Chinese Wall

This week, we learned a new game called 'Chinese Wall'.  It is a rather complicated game of team tag.  I'd explain the rules, but it would take up most of this page.  So instead, have a look at the video below and see if you can work out what the rules are.  Failing that, ask one of our girls!  :)

The Kahu Elections!

Last week, we went through the process of running an Election in our class.  The girls all received special 'Kids Voting' papers (they looked EXACTLY like the real thing) and got to cast their party vote and their candidate vote.  Some were on the Maori roll and some were on the General roll, so there were a few options to choose from.

Our issuing officers (Eva and Tamara) had a class list and crossed people's names off as they came up and collected their voting papers.  The girls had to fill out their voting paper in a private polling booth and then put their vote into the ballot box (where Tiara was on hand to help anyone who experienced any difficulty).  Once the voting process was complete, our returning officers (Jordan and Myra) tallied the party votes and the electorate votes for us.  Mr Dawson then put the results into an Excel spreadsheet, so we could see the percentages for each party and candidate.

It was a very worthwhile experience, especially as we had one voter who voted incorrectly (two party votes instead of one), and a couple of voters who wasted their voting power by voting for one of the extremely minor parties.  We had some very robust follow-up discussion around these issues.

Here are a few photos of the event, as well as the final results.  Looks like we're a left-leaning classroom!

Elections

Today, we had a massive discussion about the upcoming General Elections.  In groups, we came up with answers to three important questions (see below).  We also discussed the parties involved in the NZ Elections, as well as how the elections actually work.  The MMP system is quite complicated!

Over the next few weeks, we will be delving deeper into the elections, looking at the different parties and how their policies might benefit (or not benefit) us.  Our topic will culminate with our very own in-class election, where the girls will all get to vote as if they were participating in a real election!  Stay tuned for updates.

Kapa Haka: Te Atua

Here is the final version of the waiata we have been working on for the past few weeks.  It is fantastic to see the progression over these last few sessions!  Please leave a comment and let us know what you think.

More Kapa Haka

Today, we learned some actions to the waiata Matua Richard taught us a couple of weeks ago.  We didn't quite get through the whole thing, but it's looking pretty good so far!

Tai Aroha

At kapa haka this afternoon, Matua Richard taught us a new waiata tautoko - 'Tai Aroha'.  We were very focussed and learnt the entire thing in just one session!  Here is our final run through - let us know what you think.

Kiwi Can Thoughts

This afternoon, some of our girls shared their thoughts about what they have learned in Kiwi Can.  Have a listen!

Totara Park

So, Totara Park was a bit of a fizzer on Friday, as the pool had been double-booked.  Never mind, I got some good photos. Some very unimpressed girls in the last shot....

Te Reo Maori

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, the Te Whanau Awhina teachers swap classes for half an hour and teach Te Reo Maori to a different ruma. Here are some photos from our very enthusiastic sessions today!

Kapa Haka

Exciting - today was our first kapa haka session of the year with Koka Kylie!  Here is a selection of TWA's performances.  Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!

Tenei Matou

Me Whakaiti

Haka Powhiri