Camp at Teapot Valley

We went, we conquered, we came back - and many of us probably still miss what was an absolutely fantastic experience in sunny Nelson. I was nervous beforehand, but the week turned out to be one of the best of my teaching career. The students were wonderful: brave, charming, mad, open, experimental, successful, friendly and hungry! Here are the first of many photos.

 I guess it all began with the food. Glorious food. Monday: burgers. Delicious burgers!

 Remember these guys? That was the line to be in. 

 Don't tell Health and Safety! This might have been a little way off the track, but it was fun. And beautiful too. The Able Tasman walk was a highlight of the trip.

 Not a bad place to have afternoon tea, eh?

 It was like being on Miami Vice! That cruise back to camp via Kaiteriteri was sensational. And there were seals.

 What's she pointing at? Just horror, fear, and screaming!

 Discipline was tough at camp. Time on The Stump was hard.

 We had to work together, for better or for worse!

 We had to rid the world of deadly toxic waste. Hold onto the rope!

The team at Teapot Vally were magnificent and helped make it all possible. Cheers!

Year 7-8 Girls' Cricket Team Unbeaten in 2016

Rangikura really shone in the Porirua schools cricket competition this year. They won every game, played with skill, laughed possibly far too much, and displayed real talent at this challenging sport. It was a pleasure coaching them, and I'm sure that several of them could go on to play rep cricket in the future if they stay in the game. Room 13 was represented by Maia-Jet, Selina, Croshan, and Phoenix. 

This photo was taken after their defeat of Paremata School in a home fixture at Ascot Park. They all played well, but Area smashed a few mighty boundaries that day, Asha and Phoenix ran like the wind between the wickets, and Croshan bowled an immaculate over of Hadlee-esque pace. Cheers!

Last week we journeyed to Room 5 and shared our fantastic Big Books with them. This is Acosta enthralling the kids with his group's story The Cookie Bear. Their teacher, Miss Bonsey, said the kids absolutely loved our educational and entertaining texts and have been reading them non-stop. Tino pai!

We've been writing and illustrating 'Big Books' for the reading (and academic) pleasure of kids in the junior school. It's been all about understanding how and why authors create these stories so the kids can learn new words etc., be entertained, and also think deeply about valuable life skills, like persisting, or helping others. Phoenix's group worked on a narrative about a Grandma who was lucky enough to be helped in her various daily tasks. In the photo she is sharing the text with the class for the first time.

Jahmane hits the keys!

Jahmane magically picked up a new tune this avo and with no performance anxiety whatsoever played it for the class. Nice!

Kalea proudly displays her kowhaiwhai to her appreciative, well-educated classmates!

Croshan steps up and shares her pepeha. Ka pai!