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Monday 19th October | Vol 36 Issue 32 | Term 4 Week 2
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The Importance of the Hand
Nadine Smyth - Tōtara Teacher, Primary
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In Preschool there are many tasks using the hands. We see the children learning by using the sensorial materials and engaging in practical life tasks, including sewing and other handwork. Through these prepared activities, the children are increasing their strength, dexterity and muscle memory. But what is the role of handwork in the 6–12 classes (the second plane of development)?
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You will notice all sorts of handwork in the 6–12 classes. Why is it so important in Montessori education? It becomes important for its own sake; for fun, satisfaction in creating and experiencing different qualities. Handwork, though, can be integrated into Cosmic Education (our integrated curriculum) in so many ways.
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"In this more advanced period [the second plane] we continue to afford children the opportunity to learn through the activity of the hand." To Educate the Human Potential, pg. 8
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We use handwork as a medium of exploration of a subject (as we think of writing about, reading about or discussing a subject). It is not just a separate activity. This opens the door to follow-up activities in which the children can expand their skills, make discoveries and think creatively.
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Ākonga will often ask if they can photocopy or trace an image for their project. We encourage them to draw or make the image instead, sometimes to their dismay. By drawing or making, aspects of what the children explore become apparent through physical experience. These aspects would otherwise be lost by studying the subject in some other way. Making a flower out of clay or drawing it requires one to examine how the petals are attached, the position of the ovary, whether or not there are sepals, and if it has both stamens and a pistil or just one of those. How many petals? Are they attached or separate? In the making, all that we would want the child to notice becomes part of what is studied in order to reproduce it.
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There are, of course, developmental benefits too.
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Some of the handwork that specifically targets motor control and other needs of the child includes:
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- Clay increases strength.
- Sewing improves precision of movement.
- Weaving, origami and paper cutting help with coordinating movement.
- Handwork shifts the focus for children who experience anxiety while still addressing their needs.
- All handwork and art help with focus and engagement.
Handwork is also a route to academics. It can help build trust with the kaiako and peers, allowing the child to journey with us into unfamiliar work or activities where there may have been hesitation.
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Montessori recognised the connection between the hand and a child’s intelligence, character and wellbeing.
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“The child’s intelligence can develop to a certain level without the help of the hand, but if it develops with his hand, then the level it reaches is higher, and the child’s character is stronger.…” The Absorbent Mind, pg. 151
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So, at the end of the day, when we walk around our classrooms putting things in order, we enjoy finding places for the big work, the clay, paint, cardboard and lovingly crafted sewing. Our tamariki are constructing this work and, through this, themselves too.
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E WHAI AKE (Coming up) . . .
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Tuesday 20th October Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
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Wednesday 21st October NZ ShakeOut Day
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Wednesday 21st October Maths Club, 3:30pm - 4:30pm, Tāwari
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Wednesday 21st October BoT/Council Hui, 7pm - 10pm, Tāwari
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Monday 26th October Labour Day (WHOLE SCHOOL CLOSED)
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Tuesday 27th October Drama Club (9-12 and High School ākonga), 3:15pm - 4:15pm, T2
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Tuesday 27th October Tāwari Creative Arts Showcase, 6pm - 9pm
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Wednesday 28th October Maths Club, 3:30pm - 4:30pm, Tāwari
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Saturday 31st October Playgroup & Preschool Open Day (Prospective Parents), 10:30am - 1pm
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School Closed Next Monday
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A reminder that next Monday 26th October, is a public holiday (Labour Day). Both the Area School and Preschool will be closed. School will resume as normal on Tuesday.
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Scholastic Orders
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Issue 7 Scholastic Book Club catalogues went home last week. If you missed out on a copy, extras can be found in the office. Orders are due by Friday 23rd October.
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Just a reminder that 15% of the total from all orders goes towards the school getting rewards to buy more books for the school, which is a great help to us. Thank you to all those who have made orders in the past.
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Staff Carpark Reminder
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A friendly reminder that the staff carpark is reserved for staff members only. We kindly ask that whānau do not use the carpark when dropping off tamariki in the mornings.
