Ora at Pītau Rapa
While "Ora” as a value is always celebrated here in Hoiho at Kendal, this term we are endeavouring to show you exactly what that means to us.
As "Ora" is paramount to our children’s all around development, health and happiness, we try to keep it foremost in our minds when we are planning and deciding on outing venues.
It has always been our goal to challenge our students as much as we can physically while building trust and teamwork skills.
We are also learning about the importance of looking after our bodies.
We are incredibly lucky to have access to a number of fantastic playgrounds which are in close proximity to us. Owen is a huge fan of tunnels.
Brighton playground has percussion instruments that all the students enjoy. They are always Owen's first port of call.
Lachlan has grown hugely in self confidence since the start of the year. The stump access to the waka at Brighton requires both balance and problem solving skills.
Owen putting the steps to another use!
The tamariki in Hoiho have become quite close. Talia and Benson enjoy each others company and often play together.
The parachute is always great fun. Nicholas enjoyed our time with some lovely Avonside girls playing games and learning basic basketball skills.It was so good to have him join in.
Time on the bikes is always great fun. Talia participates in this activity often.
More fun with the giant parachute. Lachlan is holding on very tight!
Back at Brighton beach front.
Swimming is definitely one of our preferred activities and QE2 our venue of choice. Nicholas and Benson are both 'fish' and love the water, often spending the hour going up and down the small waterslides. You can never have too many hugs in a day!
We have had a considerable emphasis on oral hygiene in the last few months. Nearly everybody at least attempts to brush their teeth which is great. Benson is very independent!
Lachlan has also made big improvements.
Jacob often has energy to burn so when it is an inside day he uses the treadmill a lot. He is very good at watching the timer and staying on until the buzzer goes.
Race time for Lachlan and Carol. Hard to say who won!
Just recently Yoga has been made an option for our students. Benson and Fia both participate and are enjoying it.
Benson moving up into a 'Downward facing dog!'
Most Tuesday afternoons, Paula from Special Olympics brings an assortment of activities for us to try. Golf has been a favourite for many. Here Benson is channeling his inner "Tiger".
Another avid cyclist.
Deep stairs pose problems for many of us. Great to see so much care being taken to get down these 'whoppas' at Tūranga in town.
Jacob and Benson both enjoy basketball skills at Pioneer Stadium on Wednesdays.
Good concentrating from Jacob.
Benson has improved his dribbling skills.
Go Lachlan!
Looking good Lachlan.
A break in the wet weather made us jump at the opportunity to go and walk around Halswell Quarry.
Benson was determined to be one of the first to the top!
Carol and Talia came in a close second.We were very proud of everyone's efforts. A few parts were quite steep and muddy.
Catching our breath.
Nicholas was clever enough to walk around the steps and take a much easier track.
The scenery was fantastic. Nicholas was happy to wait for everyone to make it to the top.
The ground was very uneven in parts. Talia did a good job of navigating around the dips in the ground.
Deep steps again! Great concentration from Talia and Benson.
Lachlan on the homeward strait!
Lachlan using his arms to balance himself while crossing a shallow stream.
It was a long way down.
We were very proud of Benson for not giving up and crossing this bit of rocky terrain on his own.
Great skills guys and definitely a show of stamina for some.
Brighton playground again.
It looks good Talia.
Hato Hone St Johns visited us early in the term. We spoke about some very basic first aid and different bits of equipment you might see in an ambulance before Doctor Benson set up triage!
Jacob and Lachlan under the bucket at QE2.
Nicholas was very focussed on getting a STRIKE!
Making trains in the water.
Road crossing practice is ongoing in the class. Nicholas and Benson are definitely more aware of traffic on and off the road.
Jacob thrives on challenging exercise.
What a great job Benson did bandaging my arm.
What a fantastic effort Owen made in our Cross Country race. We were all very proud of him.
Lachlan was happy to put the oxygen mask to his face to show the others how.
Looking good Benson.
Lachlan planning his strategy.
Jacob loved being a guinea pig for us all to try our bandaging skills on.
Plan B for when your legs get tired.
Benson looking for some competition.
Taking a breather at Halswell Quarry.
Benson already for work experience.
Very proud of Talia getting second place in her race. (Cross Country)
Lachlan takes all traffic very seriously. Talia can depend on him to make good calls about when is safe to cross.
Benson is waiting for the big hydroslides to open in the summer
Jacob had clearly seen a mannequin before and had a pretty good idea what to do. Well done Jacob!
Waiting for our turns at bowling.
Jacob leading the charge!
We are so impressed with Owen and his willingness to give most activities a go.
Jacob definitely isn't a stranger to bowling!
Everyone was happy with their big effort once they reached the top of the hill.
