Stories from the Past

In Room 20 we have been enjoying our Turangawaewae inquiry and learning about Stories from the Past. We began with the Treaty of Waitangi and linked this to our own Room 20 Class Treaty.

Then we found out more about Hukanui Marae and visited the Te Parapara Gardens. This was followed by a fun afternoon using our creative talents to make a Wharenui (meeting house) out of our stationery boxes.

We are now moving into learning about the role and importance of the Waikato River to Kirikiriroa - Hamilton’s past. This week, we enjoyed learning about the myth Tuna and Hiriwa (the Māori word for tuna means eel) and how the eel got it’s silver belly, but forever has to live in the dark depths of the river.

Huddle Like A Penguin

This week our swimming instructors taught us how to stay safe in the water with a lifejacket on.   

It was scary sitting on the edge of the pool and falling backwards into the water, but then we bobbed up and floated! It was easy and not scary after all.

Then the instructors showed us how to move up and down in the pool in a long line by kicking together. We had some races with the other groups. It was really fun.

Next they showed us how to form into a huddle - just like penguins do to keep warm.

Week 3 - A Whole Week!

It's been a busy week for us in Room 20! 

On Monday we celebrated the opening of the Tōtara playground, and what an amazing playground it is! It’s been a popular, busy place and a new favourite to add to our list of fun things we love about Hamilton East.

Then on Tuesday, we began our swimming lessons which we will have every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. On Tuesday it was raining, and lots of students asked why we were going swimming when it was raining…so our teacher had to remind us that we were going to get wet anyway!

          

However, Friday was simply the best! 

Today we went to Te Parapara (the Māori gardens) at the Hamilton Gardens. First, we went on the bus there, then we walked to Te Parapara Garden and saw the Pātaka a storehouse raised upon posts (a giant pantry), lots of carvings, a giant kūmara patch and many traditional crops. 

Then we had our morning tea under a beautiful shady tree, followed by some free time on the playground. When we returned to school, we had a dip in the pool with Room 19 - and it was so nice to cool off. 

What a great day - enjoyed by all.