Ki te Kotahi te kākaho ka whati ki te kapuia e kore e whati - When we stand alone we are vulnerable, when we stand together we are unbreakable.

The joy of utilising the Olympics in term 3 to dive into the theme of - Ki te Kotahi te kākaho ka whati ki te kapuia e kore e whati - When we stand alone we are vulnerable, when we stand together we are unbreakable - has enabled students to inquire into how people and countries persevere to achieve their goals, as teams/society and as individuals.

Akomanga (classes) have moved through the Olympic celebrations to the Paralympics and continued into trade and economics.  Akonga (students) are inquiring into trade between nations and the pros and cons of this on the economy, as well as the trade that existed before Pākehā came to Aotearoa.  Classes are utilising these essential lessons from Māori to develop their own inter-class trade.  Whilst doing this some classes are writing business plans, designing products or utilising pre-loved items, and considering trade routes.  This topic has empowered students to consider how communities can work together to share skills and resources, learn from each other, and work together to achieve individual and collective goals.  Mini-schools created their own ‘Mana Games’ where these skills were put into practice, whilst also providing students and teachers with day filled with laughter and joy.

In some classes the ‘Mana Games’ results have been used to create statistical investigations as well with students identifying variables to compare and contrast against each other.  There has been some excellent writing happening as well with students bringing their work up to show us how proud they are of it.

Our mini-school Ako programme has come to an end as well.  Students have been engaged with some excellent artistic and second language opportunities.  It has been wonderful to see their projects come to fruition. A huge thank you to our teachers for providing classes that stretch our creativity!

The successes continue as our dance troup and choir competed in their competitions.  The dance troup came third in the Auckland Competition so will travel to Palmerston North in the school holidays to compete at a national level.  Mrs Hunter and her daughter have worked very hard with the troup and we were lucky to see their skills in action at assembly!

Our GEIS choir took part in the New Zealand Choral Federation’s annual Kids Sing competition.  The choir had been rehearsing since term 2 to perfect their craft and tackle some challenging music.  As one of only 3 state schools there, they can be incredibly proud of their efforts and achievements!  A massive thank you to Miss Klee and Mr Pritchard for their vision in getting the choir off the ground.