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OUR OUT-AND ABOUT SECTION TELLS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS AROUND THE SCHOOL OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOMS. These are some highlights over the last tfour years. (just click on 'Out and About' in the top frame, to get back to the top of the page, or use your back button

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SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, Term 3 2009

Talent Quest, 2009

A video Clip from the Talent Quest. Fairly outstanding for a 6 year-old.

On July 21the Junior School had a visit from some of our Motueka Volunteer Firebrigade as part of their fire safety study.

Today our students also had volleyball lessons from Alan Brodie from the Nelson Bays Volleyball Association.

In February 13 Motueka and districts swimmers went to Christchurch to compete in the Canterbury A championships, the biggest regional championship in the South Island with over 400 swimmers. Philippa Dwyer (photo) from R6 Riwaka school, won the 10 years 200m breaststroke. She also qualified in the event to swim at the upcoming NZ juniors in Invercargill. She was the only swimmer to qualify from Nelson and Marlborough. Congratulations Philippa.

TEAPOT VALLEY CAMP, 2008

During term 1 we were lucky enough to go on a camp to Teapot Valley. Ms Mora arranged it and we thank her very much for giving up her spare time to plan and supervise the camp.

We loved the camp. We gave it an A. We learned a lot about each other and we found new and challenging things to attempt and succeed at. Favourite activities were the jeep driving, the confidence course which was quite difficult but not too scary. . The high-speed flying fox and water slide were also very enjoyable. The food was delicious and we even had a choice so that no-one was faced with something they couldn't eat We all mixed very well. There was no bullying at all and Tate made a new friend named Britteny who lives nearby and goes to Brightwater school. Some of us were a tiny bit homesick on the first night, but we soon got over that.

BWeBman interviewed Jared and Tate about their views on the camp.

All the students kept a diary, which was part of their camp folders. In this were also fill-in games, camp plans and programme, evaluation sheets. These are some examples of folder covers,done on the computer, and parts of the diaries

Jared's camp folder cover	Tate's cover
From Tate's diary	Part of the attitude survey. Learning social and personal skills is probably the most important aspect of camps.
From Jared's diary

CAMPING IS:

Photos by our teacher, Ms Mora.

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It started off to be a normal School day but at 10:30 things got started. After a warm welcome by two year 8 students and the principal, who had a few words to say, we did a house/ country march. First was Bellafina then Gomaina ,Rodovagis and Yyabatoowany. There was a lot of colour and the dressups were neat. After this each age group set off to their sporting destination!

Some of these sports were weightlifting, sock throw, egg and spoon, three legged race, obstacle course, sack race, ball in the bucket and the luge on skateboards. The weightlifting consisted of trying to make the very light cardboard look like a hundred kilo weight. The sock throw was a target throw which was stationed on the ground, the egg and spoon is the traditional egg and spoon race except with obstacles.

The three legged race as you should know is where your legs get tied together. The obstacle course was a tricky course in order to make you stumble and the sack race was another old favourite. Now to the ball in the bucket. This was exactly what its name states, to throw a ball in the bucket. lLast but not least the luge on skateboard, a funky new style which consisted of skating across the court. That’s enough about the sports. Let's move to the prize giving. Since the day was so lovely it was hard to only have a few students win prizes so instead, about half the school did.

By Jess and Gemma (See photo above) Images photographed and edited through Fireworks by Ben and Joe, Dreamweavers.(also see photo above)

Flag bearers, Joseph and Jordan	Big and Small	Soaking up the sun
Jumping bean	Motor Max	UGH!!!!!!!!!

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COMBINED SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT, UPPER JUNIOR SCHOOL, WINTER 2008.

To cover the technology part of this topic, Rooms 3 and 4 went by bus and cars to Nelson, where they visited Founders Park and the World of Wearable Arts museum.

interviewed

He asked James why they went to Nelson. James told him that they went to research what their grandparents used as technology, and entertainment. James assured him that everybody was really well-behaved on the bus, and at Founders' Park and the museum. Frankie added that her favourite thing was the model with the red cloth. and also mentioned the really good behaviour. BWeBman thinks that the classes are so lucky to have teachers like Mrs Howie and Mrs Muir who are happy to arrange such a trip.

NELSON ACTIVITIES.

Old radios and TV room	Hospital, Founders' Park	Classes in front of the Bus Garage
At the Founders' Park church.	Lunch at Founders' Park	In the WOW museum

We followed this up with a day in which we invited our grandparents to the class where they helped us make some of the toys which they made when they were kids. James and Frankie took turns at describing the activities, and they all learned a lot.. They thought that their grandparents had a lot of fun as kids. They had to make their toys whereas ours are made for us.

