Category: Hanga | Create

Buddy Reading

We love buddy reading. Our job as a buddy reader is to support each other when figuring out unknown words as well as discussing the text with each other.

This week we have been reading articles from our local paper, in particular the articles about local art. Our reading focus for the past two weeks has been critical literacy. This has involved listening to song lyrics, reading articles and then deciding if the material or artists have influenced New Zealand culture in any way? Have any social issues been identified? Do any of the songs or articles resonate with me, if so why?

Rainy Days

Rainy days mean inside during break times. Rainy days call for board games and card games.

                                       

Celebrating our Strengths – Grace

This week, we begin celebrating the unique strengths within our classroom, and we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Grace. Grace has shown incredible talent and dedication in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. Her passion for our culture and language is inspiring, and she consistently shares her knowledge with her classmates, enriching our learning environment. Ka pai, Grace! Your commitment to preserving and promoting Māori heritage is a taonga to us all. Keep up the amazing mahi!

Samoan Language Week

Talofa lava! This week we embraced and honored the rich culture, traditions, and language of Samoa. This week, our class came together to acknowledge the beauty and significance of the Samoan language and to incorporate its vibrant cultural elements into our learning environment. We are especially excited to have our resident expert, Enosa, guiding us throughout the week.

Embracing Samoan Language and Culture

Samoan Language Week, known as “Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa,” is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the Samoan heritage. Language is a vital part of any culture, and by learning Samoan, we not only enhance our linguistic skills but also build bridges of understanding and respect between different cultural backgrounds.

Integrating Samoan Design into Maths

One of the highlights of this week is the innovative integration of Samoan design into our maths curriculum. Samoan art is renowned for its intricate patterns and symbolic motifs, often found in traditional tattoos (tatau), barkcloth (siapo), and other crafts. By incorporating these designs into our maths lessons, we can create a visually engaging and culturally enriching learning experience.

Here are some ways we’re blending Samoan design with maths:

  1. Geometric Patterns: Samoan designs often feature repetitive geometric patterns. We will explore these patterns and use them to teach concepts like symmetry, tessellation, and geometry. For example, students can create their own Samoan-inspired art pieces using mathematical principles.
  2. Measurement and Proportion: Traditional Samoan tattoos require precise measurements and an understanding of proportion. We will study these tattoos to learn about ratios, scaling, and measurement accuracy. This hands-on approach makes abstract concepts tangible and relevant.

Learning Samoan with Enosa

We are thrilled to have Enosa, our resident expert, leading us through the intricacies of the Samoan language. Enosa’s passion for his culture and language is infectious, and he brings a wealth of knowledge to our classroom.

Celtic, Tribal, Oceania, People, Samoa, Pattern, Design - Samoan Designs And Patterns Transparent PNG - 640x320 - Free Download on NicePNG

Powhiri

This week we welcomed Matua Bernard to the Rutherford Junior High School staff whānau and Taoho to the Rutherford Junior High School ākonga whānau.

Kia Kaha with Constable Ben

Continuing our work against bullying, we enjoyed two sessions with Constable Ben as part of the Kia Kaha program. Throughout the sessions we discussed bullying from the victims perspective and the bully’s perspective. We talked about ways in which we could begin to stamp out bullying. The role plays were a very entertaining way to discuss the topic.

Stand Together!

Pink Shirt Day is a powerful movement that stands against bullying, celebrates diversity, and promotes kindness and inclusion. We wear pink to symbolise our solidarity with those who have been bullied and to affirm our commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

It’s a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference and that together, we can create a community where everyone feels valued and respected. By participating in Pink Shirt Day, we are sending a clear message: bullying has no place in our schools, workplaces, or communities. Let’s stand up, speak out, and lift each other up, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

 

Ice Skating

This week, our school gymnasium was transformed with a temporary ice skating rink, and it has been an absolute delight for students of all ages! Room 1 enjoyed their session and there’s nothing quite like seeing young faces light up as they find their balance and start to move more confidently. It’s been a fantastic way for everyone to step away from their routines and experience something new and exciting. Kudos to the organisers for bringing this incredible experience to our school.

School Values through Games – Respect

It was great to have Jen from Sport Whanganui back with us this week. We are learning to practice our value of Respect through games.

Learning Intention:
Show respect by supporting my own and others wellbeing and the environment.

Questions:

Here are some of the questions we will discuss while learning new games: 

How can you use what you have learnt in regards to respect when no adult is present? 
What does showing respect for spectators, other competitors, coaches etc look like?
How can we show empathy to others?
What was the aim of this game and how did have a focus on respect influence this?
How do others influence you when playing games?
How do you influence others when playing games?
If this game is simple, does that mean it is easy?
HOW did you display the school value of respect in this game? 

How can we hold each other accountable for our school values through movement?
What did you do when you saw someone doing something that they shouldn’t? How would you respond differently next time? 

We played a version of Tapu Ae.