by Katrina Ferguson

Year 9

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Miss Evans, a student teacher from the University of Canterbury who has been teaching 9BY and one of the maths classes.

Miss Evans has brought enthusiasm and new ideas to the classroom, and we are grateful for the time she has spent with us.

Sadly, we must also farewell Miss Evans in Week 6 as she continues her studies at the University of Canterbury. We wish her all the best in her academic pursuits this year and beyond. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Miss Evans!

In Ako, we have been learning about New Zealand's early history, starting with the arrival of the Maori in the 1200’s, a fascinating story of courage, exploration, and adaptation. 

 Upon their arrival, the Maori people brought with them a wealth of knowledge and technology. They introduced new plants and animals, such as kumara (sweet potato). We have gained a greater understanding of their journey and experiences.

We have also looked at the mid-1800s and continue to explore the topic of colonisation and the arrival of English settlers. Our aim is to gain a well-rounded understanding of New Zealand's history and its impact on the people and culture of this land.

Also in Ako, we are focusing on our personal fitness and understanding our bodies

Our students have been learning about the different body systems and how they work together to keep us healthy and functioning properly. We will also study the muscles in our bodies and how they help us move and perform different tasks.

In the coming weeks, we will be conducting dissections in the labs to further enhance our understanding of the human body. This will be a great opportunity for the students to get hands-on experience and see the different organs and structures within the body.

We encourage you to have conversations with your child about their learning in Ako. Ask them about their goals for this term which have been set in Hapori. This will help reinforce their learning and encourage them to continue to explore and ask questions.