TOYS AND MODEL MAKING

Jenna is making a cardboard pigsty	Otis and Connor making spinning tops.	Harrison is making a checkers board with his grandparents. A diorama is in the background
Campbell and his grandmother make a jack-in-the-box	More toys. Busy people	James ands friends are making puppets.

As a full school production for 2008, Mrs Robinson and staff staged a version of Jack and the Beanstalk. Much enjoyment was had by all concerned, and we thank all those responsible. It also showed the versatility of the Performing Arts Centre, as a theatre, with a cast of over 200. This photo gallery, taken at the dress rehearsal, was prepared and uploaded by Room 8 students Kyle, Caelab, Reilly, and Tyler, who showed great web skills in doing so.

The review was prepared by another R8 student.

The cast awaits.	Mother gives Jack a piece of her mind	Sound man, Paul Bond
Rooms 1 and 2 are beans	The beans sprout	Room 3, Creatures of the Sun
Room 4, Creatures of the Night	Market day dance, Room 5	The Giant smells Room 6
Jack arrives. See the Giant!!	Room 9 birds dance as Jack goes up	Another layer of Room 9 birds
Room 8 farmyard animals with Jack	Exit the Room 8 Animals	Finale. Giant. Jack. Agitation

The first two days of the term were very exciting for Rooms 5 and 6. They turned up to school in their camouflage gear and over the two days completed six different activities including a webquest as they found out information about our war heroes, and sang some of the popular songs from the war years. "The sacrifice of our NZ soldiers, sailors and airman in two World wars were not forgotten, especially by two classes of Riwaka students. Thanks largely to the efforts of Emily Robinson, sixty Years 4 to 6 students slept over in the school hall last night, (for two nights, and it's the Performing Arts Centre, Craig), rising at the crack of dawn to attend the ANZAC Remembrance Service in Motueka." Craig Goodman, Guardian, 25 April " Emily is inspired by her own pilgrimage to Gallipoli, two years ago, so she and fellow teacher Jane Bailey put together a theme and a plan for involving their classes in something special. All activities over the two days revolved around wartime experiences. To those who denigrate such activities as glorifying war, I say,"Lest we Forget", we can give at least one annual day to remember those world-wide events which have shaped our own destinies, national and personal. (photos and pupils' comments to come). Our technology challenge was to learn from Michelle how to blackout a cottage(dolls' house) We learned about our flags and how to use mapping skills. We learned about the uniforms people serving in the wars wore and designed our own. Mrs Robinson created a bunker for us that looked real. It even had a periscope in it. Danny and Debbie Fowler taught us some simple basic first aid. Here Mollie shows us her bandaged arm. We are writing the instructions of how to make Anzac biscuits. We are measuring the ingredients for our baking. Memorabilia. See below The songs, with Paul Bond. Now is the Hour, Maori Battalion, Quartermaster's Store, Pack up your Troubles. THERE WERE SOME AMAZING ITEMS OF MEMORABILIA DISPLAYED This is the rarest of all the items. It was presented to Mal Robert's father by the Queen War medals. Holyoake family. Gas mask, medals and photos. Courtesy of the Holyoake family. Another rare relic. More relics Homemade GRENADES considers that the most important aspects of cognitive and affective learning are embodied in the students' reaction to the project What ANZAC means to us. On Anzac day we thank the people who went to war. I hope that there will be no more wars. Daniel Anzac day shows the spirit of comradeship between NZ and Australia. It’s nice to think that the two nations helped each other both as civilians and servicemen. Matthew Anzac day is a special day to remember all those who fought in the war. Everyone made a big sacrifice during the wars. Melany Anzac day is a day to give thanks and pay respects to the New Zealand and Australian soldiers who risked their lives and died in the war for the freedom of future generations. It is also a time to give thanks and pay respect to the few soldiers who are alive today. Pearl It is good but sad to remember all the soldiers that died to save our country from the German and Japanese armies. It makes me remember my grandfather who came home injured and sad but survived. On Anzac day we say thank you for helping to save our land and for the huge sacrifice you made for us and our families. Alana B Anzac day means to me that my Nana and Grandad went in the war and were brave enough to face the enemy. They fought for us to keep us free and safe from hate. Mollie Some thoughts on our Anzac activities. It was fun. People brought stuff like grenades and gas masks and we got to touch the real bullets from World War 1. At the Dawn Parade it was pretty sad. Julian T. When our class started doing the Anzac activities I thought it was pretty cool. I liked blacking out the house and felt a sense of accomplishment when no light showed through. I felt real weird in first aid when I had a bandage over both my eyes and head. Opi I thought that the Dawn Parade was very interesting. I liked how they all marched at the same time. The sad time for me was when all the dead soldiers' names were read and when the gunshots went off. I didn’t like getting up early.. Alana C I liked the songs they sang at the Dawn Service. I liked how they put the poppies in the flag and when they put the flowers up on the steps. Amy I thought it was fun and very interesting. I liked first aid. I also liked trying on the uniforms. It would have been hard wearing those clothes. The bunker was cool. I liked looking through the periscope. It’s really weird how you can see up. At the Dawn Parade the gun shots were quite scary. Tyler     considers how fortunate is Riwaka School to have two teachers, Emily and Jane, and their helpers, who are willing to give up so much time and effort to present a real-life experience for their pupils.

