This week we have been learning about and celebrating Matariki - the Māori New Year.

This week our tamariki have enjoyed celebrating Matariki both in the classroom and during break times. In class we have been singing, lantern making and weaving. Come in and check out our creations! Join your children in learning the names of the stars with this catchy song!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O3ICulcHBg

During break times, tamariki have had the opportunity to show off their creative sides with chalk drawing and arts activities. It has been great to see a variety of students working together to celebrate Matariki with their beautiful pieces of art. 

"I liked the chalk drawing for Matariki" - Gabriella 

"I like the Waiti, Waita song!" - Evie-May

"I liked doing the lantern and the stars." - Phoenix 

"I loved learning about the stars of Matariki!" - Myrah 

'I like reading and listening to the Māori myths" - Mia P

Our Rurutu students have been working hard to show Kaitiakitanga around our school. Kaitiakitanga can be thought of as protection or guardianship of Papatūānuku, Mother Earth. Our tamariki have been collecting rubbish on Fridays, helping to keep our school environment clean. They take great pride in the work they have been doing, and would love everyone to get involved by picking up any rubbish you see lying on the ground and putting it in the bin. Kai pai team! Keep up the good work. 

"It was really fun. We were picking up lots of rubbish and Decklyn got the most!" - Lilly B

"The most rubbish was on the field and around the classrooms." - Samantha

Our big buddies programme has continued through Term 2. This runs on a Friday afternoon and involves the Year 8 students coming to Rurutu and supporting our tamariki in their reading and seesaw posting. It is a great opportunity to encourage and nurture relationships between our junior and senior students, and helps to make connections throughout the school. Our tamariki love spending time with their big buddy and sharing their new learning. "Are our big buddies coming today?!" is a common question throughout our week in Rurutu!! 

"I like playing outside with my buddy during break times." - Preston

"I like doing seesaw posts with my big buddy" - Phoenix 

"I like to read to my buddy" - Mia W

Last Friday we were lucky enough to have a visit from the New Zealand Warriors! The focus of their presentation was the importance of taking care of their health to perform at their best. On top of some important lessons, they gave out some awesome prizes such as bags, drink bottles and stickers! The children (and adults!) had a great time. 

After speaking to the whole school, some lucky Rugby League players went outside for a training session with our guests. How cool! 

"I liked my prize! I got some shoelaces." - Bradley 

"In training I was in the red team and we had to rip the blue teams tags off. We won!" - George