Kowhaiwhai at the Suter

Room 9 went on their first outing for the year to the Suter Art Gallery, also known as Te Aratoi o Whakatū.  We were joined by lots of wonderful parents and grandparents to help us sketch the designs found in the beautiful foyer of the Suter.

We learned that Kowhaiwhai patterns have a lifeline, or heart line.  This recognises the tribe's ancestors, where they have come from and what they mean.  The kowhaiwhai patterns are found in meeting houses on pou and in the rafters.  They consist of a combination of different patterns, such as the Koru, Hei-matau (fish hook), Mangopare (hammerhead), and the Moana (sea).

720p from Kathryn Robertson on Vimeo.

SCIENCE FAIR WAS A HIT

We really enjoyed displaying our science experiment for the rest of the school to see.  We did amazing art work and the log books were a great reflection of our learning.  The feedback we received from the experts was very pleasing after all our hard work.

"Your presentation is excellent with the mix of text and art.  I really like the question and the precision of your method.  The bird feeders are well made and I like the way they are colour matched.  As with many science investigations often the results can be inconclusive.  I wonder if you may be able to repeat to see if a longer time helps with a conclusive result.  Well done, Christine."

Our Science Board will be on display for you to see at the Student Led Conferences next Wednesday.  You will be able to hear first hand from your child about the process we went through.

The other classrooms in Pohutukawa did a great job as well.  Here are their boards.

 Room 11 - How disposable are plates?

 Room 12 - Are birds attracted to one colour food bowl and water?

Room 12A - What is the best string telephone?

SHARK MAN - Riley Elliott

What an amazing day we had on Friday because of the Mazda Foundation Treemendous Gaden Makeover.  As well as having The Bug Man visit, we were lucky to meet The Shark Man, Riley Elliott as well.

Riley talked to us about his love of sharks and how, like many people, he used to be scared of them.  He explained that people's fears are to do with the movie Jaws!  Sharks are the most intelligent creature of the ocean and have been around for longer than dinosaurs.  Riley swims and studies sharks for a living and was certainly passionate about their conservation.

 If you are swimming and come across a shark, look it in the eye then curl up into a ball to make yourself look as unlike a seal as you can!

BUG MAN - Ruud Kleinpaste

Due to our Treemendous Garden Makeover Nelson Central School was very lucky to have a visit from the TV star, The Bug Man and his pet weta, George.  The children were treated to a presentation from Ruud where he explained that even the 'poo' from animals is a resource.  We learned that bugs are wonderful creatures and if they didn't exist the human race would die within 2 months!

Treemendous Garden Grand Opening Video

Opening of the Sensory Garden from Kathryn Robertson on Vimeo.

Sensory Garden Grand Opening a massive success!

Wow, what a community we have at Nelson Central School.  The turnout was great for the final working bee and grand opening of our beautiful new outside classroom area.

We all need to acknowledge the drive and passion of Lynley, room 12's teacher who supported the Enviro Agents with the initial concept and then made the project come to life with her determination and hard work.  Well done to everyone who helped in some way, whether it be at the working bees or on the day today.  What a great space for our tamariki to learn and play in.

Check out these initial photos and 'watch this space' for the movie of 2017 coming soon!

SENSORY GARDEN OPENING - BE THERE !!

Mr Science and Impossible Bridge fun

Over the last two Fridays Room 9 have had some fun.  Firstly, Mr Science created some science wonder when he helped students to make gloop and experiment with dye and water.

 

 

We then used a reading book the Terrific Tuataras had read this week to ignite our design skills and create the "impossible bridge".  

NCS get behind fundraiser for a special little girl

Gold Kisses Fundraiser Day for Ka'iulani on PhotoPeach

Science Fair: What colour seeds will birds like the most?

In Room 9 we are taking on the challenge to carry out a science experiment making sure we carry out a fair test.  We want to attract as many birds to our new Sensory Garden (and the school) as possible.

What better way to attract them by putting out some sunflower seeds.  But we want to know if the birds are attracted to seeds that are different colours.  And if so, what colour do they like the best?

Our first job was to decide what colours we will have for our experiment.  With our Inquiry buddies we came up with our choices and the reason for that choice.

We presented our ideas to the rest of the class and uploaded our recordings onto Seesaw.

The winning three choices were blue, yellow and brown.

To see our results you can come along to the NCS Science Fair in Week 9 of term.

First Central Challenge a huge success

Congratulations to the team of parents who were involved in the first ever

Central Challenge

It was a wonderful community event and the school had a buzz in the air as students and families enjoyed a great day.  The race was fun and exciting and the day was made complete by delicious food stalls, white elephant, Mrs Harrison's bottles and a games zone.   

We can't wait for next year and are so grateful to the SCG's hard work to help raise around $10,000 for Nelson Central School.

Some of the children wrote about their experiences.

Cooper wrote: Yesterday I went to the Rogaine and I had a hot chocolate.  It was delicious and there were two coffee machines.  In the Rogaine Dan carried me on his shoulders because I was tired.  Mummy was a slow poke and it was fun!

Claudia wrote: I went to the Rogaine.  There were coconuts.  When you won you got to eat the coconuts.  It was fun!  I did the long race and I saw Sophie there.

Emi wrote:  On Sunday my family went to school with my big brother and Mum and Papa because our school was having a gala.  I saw Tosca.  I went on the bouncy castle.  It was fun!  I really liked it.