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Santa Run!

So today we ran around Auckland Viaduct in Santa suits! It was lots of fun but very hot in full outfit including beard! It is so strange having Christmas in the sunshine anyway but running around in 23 degrees didn't cross my mind when we signed up for it! I 'ran' with Jennie and Michelle- well, they ran, I did more of a Santa Stroll! It was only 3km and there were stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and the Sky Tower but wow, it was boiling!

Fortunately, I get to keep the Santa suit so will be wearing at every opportunity obviously!

Fiafia Day

At school this week, the senior children (Year 5 and 6) at our school took part in a cultural performance to share with their families and our school community. It was called the Fiafia Day which means happy day! Many of my students will be posting their recounts about the Fiafia Day on our class blog and there will be photos and videos on there to look at so please take some time to check these out at www.yendarraschooltuis.blogspot.com

It has been a great week but I'm definitely ready for a well-earned rest over Christmas and New Year. I am SO excited about Katy, Owen and Nicola coming over to see me next week but have lots of work and packing to get done before then!

Counting Down to Christmas!

Hi everyone,

Sorry (again) about the long wait for more news from me. I have been SO busy with lots of end of year things and just had no time to sit down and share my news.

Hope everyone is well and looking forward to Christmas. It is very strange having Christmas on the way when it keeps getting warmer but sadly it's non-stop rain at the moment which is no fun!

Over the last couple of months, I've done some fun things like going up to Keri Keri to stay in a bach by the beach for a weekend. We went up because some friends of Jennie were running the Keri Keri half marathon so we went to support. Fortunately the weather was gorgeous and we got to enjoy the sunshine although the sea was a bit cold for a dip (for most of us anyway!)

I also went to Waitangi which is a very significant place in New Zealand history and we saw a Maori cultural performance which is always fantastic. We also took a very very long drive up to Cape Reinga which is the very northern tip of New Zealand. It was rather windy but a very interesting and spiritual place to be. Maori people believe it is the place where the dead move down into the underworld and there is a flat rock with a single tree on it where they believe there are steps leading the dead down. It is also the point where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean and you can sea a line of bright blue water and crashing waves where this happens.

Coming up at school is our Fiafia Day tomorrow which is a cultural celebration where all of the senior children (Years 5 and 6) perform to the whole school and our community. I have been working with the Tongan group and have learnt so much about their culture and traditions. I can't wait to see and hear all of the singing and dancing tomorrow as the Maori, Samoan, Nuiean and Cook Island groups all perform (weather permitting!)

I will write again soon, hopefully with some photos and video clips! xxx

Room 13 Class Blog

Please check out my new class blog and if you have time, please comment on my student's work - it would really make them happy if you tell them what you like about what they have shared and where you are from.

www.yendarraschooltuis.blogspot.com

There are also links to other Yendarra School blogs if you have time to look - they would really appreciate it!

Thank you all! x