Thanks HVDRT

Take a look at our thank you card for the wonderful helpers at HVDRT (Hutt Valley Disable Resources Trust). Have a look at the post below this one to learn about all they did for us.

Clearing the Gardens ready for Term 4

We have been so lucky to have the help of the strong women and men at the Hutt Valley Disable Resources Trust (HVDRT) who volunteered to help clear our school gardens ready for term 4. After winter the gardens were overgrown, but now, with all the help, the gardens are already being planted by all our classes from New Entrants to the Year 5 and 6 classes, including the Enviro Group Greenies.
Take a look...

A great result! Thanks HVDRT.

MATARIKI AND SUSTAINING OUR MAORI CULTURE

As an Enviroschool we know the importance of sustaining and celebrating our Maori culture. Here at Boulcott we have been studying Maori legends to celebrate Matariki. Here is some of our artwork about Matariki and these legends.

WELLINGTON HABOUR:

Once long ago, before the time of Kupe, when Te Ika-a-Māui was just fished from the depths of the ocean, there lived two taniwha, Ngake and Whātaitai.

In those times, Wellington Harbour, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, was a lake cut off from the sea, and abundant in fresh water fish and native bird life. Ngake and Whātaitai lived here in the lake at the head of the fish of Māui (Te Ika-a-Māui)...

MATARIKI:

Matariki is the Māori name for the small cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, in the Taurus constellation. In New Zealand it comes into view low on the north-eastern horizon, appearing in the tail of the Milky Way in the last days of May or in early June, just before dawn. This heralds the Māori New Year.

So what's this COMMUNITY GARDEN all about?

Our Vision

To create an enduring, lush and fertile organic vegetable garden that is “owned” by the children, staff, parents and wider community. 

Our Philosophy

The garden is:

·      Organic - meaning we don’t use man-made chemicals or pesticides. We feed the soil organic  material and use techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting.

·      A source of fresh fruit and vegetables for the school.

·      An important part of the delivery of the Enviroschools programme.

·      A collaborative effort – children, staff, parents and wider community.

·      A place for learning and growing – people and plants.

·      A place to have fun!

Can we get our water sponsored by Think Water?

We have entered a competition to get a wonderful grant from Think Water Pty Ltd. If we win it we will get water in our garden! This is the video we have used for our entry.

Our jouney to get our Bronze Enviro School Award

A little look back at the history books! 

Wow, how we have all grown!

Our Gardening Club

Friday was a beautiful day and just perfect for the first meeting of our Gardening Club. We will be out in the garden every Friday lunchtime (as long as the weather holds). So bring your gumboots and come join us!

August Working Bee

The PERFECT day for a spot of gardening!

 With so many hands we were able to get loads of work done. Thank you SO much for all your dedication and help!

Take a moment and come over and see what we have been up to!

The Great Postcard Project

Most of the classes are taking part in the Great Postcard Project. The stamps will be arriving early next week so you can begin to get them posted off. Remember to try and include something about Boulcott's budding sustainable environment.

For those of you who would like to use Te Reo Maori on your postcards here are a few ideas:

• We care for our environment. - Ka tiaki matou i ta tatou taiao.
• We are caretakers of our earthmother. - He kaitiaki matou i a Papatuanuku.
• We learn about taking care of our environment. - Ka ako matou i nga tikanga ki te tiaki i te taiao.
• We enjoy working to care for our environment. - Ka harikoa matou i nga mahi hei tiaki i te taiao.
• We are all responsible for protecting our environment. - Na tatou katoa te kawenga mo te tiaki i te taiao.
• We grow food - Ka tipu kai matou.
• We plant trees - Ka whakato rakau matou.
• We save water - Ka rahui wai matou.
• We save energy - Ka rahui pungao matou.
• I / we walk to school - Ka hikoi au / matou ki te kura. 

I can't wait to see the postcards we get back!

To great beginnings ...

 We had a wonderful day digging and planting the beginnings of our Community Garden project. The idea behind this is we will, as a school, broaden our community, giving everyone a place to come and plant their veggies.
To all the kids, parents and staff that joined in THANK YOU! We hope to have another gardening day soon. Watch this space.