Year: 2025

Record for Longest Living Marriage – Wānanga

Today, I want to share some insights from our recent Wānanga session, where we explored Kiwi Kids News, a fantastic resource full of engaging articles. One particularly touching piece was about the record for the longest living marriage, which caught my attention for its beautiful celebration of love and commitment. It’s incredible to think about the experiences and challenges that such couples have faced together over the years. In my post, I’ll be discussing both recall and thinking questions related to this article. I hope you find this exploration as inspiring as I did, enjoy.

Record For Longest Living Marriage

RECALL Questions

  1. Who is the main person or group of people in this news article?

    • The main people in this article are Manoel Angelim Dino and Maria de Sousa Dino, a couple from Brazil.

  2. What was the key event from the news article?

    • The key event is that Manoel Angelim Dino and Maria de Sousa Dino set a new world record for the longest marriage among living couples, having been married for 84 years and 77 days.

  3. Where did this event take place?

    • This event took place in Ceará, Brazil.

  4. When did this event take place?

    • This event was confirmed on Valentine’s Day.

THINKING Questions

  1. Find a quote from the main person in this news article? Make it 13 years old.

    • The article doesn’t provide a direct quote from the couple, but you could imagine a simple quote like: “We’ve been together for a long time, and it’s been a beautiful journey. We are happy and grateful to share our story,” said Manoel and Maria.

  2. In your own words, describe what happened in this news article.

    • This article is about a couple from Brazil, Manoel and Maria, who have been married for 84 years, setting a world record for the longest marriage among living couples. They got married in 1940 and have a huge family now. Although their marriage is the longest living one, it is still a bit shorter than the world record for the longest marriage ever.

  3. Find out where this event took place and include some information about this place.

    • The event took place in Ceará, Brazil, Ceará is a state in northeastern Brazil, known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage. The capital of Ceará is Fortaleza, which is a major tourist destination.

  4. Tell us when this event happened and explain what might happen in the future.

    • This event was confirmed on Valentine’s Day. In the future, Manoel and Maria might break the record for the longest marriage ever, as they are just a few years away from surpassing the current record of 88 years and 349 days.

  5. Explain in your own words why this event took place.

    • This event took place because Manoel and Maria Dino have been married for an extraordinary amount of time, setting a new world record for the longest marriage among living couples. Their long-lasting relationship and commitment to each other made them eligible for this record.

Thanks for reading
Shreeya

Reading Scales – Science Class

Kia Ora everyone, welcome back to my blog. Today in science we were learning and reading scales. We had to copy down what our teacher wrote on the board and copy them down on our blogs which is below, and after that, we had to do a worksheet. Sorry, I am not writing too much because I really have nothing to say.

  • Liquids are measured in millilitres (ml), ml is the abbreviation for millilitres.
  • Solids are measured in grams (gm), gm is the abbreviation for grams.
  • Volume is the amount of space that a liquid or solid takes up.

Thanks for reading.

Shreeya

Kapa Haka – Dance Class

Hello, welcome back to my blog.

Today, in Dance class, we’re learning about an exciting and meaningful tradition, the Haka. In this blog post, I’ll be answering some key questions: Who performs the Haka? What exactly is it? Where can you do it? Why do people do it? And way more. I hope this blog helps you gain a deeper understanding of this powerful Māori dance.

Who Does Kapa Haka?

Kapa Haka - Hutt International Boys' School

Kapa haka is a collective Māori performance art that brings together people to dance, chant, and sing in a synchronised display of culture, strength, and unity. Both men and women can participate in kapa haka, but traditionally, women are known for performing poi, a graceful, rhythmic performance with balls attached to cords. Poi originally served as a way to train warriors, but today, it is a beautiful display of grace and charm.

What is the Haka?

The term kapa haka is obtained from the Māori language, with “kapa” meaning “to stand in a row” and “haka” meaning “dance.” Kapa haka refers to a group of people standing together to perform traditional Māori dances, followed by powerful chants or songs. The haka itself is often associated with Māori warriors and was used to show strength, unity, and pride. Though commonly thought of as a war dance, the haka also serves as a ceremonial expression of joy, respect, and welcome.

Where Can You Do the Haka?

While the haka originated as a warrior tradition, today it’s performed in various settings. You can see it at major events like sporting matches, particularly before rugby games, weddings, funerals, and cultural ceremonies known as Pōwhiri (traditional Māori welcomes). The haka is a symbol of respect, and it brings a sense of connection and power to any occasion.

Why Do They Do the Haka?

