Here at Mataura School we started the term off with a splash! Our students spent the first week of term improving their swimming skills, this is an activity we do twice a year and the kids absolutely love it.

We are fortunate that we are able to take buses to Gore and have lessons with the team at the Gore Muti-sports complex and Aquatic Centre. 

Starting the term with a splash. Photo: Supplied

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This term we are continuing our learning from last term around natural disasters. It is great to hear our kids talking about the links between different natural disasters such as earthquakes causing tsunamis or that movement in the tectonic plates effects the volcanoes. 

Mataura Licensing Trust, Falls Hotel, proud sponsors of Mataura School

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"Earthquake's are caused by tectonic plates colliding together to make a shaking motion. Tectonic plates are part of the puzzle that make up the earth's crust... In Te Ao Maori, Ruamoko is the guardian of volcanos, earthquakes, and geothermal forces of the earth. He's the youngest out of all atua maori, because he's still unborn, he's still in Papatuanuku (the earth mother). He behaves like a baby. When he gets angry he makes a big fuss and twists and turns to create earthquakes, and sometimes volcanic eruptions..." 

Corbin, Rūma Ruru

Drop, cover and hold. Photo: Supplied

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To support this learning we had the team from Emergency Management Southland bring the Earthquake Simulator out for the kids to experience. 

In room Kererū the children have worked very hard on making model volcanos. 

Completion of a model volcano. Photo: Supplied

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With term 4 in full swing our students are very excited for the terms activities including various camps, sports competitions, trips, the end of term bike ride from Mataura to Gore and, of course, prize giving. Make sure you check out our social media for updates on what we have been doing both in class and out and about".