Waipapa Marae

Late on Wednesday morning most of the school, the parents and the teachers went the marae in Kawhia because we were going to see what it was like living at the marae.

Eventually we got ready to go. Before we left my dad and I went shopping. As soon as we got back we put our stuff in the car and went to school. When we went to school we hopped out of the car and went to class. We then hopped on the bus and headed to Kawhia.

When we got there we all had something to eat and the girls got ready to go. As we got near they started calling in maori. We then all sat down. They said their speech first. After their speech they sang.Mr Howard then said his speech. Afterwards Room 2 girls sang Torunga Mea. When we had said our speeches every one hongied. I felt a bit scared because I didn't know them. When it was my turn I didn't really feel scared. It was then time for a rest because it had been a long day and a long trip.

After breakfast the next morning we had a play while we waited for Matua Lloyd and Whaea Hinga.When they arrived we got called in and went to our room classes. We then went to where we started. The Room 2 girls went with the Room 1 girls for poi. We learnt to go forwards.We learnt to do it with both arms, our left arm and our right arm. We also learnt to move our arms up and down while turning the poi. I felt happy because we were having lots of fun. The hardest part was turning the poi while moving your arms up and down.

We then had morning tea. After morning tea we then went to te-rakau. It was a bit difficult at first but we kept on trying and we got better and better as we tried. Next Whaea Hinga put us in a triangular shape and told us to do what we had learnt. Then it was lunch time. We had lunch and then moved on to the next activity. We went with Whaea Hinga's son but I don't know his name. The first move was to put your hands together and put the stick over your right shoulder. There were 13 moves. While we were having fun the adults were peeling potatoes and all that. We then heard the shell horn go.

We all lined up. Whaea Aroha told us we don't have to do the last activity. We all went round the back and watched the hangi. Then they got the tray of food and dumped it in the hole on the stones. They then covered it with rags and dirt. After a while it was dinner time. The hangi was yum. After dinner we sat down outside and watched the men. After that we went inside for the school performance. Mary, Tyla and I sang E i hoa.After the performance we all went to bed.

Finally it was morning and we got ready to leave. We packed up and put our bags in the corner. We had our last look at the marae. We were all sad. We said our farewells and had a quick play. We then made our lunch for on the way home. I fell asleep most of the way home.

The best part was doing the poi and all that. because it was lots of fun. I learnt how to do the poi and te-rakau all that on the activity day. I felt sad when we headed home because I didn't want to leave and I would miss the marae.

Written by O'Neale

Building Programme

The Library

The new deck and veranda around the library are now more or less completed. The final stage in the library is to gut and reline the inside.

Below are photos of foundation preparations for the deck.

eLearning Space

This is currently being built off site. Here are some photos of what it looks like in a basic state.

Here are some more recent photos

Storage container

Today the storage container was turned around in preparation for the new room arriving next week.

Pet Day 2008

18 October was the 2008 date for Pet Day at Glen Massey School. The weather was a bit dodgy at times but a great day was still had by all. There was a good turn out of calves, lambs, goats and dogs all accompanied by their two legged handlers (and the handlers' handlers!)

Glen Massey Walk

Yesterday saw the students of Glen Massey take a walking field trip around the village. A large number of parents and caregivers turned out to help generating excellent discussion among their groups which was much appreciated.
The great thing about the day was hearing all the comments form the parents and students alike talking about all the things that they had no idea about in regards to what Glen Massey used to be like. Again a big ‘thank you’ to the parents and caregivers who helped as the day could not have happened without your help. We now look forward to next weeks Train, Mine and Museum trip.