Happy Reflections

It's been so busy lately, that it has made me stop, think and come to the realisation that it is important to reflect upon all the positive events that have happened so far this term. I have also been checking in with our classroom blogs from across the school, and it has prompted me to make the commitment to check in each week to see the fabulous learning happening in every class.

On Friday 13th May, we experienced a 'Wild and Wacky Wheels Day' at school. It was a great deal of fun seeing everyone dressed up and whizzing around the playground upon different sets of wheels. The Student Leadership Team organised an entertaining day, under the guidance of Ms Sands. The entire school enjoyed time outside, undertaking many different activities. The wackiness of how everyone dressed for school that day provided much amusement. I have to admit, I finally succumbed ...and I am pleased to announce that my friesian cow onesie was a hit!

The staff enjoyed a dress up day for an entirely different reason, when we came together to enjoy a Pink Ribbon Breakfast. This was done to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer research. Here we are looking pretty in pink! Thanks to Julie for organising our participation in this event.

Last week, the rain came down by the bucketload - but did we let that dampen our spirits? No way! Our enthusiastic Y5/6 students, accompanied by an equally enthusiastic staff and parent team, set off for 'Camp Muriwai' on Monday afternoon. Based at Houghton's Bush Camp, we had four fabulous days learning to challenge ourselves beyond our normal boundaries. 

Throughout the week we accomplished the following:

• Walking the Goldie Bush Walkway, between Bethells and Murwai, which included crossing a swing-bridge, marvelling at a beautiful waterfall and having a great deal of fun balancing down the muddy pathway (some more successfully than others!) before trekking up the steep steps to find the bus waiting for us.
• Spending a wild day at the beach, playing in the dunes and on the sand, whilst it rained and hailed. We came to realise that this did not matter in the slightest, we were well equipped with raincoats! Rain is just another element - it doesn't stop Waikowhai having fun!
• Completing bivouac building activities - there were some good life lessons learnt here. We now know how to shelter from the rain effectively!
• Confidence Course. Something that, despite the encouragement, I couldn't quite manage because I couldn't overcome my fear. Not of the height, but the possible fall from it! I am in awe of all those adults and students who tackled this challenge readily, and those that completed it regardless of their fear - this showed real determination and courage. Ka pai.
• Orienteering through the bush at Houghton's was fun, reading the maps to locate the hidden markers and reveal the hidden message.
• A night-time Burma Trail (a big shout out to Ofa for guiding me through and rescuing me everytime I lost the rope, and to Hilary who inspired me with her brave attitude to conquering something that was completely new to her!) 
• Camp Concert - an interesting evening, showcasing different talents of students.

Add to this the everyday skills that we acquired/refined...

• Preparing food and the dining room (including washing up!)
• Keeping our rooms tidy so that we could find everything we needed
• Being responsible for our own gear

It was an amazing week. Our students showed us what it means to have; courage, resilience, respect and integrity. New friendships were made, old friendships were developed and memories were created that will last a lifetime. As I have already posted on classrooms blogs, it was both a privilege and a pleasure to participate in this camp - thanks to all those who attended. Parents/Volunteers we couldn't have done this without you - thank you so much for all of your support throughout the week. Here's a few photos to enjoy...please check out Rooms 7, 8 and 9 blogs to see more.

All in all, it's been a busy few weeks and once again I realise how lucky I am to be in such a wonderful place of work. Thanks Waikowhai :-)