Keep in Touch (KIT) Days are a highlight for students and teachers alike. The focus has been on our local curriculum and legends in the Rotorua and Taupō regions.

During term two, the KIT Days focused on the Past, Present and Future at Te Amorangi Settlers Museum. We learned how the early settlers lived, what their homes might have looked like, how they cooked food, listened to music, shopped, and spent their time.

We used water pumps, saw a working forge and steam engines, and learnt about the history of local timber. The students were fascinated with the era's technology but admitted that modern technology makes life much easier.

After lunch and some old-fashioned games, it was time for some hands-on activities. We sent messages using Morse code and made butter from cream, which we enjoyed on freshly made pikelets. We experienced how our ancestors had to heat the water, hand scrub on washboards, and wring out all the washing before hanging it out to dry. Our students were pleased to have automatic washing machines at home.

In term three, the KIT day was a guided educational tour organised by the Taupō Museum staff to experience some of the heritage sites in the Taupō town centre.

The three sites we visited were the Museum, where we looked at and discussed Māori artefacts and Marea carvings and completed a treasure hunt about these items. We then made our way to the interactive playground - Te Papa Takaro o ngā Maunga Toa, where the story of the "The Battle of the Mountains" was explained. Next, we walked to Te Ātea, following closely behind our guide, who was playing his ukulele and singing waiata as he went. At this site, our guide talked about the meanings and symbolism of the carvings at Tapuaeharuru reserve, and he described it in a way that made sense to the children.

We would like to say thank you to Jeffrey Addison, the Museum Programs and Engagement co-ordinator who made the day educational and interesting for our students and teachers.