Haiku Poetry

 Kia Ora!

Here's another update from what we've been up to in room 10!  This time it's about our writing - we've written Haiku poems.

This week we've added a new a new Philosopher to our wall, this time it's Matsuo Bashō, famous philosopher and buddhist poet.  His Haiku 'The Old Pond' inspired Room 10 to create our own Haiku by adopting his philosophy of simplicity and imperfect perfection while we write.

A few examples of Room 10's own poems can be viewed on the Kauri site but here is a great example of a mountain in Bolivia by our own Alexia! 

Week 5 Blog Update

Kia Ora Tamariki and Whaanau

I know it's been a bit of time since I updated this blog, the aim is to get more frequent with it and let everyone know what has been happening in Rūma Tekau.

Room 10 has been amazingly patient and helpful while I try to find my feet at Hamilton East School.  Part of me getting into the swing of things this week has been posting more of the work online on the kauri site (which you can access on the side there.)  So if you do find yourself at home, there are activity ideas for you to access and give a go.

In class, Rūma Tekau have been creating self portraits inspired by the wonderful work of Brazilian Artist Romero Britto.  So far they've come out beautifully colourful and have spiced up the colourscape of Room 10.

Other than this, we have learned about the philosophies of three famous philosophers.  The Dalai Lama's philosophy of compassion inspired our own personal class treaty and our agreement on how we want people to be treated in Room 10.

Māori psychologist Mason Durie's philosophy of wellbeing was our next excursion.  We examined the four pillars of our wellbeing, how they intertwine and are all needed to stand strong for our overall wellbeing to thrive.  We also planned and brainstormed ways we can aid our wellbeing aspects and taught these ways to the rest of the class in groups.

This week we will be examining Ludwig Wittgenstein and his philosophy of 'learning to say what's on your mind' and how this can not only improve our speaking ability, but also our writing, critical thinking and shows empathy.  

As always, you can email me at aedwards@hameast.school.nz and I'll reply as soon as I can. 

Always a pleasure!

Alexander Edwards

Kia Ora!

Ko Pirongia tōku Maunga
Ko Waikato tōku Awa
Ko Te Kohanga Mārama tōku Marae
No Tokoroa Ahau
Ko Edwards tōku whanau
Ko Bernard tōku Pāpā
Ko Louise tōku Māmā
Ko Morgan tōku Teina
Ko Alexander tōku Ingoa

Kia Ora!

My name is Alexander Edwards and I'll be the the teacher in Room 10 for 2022.  Hamilton East School is the second school that I've worked at and I'm really excited to be teaching here!  At University I studied teaching and philosophy which means my favourite thing to do in the class is have cool conversations about all sorts of deep and interesting things.

I look forward to meeting all of Room 10 and their whānau.  My email is aedwards@hameast.school.nz if you need to make contact with me.  Let's hope this year can bring a bit more stability.

Ngā Mihi

Alexander Edwards

Prizegiving 2021

 This year's prizegiving was very different to normal. It was a very casual affair that took place at the outdoor classroom on Putitikitiki.  No parents were allowed to attend due to Covid 19. 

Apart from all the prizes for academic, sports and social achievements, the Year 6's were presented with Leaving Certificates.

We were very proud of Maia as she received the Speights Shield - for academic achievement as well as sports, culture, citizenship and music achievement.

Don't Forget Grandma

This week Lawrence presented a play to the class with the help of Toby, Savva and Lucas. It was based on the story "Don't Forget Grandma!" The class thoroughly enjoyed the play. Well done - Lawrence, Toby, Savva and Lucas.

Invasion Busters Kit from the House of Science

This week has been all about Science. We received the Invasion Busters Kit from the House of Science on Monday and have spent the week learning about how there are measures in place to protect our native fauna and flora. We have been working as biosecurity agents. It has been a lot of fun with a lot of hands-on activities. On the last day, we had to search an area of Putikitiki to see there were any signs of insects, or actual insects. Once the insects or signs were found we had to identify them to see if they were an actual threat. 

Fifth Week of Home Learning - Home Learning or At School Learning Tasks!