Blog
Well that's a wrap for the class of 2023 Year 6's
We enjoyed a lovely breakfast at the local Boho Café on the last day of school where we were able to share memories, sing some waiata and we even had one final haka performance.
We wish you all the best on your next adventure.
Tohaina ō painga ki te ao
share your gifts with the world
Writing.... and Cooking
Te Motu have been working on Procedural Writing - writing instructions. We discovered how important it is proof read over and over to ensure we have included all the necessary details. We decided there was only one way to put our writing to the test - follow some of our recipes!
Children's University
Riverdale School is involved in the Children’s University - Wānanga Nohinohi Te Kunenga (CU) programme. This programme supports and encourages young learners to participate in educational experiences outside the classroom. The programme identifies learning destinations where tamariki can explore, gain confidence and develop a passion for learning. Thank you to Mrs Kenyon for supporting our Children’s University participants this year. Here are a few pics and a video from our graduation ceremony this term.
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TABLE TENNIS
We had a fantastic day at the Manawatu Primary School's Table Tennis Tournament. With 2 tables up in the hall over the past month, our team practised hard and showed huge improvements. Riverdale were thrilled to come 2nd out of 8 teams. The girls' team placed 2nd and the boys' team placed 3rd. Jess Coughey came 1st tied in the girls' “ball bounce” contest, lasting 6 minutes. Table tennis is a great game for all and we will keep the tables up as long as we can and start up an Inter-House competition.
EPRO8 WINNERS
In Pounamu Atawhai this Term. Even with Camp, some of our engineering, mathematics and electronic whizz kids have been working hard practising for Epro8.
They have been preparing for the last few months to compete in the Epro8 tournament. They practised building creations, following instructions, measuring and wiring up all sorts of crazy things.
This year the Riverdale Ratchets and the Riverdale Rivets headed off to Whakarongo to battle it out amongst 12 teams to make it into the grand final.
We had a tough challenge of making a fully automated car wash or a hurricane-proof classroom with an extendable lightning rod. After 2 and ½ hours the Rivits were lucky enough to tie for first and make it into the grand final the next day.
In the grand final they were given a computer game challenge.
They had to choose to make a balloon-eating Pacman, a space invader alien, a Dance Dance Revolution machine or use our puzzle skills to design a mega game of Tetris.
After making a Tetris machine and having a bit of a dance. We all had no idea if we scored enough points. But then they flashed the winning team across the screen RIVERDALE RIVITS GRAND FINAL CHAMPIONS!
Camp El Rancho
What an adventure we had down at Camp El Rancho in Waikanae. There were so many activities to keep us busy and we loved this time away with our friends and teachers. Although sleep was not overly easy to come by, we made enough memories to last a lifetime!
Check out this moment in time writing that Michaela did about her 'near-death' experience:
Barely Surviving
-Kayla Drew-
The raft was swaying left and right, Kaiden was contemplating whether to jump off or not, I was certain that I would survive this tragic mini Titanic. All the seats were floating away leaving the raft half in the water. As Kaiden warned me he was going to jump, I climbed back up stumbling across the slippery bamboo. His weight lifted off the broken raft… and SPLOSHH. Now that I was the final survivor I considered jumping in, I sat down on the logs; felt the freezing water. “Oh! I forgot to warn you, there's eels in here!” called out the man to all of the camp group. Screams, shouts, and squeals echoed around as people scrambled back onto the rafts. The uneven mass amount on each side of the raft caused the raft to swish and sway until finally it tipped over into the water. “AHHHHHHHHHH” I let out the loudest screech in my life, I felt it, at least I thought I did. The eel was after me, slippery, slimy and wet, wherever I swam. It was there. Luckily I escaped, just…
Athletics 2023
This term we have been practising our athletics skills and all our hard mahi payed off on Wednesday at our 2023 Athletics day. We bussed to the Massey Athletics track and students participated in events to go for gold and get points for their house.
Everyone gave it their best! It was awesome to see the incredible sportsmanship and encouragement out on the track as well as some impressive throwing, jumping and running. Check out some fun photos from the day.
Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori
This week was Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori. In Pounamu Atawhai we use Te Reo me ngā tikanga Māori each and every day. It was great for us to give even more attention and effort into sharing our learning and mahi (work) this week.
We all made sure that at 12 O'Clock on the dot we honoured our pledge to korero, takaro, and waiata Māori. One exciting, new thing we have seen is the Atarangi method of teaching. Riverdale kaiako (teachers) have been undergoing some professional development through this method, and today Mrs Mabey had a go with some of our eager tamariki (children).
