Te Aroha 2023

Gravity

In Week 7, Te Moana and Te Maunga got together to look at the “Power of Gravity”. We had some cool rotations set up to look at how gravity works and whether we can defy gravity. We had a lot of fun working in groups and learning new things.

The Moon and Oreo Cookies

Te Maunga spent some time discussing the phases of the moon and what helps us to see the moon. We learnt that the sun’s light reflects off the moon and we see different parts of the moon as the sun lights up different parts. 

We used Oreo cookies to experiment with the different phases of the moon. We discussed how ‘waxing’ means ‘increasing’ and ‘waning’ means ‘decreasing’. We were able to cut the icing of the cookies to show the main phases of the moon: New - Waxing Half - Full - Waning Half. 

The best part of this activity was eating the cookies afterwards!

Te Moana Power of the Ocean Experiment

For Inquiry we have been investigating the power of the ocean, building a deeper understanding of what lies within it and the complexities of the zones and creatures. To help us learn about how the ocean is structured we created our own layers of the ocean in jars using a combination of different substances. We made the trench, abyss, midnight, twilight and sunlight zones. It was also a great chance to see how the careful layering and composition of golden syrup, dishwashing liquid, oil, water and food colouring meant that these layers didn’t mix.

Te Maunga Visual Art

We have a number of very talented artists in Te Maunga. This term we did some surveys around how we learn best and what helps us engage in our learning. Many students learn best through drawing, so we have done a few artworks that we are quite proud of. Our art this term was inspired by our inquiry “Power of the Ocean”, our trip to the rocky shore, and one of our trips to the City Gallery for our Friday city experience. These can be found on display in our classroom.

Te Aroha 2022

As a syndicate we have been taking part in the Tākarokaro programme. This has involved analysing nationwide data about sporting habits of all ages. Using our statistical literacy skills we were able to spot trends and come up with reasons why the data was showing us thinking like walking as the most popular form of exercise.

Through discussing and examining different types of games we build an understanding of what is needed to create a purposeful P.E activity. In small groups we have been designing our own, making sure there is a skill focus and progressions to make it more challenging. We have been testing out our ideas and our next step is to play the games and learn some new skills from each other!

Gymnastics at ASB Stadium

Term 3 saw St Anthony’s back at the ASB stadium for lots of sporting events, including Futsal and Floorball festivals. We also had the wonderful opportunity to avail of gymnastics lessons for a number of weeks, where we developed our skills of strength, flexibility and balance. 

Caring for our Whenua

Te Maunga have been investigating ways we can care for our whenua. We looked at the important job that soil does in holding water and recycling nutrients back to plants. We learned about some good gardening techniques at Innermost Gardens in Mount Victoria, such as planting a variety of plants in the same area as their nutritional demands are different. 

We analysed some of the soil samples from where we live. To do this, we put some soil in a jar, added some water, put the lid on, and shook the jar vigorously. It all mixed up and looked like brown water. After a few days, the soil settled again and made distinct different layers. We discovered that people living near the coast had more sand in their soil sample. 

We learned how we can look after our whenua through good composting techniques and this was one aspect that we investigated during our Care for Creation Day. Other activities we took part in on the Care for Creation Day were cleaning up litter, planting and creating collages using scavenged natural resources. 

Our world is a precious gift and we will continue to work as kaitiaki to make sure we are taking care of our whenua.

Our Inquiry

This term we have been learning about the Ancient times. It has been very fun to learn about.

First, we learned about Jesus’s time. We learned he was around in Ancient times. We have been learning about the Transfiguration. We did some plays about important events in Jesus’s life. My group did the crucifixion. It was really fun to do. We made pictures of what things they had back then like clothes, food, and houses. Everyone in my class did houses except for me, I did clothes. Back then the houses were made out of brick, stone, and mud, they also had straw roofs. The clothes then were togas, tunics, and sandals. 

