TERM THREE - Week 8

Maori Language Week 2019

This week, we had the privilege of indulging in yet another rich week of our te reo Maori.  We began the week looking into our theme for the term 'Champions make a difference together'.  Because it was Maori Language week, we decided to look into Maori champions and identifying who they are.  We researched and found a few.

We also had Duffy assembly this week where we were to design our duffy box to represent Maori Language week.  Our designers (Peni, Junior and Agelu) put their heads together and came up with the idea to make a waka.  We were the winning class for Team Whakapono YEEEEEAAAAAHHHH!

We have a picture of every member of the class and their paddle towards becoming a champion.  Included is a range of whakatauki's / proverbs that help us persevere and stay focussed in what we want to achieve.

We also looked into the Maori patterns, and identifying patterns that is a symbol of something to us, such as family, learning and growing together.`

Patterns of endurance, family and extended family, WHANAU!

Two in one, doubles, you can't be working or living on your own, you always need someone to share it with.

The waves of learning, you will always have your ups and downs, you can't have one without the other.

Whakatipu o matou tangata, We Grow Our People!!!!

TERM THREE - Week 7

TONGAN LANGUAGE WEEK

This week at Rowandale school, we have all had the privilege in experiencing yet another week full of learning and festivities of the Tongan culture. 

In Room 18, we have many students who are Tongan, and they have embraced us with their wonderful knowledge.  We have Peni Kautai (Head boy), Anakiu Opeti-Finau (Deputy head girl), Sunia Ungounga, James Manumua, Sarasheena Ilavalu.

We began the week in the Rowandale traditional way, with an opening assembly to raise the flag of Tonga and declare the Tongan language week opened.  During the week, we had been researching and inquiring about a selected Tongan hero / champion in whom we selected the ever popular Jonah Lomu.

During the week, our Tongan students assisted us in learning the days of the week, colours, numbers, and how to introduce ourselves.

On Wednesday the 4th of September we had the Tongan group from Manurewa Intermediate who came to perform to us.

On Thursday the 5th of September we had our assembly to celebrate the Tongan language week.  What an amazing day it turned out to be.  Fascinating performances, outstanding costumes and a very happy and excited environment right throughout the whole school.

 An individual performance by Anakiu Opeti-Finau

 Celebrated by our very own Peni Kautai

 The Tongan haka lead by Peni.  This haka had many of the boys from Room 18 - Peni Kautai, Phoenix Rangi, Jairah Pomale-Time, Vaega Vaimagalo, Sunia Ungounga and James Manumua

Final speech from our Acting Principal Mrs Mulipola

By the end of the week we had identified and learnt many of the Tongan words, facts and songs. Our inquire task was finding out how a Tongan hero / champion had made a difference to the world.  In this case, it was how Jonah Lomu made a difference to World Rugby. 

Malo aupito Room 18.  Fakafetai!!!!