Guthrie Smith arboretum and White Pine bush trip

On Friday the 7th August the year 4 students from Bledisloe Primary were invited by PanPac to go and visit Guthrie-Smith arboretum to see the work that is being done there to help prevent soil erosion and to eradicate unwanted pests from our native bush.

Prior to us going we had a visit from Lynne Arnold the HB environmental educator. She took us through what we could expect to see there as well as som facts about the different kinds of trees there were.

The trip itself was a great success. It was great weather for walking and we all really enjoyed the bus ride with Sonja telling us lots of interesting stories and local maori history about the area. She even read us a cool story on the way home too.

The walk involved looking at both native trees and introduced species. George, the Guthrie-Smith guide, showed us the different kinds of pest traps he uses to get rid of animals like possums, rats, stoats and weasels. He even showed us a dead weasel!

A real highlight was being able to plant our own native tree in a newly developed area. The kids will be able to go back and show their kids the trees they planted!

We went for a walk into White Pine bush too with a couple of DOC workers. We got to see beautiful tall kahikatea and nikau palms. We were asked to be advocates for the bush and to spread the message of keeping our environment clean and pest free so that future generations can enjoy it!The haka by us at the end was awesome and gave the adults shivers up and down their spines....


After a big day out we went home and thought about all of things we had seen and heard during the day!

Georgia did a great job of saying Kia ora to Sonja and the DOC workers

The Real Art Roadshow

What a treat it was to be able to view some fantastic, interesting and unusual artworks. It was awesome to have Paul there to explain the purpose of the artworks so that we all came away with a new appreciation of contemporary art. The complimentary sketch books and pencils were also a real treat too! Keep an eye out for this great resource which is FREE! Kia ora!

Hopefully the Real Art Roadshow truck will be here in the first couple of days of this term. There is a possibility it won't make it as it got caught in the recent Whanganui floods. We are going to be doing some great artworks in the afternoons of week one in response to this visit...come and have a look at the exhibition yourselves!

Matariki is coming

Room 6 had the privilege of having a 'visiting author' (Mr Howes from Room 8) come to our class to inspire us with our writing. He shared his poem Matariki is Coming and taught us how to write our own.
Here are a few examples below....enjoy!

MATARIKI IS COMING, By Rhys

Remember that time when we drove to Moteo Marae?
We learnt how to play knuckle bones.
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we went to Mitre 10 tough kids 2015?
We got soaking wet.
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we drove to the rocky shore?
We learnt how to put a star fish back in the water.
Matariki is coming.


Remember that time when we ate our lunch on the middle playground?
Mrs Stephens took a few pictures.
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we played ball tag?
We had rules.
Matariki is here.

MATARIKI IS COMING, By Grace

Remember that time when we went tot he tough kids challenge?
It was all slimy and muddy.
Matariki is coming

Remember that time when we went to the aquarium?
I went with my mum.
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we went to the rocky shore?
It was full of huge rocks.
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we coloured in the big tree?
It was fun.
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we coloured the poppies?
I made one that Mrs Pacheco liked.
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we were making the masks?
Matariki is coming.

Remember when we were waiting outside for Matariki?
Matariki is here.

MATARIKI IS COMING, By Temple

Remember that time when we got to change rooms?
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we went to the aquarium?
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we did painting with Rei?
I had to remember to do strokes.
Matariki is coming.

Remember the time when we were in Mrs Stephens Room?
I loved it.
Matariki is coming.

Remember that time when we made the big tree and we coloured it?
Matariki is here.