The power and purpose of kapa haka | The Spinoff

Traditionally, the haka was performed by Māori warriors before going into battle to inspire courage and challenge their enemies. It’s a powerful way to show physical strength, unity, and cultural pride. Today, the haka is not just a war dance, it’s used to celebrate, express gratitude, and honour important moments. It’s a way of bringing people together, creating energy, and giving life to the spirit of the event.

 

Why Does the Rugby Team Perform the Haka?

All Blacks do the haka. What is the kapa haka? – 1964 Mountain Culture Journal

The famous Haka performed by New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team has become one of the most iconic displays of the tradition. It’s a way for the players to connect with their roots, honour Māori culture, and mentally prepare for the game ahead. The energy, intensity, and raw emotion of the haka help the team bond, focus, and send a message of pride and strength to their opponents.

 

Kapa haka practice crucial for Black Ferns prep | RNZ News

Even New Zealand’s women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns, performs their own haka, called Ko Ūhia Mai (“Let It Be Known”). This haka was created specifically for the team to empower and inspire them before they take the field.

What Are the Three Types of Haka?

There are three main types of haka, each with its own purpose and style:

  1. Haka Peruperu (War Haka):
    Purpose: This haka is performed by warriors before heading into battle. It is meant to intimidate enemies, display strength, and unite the warriors.
    Style: Aggressive and powerful, it includes strong stomping and loud chanting.
    Movements: Body slapping and exaggerated gestures are often accompanied by weapons like the taiaha (spear) or mere (club).
    Symbolism: Represents strength, defiance, and readiness for war.
  2. Haka Taparahi (Supportive Haka):
    Purpose: Performed to inspire and uplift people, often in a group setting like a sports match or performance.
    Style: Less aggressive but still energetic and passionate, with strong chants and movements.
    Movements: Focuses on rhythm and collective energy rather than individual intensity.
    Symbolism: Represents unity and support, particularly for a team or community.
  3. Haka Pōwhiri (Welcoming Haka):
    Purpose: A ceremonial haka to welcome visitors peacefully and respectfully.
    Style: Gentle and graceful, this haka focuses on ceremonial chanting and hand movements.
    Movements: Often include hand gestures and karanga (traditional calls).
    Symbolism: Signifies respect, peace, and the honouring of guests.

Videos and Pictures


 

Whether it’s a powerful battle cry or a heartfelt welcome, the haka is much more than just a dance, it’s a living, breathing art form that embodies Māori history, culture, and pride.

If you’re interested in learning the haka, many Māori cultural groups offer workshops where you can learn the movements, chants, and significance of this amazing tradition. You don’t have to be Māori to participate, it’s a way to connect with the culture and understand the spirit of unity it fosters.

Thank you for reading my post, I hope you now have a deeper understanding of the haka and how it connects people through its powerful expression of culture and history.

Thanks,

Shreeya

Bunsen Burner continued… – Science Class

The correct order for lighting a Bunsen Burner is:

  1. Close the air hole
  2. Light a match
  3. Hold the match over the nozzle
  4. Turn the gas tap on

The equipment we used:

  1. Bunsen Burner
  2. Heat proof mat
  3. Gauze mat
  4. Beaker
  5. 50ml water
  6. Tripod

Setting up equipment:

  1. Set up Bunsen Burner
  2. Set up your Tripod and Beaker
  3. Put 50ml of water in the beaker

Kiwi Kids News – 300-Year-Old Violin sells for $11.3M – (Wānanga Class)

Hello everyone,

Today in our Wānanga class, we were given the task of reading a Kiwi Kids News article and answering the Recall and Thinking Questions based on it. I chose to read about something super interesting, a 300-year-old violin that was sold for a mind-blowing $11.3 million. I found it so cool and fascinating because I didn’t know violins could be worth that much. If you’re curious about the article or wondering what it’s all about, you can find more details in the article itself, and I’ve also included my answers to the questions below.

Article 

300-Year-Old Violin Sells For $11.3M

Recall Questions:

  • Who is the main person or group of people in this news article?

The main people in this article are Antonio Stradivari, the creator of the violin, and the musicians Joseph Joachim and Si-Hon Ma, who previously owned it. The auction house, Sotheby’s, is also a key part of the story, as they handled the sale.

  • What was the key event from the news article?

A rare 1714 Stradivarius violin was sold at an auction for $11.3 million.

  • Where did this event take place?

The auction took place in New York.

  • When did this event take place?

The event took place recently, although the exact date is not specified in the article.

Thinking Questions:

  • Find a quote from the main person in this new article.

The article doesn’t provide a quote.

 

  • In your own words describe what happened in this news article.

A rare 1914 Stradivarius violin was auctioned off in New York for $11.3 million. Despite not reaching the estimated price it’s still sold for a large amount and is considered an example of Stradivari’s craftsmanship/ The proceeds from the sale will be used to fund scholarships at the New England Conservatory.

