Category: Uncategorized

Written by – Charlotte Leslie (8ADA)

Kaka Porowini Marae

On Tuesday 18th of February, the Year 7 & 8 classes went to the Kaka Porowini Marae. We were welcomed onto the Marae. Then we split off into our groups.

We made takakau bread, we wrote waiata, learned about Ta Moko, and also why you take your shoes off before entering a marae.

Then night came. For dinner we had burgers, takakau bread and salad; it was lovely. If I got to say one last word, it would be THANKS! Thanks to the Komiti for letting us use their kitchen, all the facilities, their piano and most especially the Marae.

 

This year as part of Te Putahitanga’s programme into financial literacy, senior students were invited to participate in the Young Enterprise Scheme which supports students to develop competency money, business management and marketing. This was a New Zealand first, as no other unit has participated or engaged in such an event. We are very proud of our students.

The Junior Boy and Girls volleyball teams confirmed their dominance against other Whangarei schools when they reigned supreme once again at the Regional Finals held at the ASB stadium on Tuesday 20 November.  Both teams proved too strong and will go away feeling positive as they head off to Nationals next week in Manukau, Auckland.

Overall Results

Girls: 

Game 1      2 sets to nil vs TKW

Game 2       2 sets to nil vs Okaihau

Semis         2 sets to nil vs DHS

Final           2 sets to nil vs WGHS A

Boys:

Game 1      2 sets to nil vs BBC

Game 2      2 sets to nil vs TKW

Semis         2 sets to nil vs KHS

Finals         2 sets to nil vs WBHS

On Tuesday our Year 7/8 students and staff headed to Ruakaka to receive one on one tuition about Beach Safety.

It was a real eye opener for students on the day to learn the finer details in being a life guard wasn’t all about sun and surf.

A great experience enjoyed by all.

 

Te Putahitanga enjoyed three days of activities while camping at Pataua North.  The following is a story written by Trent Moorhouse:

“On Tuesday morning we took a bus tot he Tahere Waterfalls and the on to Pataua North.  I enjoyed the amazing food and the boat ride.  I watched Shayla and Byron and everyone else who jumped off the bridge.

I loved washing my dishes at breakfast time and dinner time and especially enjoyed washing my dishes after dessert.

I watched Adam dancing at the concert,  I watched Matua Frank and Brian in the concert, both looked ridiculous.

I saw three Llamas at camp.  I touched them.  Their feet were furry”.

On Saturday, 17th November the Automotive Trades Academy Students went on their annual excursion to the Big Boys Toys held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland.  This year’s show had five halls packed with the ‘latest and greatest’ products in the industry.

There was a huge array of car and motorcycle manufacturers and we were treated to viewing insane imports, outrageous hot rods, timeless classics, massive muscle cars, rare race cars and exceptional exotics.

The Action Arena show was breath-taking, bringing together some of the worlds top extreme sports athletes in BMX Freestyle and Stunt Motorcycles.

The day was enjoyed by all and we hope this will open the minds and inspire our students to the possibilities within the Auto Industry.

Year 9 Ski and Snowboard trip departed with ten year 9 students from both classes.  We left in 1 van at 12.15 pm on Thursday, to avoid the worst of the traffic in Auckland.  We stopped to pick up Peter Reinsfield and had a late afternoon tea and toilets at Bombay.  We headed on to Otorohanga for dinner and arrived at the accommodation in National Park at 8.30 pm.  After supper and a talk, the kids settled in to the 2 dorms for the night.

We had an early start on Friday, with clear skies and strong winds forecast.  A hearty breakfast was shared, then we headed up the mountain with 8 of the 10 trying out skiing.  I have never experienced wind so strong on a clear day, and we waited enthusiastically for the skifields to open.  After numerous snowball fights and a sideways glance at the costly menu in the cafe, we heard that the filds could not open for the day.

Plan B began with a visit to the DoC centre at Tongariro village, then back to the lodge for lunch and chill.  Volleyball kept us entertained, before we headed over to Turangi township, then the Tokaanu Hot Pools for a soak.  We returned to the lodge at 4pm and began our indoor rock climbing stint.  Most kids hired the gear and had a go, with stand-out performances from Oscar and Honey, with a great time being had by all.  That evening after a Burger and Chip dinner, the rock climbing continued, then an early night was had by tired students.

Saturday was forecast to be a pretty super busy day, and students were keen to get an early start.  It was still windy, but warm with unlimited visibility.  After being robbed of the Friday experience, they hit the slopes under the tuition of myself and Bushy.  With their confidence up, and their gear sorted early, students ripped straight into their runs. When the queues in Happy Valley built to ludicrous levels, I assessed the skills of Journee, Olivia, Oscar, Cianna and we went up the first chairlift. They all had a go at the stepper slopes, with Olivia and Journee carving them up relentlessly. We left the mountain at 3.30 pm stopping at Otorohanga for dinner and arrived back at school at 11 pm.

Students represented the school well at all times and were keen and positive. The grant received ensured the students had the appropriate equipment for the conditions. The lodge was well suited to us and our students with an area for volleyball to be played, and the indoor Rock Wall was a winner.  Students had great attitude and resilience, helping with cooking, lunches and cleaning as required.  The students benefited greatly from the experience of visiting a World Heritage Park, and seeing the mountain at its worst, then its best.

Many thanks to the BOT for the student time released, and Garth for sorting the trailer.  A special thanks to Peter for giving up his time, and relinquishing his couch to watch the Warriors play-off game, as well as lost earnings.  His energy, experience and support for the students was invaluable.

On Thursday the 13th of September I left Whangarei with three other students and travelled to Auckland to explore the set of The Project and to get a good look at what happens in the media industry.  After spending the morning with the crew from The Project we then flew to Queenstown for what some people would say was a trip of a lifetime.  At Tikipunga High we are fortunate enough to have KidsCan support us with shoes, clothing, health products and food.  We flew into Queenstown and spent the afternoon taking in the sights and adapting to the cold!  The following day we went on a six hour bus trip to the Milford Sound where we boarded a cruise ship.  The cruise was a real highlight for me as I got to try authentic French cuisine, learnt about the history of the Sounds and got a chance to meet all of the KidsCan supporters and donors. It was all so amazing! As we gave thanks to everyone who supported our Kura, Mr Solomon gave his speech and then we sang!  On our last night in Queenstown we had dinner with the KidsCan supporters and watched the All Blacks on TV!  Although we lost, it was an awesome experience to share alongside my mates Tali, Bon, and Kruz!  My favourite highlights of the trip were seeing baby seals, penguins, the beautiful scenery and the Cookie Time Cookie Bar! Massive mihi to everyone who was involved – KidsCan, The many donors, Real Journey, our Kura, Tumuaki and my wonderful mates. Kia Ora! (Te Arani Bennett)

Congratulations to the Webb whanau who were the lucky recipients of Pak n Save Grocery Vouchers (valued at $100).  Enjoy.

Nga Mihi, Kylie Adams, Health Education

A big thank you to Te Arani Bennett for her insightful and measured contribution to the Board of Trustees over the last 12 months, we look forward to following her future achievements.

On that note we wish to extend a warm welcome to Skyla Anderson-Wynn who has joined us as the new Student Trustee.