Waka Ama Regatta 2016

A huge mihi to all students who participated in the Uawa Waka Ama Regatta 2016. Our students did our School and Syndicate proud. A huge mihi to all the parents that helped out over the past few weeks and especially those parents from our classroom, Sheryl and James Tuari, Aunty Mere Tautau, Wiremu Kaa and Tane Tamanui. Much respect.

Welcome to Week 8

Kia Ora Whanau and welcome back to another busy week that lies ahead. This Monday we complete the 1st round of our rotations of our tech cycle. Students have been enjoying the awesome opportunities and learning that our tech staff offer and it has been awesome walking around and seeing the smiles on all the students faces. Tuesday we have our annual school triathlon so we are hoping that we get some awesome parental support for this. On wednesday we have a group of ruma rua tekau students participating in the East Coast waka ama regatta to be held in my hometown of uawa. The following students will be representing us - Y8 BOYS (Matariki Kaa, Daniel Tamanui, Harlee Kohn and Manaia Tuari) Y8 GIRLS (Phoenix Ngarimu, Skye Maurirere, Terina Maraki). We wish them well. On Thursday a number of our students will be representing us at the BOP touch champs to be held in Rotorua. These students have made our Y8 Touch Teams Y8 BOYS (Whetu King Taufa, Montell Chadwick, Brandie Hinaki, Irie Eyles) Y8 GIRLS (Peyton Riri, Ani Whaanga Smith, Wai Rawiri) I am so proud of them. I am proud of my whole class as they are doing well. We have a lot to work on, but I am quietly confident we can all reach the required expectations that we set for ourselves. They are high, but with the driving force of our school values behind us, these being RESPECT, INTEGRITY, SELF MANAGEMENT and EXCELLENCE we can do this. BE THE BEST NOTHING MORE AND NOTHING LESS.

RISE

Wai and Manaia during Tech Arts - Awesome Girls

Matariki Kaa getting stuck in

Matua Dwayne Russell coaching our touch team - Awesome whanau support

The above photos are of the girls working with Harakeke. We will be starting a Harakeke Unit in Term 2. We are fortunate to have Shannon Ruru within our class who has learnt her amazing talent and skill from her Nanny. Shannon is passionate about this kaupapa and is keen as to share her matauranga with our girls. We are so lucky to have her in our class.

WAKA AMA PRACTICE

Thank you to those students who showed up to Waka Ama practice today. There was an awesome turn out of whanau as well. A huge mihi must go out to Matua Bruce and Koka Kiwi (Mairangi's parents) for coaching the students today and also providing extra paddles and lifejackets. Remember we have one more practice next Sunday at 12.30pm before we head to Uawa on the 23rd of March. Thanks to all the parents, papas and siblings that were out in force showing your support. Massive afternoon on our Turanganui awa. Mauriora.

Students representing Ruma Rua Tekau will be, Phoenix Ngarimu, Terina Maraki, Skye Maurirere, Manaia Tuari, Matariki Kaa, Daniel Tamanui, Harlee Kohn.

Farewell Matua Q

Last week the Turanganui Taonga whanau farewelled Matua Q. Matua Q has been part of our  Ruma Rua tekau whanau as he completes his 3rd and final year of his bachelor of teaching degree. Matua Q has been a huge assett to our whanau and has gone above an beyond our expectations. We hope that one day Matua Q rerturns and teaches at Gis Int. He will be highly sort after, as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. It has been the ultimate pleasure having Matua Q on our waka.

Week 7

Kia Ora Whanau and welcome back to week 7. Last week Ruma Rua Tekau headed to Mind Lab. Students took part in 2 workshops, both focussing on Webpage animation. Students were able to use their creative thinking and create some digital masterpieces. A sound solid effort had by all.

WEEK 6 NGA MIHI NUI KIA KOUTOU

Kia Ora Whanau we are now into week 6. Time flies when you are having fun. Someone once said to me that we have too much fun at Gisborne Intermediate and that we should be doing more work. My reply was that "Education should be about having fun". The students are enjoying coming to school and that is what we want so Mauri tu, Mauri ora. Omaio Camp was a blast. The Kids really enjoyed themselves even though we had a little hiccup with the weather. Once it cleared we were able to do the things that we set out to do which was awesome. Once again a big mihi must go out to all the parent helpers especially our Room 20 parents those being Wiremu Kaa, James Tuari, Quentin Mill, Tatai Kutia and Matua Waata Shepherd.  

Phoenix, Matua Tatai Kutia, Matua Quentin Mill, Terina Maraki dishing out the steam pudding and custard.

Matariki, Koha, Manaia and Rigante enjoying their Kai

Hangi prep time. Matua James Tuari and Tatai Kutia lead the charge

Wharekai, where all the action takes place

Safety Debrief before we hit the River