Inner City Cluster Schools Athletics meet

On Wednesday 19th November, twenty-four of our Year 5 and 6 students took part in the Inner City Cluster Schools (ICCS) Athletics meet at the Takapuna Amateur Athletics grounds in Northcote.

After trials at school, that spanned lunchtimes and afternoons over the past five weeks, the  successful students in each discipline and age group were able to compete against students from other schools in a wide range of athletic events.  These events included the 800m, 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m relay, high jump and shot put.

Well done to Hunter, Evelyn, Te Whakapuru, Zaria and Caleb who reached their respective finals.  This meant that they were among the top 8 students for their age group across all the schools!  And a special congratulations to Savannah who came 3rd overall in the Girls Shot Put 10 years and older.

A special thanks to Madison, Sandra, Nicola, Lisa, Samia and Stefan who helped out with transportation to and from the venue and/or supervision support during the day.  We couldn't do it without you.

Bike Monitors video collaboration with The Bike Professor

Our Freemans Bay School bike monitors video collaboration with The Bike Professor, Rene van Rijn

On Thursday 19th November, nine of our Year 5 & 6 bike monitors participated in the filming of a video to instruct students and schools from all around New Zealand in how to: 

• properly store bicycles
• check that bikes are safe to ride
• choose the right bike to suit each rider  

After editing, the video will be available on Rene's website (https://nzbicycletrainingacademy.nz/fleet-bike-repairs/) and used as an educational tool for schools across Aotearoa.

What a great example of ako in practice, as our bike monitors use their expert knowledge to teach not only other students, but also the staff at Freemans Bay School and beyond.

Thank you Rene for the opportunity and bike shed make-over!  

Equipment from our Yummy apple sticker fundraising

Our sports equipment from 2020's Yummy apple sticker fundraising has arrived!

Thanks to our efforts we were able to spend $1518 on sports equipment from DG Sport.  This is the most that has been raised since we have started the yearly fundraising.

After consultation with our school student council, about the type of sports equipment students wanted more of, we chose:

• 36 hula hoops (for lunchtime use)
• 8 soccer balls (for lunchtime use)
• 24 basketballs (for teachers to use as a class set)
• 12 soft flying rings (safer than frisbees!)
• 4 cones

Thank you to all the whānau that helped collect stickers this year. We collected a record total of 12,340 stickers and a special thank you goes out to Emma & Jack Hopkinson's family who brought in 2,279 of those stickers themselves.

We'll be participating in this fundraising project again during Terms 2 & 3 in 2021, so please look out for this information next year.

 

Inner City Cluster Schools Basketball Tournament

 

On Wednesday 21^st October, twenty-five of our Year 5 and 6 students took part in the Inner City Cluster Schools (ICCS) Basketball tournament at the Trusts Arena stadium in Henderson.

The students were split into three teams to compete in an A, B or Girls Only grade.  Over the day each team played at least four, 10-minute games in their respective pool play.  

Our Girls Only grade team: Angela, Ana, Avani, Clara, Lavender, Desley, Zarah & Xin Yann learnt so much throughout the day and kept improving through all of their 5 games.  For many of the team it was their first ICCS tournament and, for most, the first time they have participated in a team sport!

The B grade team: Te Mapuna, Neil, Mario, Etta, Abhinav, May, Bailey & Hansel had two wins and two losses.  All of their games were exciting to watch with dashing break-aways and determined defence.

The A grade team of Felix, Aahron, Shayan, Alex, Manaia, Zaria, Te Whakapuru & Kainga were in a tough pool.  Their games were played at a breathlessly fast pace with some very close results.  There was a great atmosphere all day and the students were great ambassadors for Freemans Bay School.

A special thanks to Madison and Sandra who helped out with transportation to and from the venue and sideline management support.

Inner City Cluster Schools Hockey Festival Day

On Wednesday 15^th October, nine of Whānau Wai’s Year 5 and 6 students took part in the Inner City Cluster Schools (ICCS) Hockey Festival day at the Auckland Grammar School Field hockey turf. 

The students were guided by present and past New Zealand national team Black Sticks players through basic hockey skills such as dribbling and pushing.  They also participated in two timed challenges: the hockey juggle and the 3D pop. 

After each skill session the team played a game against a different school.  Participating in the B grade, the team played five, 15-minute games.

With three wins and two losses Aahron, Annie, Etta, Macay, Natalie, Neil, Penny, Rosie, and Theo showed great spirit and tenacity.  They earned a well-deserved 3^rd place for their efforts.  Everyone came away from the day with a better understanding of the game, an improvement in their skills and a good time.

Congratulations to Aahron, who was our champion hockey juggler, and Macay who mastered the 3D pop.  Both received special prizes for their achievements.  Who knows, maybe there might be a future Black Stick to come?!

A special thanks to Madison who helped out with transportation to and from the venue.

  

Auckland Badminton programme for Year 5 & 6 students

During Weeks 7-9 of Term 3 all of the English pathway Year 5 & 6 classes have participated in a Sport Auckland funded 4-week programme delivered by Auckland Badminton Association coach Dhanny Oud.  

Once a week, each class learns and practises different types of basic badminton shots, building their knowledge each week to being able to play rallies and eventually a game.  It’s been a great introduction for students to the sport of badminton.  

In the photo below, Lisa’s class from Huia Hub are practising their underhand serve and return. 

 

Look out for the Auckland Badminton Association holiday programme advertisement on our noticeboard and upcoming school newsletter.

Athletics New Zealand: Get, Set, Go programme for New Entrants to Year 4 students

During Weeks 7 – 10 of Term 3 all of the English pathway junior school classes, new entrants through to Year 4, have participated in a Sport Auckland funded, 4-week programme delivered by Kelly Sports instructors.  

Once a week, each class participates in educational, developmentally-appropriate, fun activities that build and develop each child’s basic fundamental movement skills.  Specific skills focused on include balancing, running, throwing and catching.  

In the picture below, Caitlin’s Year 1 and 2 class are about to start a fun running activity with their bean bag pigs.