After Jesus’s time, we moved on to Ancient Rome. Our focus this term is on Ancient times. We learned about how they lived, their houses, clothes, and food! We got put into groups and then chose one of the seven wonders of the world, my group picked the Statue Of Zeus. We did a whole slideshow about him and facts about him. Then we had to make him out of clay! It was really hard, and he broke 4 times! It was still very fun to do even if it was a big challenge. 

Since we were learning about Ancient Rome we had a Roman breakfast at school with the year 5,6,7s and 8s. We brought sheets and tied them around us like togas. For the Roman breakfast, we had bread, olives, cheese, and butter. It was really good and everyone enjoyed it so much!

We then finished up with Ancient Rome and moved on to Ancient Greece. Rome and Greece had a lot of similarities. Rome came after Greece and followed most of their ways to live. Greece has a lot of stray dogs on the street whereas Rome has a lot of stray cats. Dogs in Ancient Greece were the most popular pets. We read a book on how Greeks made things work. They have made so many of the things that we now have influenced most of the things that we use every day. It was so much fun learning about the Ancient times that came before us.

So far it has been an amazing term! It was a really fun term and I hope we can do it again sometime. I have enjoyed learning this so much, it has been really really fun. 

- Alice

A Roman Breakfast in Te Aroha

Last Monday Te Aroha decided to make a Roman breakfast because this term we are learning about Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece. When we came to school we saw some seniors in the kitchen area already started making bread. As we entered the classroom the air was filled with the smell of bread.

Ms. von Lanthen and Ms. Reid called  5 or 6 (Roman numbers v, vi) students to come up and also help make bread and we also made gluten-free bread as well. 

When the bread was being baked we all went to dress up in our Roman robes and came back to the kitchen to wait patiently for our breakfast to be ready.

The smell of the cooked bread filled the air with a homely smell and made us all hungry. Everyone enjoyed our fresh bread with melted butter and cheese and olives.

-Leanne

Kiwi Hoops

In Term 1, from week five our school participated in a physical activity about learning the skills of basketball. The basketball class was called Kiwi hoops. This went on every Wednesday. Our coach's name was Scott.

Each lesson consisted of different strategies and skills. First we started with a warm up. We played many different games, some with balls and some without. Then, we learned  skills like, dribbling, shooting, passing and much more! At  the end of each session, we’d reflect on what we have learnt and then, we put our hands in the middle and Scott says, “St Ants on three, one two, three…” And we all shout, “St Ants!”

I found this very enjoyable because we not only had fun, but also we learnt how to be a good defender, attacker and how to shoot hoops! One of these techniques is to keep your feet level, and eyes up - or you might crash into something, or someone! Sometimes we even had dribble limits, so you had to pass to someone! 

This was a great way to test my fitness and skills. Sometimes I found the games easy, other times were very challenging, and they tested my physical ability. Scott was super encouraging and I learnt lots of cool tricks and tips from him. This helped me build confidence in playing basketball, and makes it easier for me to focus on what I am doing. 

This experience was great and I learnt loads of new skills. 

By the end, I am much better at shooting hoops, and I hope to do it next year!

- Issy

City/Tech Trips

Te Maunga has been going to technology every Friday at Mt Cook yet again. This Term was woodwork, in which half of the class (year 7’s) were making a nice box, like a money box that you can lift up or slide it open. It looks very easy at first but it takes a while and a lot of effort and tools. The year eights on the other hand were making stools, and vanities. This year we had a choice on what to make with a lot of great options:  skateboard, vanity, ship, axe and stool. Our teacher, Mr Depree, was teaching us over the term. We were getting into the usage of tools again, with drills, coping saws, gorilla glue, different drill bits, and hammers, and so many tools that I could make a list! I didn’t know some of those existed until now, and I definitely didn’t know how to use them. When one half of the class was at technology, the other half was learning in town.

