Kapa Haka

On Friday 19th October people from Room 2 and Room1 did their first Kapa Haka lesson. We learnt actions and Maori songs, with a lady called Mawera. We are learning songs for an end of year production.
The boys have also learnt the Haka. We learnt that a Maori, who was about to be killed, made the Haka. He asked a man if he could hide in his kumara pit because he was hiding from another tribe who was trying to kill him. A few days later when the enemy tribe returned he said under his breath, “Ka mate, ka mate, ka ora, ka ora”, which means “tis death, tis death, tis life, tis life.” He eventually escaped and he thought those words gave him strength and saved him.
Some comments from the class:
Amy-It was fun to learn a different culture.
Ethan-We had to practise the haka a lot.
Tessa-We learnt the words and actions quickly.
Megan-It was fun to learn all the actions and the words.
Holly-It was a different experience.

Retelling a Greek Legend

Poros of Malia
All reading groups had the goal of rewriting a Greek legend from the point of view of one of the characters in the story. This was to be a different point of view from which the legend was written in.

………..I felt the atmosphere wrap around me like a blanket. I wished there was a breeze. We were all naked, of course, but I noticed the other athletes were sweating. It wasn’t just the heat, we were all nervous.
Just a few minutes ago I’d been fully aware of the drink and food vendors. Gradually I started focusing on my task. Everyone was watching me. I tried to ignore them; I had won at the Olympics four years ago. The other competitors knew I was the one to beat. I knew the other competitors were good as well.
I looked at a special point halfway down the track. I knew it was the crisis point where the pain begins. We moved up to the starting line. The race began. I didn’t think any more about the competitors, I knew I could beat them.
Suddenly, a smile crept upon my lips. I was Poros, the Olympic Champion, I would win again!!
Retold by Holly.
Chosen by Mrs. Patten to be posted on to the blog.

The Kahurangi Maori Dance Company

On Monday the 13th of August we were fortunate enough to have a Maori
Dance Company come to our school. They preformed a show called Maori Myths & Tribal Legends. They used string to tell stories.
They performed shows such as Hatupatu And The Bird Woman.
The whole school watched the show.
Later that day the year 4’s and up participated in a Te Reo Kori Workshop. We did 4 different exercises.
1. Using a Poi
2. Ti Titorea –stick games
3. Hu Ha – Ringaringa-hand games
4. Using Ti rakau or Taiaha and hand stories.
We really enjoyed the show and the workshop, we thought it was a great experience.
By Shyanne and Holly

Oral Presentations

This term Room 2 students have been set to find a topic on their choice eg their pets, sports, landmarks and their families or people that they look up to.
We then have 1-2 weeks to finish at a high standard.
We get marked on
• Length of speech
• Content of speech
• Supporting visual information
• Organization of speech
• Use of voice
• Use of gestures
• Looking at the audience
• Audience appeal
We have a minimum of 1 minute in length and a maximum of 4 minutes. We then write a final copy and present it to the class.
So far they have been very well done, we are looking forward to more presentations.
By Alana and Holly.

Here are two posters that go with oral presentations by Alana and Lily.