School Cross Country

It has been a really busy week at school.
On Thursday afternoon we walked all the way down to Snowden's Bush and it was a loooong way. The Middle syndicate was running first so we didn't have long to wait before our girls took off at a great rate. They ran round the park beside the road and through the beautiful native bush on the muddy track before heading back to the cheering crowd. Our boys went next and they sped ran the track too. Jack, Peita and Aria were the best performers from our class and have been chosen to represent Brightwater school at the inter school cross country next Tuesday.
We all ran our best race and it was cool doing a real cross country race.

Visit from Nelson Museum

What an amazing morning we had at school on Wednesday. Our Syndicate welcomed Cindy Batt and Nicky Green from the Nelson Museum with a waiata before they took us through the history of several maori instruments. They showed us how to play them and one flute was even blown with your nose. Shells, rocks, and wood were used to make the various instruments which were all very precious.
Next we each made our own koauau out of bamboo. Our first job was to remove the membrane from inside by sanding and then smooth the ends as well. Finally we decorated the outside with black markers and attempted to blow them to make a musical sound. It was really hard work but some of us were successful!
Cindy and Nicky also told us some maori legends - Case-moth cocoon and Maui, Legend of Fire as well as Matariki (Maori New Year).
At the end of the day the Syndicate met together again and performed the haka and poi as thank you to Cindy and Nicky. They thought we were really good and we had an awesome time.

Visit by Robyn Belton - famous illustrator

Yah! Robyn Belton was at school on Wednesday, it was cool. Robyn is a famous illustrator.
She drew a picture and it was super fast. Shall I tell you what I think about her. She's a really good artist. Robyn started drawing when she was three years old. Now that's a long time ago.
She drew a picture of Herbert the Brave Sea Dog with a dolphin in the deep, cold sea by a rock. Robyn is amazing because she draws very, very fast. I thought it was cool and nice for her to have a visit. by Rebecca

Wow, Robyn Belton has already been to our school today. She has long curly, blondish hair.
Robyn told us about the story, 'The Duck and the Gun' and she read it to us which was only two pages, which is okay. The bad thing was that they ran out of copies of 'The Duck and the Gun' and the good news was that they made a different copy and it was the same story.
Robyn and her friend read the whole story about 'Herbert the Brave Sea Dog. After that when Robyn was drawing a picture of Herbert her Secretary was showing us about the real dog of Herbert and the real person of Tim, on the whiteboard.
When she finished the picture we all looked, it was incredibly awesome.
We were rushing to get our bags and to go home after a great afternoon. by Reggie

Awesome! yesterday Robyn Belton came to Brightwater School. She was in Room 12.
When I was sitting down I was thinking, wow look at that picture of Herbert. Robyn must be learning a lot if she is that good. After that she showed us the pictures in a story.
It was cool, like more than cool, it was amazing!
We toddled back to class. Robyn was amazing at drawing. by Holly

Bad Hair Day

On Wednesday 28 of April it was BAD HAIR DAY at Brightwater School. Everyone could have bad hair and we had to bring a gold coin for the Rescue Helicopter. Brightwater School gave the Rescue Helicopter $375.20. We went to the front field court to do a parade. Mr Dobbie lead the parade and Mr Baldwin gave out free tattoos.
It was a great day. I want it to come again. by Brooke Searle

Cool Autumn

Autumn feels quite chilly in the morning and at night. You can hear leaves rustling under your feet. The coolish dew on the wet grass goes on your feet. The deciduous trees are loosing their colourful leaves and the leaves look like snow flakes falling from the sky. Shawn Beer

ANZAC Day

Early one morning on Sunday 25 April at 9 clock the Berkett family went down to Brightwater to remember the soldiers who fought in the wars to keep our wonderful county. All people in Australia and New Zealand celebrate ANZAC Day, and put wreaths on the war memorials. Aimee

Sand Timers

We had really cool fun in Maths because we got to make our own sand timers. The bottom was cut off a small plastic bottle and Pete drilled a small hole in the lid. Next we put some dry, fine sand into our containers and we timed the sand running out for one minute. A mark was put on the container catching the sand so we knew how much to put back into our timers. A minute actually takes a long time when you are watching the clock!