What I mean is we would explore town or go to certain places that show or express things we can learn about. You can learn a lot in the city of Wellington. More than you think! We went to the waterfront, looked at art around town such as Paper Pals outside Te Papa, Kura Moana by Lisa Reihana, the Rita Angus art exhibition and into City Gallery, seeing Hilma Af Klint’s famous artwork where we also made our own versions. We looked around city landmarks and went to the train station, looked at cultural references, and also the creative world war sculptures at Pukeahu Park. 

Term 1 had a load of experiences and I was so impressed with everyone fully engaged this term. This shows how many opportunities our school gets! I loved term one and looking forward to what term two brings us. Thank you for reading. 

-Zoe

Celebrating Heritage

During this Term, we’ve learned about many different cultural and religious celebrations, like St Patrick's day, Lent and more. Many people have brought in or talked about different foods or celebrations they have. Some of these are for A.R.I.S.E. projects. We’ve also celebrated St Patrick's day. On this day, we made some Irish Soda Bread with Mrs Reid, learned about the history of St Patrick, and even learned how to Irish dance! 

Throughout the Term, we’ve been looking at ways we can show our different cultures of our school in artwork. We decided to make a mosaic. Everyone makes their own tile with a symbol of their heritage. Then, we put them on the wall! First we designed them using paper. Then we made them using real tiles. To get the wall ready, we first had to wash it. Then, we painted it green! Later in the term, Mrs Revil came back down to help us with our mosaics! It was great to see her again, and we welcomed her back with an assembly, song and prayer. 

-Alina

Te Aroha 2021

Te Aroha is the new senior space for 2021.

Distance Learning

Te Moana Īta Distance Learning

Te Moana Īta used everyday objects to create art. We had to place the object on a piece of paper and then draw around it. Here are Joseph, Thomas and Nikki’s:

One of our Believe it or Not experiments was to create an egg protection device and then drop it from a height to see if the egg would survive. Check out some of the protection devices we created:

Te Moana Weta Distance Learning

Te Moana Weta have been working on the Believe it or Not theme throughout lockdown. Here are some of the ways we explored this theme from home.

Believe it or Not: Construction Challenge! 

We were inspired by the creation of a model Skytower from recycled materials by someone in an MIQ facility! We were tasked with the challenge to build a structure using materials around our homes. Anneke used a variety of recyclable materials in her home to create this awesome tower.  Well done Anneke! We had a Wellington landmark recreated by Abby with great success!

Believe it or not: This is the Best Soft Drink!

We have been working on persuasive writing. The children have been learning about advertising techniques and used some of these strategies to design and launch a brand new soft drink for the market. Some children made a digital advertisement while others sketched their designs. They all looked very refreshing and colourful!

We have been researching Weird and Wonderful Animals as part of our Believe it or Not Inquiry project. The children were very creative and presented something they had learned to the class on our morning call. Some children made slideshow presentations while others designed posters and information booklets. There are lots of unusual creatures in this wonderful world of ours. Believe it or not, these creatures exist and here is a little flavour of the interesting things that the children learned!

Believe it or Not: Experiments.

We have been trying out various experiments at home using minimal materials. Some children made a kitchen quicksand using cornflour and water! They discovered they had made a solid and a liquid!

Every day Te Maunga undertook a daily challenge to extend themselves physically and mentally but with a creative twist.

For example, the challenges consisted of unusual ways of depositing your laundry into the washing basket as a trick shot or even using your dad's golf clubs!!...this was very hit and miss!! 

Golf Challenge

Creating music from kitchen utensils was another challenge that made us think outside the box. 

Musical Moments

We looked at what a typical day in lockdown would look like. The results were hilarious as we all experienced similar feelings about our situations. The senior class were very creative as you can see from this gorgeous video clip.

The Daily Grind

Strangely we became closer as we spoke to one another and shared our experiences online from our kitchens, living rooms and gardens. Team Te Maunga.