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It is important that parking spaces remain available for staff arriving at school so they can park and get on with their day promptly.
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Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep the carpark clear for staff.
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Transition Evening Information
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For those of you with tamariki in Year 4, 7 and 10, who are moving to their new classes next year, you should have received an email about the transition evenings we are running this term.
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Please remember to RSVP by clicking on the link below.
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Year 4 Transition - Tōtara & Tawhai Whānau Hui. Caregivers only please.
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Tuesday 24th November 6pm to 8pm in Kawakawa classroom.
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Year 10 Transition - Tāwari & NCEA Whānau Hui. Year 10 students and caregivers.
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Wednesday 4th November 7pm to 8pm in Tāwari classroom.
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Colgate Recycling Programme
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Please note that the Colgate Recycling Programme has now finished, and we are no longer able to accept toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes or other oral care products for recycling at school.
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Thank you to all the whānau who have supported this initiative over the years!
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Have you registered to vote?
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If you haven’t enrolled to vote yet, we have enrolment forms available at the front desk.
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Enrolment for the 2026 General Election closes at midnight on Sunday 25th October, so we’ll have forms available to collect until Thursday 22nd October.
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Playgroup & Preschool Open Day
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We are running another Playgroup and Preschool Open Day for prospective parents on Saturday 31st October, from 10:30am to 1:00pm. We are still looking for some parent helpers who would be happy to come and be on hand to chat with any interested parents/caregivers. You are welcome to bring your tamariki along and your help will be in lieu of your scheduled working bee.
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Please contact Ashleigh or Emma in the office if you are able to help.
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Term 4 Whānau Coffee Morning
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Our Preschool and Primary parent get-together is happening on Tuesday 10th November at 9am at Trade School Kitchen, 17 Everest Avenue, Naenae.
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These gatherings are very relaxed and offer a great opportunity for Preschool and Primary parents to meet and connect with other families. Toddlers and babies are very welcome!
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Come along for a relaxed chat and a cuppa and stay for as long or as little as you like.
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Preschool & Primary Open House – Wednesday 2nd December
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We warmly invite our Preschool and Primary whānau to join us for our Open House on Wednesday 2nd December, from 3pm – 5pm.
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This is a lovely opportunity for whānau to spend time exploring their tamaiti's akomanga (classroom) together. Your tamaiti can show you some of the activities they enjoy during the school day, share their learning, and give you a tour of their classroom.
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Kaiako will be available to offer support and answer any questions you may have.
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If you have any questions, please contact Lucy or Anna.
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We look forward to seeing you there!
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'No hat, no play' in Term 4
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Please remember to pack your child’s sunhat for school this term. During the summer Terms 1 and 4, all students must wear a sunhat with an appropriately sized brim if outside.
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Save the Date – Book Week (Primary)
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In week 4 we will be celebrating Book Week in the Primary School! We have two events for ākonga:
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Toys Take Over the Library - Tuesday 3rd November
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To celebrate Book Week, Primary tamariki can bring ONE soft toy to the library to hang out for the day (teddy bears, action figures, etc. are OK, NOT LEGO sets, cards, or board games). A photo will be sent home to the whānau so tamariki can see what their toys got up to while they were in class. Toys need to be dropped off at the library before school starts, from 8:30am. Please remember to make sure they are named!
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Cost: We are asking for a gold coin to participate and the money raised will go towards Storytime Foundation - a charity that supplies books to families who cannot afford them.
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Book Parade - Wednesday 4th November
Dress up as a book character! The parade will be at 9am on the primary basketball court. All characters need to be originally from books (NOT video games, TV shows, toys, movies that have been turned into books; this might require a bit of research).
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Graphic novels, manga and comic books are acceptable. Disney characters are acceptable as long as they were originally from books.
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Book Drive for the Gala
During the week the library will also be taking donations for our book stall at the Wā Ora Gala. Just drop them off at the library anytime during Book Week. All books are welcome.
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P.T.A (PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION)
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Coming Up
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Upcoming Meetings:
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Wednesday 2nd December, 7:30pm (location TBC)
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Wā Ora Gala
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Saturday 28th November | 10am–3pm | Wā Ora Montessori Primary Playground
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Whānau Stalls
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As part of our Gala on Saturday 28th November, we’d love to give our Wā Ora whānau the opportunity to have their own stall and share their small businesses, creations, services or goodies with our school community.