See below for background to Kapa Haka

The Kapa Haka group from the Parklands Whanau , Pakarana Super Twelve was highly successful at the Kapa Haka competitions, held in Nelson, in March, gaining the award for the most imaginative performance.

Inspired by this, the Whānau Staff had the idea of sharing the joy of this participation across the district and planned a day of cultural performance. Thirteen schools participated, not all presenting Māori items. The Memorial Hall was packed, the enjoyment was obvious, and the standard high. Taha Māori is alive and well throughout the district and this function should become an annual affair.

Riwaka school was well represented, and their items of a high standard, impressing everyone.

	A full house.
Matua Paul Bond, leading some of the group in the singing of the Riwaka Mihi Waiata, which he wrote.		Riwaka students with their Rakau, coached by Whaea Jane Bailey

Māori dance

Background information from the Te Kete Ipurangi (basket of universal knowledge)website

The term kapa haka derives its meaning from two words: kapa (to stand in rows) and haka (Māori dance). It is used to describe both a Māori performing arts group (a kapa haka group) and the Māori performing arts in general, which include haka, poi, and waiata ā-ringa.

Māori used chants, song, and dance to record their history, to convey feelings, to express ideas, to tell stories, to celebrate important events, and to protest and persuade. Kapa haka, which combines movement, song, and chant, forms an integral part of Māori culture and ways of life. It plays a critical role within whānau (family) and iwi (tribal) customs and lifestyle, including ceremonial events such as pōwhiri (welcoming of visitors) and tangihanga (funerals).

Kapa haka is useful for developing coordination and skills in manipulating props (for example, weapons). Many of the dance movements involve gestures of the hands, arms, and face and originate from warrior training or images of nature (for example, the movement of wiri originated from the shimmer of heat on the land).

Today, many people take part in kapa haka competitions, which are run on a formal basis with set requirements (for example, a specific range of items, time frames, and formal assessment).

Māori song and dance signifies our New Zealand identity to many people, both Māori and Pākehā. Māori dance is characterised by:

• a strong relationship between the actions and the waiata
• the use of objects such as the taiaha, poi, or patu the use of soloists leading the action
• the frequent separation of men and women in different groups
• the use of unison and ensemble choreography
• rhythmic footwork.

Māori dances incorporate traditional movements, such as:

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THE PROUD NATIONS OF:

met together on 30 March on the RSG, to settle their differences in deadly rivalry for the riwaka waka.

There was a parade... and some organisers		A dignitary to open the Games.....	Great	events
More	great events	Some losers	Some winners	and lots of enthralled spectators

Nicole McMahon

It was exciting to have Nicole McMahon come to school to show us the cup she was awarded for Top Year 9 Scholar Garin College – Distinction in Religious Studies, Distinction in English, Distinction in the Arts, Distinction in Social Sciences, Garin College Recognition: Excellence, Self-Management, Aroha; Placemakers Award for Academic Achievement. Well done Nicole

KIA KAHA!

Riwaka School is known for its absence of bullying. WE AIM TO KEEP IT THAT WAY	Good, supportive inter-personal relationships are a daily part of education at Riwaka school. In addition to this, special emphasis is made every two years, using the Kia Kaha programme.	Kia Kaha: BE STRONG
WHAT IS BULLYING * It is deliberate, hurtful behaviour * It is often repeated over a period of time * It is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves. * It is difficult for bullies to learn new social behaviour. * Bullies have power over their victims. * It can be physical, emotional, verbal and may include damage to belongings * All bullying can be damaging		SOME IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES EVERY CHILD HAS: The right to be safe at school The right to be valued and respected. The right to learn without fear.
THIS PROGRAMME WAS DEVELOPED BY THE YOUTH EDUCATION SERVICE OF THE POLICE, AND GROUP SPECIAL EDUCATION, and is supported and assisted by our local Police, in particular Senior Constable Gerry Tonkin, who is at present working in the school, seen here, in R6.		For further information, visit the Kia Kaha Website, by clicking below. Kia Kaha programme

