New Phrases and Whakataukī

Kia ora Koutou!

This term's whakataukī has been posted, as well as the new phrase(s) of the week. 

Hope you're keeping warm!

Ka kite

Damian
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz

Matariki Performance THANKS!

Kia ora Koutou

I would like say thanks to all the parent help and support for our tamariki in Te Rakau Whakapapa last Friday. Helping students get changed and keeping them calm was awesome. Most importantly, your being there made the event special for them.

Our tamariki have worked so hard and don't get a chance to see themselves perform in all their glory. I wasn't able to take photos or videos of their performance, and would really appreciate any footage you are able to share if you have something.

Files can be shared by emailing Damian / Mr H, or sending a memory card to school. Videos and photos will be shown to the kapa group, and also shared on Birchwood's Maori@Birchwood blog (with your permission) (http://birchwoodschoolmaori.blogspot.co.nz/).

Do let me know if you have any queries.

Ka kite ano,

Damian Hardman

damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz

Matariki

Kia ora Koutou!

We have excitement this term with a MATARIKI celebration being planned. 

Clicking here will take you to a googleslide thing so you can learn more about Matariki. 

We are going to sing 'He Waiata Matariki' at assembly this week. Here is a googledocthing of the video and kupu so you can learn in class or at home. 

Ka kite

Damian Hardman
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz

P.S. a technical glitch means this post is published later than anticipated. 

Welcome to 2017!

Kia ora e te Whānau!

It is lovely to have you all back, and what a wonderful start to the year we have had. The start of this year was quite special, as we opened with a mihi whakatau. Thanks so much to Shane Graham for being our kaikorero, to Bec Hemi for being our kaikaranga, and to Abby Rangi for stepping up to karanga on behalf of our manuhiri / new people. It was so special to be able to let our manuhiri enter as strangers, and leave as whānau. 

We are looking forward to another successful (and busy) year, and welcome any support or feedback you can give us. 

Ka kite

Damian Hardman
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz

Poipoia Te Reo

Kia ora Whānau!

Birchwood teachers, staff, parents and community have been invited to learn or brush up our Te Reo! See the poster attached. 

You can click below to contact the kaiako:
taiagoad@gmail.com

Ka kite,

Damian
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz 

Parent Focus Group Hui

Kia ora Koutou!

Birchwood School has an excellent Parent Focus Group who meet fairly regularly to discuss successes and next steps for our kaiako and our akonga. 

We're meeting again this Wednesday 21 Sept at 630pm in the staffroom. Feel free to come along. It's informal, and if you have something to say, or if there's something you want to hear, then you need to be there!

For more details, talk to Damian in Kahikatea/ Room 9.

Ka kite

Damian
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz

Tipu app can help you learn and improve in Te Reo

Kia ora Koutou!

I came across an app called 'Tipu' that helps you learn and improve Te Reo on your phone. 

Here's a link with a little more information:

http://tearaway.co.nz/tipu-learn-te-reo-straight-phone/

It'll be cool when I learn how to make a link on the picture.

 http://maoridictionary.co.nz

I added the on-line Māori dictionary because (1) it's a really useful resource, and (2) you might like to look words up on the app.

Having said that, the app does tell you the answers if you need it. It's not a test, it's there to help you improve in confidence and ability.


Ka mau te wehi, Tipu app!



Ka kite

Damian
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz