Kāhui Ako ki Orewa

 

Rāmere, te 12 o Pipiri, 2020

Early Māori Measurement

The Measurement Standards Laboratory of New Zealand (MSL) carried out a research project with summer student Te Aomania Te Koha. It explored traditional Māori measurements that were used in New Zealand before the arrival of European colonists. Due to the geographical isolation of New Zealand, early Māori settlers had little contact with neighbouring islands. Trade and commerce were internally based so there was no need for a precise measuring system. However, activities such as wharenui construction, waka making, woodcarving, navigation and weaving did require a high degree of precision. This precision came from the skill, experience and eye of the operator rather than by reference to a defined standard.

As in many parts of the world, early Māori measurement standards used were most often based on the human body. For example, the span of the arms outstretched horizontally was the mārō, whanganga or aronui. Another version of this unit was the pae, where the outstretched arms are bent to form a circle such that the girth of a tree or other such objects could be measured. Half an aronui – measured from the middle of the breast to the fingertip – was a hau. Find out more through this link.

Spark Creative Thinking

Looking for inspiration to hook your students? Follow the link here to John Spencer on YouTube for a set of short videos to spark creative thinking and help students fall in love with writing. Lots of really cool ideas.

Digital Literacy Resources to Support te reo Māori

The stories on the Sanctuary website capture the beauty and richness of our Māori culture. Our whakapapa (genealogy) and our language (reo), our unique perspectives of the world (te ao Māori) and all the other wonderful things pertaining to Māoridom. Follow the link here to access the free resources to learn more about their Māoritanga.

Upcoming Pōhiri

Due to the lockdown, we had to cancel our pōhiri for new kaiako at Te Herenga Waka o Orewa Marae. Fortunately, we have been able to reschedule the event to term 3 and will be sending out invitations to book numbers shortly. If you have started teaching in our kāhui in 2020 we will be extending this invitation to you.

New Teacher : Thursday/ Rāpare 6 August/ Hereturikōkā at 3:45 pm

There have been numerous requests from our in-school leaders to be introduced to the marae so we are currently planning a second pōhiri for the following week instead of our usual fortnightly hui.

In-School Leader Pōhiri : Thursday/ Rāpare 13 August/ Hereturikōkā at 3:45 pm

Experiencing Poetry through Matariki

Follow the link here to access this resource that has been designed for Level 2 – 6 of the Curriculum.

Moderation reminder

Our Term 2 across schools moderation meeting has been scheduled for Thursday 18th June, Orewa College, 3: 30 pm. Writing samples for moderation have been shared with our writing focus group in school leaders. Marked forms need to be submitted by Monday 15th June. Please contact sblackburn@wainui.school.nz if you have any queries or require further information.

Post COVID – our new normal

by Wendy Taylor, Wainui School

Ours is possibly no different to the thousands of schools nationwide in our response to establishing a New Normal.

This catch phrase has disappeared within our school bubble.

This catch phras is definitely to be continued!

Students are coming into school and going straight to classes – quite different from when they’d race on in, drop their bags, charge about, forget where their bags were and be ready to begin learning 10 minutes after the bell. It is CALM in the playground and students are ready to learn even BEFORE the bell now.

.Teachers’ high heels have been ditched for comfortable, warm practical clothing but onesies stay home.

• Staggered break times which are more frequent and shorter have alleviated playground issues
• Mindfulness – slowing down to really notice what you’re doing, taking your time, focusing in a relaxed, easy way has been beneficial for all learners and teachers.
• Creative activities art, singing, kapa haka and lots of fun games have helped children to reconnect with each other and their teachers.
• Physical activity – the weather has certainly played its part so everyone could be outside and for us, having a container of bikes and helmets and an all-weather bike track was an invaluable resource.
• Class Dojo, Zoom meets, Google Meet, Google Classroom – platforms used to connect and communicate with parents have been a revelation. Right throughout Lockdown, we set up the channels for communication and these have been easy to maintain back in the school environment.
• Flipped learning – during levels 4, 3 and 2, the use of technology; apps; slide shows; movies gave the students the freedom to be flexible with learning. This approach has been adopted and continued particularly with our senior students.

Whilst there have been challenges to overcome as well, a lot of our “Lockdown Learning” approaches have been and will continue to be modified. Checking in with and reassuring staff and students; re-visiting routines; using Zones of Regulation and focusing on a Growth Mindset all help with our re-set into our New Normal.

Our recovery mantra has been – Connect before Correct

Combined Board of Trustees meeting

Thank you to all those BOT members who attended our combined board meeting to discuss the progress made, and the challenges faced, by the Orewa Kāhui Ako. We don’t take for granted these face-to-face meetings where we can share some kai and some stories. It was a great way to connect with some familiar faces, and meet new ones. Kate and the four lead teachers were able to lay out the goals and plans for the rest of the year. We were also able to discuss plans for 2021.

Reminder to all in-school leaders

Our next meeting will be face-to-face, at Orewa College. We look forward to seeing you on 18 June at 3.30 for our writing moderation.