Swimming NZ

We were privileged to have had Swimming NZ education advisor Moe Richardson for the last two weeks, to up-skill our teachers with the new National Aquatic Programme that was released in 2016 as a result of the high drowning stats in NZ.  She supported the teachers in teaching students the basic fundamental skills required prior to teaching technical swimming skills.  This free teacher PD funding came from Water Safety NZ.  

Swimming NZ conducted poolside support to teachers, (pair teaching, model teaching, assist the teacher, work through the Water Skills for Life (WSFL) competencies).

There was a challenge in existing swimming skills taught by the teacher in relation to its competency in open water environments e.g. the beach.  What was fundamental was the need for the teacher to have an understanding on water safety as a prerequisite prior to teaching technical swimming such as freestyle, backstroke etc.

Making waves

Mrs Moe Richardson (Swimming NZ) 

 Group work

Sculling 

Making big waves 

Sculling through the big waves

The Vodafone Warriors

SCHOOL VISIT

On Tuesday 26^th of March from 2pm-3.15pm, we had a visit from three players from the Vodafone Warriors team - Taane Milne, Jackson Frei & Paul Turner.  During their visit they ran league drills with up to 50 kids. This ran for approximately 60-75 mins. The last 15 minutes was predominantly just for photos and autographs.

Georgia Hale who is the community coordinator from the Vodafone Warriors, also came along with everything the team required for the drills as well as small giveaways. One extra teacher (our school sports coordinator) Mrs Aliifaalogo was also there to help supervise the kids during the school visit session.

This all took place on the field in which we were blessed to have had the beautiful weather. Three other staff from dtr, whom are one of the major sponsors for the Warriors, were taking photos.

GOOD LUCK TO THE VODAFONE WARRIORS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON!

POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL 2019

Today we have had the privilege in experiencing a rich culture of song and dance along with what is close to our hearts, FOOD!!  The purpose of todays visit was to explore, appreciate, encourage and nurture the uniqueness of our multicultural society.  This years 

 theme is as follows:

"The blood of the ocean flows through me, my sustenance, my nest of higher learning, my navigator.  I am the living essence of the ocean, the living essence of the ocean in me"

We arrive at the entrance and eagerly await our entrance into the Pacific

Once we were inside it was time to explore!!

 The different stalls at the Poly Fest.  Complete an activity / task and get some freebees!!!

 We can't leave without exploring the food too!

 We even had a festive dance session of our own!!!

Cultural dances

Tongan group

We farewell the Poly Fest 2019 but we will journey on with including what we've seen and experienced into our own learning and sharing of our cultural uniqueness to enhance our achievements and learning journey.

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INQUIRY

BUILDING CHAMPIONS

What is a champion? We believe a champion to be someone who has excelled in an area that he or she has mastered.

Who are champions? In Room 18, we have been looking at champions, and have selected people who we believe to be a great example of a champion.  Through our inquiry process, we have been researching and inquiring about our champion, in particular looking at what makes a champion and how he / she became a champion.  

Do you think these people qualify as being a champion?

LE BRON  JAMES

MICHAEL JACKSON

 DRAKE

JASON TAUMALOLO

 DWAYNE JOHNSON

CONOR MCGREGOR 

 ARIANA GRANDE

 STEPHEN CURRY

INQUIRY GROUPS

Majete, Kaliyah & Roslyn

 We chose Michael Jackson as our champion because he inspired all people to move and groove to his music, he also showed the world exactly how it was and created songs about what was happening around the world.  He had deep and meaningful messages in all his songs which affected peoples feelings and attitudes.  He is known as the 'King of Pop' and had worked his way to achieving this through his love and passion for music, despite all the negative things he went through he overcame those barriers through his music.

Essence, Anakiu & Sarasheena

 We chose Le Bron James as our champion because he is a great basketball player  who has many awards from his ever popular basketball skills.  He has made records in his career and has graced America with his spectacular talents.  He is a champion because he has a belief in himself and like many other athletes, he never gives up.

Laekim, Wallen, Jairah & Everton

 We chose Stephen Curry as our champion because he is a very famous professional basketball player who represented his country the United States of America and has won 9 Gold medals.  He is a champion because he trains everyday with great achievements to show the world that he is an all time great basketball player.

Quinnevaeh, Phoenix & Sherlina

 We chose Dwayne Johnson as our champion because he is well known around the world for his wresting career in WWE and now he is one of the most famous male actors in the world.  He has achieved many title fights and has had a long and enduring career in Wrestling.  His skills in acting has moved him up to a different level.  He is a champion because he tries really hard in everything he does, and never gives up.  His positive attitude and strong influences from his family and peers motivates him to be more and become more.

Vaega, Sandy & Giovanni

We chose Drake as our champion because he is a famous rapper and is well known around the world.  He has received many awards for his ever popular raps that has moved the generation of today.  We enjoy his music and the messages in it.   

Manoa, Sunia & Max

We chose Conor McGregor as our champion because he is the most popular UFC fighter in the world.  He took / won the belt from the previous champion in style and grace.  He is now on top of the world and has gone from scraps to victory.  He became a champion through his hard work and determination going from being at a lower grade to improving and excelling in his fights. 

Jena, Angela & Virtanya

We chose Ariana Grande as our champion because at this very moment she is the youngest and most popular pop artist touring the world and breaking records.  She is extremely popular with a fan club of young girls and teenagers.  She had begun at a young age, acting and a bit of singing, and like most young girls, she followed her dreams and is still on the way to achieving more.  She is a champion because she is determined to show the world she is the best and that it takes hard work to get where you want to be.

Peni, Jeremiah & Jamez

We chose Jason Taumalolo as our champion because he is a great role-model to all Tongan youngsters.  He has stamina on the field and a positive and encouraging attitude at all times.  He has come from a humble background and with the love and support of his family he has been able to achieve his dreams in playing Rugby League for his club North Queensland Cowboys and most of all his country Tonga.  We believe that he is a champion because he puts his family and country first, and is blessed with the talents from above and through hard work and determination he is Tonga's champion.

Thank you for sharing in our inquiry work this week.  We are in the process of creating our posters based on our champions which you will be able to view in our classroom within the next few weeks.  

WHAKATAUKI  

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'” from Mohammad Ali.