Check out a few pikitia (pictures) from our learning and celebrations this week. The headbands and feathers are from a game called Manu ti (a class favourite)
Kia pai tō rā whakatā ! (Have a good weekend)!
Quiddage Round Two!
Our second Quiddage of the term was another roaring success. Check out this time-lapse video below of some of the fun we got up to today.
VID20230914102431.mp4Sports Explorers vs Teachers Basketball
This week we had part two of our new tradition. Sports Explorers taking on the teachers. Last Term the teachers won a tough game of football. And this week the students were victorious in a very competitive game of Basketball. Mrs Stratford organised a referee from Basketball Manawatu to come and officiate a very competitive and fun game. Well done to the Sports Explorers and watch out for next term's battle!
Book Character Day
So much thought and creativity went into the incredible range of book characters we had on display today. Thanks to everyone who brought in a book to support the range of chosen causes we are supporting this year. Fantastic effort team!
Quiddage Has Officially Started
Pounamu Atawhai had their first Quiddage Market Day today and what a hive of activity it was! There was an extremely impressive assortment of products for sale and teachers were blown away with how well ākonga were able to calculate change, record earnings and work out any taxes or rebates they should receive.
A post-market day debrief saw some children reflecting on changes they could make before their next Market Day in Week 9.
Ka Rawe!
Tournament of Minds
An extremely talented group of children from Pounamu Atawhai took part in the Tournament of Minds Regional Event at Whakarongo School on Saturday 26th August. They performed long-term challenges in the area of Language Literature and The Arts. Teams had been working on their performances for this section over the last 6 weeks. They also took part in a spontaneous challenge which they had to complete on the day.
Both teams managed to come away with first place for their categories. What an outstanding achievement that has seen them secure a spot at the Nationals in Wellington in September!
Sport Poetry
by Mia Simpson
Proud adults shouting loudly
Exhausted players running quickly
Filthy boots stomping tiredly
Frustrated coach yelling fiercely
Muddy ball flying freely
Excited crowd cheering enthusiastically
Conservation Week Trip
What an exciting day we had down at Wildbase Bird Sanctuary looking at ways we could take action for Conservation Week! We learned about seed propagation, pest trapping, native lizards and caring for injured birds. There were so many hands-on activities to keep us engaged and we even came back with some goodies to use at school. The next step is to brainstorm a project that we could do at school. This should be exciting!
MATHEX
A group of our Mathematics superstars have been busy training for the Manawatu Mathex Competition. There was some tough competition on the day but our tamariki fought hard and demonstrated some incredible team problem-solving skills. Our Challenge teams both managed to come away with gold and our Year 6 Competition team tied for 8th place. Ka mau te wehi tamariki ma!!
Childrens University
A group of our students had a taste of what university study was like last week as part of the Children’s University programme. The group of children travelled to Massey University and experienced a variety of activities including; Animal Science, Sport and Exercise, Human Science, and Food Technology (See Ice Cream pictures attached).
A big thank you to Mrs Kenyon, who organises this event with Massey for us. Another huge thank you to our parent helpers for joining us on the day.
Term 3 PE Rotations
This term for our PE rotations we have been honing our skills at;
Gymnastics
Skipping
Gutterboard
We are very lucky, to have Mrs Ruawai helping upskill the teachers and set up a range of equipment in the hall each week.
With skipping, we are improving each day with our confidence and skill. A favourite has been skipping with the long rope and getting in and out safely.
Gutterboard is always a favourite at Riverdale. A simple enough idea, throwing and catching a tennis ball against a wooden board. But the challenges, rules and restrictions create a fun competitive atmosphere. The biggest challenge to become King and defeat Mr Carter!
Thank-you to Mrs Mabey for designing our PE plan and challenges we are one lucky Team!
Te Motu Embraces Kind Hearts!
Last Week all of the Year 4s in Te Motu were lucky enough to take a bus to the Kind Hearts function held at the Awapuni Racecourse. We had a blast listening, laughing and dancing - all the while learning about being kind to ourselves as well as others. Highlights were being entertained by Michal Bush, Karen O'Leary, and Constable Big Lou. Many thanks to Mrs Kenyon for organising this.
Our Matariki Celebration
What is Matariki to me? - Making new whānau traditions
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Kind Hearts
Mrs Kenyon's been in our team this week and today some of our ākonga were extremely lucky to be able to design and make sock puppets for the tamariki in Piako Tahi and at Riverdale Kindy. They wrote messages to introduce the puppets to their new owners and decorated paper bags to put them in. Caring for our teina is a very important part of being a senior at Riverdale School. We can't wait to see the reactions when they are delivered.
