A group of students made these teddy bears during their clubs session in term 4, 2023. We gave the finished bears to Totara Hospice to raffle.

Teacher only days are a time to learn together and improve outcomes for students. The bonus is they are fun as well.

In Term 4 the Kahu Hapori heard rumour that an origami igloo was being constructed by Ignite Architects in Auckland.  We are rather proud of our origami skills and offered to help out.  They provided us with recycled paper and we got on with the job.  Here are some photos of us folding the paper and some images of the igloo growing!  The aim is to have it completed by Christmas. 

Tui One takes you on a journey, delving into the captivating chemistry, creative artistry, and problem-solving skills involved in crafting luxurious soap bars. From understanding the chemical reactions that make soap, to making captivating patterns and colours and designing cool packaging.  We’ll show you how soap making is not only a sensory delight but also a versatile educational tool that aligns with essential STEAM learning.

These are some of the slides so of the journey so far.

Super bees soap

Soap making for gala

TGS soap

At TGS, we believe that learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom. Our commitment to holistic education takes students on an exciting journey of exploration, fostering a deep understanding of the environment and cultural values. Recently, our students embarked on a unique outdoor learning adventure at Tōtara Park, where they delved into the concept of Kaitiakitanga while observing the incredible lifecycle of puriri moths in the peculiar putaputaweta tree.

What is Kaitiakitanga?

Kaitiakitanga is a Maori concept that translates to guardianship or stewardship. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world, urging us to take care of the environment and ensure its sustainability for future generations. At TGS, we believe in instilling this essential value in our students, helping them appreciate and respect the land they live on.

Exploring Kaitiakitanga in Tōtara Park

Tōtara Park, a lush natural haven on our doorstep, provided the perfect backdrop for our students to immerse themselves in Kaitiakitanga, authentic Science learning, and hands-on Enviro contributions. On this particular excursion, they explored the remarkable life cycle of puriri moths within the putaputaweta tree.

The putaputaweta tree, with its gnarled bark and majestic presence, is an essential part of New Zealand’s native flora. These trees play a significant role in supporting various wildlife, including puriri moths. The students observed how puriri moths lay their eggs on the tree trunk. These eggs hatch into larvae that burrow into the tree, where they undergo metamorphosis. Eventually, they emerge as adult moths.

Witnessing the Wonders of Nature

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly when our students had a chance to see a puriri moth cocoon up close, a rare and fascinating sight that left them in awe. The hands-on experience of witnessing nature in action provided them with a profound connection to the environment, igniting their sense of responsibility as Kaitiaki (guardians).

Furthermore, our students explored the vacant puriri moth holes in the tree, discovering that these cavities often serve as homes for other creatures, such as weta. Weta, like puriri moths, are remarkable insects with their own unique life cycles. It was a thrilling moment for our students as they explored these vacant holes and had the opportunity to observe weta in their natural habitat.

In addition to hands-on experiences, TGS has been harnessing the power of state-of-the-art technology to deepen our understanding of local biodiversity. We believe that integrating technology into our outdoor learning experiences can provide students with unique insights into the natural world. Seek and iNaturalist, two powerful smartphone apps, have been instrumental in this endeavor.

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Kiwi Hapori students are making things to sell at the gala and they needed a painting booth.

These are the solutions from these problem solving teachers.

In order to show their understanding Kāhu students have been building their own games of chance.

Students designed a game and wrote a set of instructions. 

Biosecurity is very important to New Zealand because agriculture and horticulture are our main sources of income.  If any pests find their way into our country, they could ruin these industries.

In order to protect our borders, Biosecurity officers look very closely at what people are bringing in and taking out of the country. 

During an enviro lesson, we had to use our observation skills to check out seeds which were supposedly being brought into the country.  Using tweezers, magnifying glasses and seed identification cards, we sorted through the seeds before deciding whether to pass or fail the purity of the seeds.  Although initially it looked like all the seeds were the same, on close inspection, we realised there was a mixture of different seeds, (and even some bugs!) amongst the seeds. 

We therefore failed them entry.