JANET MARSHALL, VISITING AUTHOR,

	Janet is a local author, who visited the school on Wednesday, 18 May, speaking to each syndicate
	She's also a noted artist including paintings of NZ birds. This marsh harrier is one of hers. She shared with us: the story of how she became an author, the original pictures which were sent to the publisher, and the rough drafts of her published books.	She donated two of her books to our library, so that we now have a full set. We look forward to her new books, coming out later this year. If you want to know more about her, her paintings and her books, visit her website.

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HIGH SCHOOL BAND VISIT.

On Tuesday 7 June, we were entertained by the Motueka High School Band, conducted by Fay Bolt, HOD Music.		The band is a fine ensemble of brass and woodwind, backed by percussion, a tuba, bass guitar and a brilliant lead/rhythm guitarist, Callum Allardice, an ex-student of our school.
The band's programme included: Hawaii Five-0 Disco Lives Latin Gold Spies are Us (The Jazz Band)		It is really great to see that our local secondary school can produce magic of such a high standard. Our students enjoyed the performance thoroughly, and look forward to getting the opportunity to participate, when they reach secondary school .

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Stage Challenge is a nation- wide dance competition where schools make up a dance that runs for a maximum of 8 minutes. Our theme was about how native New Zealand birds are becoming endangered or even extinct. Ours was made up of 5 different dance groups: birds, opossums, pollution, loggers and the finale in which the environmental issues of opossums, pollution and loggers are eliminated

By Bianca Black

The students helped with the choreography and participants practised for weeks, often out of school hours. We congratulate the senior school for all their work, all the adults who helped, and in particular our consultant choreographer and producer Emily Horrell.

Birds' Dance in Progress	Opossums doing their thing	Trees doing a dance
Pollution performing.	"We are lumberjacks and we're OK."	FINALE!!...Death of bird threats!!

Photographs chosen and captioned by Liam Bloomfield.

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We came, decked out in yellow, in support of the Cancer Society, with a gold coin, raising $92.40.	Some of our daffodils.	James and his friends

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Excitement mounted as four political parties: 4 U, Priceless, Green Kiwis and TEAM campaigned for votes in the 2005 School Elections. A political rally was held in the library, where party leaders delivered policies on Health and Safety, Education and Law and Order. Candidates appeared to be at least as convincing as their adult counterparts. Teams created pamphlets, posters and badges, in an endeavour to secure votes. Campaign and advertising slogans were in full swing. All students from Year 2 to Year 8 filled in electoral forms and voting booths operated in the library.

Hayley, and the team 4 U	Laura, with her Priceless cohorts	Sophie, and the Green Kiwis co-leaders
Liam with The Team	Liam and Chrissy cast their votes. The School holds its collective breath.	The School assembles for the result, still holding its collective breath

The Chief Returning Officer announces the results. Some rejoice.	Others are not so sure!!	Mrs Sutton then became the Governor General, and announced that, because the results were so close, it would be some time before a government could be formed. Prophetic!!

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31 August was Jump Rope for Heart day. Classes practised for about a month, as part of the Physical Education programme. Activities encouraged fitness, strength, co-ordination, teamwork and recreation. Rope work is simple enough to begin with, but later activities become increasingly complex, culminating in double-rope skipping. Two senior boys were able to do jumping press ups under a turning rope. Students were sponsored by parents and friends, raising about $1500 for the Heart Foundation. A large crowd of interested spectators saw the final performance, which ended with a shared healthy morning tea.

The seniors warm up. Todd cracks his whip.		The juniors jive	Away we go. Oops!!
Come here, wretched child!!	Oh no!!	Triple rope trip, Room 5	Hearty appetites.

The district athletic sports were held at Lower Moutere School on Tuesday 15 November, for the seniors, and Wednesday 16 November, for juniors. Riwaka School thanks the District Sports Association for their slick organization, and also Lower Moutere school for their hospitality.

Staff and parents involved in the supervision were well pleased with the standard of performance and excellent behaviour of our children.

RESULTS (watch this space)

SPORTS SNAPS

Sam soars!!	Liam leaps!!	Penelope and Phebe, co-winners of the senior girls' high jump

Michael heading for a win in the 50m	Cheerful participants Nicholas, Reed, Jacob and Thomas	Well-behaved Riwaka students wait for their next event.

A good two days were enjoyed by all.

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