives of our tamariki. This year it was another outstanding celebration. He mihi nui ki a Mrs Pansters, koutou ko Whaea Geena ko Matua Herewini, Kia Manawanui, our hosts for the hui.
The money or the bag was played by a number of people - Kere played from our class - the excitement was electric! Dekodah was selected for a spot prize for her respectful participation in the hui-a-kura. Ka mau te wehi Dekodah!
Last week Waitī, as part of the full school Matariki Arts Rotation, joined Whaea Chaka in Te Tapa to learn about Tītī tōrea. They had a winderful time. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe Whaea Chaka mo tō tautoko o ngā tamariki of Waitī! He pai rawa atu!
We celebrate our mum's this week also. Not just our mum's but the important woman in the lives of our tamariki - the nannies, the aunties, the friends also. Happy Mother's Day e te whānau!
For much of Term 2, we will be learning about and celebrating Matariki. We will be reading a range of stories and taking part in a school-wide art rotation each week.
This week Waitī looked at the star - Matariki. One of the stars in the Matariki constellation.
Matariki is the star that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment and the gathering of people. Matariki is also connected to the health and wellbeing of people.
Matariki - Te Wananga o Aotearoa
So with this in mind this week we have been having a kōrero about how we can look after ourselves, our wellbeing. We have read the book 'Aroha's Way' and talked about how to slow our breathing to help control our feelings, if we are scared, worried, angry. Or how to stand to help us feel more confident.
It was a very exciting afternoon - the seeds we had sewn earlier in the year for the hue or calabashes or gourds or tahā - we're not too...