Brax Hohipa was enchanted by a Matariki story, and wanted to retell it like this:
This morning we read a mysterious story about the Stolen Stars of Matariki. There were two kids called Te Rerehua and Sam. They had found two stars called Pohutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi. After they had buried them in the dirt, mystery was in the sky. "Aue!" The fairies had captured Pohutukawa and Hiwa--i-te-rangi! The kids made a plan. They kids talked and talked to the fairies. It worked. The sun came up. "No, no!" The fairies ran to the windy dark hills. Soon the kids had thrown Pohutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi to the bright blue sky, back to their whanau.
Charlie Gage also enjoyed the story, and retold it like this:
In the story "The Stolen Stars of Matariki", the two kids are called Te Rerehua and Sam. The kids love to hunt for special stones called Agate. These stones are see-through. One night they go eeling. Grandma notices two stars are missing. The stars are called Pohutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi. Along come the fairies. They have the two missing stars! Sam has a sneaky scheme. The two kids go up to to the fairies pretending to be one of them. They ask "how do you make those clothes?" Then, the sun comes up. "Oh look, it is almost day time." "Oh no, oh no, Oma! Oma! " And the fairies run away up high to the hill tops, leaving the kids to find the missing stars.
Cross Country 2023, by Sophie
My mum was cheering me on . She had my favourite snacks. I had a stitch - a bad stitch. Maia was in front of me so I pushed myself to go in front. When I was a little bit away from Maia I looked at my leg. There was mud dripping down my leg, it felt cold and yuck. I kept running. I got to the bushes and I stopped running for a little bit. It felt good to walk. I could hear my heart pumping with excitement. I could even hear Skylahs heart pumping. I was wondering if i could run past Charlotte. I ran fast i was singing “run run as fast as you can you can’t catch me I’m the gingerbread man.
Cross Country 2023, By Avery
Vroom Vroom Vroom I felt my feet shattering into tiny tiny pieces of glass. Could I do this, I wondered? I could hear my shoes digging into the mud. I could see the Year 4s behind me. I carried on running until finally I lost them.
Then I heard footsteps coming behind me. I knew to put more and more effort in. It was Zac and Teityn. They wanted to get in front of me. I ran as fast as a Bull bullet and then I lost them ooossssssss! They usually beat me but not today. I'm nearly there.
Cross Country 2023, By Nina
I was nearly at the finish line. My heart was pounding faster than a rock n roll guitar. I could hear all the kids cheering me on saying “keep going you're almost there”. I thought to myself, what if i come last and i don't beat my placing from last year? I was terrified but I finally reached the finish line. I was so proud. Even Miss Carson gave me a high five.
I got my number on my hand. I came 3rd! I was off to tell my mum. I hoped she would be proud of me. She was really proud of me. I can't wait for next year.
Cultural Assembly
Last week Mrs Kenyon helped to organise a cultural assembly. A number of Riverdale kids got up and shared some of their culture with the audience. Students were in traditional dress and performed songs, dances, and shared information about their culture. A special mention To Aria, Ilma, Alya and Tanya from Pounamu Atawhai who got up shared their amazing cultures with us all.
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Cross Country
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the School Cross Country. It was fantastic to see lots of whānau down there watching and outstanding encouragement and support for all our tamariki. Congratulations to all those who have been selected for Inter School Cross Country this week!
Tuakana - Teina
We have spent the last few weeks busily creating games and activities to support the ākonga in Piako Rua with their Te Reo learning. This week we finally got to share our finished products with them. What a fun afternoon we had.
Science Explorers
The Science Explorers have been enjoying a variety of hands-on experiments as they learn to 'think like scientists' and expand their understanding of a range of science concepts. We are so lucky to have such an inquisitive group of tamariki at Riverdale School.
Pink Shirt Day
Pink Shirt Day was a hit again this year as we all came dressed in our pink mufti gear to spread kindness and manaakitanga at Riverdale school. Thanks to Mrs Kenyon for organising activities and prizes to celebrate the day!
Have you read a good book lately?
Here in Pounamu Atawhai, we just can't get enough of reading!
