Wednesday 5 December 2012

Leavers Dinner

Last night the Year 8s celebrated the end of their time at St Mary's.  Dinner was followed by dancing, putting into practise all that had been learnt from Mr Fullwood.





Monday 26 November 2012

Friday 23 November 2012

Day 5 - Coach A

Spending a whole week with a large group of people on a bus and visiting the places organised is always a challenge.  We had a great bunch of kids and adults on our bus.  It certainly helped having a dvd player for the trip home!!!


Day 5 - Te Rauparaha Pools Porirua

A morning at the pool was the perfect way to end our busy EOTC week at Wellington.








Day 4 - White Men Can Jump!!!

Wellington's waterfront is a hive of activity especially on a stunning day like today.  There is one area in particular where you can jump into the water.  Whilst many of the students would have loved the chance to jump in, we left it to Mr Wroe and Mr Miller!!



Day 4 - City by Night


We ended our fourth day with a trip across to the city on the ferry, followed by a ride up the cable car and a drive up to Mt Victoria to take in the view.

Thursday 22 November 2012

Mrs Jackson's Whanau

During our camp we have been placed in Whanau groups to make it easier to keep track of us!  After the City Gallery, Mrs Jackson's whanau group went for a wander.


Day 4 - City Gallery


The exhibition we viewed was Kermadec - Nine Artists in the South Pacific.  These artist had spent time in the Kermadecs (an area between NZ and Tonga) and visually represented their experiences.  We were given sketch pads to recreate some of these images and then transfer these ideas onto paper with indian ink.

Day 4 - Te Papa

Some of the images from our visit to Te Papa today.


Day 4 - Police College



 We enjoyed our tour of the Police College, especially seeing the recruits practising on the skid tracks.  Mrs Hawke was lucky enough to actually go in the police car!!  In the Police Museum, we got to try on uniforms and sit on a motorcycle, as well as take our own finger prints.



Wednesday 21 November 2012

Day 3 - Fun on the field after dinner


We finished the day with some fun on the field - frisbee throwing, touch rugby, swings and exploring.

Day 3 - Westpac Stadium


This afternoon we toured through Westpac Stadium.  We were fortunate to be allowed into a corporate box (that some companies pay up to $1000 a seat for a season pass!!) and into the media rooms. 

Day 3 - National War Memorial

It was a humbling experience to learn about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and how it is a representation of all those who have lost their lives fighting for our country.  There are significant plans for the development of a park area in front of the National War Memorial.  The deadline is 25 April 2014 - 100 since Gallipoli.  Our students were particularly reverent during our wreath laying ceremony.


Day 3 - Island Bay Marine Reserve

Victor and Judy were very passionate educators about marine life.


The students had the chance to pick up and touch a variety of creatures found in the Cook Strait and Rocky Shore area, as well as search the rocks themselves.  



The adults had to wear special hats so they could be seen!!!


Tuesday 20 November 2012

Day 2 Line Dancing

After a busy day, we headed into the barn to show off our line dancing skills.  Everyone was roped in, including the teachers and parents.  Videos to follow!


Day 2 BNZ Museum


At the BNZ Museum, we learnt about the history of money in NZ and also about the BNZ.  We made our own seal marks and typed on old typewriters!  For many, this was the highlight of the day.

Day 2 Parliament


Cameras were not allowed inside Parliament Buildings but we were there!!

Day 2 Botanical Gardens and Carters Observatory


We had a great time exploring the Botanical Gardens while the sun shone, before visiting Carters Observatory.  The rain appeared at lunchtime but we still made it to the playground!

Monday 19 November 2012

Camp Wellington Day 1

This morning just after 8am, we set off on our EOTC adventure to Wellington.  After a brief stretch of the legs at Woodville, we headed to Mt Bruce.  Here we saw tuatara, a white kiwi (there are only 2 in the world and both of them are here), kokako, kaka, eels and redwoods.  We arrived at Silverstream Retreat just before 6 and in time for fish and chips for dinner!  A movie followed a game of Never Ending Tag on the field.


Be sure to check out Rm 1 and 2 blogs (links found on the side of this page) to see their pictures as well.

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Wellington EOTC Itinerary




Wellington
EOTC
November 19th-23rd
Things we will Experience

Pukahu Mount Bruce Conservation and Wildlife Centre.
  Island Bay Marine Education Reserve
 Parliament
  BNZ Museum
  Westpac Stadium
  Carter Observatory
  National War Memorial
  City Gallery
  Te Papa
  NZ Police College & Museum

Follow our week on our Class Blogs each day to see us enjoying these amazing experiences.