The TANIWHA Within!

This week the students of Room 13 have been exploring "The Taniwha Within".

It all started when we were reading a blog entry about my brother who is sailing across the pacific in a traditional waka. He shared how due to the calm weather the crew had been getting frustrated and angry with each other and their current lack of wind and that many were feeling "the taniwha within" stirring. 

In Room 13 we continued using the metaphor of the Taniwha to explore what frustrates and angers us. We developed strategies for preventing or channeling our anger so that we don't hurt those around us.

We have also been using the "The Taniwha Within" in our writing and have started an art piece that will integrate everything that we have done.

A friend in need...

This week Room 13 have been exploring friendship, especially "How to be a GOOD Friend". This is really important as we will shortly be at Forest Lakes Camp where we will need to be the best friend that we can be. 

These are some of the rules that we came up with on how to be a GOOD Friend:

• To be kind and caring!
• To listen to your friend
• Welcome your friends
• To co-operate with your friends
• Have fun together!
• Make them feel comfortable

The week so far...

So far this week has just flown by. We have been involved in a number of different learning activities but our key activities have been:

Testing

Swimming

Establishing our classroom treaty

Creating our term 1 goals

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A new dawn.

And so it begins again...

A new class, a new group of students, a new teacher...but also many new fun experiences and new learning situations to participate in.

2012 a new exciting adventure!

Saying goodbye to the tall guy

On Tuesday 25th October a small group from Muritai School were lucky enough to accompany Mr Skilton to Tawhai School for his first day as Principal. We were there to have a powhiri/hand over ceremony. The 11 members of the year 7/8 kapa haka group were there as a small representation of Muritai and to give Mr Skilton our support in his new role.

Touch information

Check out http://muritaisports.blogspot.com/ for all information regarding touch this Friday.

1 down...3 to go!

Wearable Arts is now underway with the Matinee performance showing the huge creative talent that we have at Muritai School.


Can you spot the bush?

Kicking up a storm

Today four teams of year 7/8 Muritai students traveled to Petone Memorial Park to compete in the HRSA football tournament. There was a lot of determined play and skill displayed on the pitches. Muritai was able to field very competitive teams and were able to secure the needed goals to place 1st and 3rd in the girls and 3rd in both boys grades...it must be something in the local water.

What to wear?

It is only a week and a half till our Wearable Arts shows. The outfits coming in are quite amazing, the work and effort by many students is impressive.

It is also choreographing and practicing time. I am enjoying my group ‘Stoneage’ It has been a lot of fun so far, students have been wonderful.

Today Room 21 students began exploring a number of different topics of their choice. The topics were a range of problems that teenagers face like puberty and body image. We then went onto the laptops to begin our research on the topics we had chosen.

Our task was to create a pamphlet/brochure on the topic we were researching that included what it was, the problems you would face and tips that could help solve your problem.

Speeches 2011

So far in room 21 we have had an amazing number of well written speeches with excellent topics and great messages to get across to the yr 7 & 8 year group. With our speeches it is clear just how much time and effort has been put into them. So far a very impressive result of speeches.

There were speeches ranging from alcohol to the fear of public speaking, cigarettes and smoking, the dangers of drink driving to eating healthy as well as the hazards of sunbathing and men and woman's equal rights also things like Burqas.

A whale of a time!

After having spent 5 incredible weeks on holiday in some truly amazing locations I get to come back to this one. I was lucky enough to take an extended holiday travelling around Turkey, Croatia and Italy...And now I'm back!

A few of my travel snaps:

Maori Language Week

The theme for this years Maori Language Week is Manaakitanga which is a very important part of Māori custom and identity. At its core manaakitanga is about how we make people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we give regard to and care for others when hosting visitors.

The capacity for Manaakitanga is in all of us and is something that as New Zealanders we do very well with our good old kiwi hospitality....so how do you show manaakitanga?

Wracking the ol' noggin

Today was Otago Problem Solving challenge day

The Otago Problem Challenge is a mathematics problem solving competition aimed at Intermediate School children. It is organised by members of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Otago.

Children participating in the competition attempted to answer five questions in 30 minutes. The questions get harder as you go. Question 1 being the easiest and 5 the hardest.

Here's question 4 from todays challenge.

Run rabbit run...

Today on a cold but sunny day the Year 5 -8 Muritai School Cross Country was held at Williams Park. After weeks of practicing it was great to finally get the opportunity to compete. The standard of participation was excellent, with everyone giving it their best effort.