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Spaces are limited, so these will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis.
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A few important things to know:
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🪴 You’ll need to bring everything you need for your stall, including your own table, chairs, displays, power leads, etc.
🪴 You’ll be responsible for setting up, running and packing down your own stall.
🪴 Please make sure your setup is suitable for an outdoor event.
🪴 We have limited spaces available, so unfortunately we can’t guarantee a place for everyone who is interested.
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We’re really excited to make the Gala a huge community day and would love to have some of our own whānau businesses and creations represented!
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Gala Garage Sale - Donations Wanted!
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Our Gala is coming up and we’re starting to collect items for our Gala Garage Sale!
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If you’re having a clear-out at home, we’d love to give your unwanted goodies a new home while helping raise funds for our school.
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We’re looking for good-quality, clean and usable items including:
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👕 Kids’ clothing & shoes
🧸 Toys & games
🍳 Kitchenware & small household items
🏡 General bric-a-brac & garage sale goodies
🎨 Crafts, games and other bits and pieces
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🚫 Please NO adult clothing or footwear, household linen, electronics, car seats or furniture.
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📚 Books will be collected separately during Book Week, so please hold onto any books you’d like to donate and keep an eye out for the Book Week collection details.
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🛍️ We’re also looking for PAPER BAGS!
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If you have clean, sturdy paper shopping bags sitting around at home that you no longer need, we’d love to put them to good use on Gala Day.
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Donations can be dropped off at the school office from the beginning of Term 4 until Friday 13th of November.
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Have a cupboard, wardrobe or garage that needs a good clear-out? This is your sign!
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Every donation helps us raise funds for our tamariki and our school community.
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Join GirlGuiding NZ!
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Spaces are available now for girls aged 5-17 years in local Pippins, Brownies, Guides and Rangers units.
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Make friends, try new things, earn badges, build confidence and have fun!
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Friendship • Adventure • Fun • Skills
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Xervier's World Sailing Achievement
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Xervier Doney from Tāwari has just competed in the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portimão, Portugal.
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Xervier captained a Hansa 303 in the Inclusive Two Person Keelboat Open Championships, with his father, Paul, as crew. While Xervier and Paul placed further down the field in the Open event, they won their subgroup for captains with an Intellectual Impairment classification.
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They were awarded the World Sailing title of “Supported Intellectual Impairment – Two Person Champions”.
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A huge congratulations to Xervier and Paul on this fantastic achievement! What an incredible experience and a wonderful accomplishment on the world stage!
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Wā Ora Footballers at the McCartney Invitational Tournament
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Wā Ora footballers and their dedicated supporters were well represented at the McCartney Invitational Tournament, held during the school holidays in Taupō. It's the largest junior football tournament in Australasia, with 120 teams from all over Aotearoa New Zealand. Lola Simon, Ben Brough, TomTom Woodson, Jesse Horspool, Max Jellicoe and Amos Thomson had a blast over the three days of games, representing Petone FC. They all put in excellent performances despite tough competition, with two of the teams bringing home trophies for second place in their grades. Desta and Mariye Taye from the Preschool also put in an appearance supporting their dad, Birhanu, who was coaching Waterside Karori AFC.
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Weetbix Kids TRYathlon 2027
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We will be entering a school team into next year’s TRYathlon.
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Distances are approximate and are as follows:
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- 6 year olds 50m swim / 1.5km run
- 7 year olds 50m swim / 4km cycle / 1.5km run
- 8 – 9 year olds 100m swim / 4km cycle / 1.5km run
- 10 – 15 year olds 150m swim / 8km cycle / 1.5 km run
- Splash & Dash - 6 year olds only. Swim and run.
- Individual TRYathlete - 7-15 year olds. Swim, cycle and run.
- Teams of Two - 7-9 year olds (Juniors) and 10-15 year olds (Seniors). One team member does the swim, the other does the cycle, and both do the run.
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Football for All
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