Wonderful Wetlands

On Friday the 11th May 140 middle school students set off for Lake Rotomanu.


We explored the wetlands, visited the beach and Te Rewa Bridge. 
What a great time we all had.  Thanks to all our helpers who made the day possible.


Our Wetlands are so important. Did you know they can do all these things?

• store and purify water
• Controlling flooding
• Stabilising shorelines and protecting against storms
• Replenishing groundwater
• Providing nurseries and habitat for native fish, including eels and whitebait
• Supporting a wide range of native plants, including many threatened species
• Reducing erosion 
• Providing nesting and feeding areas for birdlife, including many migrating birds that visit New Zealand each year, and many endangered bird species (wetlands are home to 22% of New Zealand’s birds)
• Creating tourism and recreation opportunities (for example for bird watchers, walkers, photographers, fishermen, whitebaiters and hunters). (NZ Forest and Bird.org) 

It's such a shame that over 90% of New Zealand's wetlands have been drained away to make way for housing and roads.  What can we do to help people understand the importance of wetlands???? Bring your ideas along to school to discuss.

WIND

A Poem by Sophia aged 8

Wind...
Howling like a wolf
Whistling and screaming like ghosts.
Trees uprooting.
Electricity out.
Branches Snapping.
Roads closed.
Car doors slamming.
Windows smashing.
I feel nervous!

Wild Windy Day

Written by Nathan

Wind
Howling like a wolf
Roofs off
Plants falling
Schools closed
 (but not mine)
Doors slamming
Whistling like a whistle
Powerful wind
Making my brain crazy!

The Woodleigh Waffle

Marmite Madness!

It's official - theres a marmite shortage.  But do you care?  Are you a vegemite lover or a marmite lover?  Or do you not like either?  Mrs R loves marmite..... thanks to a special class member she now has a jar of her own black gold to help her get through the next five months.... It would have been a bit scary if she didn't get her marmite on toast!  See the newspaper article above.

HIWI THE KIWI

We had visit from The Minstral and Hiwi the Kiwi today.  He was just so funny and an amazing musician. He taught us about marine reserves and how to be responsible when boating and fishing.

If you want to join the website.... go to www.hiwithekiwi.co.nz

Place Value Champ

We are learning about place value in Mathematics.  Click on the link to the right to play a simple game to test your knowledge of place value.

• We are learning to expand numbers like 1452 is 1000+400+50+2

• We are also learning the place value of numbers eg the Value of the underlined number.  342 is 40 and it is in the tens place.  Can you practise at home?

Maths is Fun!