​Napier Intermediate were short a teacher so I went on school camp this week. My favourite spot, our old farm.  Played in the river and had a captive audience as students saw what really lives in the water.  We were looking for macroinvertebrates to see how healthy the Mangaone River was (perfect score :) but we also saw trout, tuna (eels) and kura.  Pretty amazing tally really.  Excellent parent help made things so much easier.  Sure stirred up some great memories ...  

My year began with a noho marae at Waimarama, working alongside Te Aratika staff to develop the direction for 2021.  Day 2 started at 4am as we headed to Waitangi to welcome the dawn alongside Kimi Ora School staff.  Pēreri the orator was in his element, we listened and felt the stories come to life and make meaning as the sun quietly rose behind us.  Thoroughly recommend weaving the Waitangi Reserve into your Local Curriculum folks, this place is powerful, accessible and a truly connected space for your students.  

The following week the boys were at Kohupatiki Marae for three days, getting to know each other, learning a few waiata and our haka, and understanding the kaupapa of the school.  It's all about relationships if you want the learning to happen.
Loved being alongside these 'Developing Men of Valour' during this important step.