Matariki Kites

Maori flew kites traditionally as a symbolic connection to Matariki. Kites were seen as a connection between the heavens and earth. We made our kites out of all sorts of things. We used flax, bamboo, sticks and tied them at the corners. We had to make a tail so that the kites balanced when they flew.

Porotaka By Liam, Mikaila and Mark

Porotaka

We read a Journal Story last week about how to make Porotaki. We had to get flax and harakeke sticks and Mrs Neumann was kindly given some special nails by Carters in Opua. 

We had to fold the flax around our fingers and then weave it,then we hammered it onto the harakeke stick with a special nail. When we blew on the windmill it spun around and around. They also spun around in the wind. We found out that they went around even faster when the  flax dried out a fortnight later. They were an amazing toy to play with especially because we mad them. Matariki Day is such a fun day!!

Putiputi -By Jack, Josh and Zayne

Putiputi

On Friday it was Matariki Day at school. It was an awesome day as we made so many things to celebrate the day. We made some putiputi out of flax. They are beautiful flowers. We put them in a vase in the classroom and some are on the display at the school office.

Mere and Isabella-Paige used two different types of flax to make their putiputi.

Purerehua by Lilli-Rose, Mere and Jade

Purerehua

We made curved purerehua. They were smooth and looked like diamonds and stars in the sky. WE made koru decorations on them. We had to use them carefully as they are sharp at the sides. They are a Maori musical instrument. The purerehua is named after it's buzzing sound (like that of a butterfly, insect or bird's wings) is a bull roarer.

Mere's Speech-"Should we have Fish and Chips at School?"

Should we have Fish and Chips at School?

Yes we should have fish and chips because it’s good for your brain and it’s very natural too.

Firstly I think we should have fish and chips because it’s super, tasty, chewy, soft with crunchy batter and it’s salty and it’s very yummy for you us. Fish is one the healthiest foods on the planet. It has lots protein and vitamin D. Fish is important for your body and brain.

Secondly I like fish and chips because it can make you very healthy. The fish can make you brainier. You could  write a lot, not one sentence at a time. Once you just ate a piece of fish you could write a lot of writing on a chromebook or in your writing book. Fish is so very Healthy and you could get very fit and run very fast. That would be be very very good for you.

Thirdly I like fish and chips because it’s very warm on a cold day. Fish is easy to cook and you can eat it raw. Fish helps your eye sight. It can help you sleep better. Fish helps prevent asthma.

Fourthly, potatoes are one of the most common and important foods in the world. They have lots of fibre, vitamins and minerals in them. They can stop heart disease and give you stronger bones.

So to conclude we should have fish and chips at school as they are so healthy for you. They can help you do all the things that are good for us, sleep, see and  learn. So I think we should have them on our lunch order list.

Zayne's Speech--Is the Country Better Than the City?"

Is the Country Better than the City?

  Boys and girls, the country is better than the city, because the  country has fresh air and we can play outside, but in the city we spend time inside.

Firstly- I think the country is better than the city because the city has traffic pollution with the smell of smoke, petrol and diesel. I do not like the city.

Secondly- The country has nature and amazing  living things that can explore. It is stressful living in the city because there are so many buildings and people.

Lastly- In the country we can do farming. The country is super, super exciting. It has super huge trees to  play in.

Nevaeh's Speech-"Netball is Better Than Rugby"

Hi my name is Nevaeh and I’m Arguing that

         Netball is better than Rugby?    

Yes, I think netball is better than rugby because it is not messy at all.

Firstly, I think netball is way better than rugby because you don’t get hurt as much. There are so many accidents involving rugby players. Rugby is a brutal, violent, rough game. Rules do not change like rugby rules do. You can always tell if a goal is scored in netball--in rugby they always have to check.

Secondly, netball can be played inside or outside but rugby is just played outside and rugby can not be played on concrete or wooden floor.  Rugby needs to be played on a grass field because boys and men like to get dirty-they think they are tough and playing harder. Also men don’t clean up or do their own washing.

Thirdly, netball increases women’s participation in sport--Rugby doesn’t. It is a less violent game and the moral and self-esteem has been boosted by playing netball.

Fourthly rugby players could learn from netballers--the fast ball handling skills, decision making and the quick vision. Netball is played much quicker as you only have 3 seconds from the moment you catch the ball to releasing it. In netball you need short sharp movements going forwards, backwards, sideways, up and stopping.

Lastly netball is fun and rugby is boring. More people play netball than rugby so NETBALL just have to be better than rugby !!!!!!!!!!