Daniel's wee sister

 A new member of our St Mark's School family. It is just delightful to have Samara come to school.  Congratulations!

 Daniel, Samara  and Silvana

Spelling Programme

We are very excited about the new spelling programme that we have begun using at St Mark's School.  Children are grouped in Year Groups across Waka Pūhara.

Please take the time to click on the links below which explain about the Word Lab Programme and outline suggested spelling homework activities.

Word Lab - Letter to Parents

Word Lab - Spelling Homework Activities


Words to be consolidated, from Week 2 learning:

Yr 3
always
cried
idea
really

Yr 4
address
allowed
answer
appear

Yr 5
afraid
difficult
height
measure

Jesus You're My Super Hero

Jesus You're my Super Hero

He's the one who is always there for us ... no matter what!

Jesus You're my Superhero - Hillsong Kids - Lyric Video

Tales from the mythologies of Creation, Maui and Aoraki

We hear so often about Te Ika a Maui - how the North Island was fished up, by Maui, using his magic hook.  But the legend of how the South Island was formed is also a great one.  Here you will find both legends, together.  Aoraki, the eldest brother (from the waka that become the South Island), then became Aoraki (Mt Cook).  

A HUGE congratulations Liam, from Kōtuku, who was able to retell this legend for us, before we watched the video clip - he was the only one in our class who already had a very strong knowledge of this legend.  Well done Liam - you blew us away!

(About this video clip: An Animation Research Ltd animation, originally in stereoscopic 3D, which screened daily in the 'Waka Maori' pavilion (Auckland, New Zealand) during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Starting with a version of the Maori Creation myth we then see the Sky Father and Earth Mother separated, before joining Maui and his brothers on a fishing trip which culminates in the catch of the North Island of New Zealand. Aoraki and his brothers also go on a sea voyage, and this results in the formation of the South Island. The final voyage is to Auckland, and the Waka Maori pavilion itself.)

Christchurch Rocks

Christchurch Rocks

(From the 'Christhchurch Rocks' Facebook Page)

Some people in Waka Pūhara have been out and about hunting for rocks.  That may sound a bit strange, but have a read of the article below about 'Christchurch Rocks' ... this may help you to understand why hunting rocks can be so much fun!

(From the 'Christhchurch Rocks' Facebook Page)

(From the 'Christhchurch Rocks' Facebook Page)

What is Christchurch Rocks Page about (Facebook)

Our very own Dustin!  I found him on the 'Christchurch Rocks' Facebook Page.  

Here he is, proudly displaying his rock find.

Thanks also for bringing this rock (and another one) into school to show us.

Challenge:  Tell us about your 'Rock Hunting' experiences.  

(If you have a 'Rock' photo, email it to Ms Steans ...  k.steans@saintmarks.school.nz and she will add it to this page.)