The early morning sun shines on the Uretara Stream
Seagulls fly high in the early morning horizon
The birds chirp away like they are singing a song
6.00am, it’s time for an early morning walk
By Jess Harray
Author Archive for Steph Dekker
Posted on by Steph Dekker
Sun shines down on the happy place
Lakes, rivers are cool and refreshing
Kids run, dogs chase
Air fresh, smiles wide
Hopes, dreams a mile high
By Charlotte Schnackenberg
Categories : Written Language
Posted on June 6, 2013 by Steph Dekker
Black swans leave their coal black feathers behind. The swans babies struggle to keep on. The mother swan bleeds from its wings. She sinks, flapping in alarm. A bunch of feathers come floating up slowly. Redish blood colours the slimy pond. Her babies sink and inhale water. Soon more swans are gone. The hunters grab some swans by the neck and punch them in the head. Thirty-two swans are shot. All that is left is lifeless feathers and a red pond. They slide their finger across the blunt knife.
By Katie Templeton
Categories : Written Language
Posted on by Steph Dekker
Sleek, shiny tassely feathers frizzle in the Summer breeze. Smooth, orange beaks dart in and out of the murky water. Fluffy, frizzly small chicks struggle in the water by their Mum. Graceful, long necks form a heart in the sunset. Nestled in a bundle of feathers a small chick snuggles into Mum. Two mangled swans twist and tangle into each other. Carrot orange eyes stare frostly into the water. Snowy, white wings spread out for take-off.
By Anita Clews
Categories : Written Language
Posted on by Steph Dekker
The black swans dance on the crystal clear water.
They dive for their scaly fish.
Boom! One down.
Boom! Two down and so on.
The next sunny morning there are no black swans left.
Now who is going to lay the mumma swans eggs.
The hunters pack up their murderous guns.
By Dandre Du Plessis
Categories : Uncategorized, Written Language
Posted on June 5, 2013 by Steph Dekker
Light fell in the crystal eyes of the swan.
The hunters arise and hold death in their hands.
Bullets whiz past as the lake turns red as a rose.
By Jonathan Sukkel
Categories : Written Language
Posted on by Steph Dekker
As the black swans dive into the water the moon rises and the stars shine.
They swim and they swirl looking like a pearl.
When they think they’re safe out comes the human race.
They get out their guns and look for a chase,
But as the bullet gets closer the swans will get smaller.
By Justin Sisaengrath
Categories : Written Language
Posted on May 30, 2013 by Steph Dekker
Curly leaves prancing round the yard like little dancers.
Snuggly jackets out of the wardrobe at long last.
Jaggered trees swaying to the humble song of the wind
As the flaming fire place warms us from the cold outside,
I smile as I watch the leaves fall.
By Ella Verhagen
Categories : Written Language
Posted on April 16, 2013 by Steph Dekker
Throughout Term One the Senior School have had the opportunity to work with various teachers to explore Maori/Te Reo, The Arts and Technology.
As part of a rotation, students have had the opportunity to experiment, explore, learn, create and craft through…
- Maori/Te Reo: Students learnt about the vowel sounds in the Maori alphabet, counting to ten and other vocabulary and phrases in Te Reo. Another group also learnt about harakeke (flax). They developed knowledge of the plant and the traditional uses for it. Children crafted bracelets, headbands and flax flowers.
“The Maori used to weave mats using the harakeke because it was good insulation” (Ella Verhagen)
- Visual Arts: Students focused on sketching techniques and blending using pastels. Another group used symbols to tell the story of Katikati – the sky, mountains, river, land, sea and fish.
- Music: Students learnt how to create a soundscape (a picture using sound) to represent the Senior School Swimming Sports.
- Technology: Students created and crafted picture books that had a message about seashore etiquette. The children used Ipads for photography and Powerpoint to publish their books.
“I learnt about the different tools on Powerpoint.” (Jacob Maloni)
Categories : Class Pages, Senior School
Posted on November 22, 2012 by Steph Dekker
Wow! We could not have asked for a better day. The sun was shining, the children were smiling and the performance and effort on the day was outstanding.
Children competed against each other in high jump, long jump, shot put, cricket ball throw, quoits, 60m, 100m and 800m.
The end of the day resulted with a child, parent and staff relay. The competition stepped up! The parents came through to win by seconds. I think there are a few sore muscles amongst the teachers and parents today.
Thanks to all those that came along to help and support the children and staff on the day.
Congratulations to all those children who have made it through to the Northern Clusters. GOOD LUCK!
“I came second in four events. It made me feel happy.” Tukere L
“I ran out of breath on the 800m run.” Azarious M
“I came first in some of the running races. It was a great day.” Michael G
Categories : Senior School