Matariki - By Kaitlyn Anstis and her Nanna
We have been learning about Matariki. Here are some examples for you:-

Matariki is the Maori name for a group of stars called "The Seven Sisters."  It is also the Maori New Year, which is celebrated for three days during June after these stars and the new moon have appeared.

Matariki is a time to celebrate the unique place in which we live and to respect the land we live on.  It is a time to pause and reflect on the year just gone, and the new year ahead - a time of new beginnings, of family and friends coming together to celebrate, through storytelling, songs, hakas, crafts, food preparation, hunting and fishing.

It is the best time to plant new trees and crops as Maori people believe the brighter the star constellation, the warmer the year, the better the harvest will be.

Matariki comes from Mata Riki meaning "Tiny Eyes" or "Mata Ariki" meaning "Eyes of God."  These stars were used to navigate, keep time, know what season it is and to learn about their legends.

How a Slingshot Aeroplane Works.
A slingshot aeroplane is a plastic toy plane.  Its force is a thick rubber band that has been pulled.
  
To make it fly, connect the rubber band to the black hook under the flat nose of the plane.  Stretch the rubber band.  Aim the plane at the target.  Release the rubber band and watch it fly.

But be careful!!  It is fragile!!
By Jazmine


 

We have been learning about simple machines as part of our science.  Harry wrote this explanation showing how a catapault works.
A catapault is a device that fires objects up into the air. 

To make one at school you need these objects:- A ruler, a counter and a glue-stick.  First you put the glue-stick down.  Then you put the ruler on top of the glue stick.  Place the counter on top of the ruler on the outside of the ruler on the bit where it is hanging down.  Then you push the side that's hanging up.  The counter will fly.

The simple machine in a catapault is a lever.

 

Here is a delightfu piece of writing by Armita.

On Mothers' Day it was a blissful day for my family.  My mum was so delighted for Mothers' Day.  We gave her great huggles and great surprises.  I gave her breakfast in bed and also a flower. It was pink.  She went on a date with my dad. It was a fun day for our family.

As part of Earth Day here is a link to the song "Just One Earth".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9rRjQB2mwg

Earth Day - Wednesday 22nd April

As well as growing trees we are going to be making bird feeders to encourage the tuis.  Please save any plastic drink bottles you have over the holidays so that we can re-use these to make the bird feeders.  Have a great time in the holidays, and remember that you can always come down to school and water our garden on hot days!!!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME MATHS HOMEWORK FOR YOUR CHILD TO DO AT HOME, YOU MAY FIND THIS LINK USEFUL.
http://www.mathscentre.co.nz/Topics/Mighty%20Maths/B/ 
 It has free downloadable booklets called "Mighty Maths". These follow the New Zealand Maths Curriculum and are levelled according to your child's age.  I hope you find these helpful.