  • Find out where this event took place and include some information about this place.

The event took place at an auction hosted by Sotheby’s in New York. New York is a major global city known for its art, culture, and finance sectors, with famous landmarks such as Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

  • Tell us when this event happened and explain what might happen in the future.

The event happened recently but it hasen’t been told in the article. In the future, the high sale price of violins might encourage more auctions of rare and valuable instruments, possibly setting new records over $11.3M.

  • Explain in your own words why this event took place.

This event took place because the rare violin, which is an important piece of musical history, it was up for sale at an auction. Its value was determined by its rarity craftsmanship, and historical significance, including its connection to famous musicians and composers.

This activity was really straightforward because all the information I needed was provided in the article. I didn’t face any challenges during the class or the task, and I genuinely enjoyed working on it. It was a fun experience, and I’m excited at the thought of creating another Kiwi Kids Post maybe very soon if we have to do it again.

Thanks for reading,

Shreeya

Lab equipment – Science class

Kia Ora everyone, welcome back to my blog. Today was such a fun day in science class, and I can’t wait to share what we did. We kicked things off with a fun activity where we had to answer some questions about lab equipment, which were shown in an image (below). Once we answered those questions, our teacher, Mr Palmer, asked us to write down the five important rules for drawing lab equipment on our edublogs.

After we got a good grasp of those drawing rules, Mr Palmer handed out pieces of paper for us to fold into four squares. This was where the fun really began, one by one, he showcased various objects from the image below, and we got to draw them. The items he picked were cool and definitely important in any science lab: a beaker, a funnel, a conical flask, and a Bunsen burner. I found it super enjoyable to answer the questions and then draw the equipment. It was almost like a mini art session mixed with science.

Here’s a quick recap of the lab equipment we focused on today:

1. Beaker
2. Conical Flask
3. Measuring Cylinder
4. Bunsen Burner
5. Test Tube Rack
6. Tripod
7. Funnel
8. Evaporating Basin
9. Spatula
10. Gauze Mat
11. Thermometer
12. Test Tube
13. Test Tube Tongs
14. Scissor Tongs

Now, for the drawing rules that Mr Palmer helped us out with:

– Every line you draw must be straight (no wonky lines allowed.)
– Use a pencil, never a pen. We want to keep it clean and easy to erase if we mess up.
– Make your drawings reasonably big, so they’re clear and easy to understand.
– All diagrams must be in 2-D, no 3-D drawings.
– Lastly, don’t forget to label all the equipment you draw.

Honestly, once I got the hang of it, everything felt pretty easy. It was such an enjoyment being creative, and I didn’t find any challenges except 1 thing, it was hard drawing it 2d instead of 3d. I can’t wait for our next science lesson and to share more of my experiences with you all. See you next time.

Thanks,

Shreeya

What’s FACKTS? – Social Studies Class

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog. I hope you all have been doing well. Over the past few days, my class as been learning about a topic in our social studies class that I can’t wait to share with you all. Last Friday and again in Wednesday’s session, we explored the concept of FACKTS. Now, you might be wondering what FACKTS is and why it’s important, especially when it comes to mapping and understanding geography.

FACKTS is an acronym that helps us remember key components that are essential when interpreting maps, and these elements are crucial in our ability to analyze and discuss geographical information accurately. Each letter stands for a specific term and contributes to our overall understanding of mapping. I’ll break down what each part represents and why it’s helpful for anyone interested in geography or just wanting to get a better grasp on maps and their usage later.

We did a class talk and started to do the activities that were set by our teacher. We either had to pick, Ace, Pro, Legend or Titan. Last year we did this eact same activity and I clearly remembered what to do so I picked Titan. This activity of FACKTS gave me a refreshment of what it was. I knew what I was doing so I quickly started and already finished.

If any of you already know what FACKTS stands for, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your thoughts are always welcome, and I’d love to see what you all think. Meanwhile, I’ll proceed to explain what FACKTS are and how they can improve our understanding of mapping.

DLO –

I just made a DLO to explain what FACKTS is all about. If you don’t know what FACKTS stands for or know about, don’t worry, this DLO breaks it down so you know what it is. It has info and is meant to help you understand why FACKTS is important for mapping.

Click to view

DLO Mapping using FACKTS

Video –

 

Task –

 

Reflection and Conclusion –

I found this task to be quite manageable, as I was already familiar with the necessary steps and requirements. It’s always best when you can confidently do a task, knowing you have the background knowledge to guide you through.

