Focusing On Our Māori Heritage

Year 1 & 2 children began the year focusing on Whanāungatanga.  They have been learning about the groups that the children belong to. Year 3 have studied the myths and legends that form the stories of our country.  Year 4 have looked at Famous New Zealanders and their contribution to our society.  In Year 5 the focus was on the local area as the place where we stand, while Year 6, looked a little further afield to Whāingaroa (Raglan), where they held their annual camp at the end of the first term.

This glowing report on Aberdeen’s programme of support to children for whom English is a second language was included in the ‘Migrant Refugee and International Education Team News’, following last year’s evaluation by the Ministry.  Excerpts are included below and the full text of the article is available through this link.

Spotlight on Schools

Aberdeen School – Recognising the Importance of Grammar and Culture

There are a number of factors which contribute to the success of new learners of English as they become confident in their classrooms. One factor is the explicit teaching and support of English language structures. While this may seem self-evident, it is an area which is sometimes overlooked, brushed over lightly or taken for granted. Another factor is cultural acceptance in a school – learners who feel comfortable and accepted for who they are, in the deepest sense, learn best.

Aberdeen School in Hamilton is a great example of how these two particular factors contribute to accelerated student progress. Aberdeen is a mid-decile school with ELLs from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. ESOL/Reading Recovery teacher Annette Wright has a BA and a Diploma in TESSOL, and applies her skills and experience supporting staff as well as working with learners …

… Murray [our Principal] stated, “Annette’s dedication to enabling excellence for our students in her care is reflected in her inclusive philosophy and ongoing promotion of ‘non-Kiwi’ cultures. Our school is fortunate to have such a resource, given the increasing numbers of new settlers in our region.”

At the beginning of 2012 the Aberdeen School Board of Trustees engaged Kate Birch, an experienced writing facilitator from Auckland, to support our teachers in increasing our writing content knowledge and helping us to become better teachers of writing, using the best and most current  practice available.

Parents also have an opportunity to learn how they can support their child’s learning at home through a Year 4-6 parent workshop on the 9th May at 6.30p.m. (for about an hour) in the school hall. 

She will be covering how parents can help with their child’s writing and spelling at home, through the spelling programme she previously introduced to Aberdeen School (Chunk, Check, Cheer).  We will be running a crèche at this time to ensure as many parents as possible get to hear this talented speaker. More details will be sent home closer to the time, but keep this night free!

On Tuesday 24th April, Aberdeen School had a special assembly to remember and honour the men and women who have fought on behalf of our country since World War 1.  Many of whom did not return.  Classes had previously spent time learning about some of the history, symbols, poetry and music that are part of the ANZAC tradition.  The assembly finished with the lowering of the school flag on the flagpole as the Last Post played.

Below are some photos taken during this special assembly and during the Civic Ceremony at the cenotaph in Hamilton’s Memorial Park, where our clan leaders laid a wreath on behalf of the school..

Congratulations to the Aberdeen Aces Year 5 & 6 Basketball Team.  Coached by Chad Hooker, they were victorious in winning the Waikato Basketball Miniball Competition for Term 1 2012.  The team worked hard during practices, played together with strong team spirit, while displaying excellent sportsmanship throughout the term.  We are very proud of their efforts and success.

Book Month at Aberdeen was celebrated by a special assembly.  Go to the ‘Student Gallery’ to look at some more of the costumes and read some writing from Year 2 students.

An important message from the organiser

Well the Metro Urgent Top Team Games was a resounding success, and as promised, was indeed bigger and better than last year!

We had more teams, new games and exciting bonus raffles, along with a few games for the kids, so everyone was happy!

I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated either by competing, marshalling a game, selling raffles or just by supporting a team.  The day would not be so successful if it wasn’t for all of you.

Specifically I would like to thank Kaye Atchison, Jenni Bell and Darlene Runcimen who worked tirelessly alongside me, helping to organise all the finer details.  Thank you ladies for your fabulous efforts.

Lastly, a big thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors, listed below.  Again please support them and their businesses as they have supported our school.

We look forward to bringing you this event again in 2013.

Trish Harvey

Please support our sponsors

Click here to see all the sponsors who contributed to the success of these games:  Sponsor Page

Some snapshots of the event:

This vibrant art by students in Room 7 depicts the Māori story of how Maui slowed down the sun.  It is part of the Year 3  contextual inquiry into myths and legends.  The artworks were created using pastels, black vivids and dye.  Inspired by the art of Peter Gossage, they can be viewed at the front office.

A Year 3 student from another class, that is also learning about myths and legends, wrote this account of Te Ika o Maui (The Fish of Maui).

“One day Maui and his brothers were preparing for a fishing trip.  Maui’s brothers didn’t want him to come because they were jealous of him.  At night Maui hid in the waka that they were going to take.  In the morning Maui’s oldest brother pushed the waka out to sea and rowed away.  When Maui’s brothers got to a fishing spot, Maui jumped out of his hiding spot and gave his brother a fright.  The next morning Maui’s brothers wanted to fish because they hadn’t eat in one day, but the brothers didn’t give Maui any bait, so Maui hit his nose with his jawbone.  Maui threw his jawbone out and suddenly something heavy pulled on it.  It was a giant stingray.  Maui pulled it and it came to the top of the water.  Maui said not to damage it, but the brothers did not listen, so the fish became the North Island and Maui’s waka became the South Island.”

 By Hetekia

We would like to thank all of our generous sponsors, listed below, and encourage all of our families and participants to support them and their businesses, as they have supported us!

 Click on this link for detail:    Sponsor Page

At Friday’s assembly, on the 9th of March, our clan leaders introduced themselves.  They shared about their families and their interests.  We were impressed by their talents, which were displayed in many different areas (such as music and sport).

As you can see from this photo, taken on the day, they are very enthusiastic about their new roles and are whole heartedly encouraging their own clans to win the cup this year!

Visit our Clan page to learn more and follow our clans achievements through the year.