As a kura we attended The GAFE Summit in Auckland for 2 days.  It was full on, we went to 4 workshops per day, listening to and participating in presentations.  We gained some valuable insight into a lot of apps that are available on Google, plus presenters were up with the play on new apps as well. 

Tamariki had to construct a Pepeha using Rakau, then they had to practice saying and pointing to each area of their pepeha and finally use screen castify to record themselves saying it.  If they completed these tasks they had to post to their recording to their blog.

The mana is in the stone!.. Kei roto i te Whare Taonga te kohatu.  This is a huge green stone that is set in a container that has water for tamriki to sprinkle over it so they can see the tino ataahua nga tae that is within.

On the boardwalk, we went through the mangroves to the beach.  It was awesome being able to observe some of the sealife that was happening in the mudflats without actually having to stand in it.  Cool day out with Ruma Tekau ma Toru.  You dudes are the best.

WINNERS!!!!!!!!!

Tino pai kourua, you ran your best and came up trumps, hi ho hi ho its off to Ohaeawai you two go.

And so the banners begin.  We have begun to put our banners together for our Whanau Whakaiti Olympic Games.  Tamariki have thought up their names, designed their banners and created the borders.  Unfortunately kapa haka practice is clashing, so the faithful kaiako have stepped in get the painting done.  

Kia ora Midas, if you are seeing this I hope you don't mind, I found this on my laptop.  We miss you so here is you practising your pepeha using the Rakau.  Next time perhaps you may need to use your sheet and practice saying it fluently before you record.  Hope all is well for you and your whanau.  Nga mihi nui kia koutou TeKuru raua ko Johnstone whanau.

KWS  2016  Cross Country Team going to Ohaeawai on Thursday   -  Big thumbs up to you all!!!

Our Olympic Team for Cross Country, well done Patrick and Kenadee for placing 1st and 2nd in your age group.  Good luck at your run in Ohaeawai on Thursday, we will all be running with you in our hopes and dreams.  Go hard, go fast, go kourua.

Te Whare Taonga o Waitangi

And so the Journey begins

Ngatokimatawhoarua and her baby sister

E haere ana matou ki Te Whare Taonga o Waitangi.  
We had the most amazing time, the tour guide Kate was stupendous, she knew so much about our history and retold stories like she was there.  We were very grateful to Kate for this.  As you walk into the Whare Taonga you literally take a step back in time, you imagine yourself there, because you are basically standing exactly where others before you have stood.  It was a funny feeling. If you have an opportunity to go to this museum please do, you will get a feel for the life and times of the past and feel the tupuna inside the room, looking at you through their gaze.  An awesome experience that we  recommend to you all.  Then of course, lunch by the beach. 

Well deserved break and some kai.