What I didn’t do in the holidays
By Zac.P
I didn’t go to my cousin’s
(I was far too busy)
Nor did I miss my teacher
(Or the school at that)
Nor I didn’t go on a roller coaster
I didn’t play outside
I didn’t get a bleeding nose
But what I DID do is…
Jump on the trampoline and learn new tricks
Now I bet you can’t match that
What I didn’t do in the holidays
By Jamie
I didn’t celebrate Anzac Day (it was too sad)
I didn’t climb Mt Everest (I'm only eight)
I didn’t go to the zoo (I'm scared of animals)
I didn’t go golfing (it’s too hard)
Nor did I go to the lido (it's too cold)
Nor did I go to the moon (I can't afford a rocketship)
Nor did I buy a car (I can't drive)
Nor did I go to another country ( I don't like going on a plane)
But something I did do was…. have McDonalds.
What I didn’t do in the holidays
By Skylah
I didn't go to my dads
(I've never meet him before)
Nor see Ayla
(she was too busy)
I didn't chop my finger off
(It would hurt)
Nor have a hair cut
(my hair is too good)
Nor go on my ipad
(I was too silly)
Taking Action for Eskdale
Wanting to do something special for the Cyclone Gabrielle victims at Eskdale School in Napier, our students came up with the idea of a Lucky Dip box. As well as small purchases, we got to work making bookmarks, fortune tellers, thoughtful cards and hand-made wrapping paper. Wrapping 150 gifts was our last task before the box was safey delivered. When the Eskdale pupils finally get to go back to their school this term, they will have a lovely surprise. This was a satisfying Act to finish our Inquiry looking at "How People Pull Together in a Time of Need". We even made the Manawatu Standard for our good deed! Manawatu Standard
Student-run workshops
It has been fabulous to see our students in Te Motu stepping up the challenge of organising and leading workshops. These leaders are able to share their passions with a group of children who have opted in to the workshop of their choice.
Mt Lees Reserve
Last week Mrs McIntyre took Alyssa, Vanessa, April, Rudra, Jorden and Dom on a trip to Mt Lees reserve. When we got there, the other schools were already there. The first activity we did was a game called Weed vs Natives. Everyone started out as native plants, there were two weeds at first but the more people that were tagged and turned into weeds the harder the game got. Our next activity was to split into 3 groups and rotate around tables, learning about plants. Soon afterwards, we had a break at this amazing log playground. Then we went back around the tables but this time we learnt about bugs. After we did that we got this amazing sausage sizzle for lunch, lots of the adults got bacon with their sausage and some of us even went back for another one! The highlight of the day was the “ Spray Off “ contest. Everyone got a practice round, then we had to select who to compete in the competition. We chose April. She didn't win, we were all sad to leave when we had to though.
By Vanessa
Pest Plant Hui
A group of Pounamu Atawhai Year 6’s were extremely fortunate to attend an Enviroschools hui at Mount Lees Reserve earlier this week. The purpose was to raise awareness about different types of pest plants found in our local rohe and the harm they can cause to our ecosystems. Ākonga explored methods used by Horisons to help control pest plants. The next step is to pass their new knowledge on to the rest of the Envro team and do some investigations of the planted areas within our school grounds.
Swimming Sports
On Thursday we walked down to the Lido to take part in the Riverdale Swimming Sports Day! The width events were compulsory for everyone. Some of our ākonga who were interested in a place on the Interschools team also challenged themselves with the length events.
A big congratulations to these outstanding swimmers who came first in their age category! Ka Mau Te Wehi!
Life Education
Tim and Harold have been in over the last couple of weeks teaching us about the importance of empathy. This links in perfectly with our upcoming Te Ao Tanagata/Social Science Inquiry into How people pull together and help in a disaster.
This year, when Harold came to Riverdale, Tim taught us all about how to be EMPATHETIC and be ready to help others when they need it. Talking tennis was a lot of fun, everyone was waving their arms around in gestures to try to make their partners happy! Nobody can forget the funniest moments in Harold when he throws his underpants at Tim's lunch and when Harold sings his songs. The energisers really got you hyped up, especially the one that we had to jump up and down 3 times and make the truck bounce, and finally when you have to leave you can't wait to go back in again!
By Vanessa Woollaston (PA Blog Journalist)
Plant to Plate
The wonderful team from Plant to Plate came in for their first session with the Year 6's from Mr Carter and Mrs McIntyre's whānau groups. We enjoyed planting up the garden beds with our first crops of the season and cooking up a delicious lunch full of local produce. We look forward to having them back with us again in Week 10 to work with some more of our Year 6 ākonga.
What have we been up to for the first few weeks?
Here are some pics of our first few weeks back.
We had some Art 'opt-ins' - Kelly's Sports came in for some swim safety lessons - Mrs Mabey organised a STEAM Challenge - Our first Comms Team Assembly - and lots more.
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