Matariki

Every year at the beginning of June seven stars appear in the Eastern sky.  The new moon at this time means the Maori New Year has arrived.  We call this Matariki. 

While people waited for the celebration to start someone jumped out from the bushes and poked his tongue out in a pukana challenge and stared at them.  Then his friends joined him with weapons in their hands.  The weapons were taiaha, tomahawk and a musket.  They were wearing maro and their skin was smeared with orange clay.  One of the warriors welcomed them with a powhiri. 

On that day they planted trees and flew kites.  After speeches and waiata the warrior turned North and blew a horn that echoed out over the water.  Then some children did Kapa Haka and the celebrations began.  Some people got their faces painted and they played tug of war.

Pere showed people his carving skills after he dew a design on a piece of wood.  Some people made woven baskets.

Then they ate barbequed sausages and mussel fritters.  Some people took a ride on a steamship and some went on a horse and cart.  

I love hearing about Matariki and that is Matariki.                                                                   - Laila

Badminton

On Thursday we had our last badminton lesson. We found out that we could join a badminton club and more information will be sent home soon. We all enjoyed learning how to hold our rackets and serve the shuttle.

Make a Wish

On Friday we dressed up and made a gold coin donation to the Make a Wish foundation. Thanks to all who contributed.

Character Description

Winry has brown eyes, brown hair and pink lips.  She likes acting silly.  She likes sushi and fish and she dislikes mean people and getting told off.  Her hobbies are cleaning her bedroom and putting her dishes away.  Her strengths are making things up and her weakness is being stupid, she says.  Her character traits are silly, kind and funny,   - By Isabelle

Buddy Class

On Friday we went to see our Year 1 buddies.  We watched a video clip about Excellence.  Molly Moon told us that learning how to work hard and never giving up in school ended up being important habits that helped her achieve her dream job of running 5 ice cream shops. She wasn't very good at maths to start with but she kept trying. She eventually got much better and she was able to give 60 people jobs in her shops.  She loves that she makes people happy every day.  Then we completed an ice cream activity with our buddies.

Badminton

On Thursdays we are learning to play badminton.  Here we are giving it a go.

Summarising an Article

Philip the duck has new feet from a 3-D printer and a teacher.  He got frostbite and he couldn't walk or waddle so they make new feet.  He is still learning to walk.  He will have to live near people.

- Riley