Our first class music lesson

This term for topic we are focussing on Music.  We have had specialist music teachers from Jelly Beans come in and take our class for music lessons.  Music is a popular topic in our class and we have all enjoyed learning how we can create our own music.  

 We are learning to create our own rhythms using different kinds of percussion instruments.  Can't wait for our next lesson.  Come back and check out what we get up to next.

Kia ora Fakaalofa lahi atu Malo e lelei Talofa

Welcome back to all our students! I have enjoyed hearing about how you spent your school holidays. Our first week back at school we immersed ourselves in the Niuean culture to celebrate Niuean Language Week.  Students learnt basic greetings, proverbs and the Niuean National Anthem.  

The whole school participated in a flag raising ceremony and listened to our senior students share interesting facts about the island of Niue.  We were also lucky to hear Mr Vasau and Miss Fuataga talk about their experiences and pride in their Niuean culture.  Did you know that Mr Vasau was the first Niuean principal in New Zealand?

Together we learnt the Niuean tradition of weaving using coloured paper.  Towards the end of the week we combined our individual work to create a whole class weaving display.

Balloon Rocket

In this experiment we explored one of the forces of flight called Thrust using a balloon rocket. Thrust is the forward motion created when the air rushes out of the balloon.  In the balloon experiment, thrust comes from the energy of the balloon forcing the air out.  

Check out this link for instructions on how to make a Balloon Rocket.
https://sciencebob.com/make-a-balloon-rocket/

Teabag Rocket Experiment

Earlier this term we began building our knowledge of flight.  There was a keen interest in hot air balloons and students were introduced to the concept that hot air is lighter than cool air.  To test this theory we carried out the teabag rocket experiment.  As you will see, the flame burns down the cylinder and heats the air inside of the tea bag.  Faster moving air molecules in the hot air rise and the cooler air settles beneath.  The rising hot air creates an upward force called lift and as the flame gets closer to the bottom, the ashes become light enough to fly.  

It's a Onesie Party!!!

Today was our Year 6 Disco and Mufti day fundraiser, with the theme being onesies.  There was a great mix of colours and styles and was awesome to see so many students and teachers involved. 

Motat Trip

Our trip to Motat provided an awesome opportunity for our tamariki to explore and engage in experiences that are significant to their learning beyond the classroom.  It was a fun and exciting day enjoyed by all and a huge thank you to our wonderful grandparents and parent helpers for your assistance throughout the day. 

All ready for our trip to Motat

Our Educator Abby discussing the forces of flight

Pilots in the making!

The Tram ride to Motat

       

Celebrating Tongan Language Week

Malo e lelei

The theme for Tongan Language week 2015 is Fakakaloa Aotearoa 'aki 'a e faiva 'a e Tonga - Enriching Aotearoa with Tongan arts.  This week The Super Space Crafters worked together to create a Tongan Ngatu (Tapa cloth) which was later pieced together with the Ngatu from other classes to create one magnificent piece to represent Rowandale School.

Students use their knowledge of Tongan design and symmetry which we have been learning about during the past two weeks to sketch and plan their own Ngatu (Tapa cloth).

Next, students used crayons to outline their designs before dying over the top with brown dye.  Once dry, scrunched it up to get the tapa cloth effect.  

Check out what we have so far!!
Whilst you can check out our class contribution in the hall, feel free to visit Room 17 to check out our classroom Ngatu.

A Superb performance from the Rowandale School Tongan Group to celebrate the last day of Tongan Language Week.  A special mention to the talented Lupe, Stephene and Aj from The Super Space Crafters for proudly show casing your culture today.  We are all very proud of you. 

Mālō ‘aupito to all the families that came in to celebrate Tongan Language week with us today.  Pictured above is Stephene Langi with her mum and family.