Edison Dance

The challenge for our Year 7 & 8s- to choreograph the Edison Robots to dance. This challenge was working at Progress Outcome 3 - Efficient programming using sequencing, selection and iteration. Our tamariki  faced many challenges but had a great deal of fun. An excellent learning experience in collaboration as well. 

Some comments from our tamariki

“It was hard, but I eventually managed to match the dance steps with the beats within the song, and I now understand how to put time limits on Edison's movements when programming”.

“I thought it was interesting when we found out that the Edison’s with the same programming could digitally do different steps. I found out how to make an Edison spin multiple times in a row”.

“We quickly understood that some Edisons worked at different speeds. This was a big problem because for the dance to work they needed to dance in time. Therefore, we had to explore how we could find a solution. We ended up making some changes to the algorithm, then we did the debugging. In the end it went really well and the Edisons concluded in a straight line”.

Investigating How Our Local Area Has Changed And Developed Over Time

Te Moana have been exploring our local area. We have researched the landmarks that make the Miramar Peninsula special. First we categorised these landmarks to help us understand their purpose.

Then we researched to find out their significance and how they have changed over time. Next we painted these landmarks that are special to us.

Using Digital Technology To Create Music

Te Moana Weta have been enjoying experimenting with Chrome Music Lab to compose interesting tunes. The children first explored the Kandinsky section of the website, inspired by Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky, which turns pictures and symbols into sound! Kandinsky thought that colours and shapes connected with different sounds.The children made different shapes, letters and pictures which the online tool turned into sound!

The children have also experimented with the Song Maker section of the website. They identified a mystery song and successfully completed the tune, before composing some wonderful songs themselves! Through experimentation, they are learning about the elements of music in a fun and interactive way. Click here to have a listen!

Learning Maths Using A Range Of Tools

Scale Model Creation: Mathematics- Scale Drawing, Enlargements and Reductions

This term for our maths project Tommaso, Billy, James and I (Adam) made a scale model of the Te Aroha building. We scaled down one meter to one centimeter. The wall closest to the court is twenty-five meters long so we scaled it down to twenty-five centimeters. We did this with all of the walls until we had a scale model of the building in our books.

We then built it with card and tape. We used different colour card for each room.

After we had finished the building we had to add an extension and we have decided to make a vending machine. After we had designed it we started building it.

We added decorations like trees to the platform and then the vending machine. We put the vending machine in the porch area where all of the seats are. After that we started doing the walls and gluing them in the correct places.

We have had a very good time doing this project. It is the first thing we have ever done working with scale and I think that we have done a pretty good job.

-Adam Burns, Year 8

Stop Motion Animation in Maths 

To help support our maths strategies Te Moana have been using stop motion animation. As a class we are given a story problem to solve. We then collaborate with our problem solving buddies and draw on our number knowledge and strategies to solve it. Our next step is to film a stop motion animation. This helps us to really think through each step of our strategy and spot any mistakes we might have made. We have noticed how by using stop motion animation we are able to really explain our thinking.

Beach Safety

As a start to the year, we spent almost every afternoon of Term 1 at the beach, practising skills in the water and on the beach. We had fun  learning and swimming. My favourite part was jumping off the wharf as our last 2 sessions.

At the beginning of each year, we started off with warmups. For this, we split into groups and ran relays sprinting in and out of the water. Once we were warmed up, we prepared for a 40m - 50m swim. We swam the length 2 or 3 times before dividing into other groups and practising skills with the Adults. These included duck dives and survival floating. 

The purpose of the Beach Safety session is  to have knowledge on the beach and in the sea. We were told that about 100 New Zealanders drown each year, and Beach Safety was supposed to prevent us from being one of them. It gave us the ability to know when and where to swim. Beach Safety was also supposed to give us courage and confidence to get in the water. 

