Gate Pā School's programme got off to a great start this week. Ngā Manu o Pukehinahina (Birds of Gate Pā) was this week's kaupapa and the kids really got into it!
We started with some light-hearted introductions and getting to know each other a little, which helped break the ice! Then we grouped up and brainstormed to see what we already knew about birds. We discussed how we identify them, looked at some photos of our common (and not so common) native birds, then went out to see what we could find! 🕊️🌿
The kids love spending time in their gully and it was great to get down there with them.
What's happening in our gully?
They conducted bird surveys and delighted in seeing Tīrairaka (fantails) flit around us and tūī singing high up in the treetops. They noticed non-native birds were much more common though, which got us wondering... what could we do to bring more native birds back into our gully? 🤔
We ended with some reflection time, and students were gifted their very own 'Taiao Dairies', a place where they can write, draw and generally reflect on their learning and experiences. One student also realised it could work as a perfect repository for any taonga that she finds on her adventures 🙂 The students really embraced this koha and already some gems were written, drawn and collected ❤
It was fantastic to see the kids engagement in this kaupapa, and we're really looking forward to building on this with our native plant 'treasure hunt' next week!
Ngā mihi nui ki a Matua Amorangi and everyone else here at GPS helping to make this happen for our tamariki.
Until next time,
Matua Jake
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