Often we have positive perspectives shared with us by parents, caregivers and students about aspects of school life, relating especially to the ways in which this school enriches the lives of learners.
This week I would like to share a cross section of “voices” with you that strongly echo the ethos of the school.
“Clara finds she is much more creative in finding solutions in general, and specifically now that they are preparing for Kahunui. She is more self-confident, speaking up and sharing her ideas about big issues (Hiroshima for e.g.) than most other girls. And she is not obsessed to the same degree as her peers with self-image and her profile on social media.” Claudia Remus
“Thanks so much for having Sam and me to visit last Thursday. It was great to see the class ‘in action’ and Sam had a great time – commenting twice during the afternoon that ‘Matahui School is so much fun.’ I was very impressed with the friendliness and inclusiveness of the children. Just awesome! We immediately noticed an improvement in how Sam interacted with his little sister at home – hardly any squabbles since we visited …. I’m calling it Matahui magic!” Danielle Ellis
…. “other Rm 5 students hop into the school van, dressed in thermals and tramping gear, faces glowing with excitement. They are off on an expedition to see what possums, rats and pests have been caught by the “Bring back the Birds” volunteers. They are contributing to a real conservation programme, and learning scientific methods (recording bird songs, recognising paw prints of different pests etc) in real life. They learn that ordinary people can achieve big things by working collectively, and that our community contains many unsung heroes (including them). I watch their teacher set up this activity with the parent helper that will accompany them, and allocate responsibilities within the group. It may seem an ordinary moment, but to me it is very moving. It is so normal for our children to feel valued, safe and nurtured and for adults and peers to act responsibly and cooperatively, and look after each other.” Anne Templeton
And lastly, a letter from Emma Poppy, who wrote the following letter to Kumara and Rodney, the rats that share my office with me. They often visit the classrooms to see and hear what learning is taking place.
“Dear Rodney and Kumara…..At school I have been working on fractions in maths and we are doing narritive writing. I am having fun at school. I hope you like my gifts!” Emma Poppy
Please note the following: Emma Poppy’s gifts were a gold coin and a chest containing two marbles for each rat – gleaned from her collection of at least 1000 marbles. Also note the clothing adorning the rats – an example of student initiated soft technology. The same students who designed and made the garments also created small desks and provided learning materials for the rats.
Ka kite
Max
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