During the beach safety lessons, we practised duck dives and survival floats. We also learned when these skills come in handy, such as being caught in a rip or not so confident with treading water. We were taught some helpful tips for when were going to the beach:

• Don’t go out of your depth

• Swim between the flags

• Don’t swim at night

• Don’t swim alone

• Respect the ocean power

• Be sunsmart

• If in doubt, stay out

• Don’t fight currents

• Look for hazards

Beach Safety gave us confidence in the water and knowledge of the sea. We all had so much fun and were lucky to have many kind parents helping us out.  To end our great sessions, we spent the last 2 days jumping off the wharf. It was so cool and everyone enjoyed it. We look forward to doing it again next year!

Prior to 2021 the Te Aroha block was the learning space for our Year 1-4’s. Read on below to see some of the amazing things our junior syndicate were involved in while using this space.

Te Aroha 2020

Computational Thinking

Katrina from Core Education came to visit Te Aroha and worked alongside us as we developed our  Computational Thinking skills.

Te Ākau students created an algorithm to get Beebot to pop a balloon by placing a needle as the stinger!

Yesterday we were doing computational thinking with the Beebots! We had to give the Beebot instructions for the Beebot to pop the balloon. My balloon was very strong because it did not pop! So we had to debug it. After a long time of debugging… we made it! There was a loud BANG followed by a loud pop! All of my friends and I started to laugh. 

Then Katrina put us in groups. My balloon had popped all ready because the teachers just wanted to make sure that the needle could pop the balloon. So my job was to help other people. First I helped Charlie and Sophia.

Then I helped Sylvie. It was very hard because we could not turn the Beebot. After a while, once we had popped all the balloons it was time for Katrina to leave our class. We said ‘Tofa!’ (which is good-bye in Samoan) and Katrina left. I loved it. Luna (Yr 2).

In Te Awa, Katrina worked with us as we used Sphero and Dash Robots to develop our knowledge of graphing coordinates. We used our coding skills to get the robots to certain points, trying to knock over as many martians as we could along the way to score points. We had to be careful when creating our algorithm, as hitting any base camps on the way would mean losing 10 points!

Alien attack    

Hello, I am Nikki and I am going to tell all about this game that Katrina taught the Te Aroha students about. Here are the basic rules: you have to make an alien with plastic cups and then you make this thing called a base camp. 

You need some types of robots which are either a Sphero, dash, mini ball or some other types of robots. You will have to program the robots and make the robots knock over the aliens. Each time you hit an alien you get ten points but if you hit a base camp, then you will lose ten points. But remember, if you don’t hit the alien you want, you don’t get any points!

I was grouped with Tom, Thomas and me. Me and Tom were doing lots of the programming and we let Thomas have a few turns too. It was super fun. We always make the robots in disco mode. We all enjoyed the alien game. 

Nikki (Yr 4)

Zoo Trip

During EOTC week, Te Aroha took part in a range of exciting activities together. The sun came out for our trip to the zoo, where Tim showed us around and gave us lots of information on the animals and their habitats. We even got to see a kereru being x-rayed and ask the vets lots of questions while we watched! There was also time for us to explore the zoo in small groups, seeing all of the amazing animals including the giraffes, otters and blue penguins!

Wheels Morning

On Monday morning all of us in Te Aroha block brought scooters, skateboards and bikes to school. Once we had talked about how to be safe while on wheels, we put on our helmets and got ready to roll! There were two different courses set up, so we could choose whether we wanted to go fast or more slowly. We had lots of fun trying out the different loops and cycling around the school!

Eastern Walkway

On Thursday morning, we had a beautiful walk along part of the Eastern walkway. We left the school and walked to the track, which had lots of steps but led us to amazing views! The walk was along the cliffs by the seafront and we could see all the way across the bay.

Active Learning

In Te Aroha block we love to mix together from year 1 to year 4 to carry out different activities while getting to know one another. We are active learners and lots of our work includes practical tasks like scavenger hunts, investigations and going outdoors to learn.