It's hard to believe it's only the end of the first term! Kahikatea have packed a lot into this term, and the children are humming along nicely. Antarctica has been our big focus this term, and the children (not to mention the teacher!) are really looking forward to capping it off with a visit to the Antarctic Centre on Thursday. The children are working this week to put the finishing touches on a research project about a well-known Antarctic explorer. On Tuesday afternoons, the rest of the Year 6s join us in Kahikatea. We have been learning some basic French words and phrases, and have begun to explore the topic of careers; our focus this term has been on identifying personal skills and qualities.

There's a big focus on literacy in Kahikatea this term. We have a class goal to collectively read 100 books by the end of the term. We've set reward milestones along the way, and there's a real buzz each time a new book cover is added to our display. The children have also started writing their own book! We're writing survival stories, and the kids are full of imaginative ideas and descriptive language. Stay tuned for the book launch!

With one week of term to go, we've reached our big reading goal - to collectively read 100 books! Some children have really taken this challenge to heart and have significantly upped their home reading habits this term. Long may this continue! Another challenge for the children this term was learning the capital cities of up to 40 countries. Again, some children went above and beyond and were really committed to mastering these. We spent a lot of time poring over old-fashioned atlases, and even I learnt a thing or two! Our school has been well-represented by Kahikatea members at inter-school events this term: Callum and Nova did a great job at the Lincoln Rotary Primary School Quiz, and just this week, Sean, Isla, and Niamh ran impressively at the Canterbury Zone Cross-Country champs. Tū toa!

We've had a vibrant start to the term with a strong focus on the Performing Arts. Two professional touring groups — Java Dance and Playhouse Theatre — have visited our school, delighting students with their high-energy live performances. It’s a real highlight for our tamariki to experience the magic of live theatre.

In class, we’ve been busy putting on our own plays, performing for each other and sharing them at assembly. With the upcoming speech competition later this term, students are also honing their public speaking skills, focusing on expression, eye contact, and confident body language.

Last week, most of our Year 7 and 8 students took part in the Lincoln Zone football tournament. The weather was spectacular, and I was incredibly proud of all the kids. They played with determination and great sportsmanship — a perfect example of the positive, fair play LRS is known for.

It's been a busy and exciting few weeks for Kahikatea! The children have been working incredibly hard on their speeches, and it was fantastic to see their hard work pay off with some impressive presentations.

A huge congratulations to Callum and Isla who have been selected to represent our school at the upcoming Selwyn Lions Speech Competition. We wish them the very best of luck!

I'd also like to give a special mention to Callum, Maria, Isla, and Sean who did an excellent job of representing our school at the Cantamath competition last week. They should all be very proud of their efforts.

And the good news doesn't stop there! Our Kahikatea students also absolutely rocked the South Island Times Tables Rockstars competition, coming in 1st place! It's clear their hard work and dedication to learning their times tables has paid off.

It's wonderful to see our students embracing these opportunities and representing our school with such confidence and skill. Tino pai, Kahikatea!

Nineteen enthusiastic 'Kahikatitians' recently embarked on an incredible 4-day, 3-night adventure at the beautiful Mt Hutt Retreat. It was a whirlwind of action, camaraderie, and spectacular scenery!

Our days were packed with high-energy activities designed to challenge. Highlights included the rush of abseiling, precision tests with archery and air rifles, a competitive Top Team Challenge, exhilarating mountain biking, a fast-paced waterslide, and navigating the tricky low ropes course. We also enjoyed a relaxing frisbee golf session and a scenic bush walk.

Evenings were just as memorable! We gathered for a very entertaining Camp Concert, roasted marshmallows around the campfire, and the kids bravely completed a spine-tingling 'blind' night walk.

To cap off the trip, we travelled into Methven on the final day for a scavenger hunt in the magical 'Enchanted Forest'. The perfect end to our adventure was a truly relaxing soak at the stunning Ōpuke Hotpools.