In this blog post, I aimed to share my understanding and provide valuable information that could benefit readers by engaging them. Finally, I appreciate your time in reading this post, and I genuinely hope it has provided you with useful information that you can apply to your learning of mapping.

Thanks,

Shreeya

Safety in the lab – Science Class

Hello everyone. Welcome to my very first blog post of 2025. Today, I’m going to talk about an important topic in the field of science: Safety in the Laboratory. As we undertake our various experiments and explorations, understanding and prioritising safety protocols is crucial. In this post, I will be discussing key things, and Hazchem symbols and show a task we had to do.

 Safety in a Science Lab

1. Goggles

Safety goggles are one of the most important pieces of protective equipment in any science laboratory. They should always be worn when we are conducting experiments that involve fire, chemicals, or any other potentially unsafe materials. Goggles protect our eyes from harmful splashes and flying debris. Even when we might think a method is safe, it’s always better to stay on the safe side by wearing goggles. Conforming that our eyes are shielded is a necessary step in keeping ourselves out of danger.

2. Tying or Tucking Long Hair

If you have long hair, it’s essential to tie it back or tuck it in your jacket/shirt securely. Loose hair can easily come in contact with flames, chemicals, or equipment, which is a significant risk. By ensuring our hair is safely secured, we reduce the chances of accidents and maintain a safer workspace.

3. Closed Toe Shoes

Appropriate footwear is another critical part of lab safety. Wearing closed-toe shoes provides protection for our feet against spills, falling objects, and any other hazards that might occur in the lab environment. Sneakers or sturdy shoes are ideal, sandals or open-toed footwear should be avoided to ensure full safety.

4. Disposing of Broken Glass

One of the most important rules in the lab is to handle broken glass properly. If you experience any broken glass, it must be disposed of immediately in the designated glass disposal bin. Never attempt to pick up broken pieces with your hands, as this can lead to injury. Always use a broom and dustpan or call for assistance if necessary to ensure a safe clean-up.

5. Keeping Water Away from Electricity

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. It is crucial to keep water away from any electrical equipment and outlets. Confirm that all sources of water, such as sinks, are located at a safe distance from electrical devices to prevent short circuits or accidents.

6. Report Any Incidents Immediately

If anything goes wrong in the lab, whether it’s a spill of chemicals, injury, or broken equipment, it’s crucial to report it straight to the teacher or lab supervisor. Quick and clear communication helps confirm that the issue is handled, minimising risks and maintaining a safe environment for everyone.

7. No Food or Drink in the Lab 

Labs are not places for eating or drinking. Consuming food or beverages in the lab can lead to pollute and increase the risk of consuming harmful substances or chemicals. It is crucial to keep food and drinks out of the laboratory space to protect our health.

 

Hazchem Symbols

Familiarising ourselves with Hazchem symbols is key to understanding potential hazards associated with various substances in the lab. Here are the two I noted down:

 

 

Know Your Hazard Symbols (Pictograms) | Office of Environmental Health and Safety – Health Hazard ⚠️: This symbol means that the property is dangerous and can hurt your health if you breathe it in, eat it, or if it gets on your skin. It’s a reminder that you need to be super careful when you handle these materials and always wear the right protective gear.

 

 

Flammable and Combustible Liquids | Environmental Health and ... – Flammable 🔥: The flame symbol on a Hazchem label shows that the material is flammable and presents a fire risk. When working with flammable substances, it is crucial to follow safety protocols and keep them away from any heat sources or open flames.

 

Task –

After learning all of this, we had to create a poster using Google Docs, which required us to include four additional Hazchem symbols along with their meanings or what it does, eight safety tips for the lab, and some relevant images to illustrate our points visually. This task not only reinforced our understanding of the hazards in the laboratory.

Click to view

Official Google Docs news and updates | Google Blog

Video

Reflection

I found this task to be quite easy and enjoyable, particularly because it allowed me to explore new symbols, learn their names, and understand their meaning. Engaging with this topic was not only informative but also opened my eyes to various safety symbols and their importance.

One of the highlights of the lesson for me was the Kahoot quiz at the end, which focused on Hazchem symbols. It was a lot of fun, as it challenged us to think critically about the symbols and ask ourselves questions like, “Is that flammable or toxic?” This interactive element of Hazchems really brought the learning experience of different symbols.

Overall, I truly appreciated this lesson and the opportunity it provided to deepen my understanding of useful communication about safety in the laboratory. I hope to participate in more fantastic lessons like this because science is very fun.

Conclusion

In conclusion, safety in the laboratory is very important. By following these guidelines and understanding the necessary protection, we can create a safe and effective environment for scientific exploration. I am going to make the most of my experiments safe by not doing anything wrong.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more blog posts with you

Shreeya