Kuratau Kōrero

Rain, rain, rain!! Like most of the country our staff and students have been singing the goldfish song for a good portion of the last week. The weather has been less than favourable and succeeded in interrupting our planned T-Ball competition in Taupo. Although disappointed, and unable to attend, we do thank our drivers who offered their help for this day.

On a brighter note, our caretaker, Geoff Hawthorn has been busy planting between raindrops and has placed a generous number of bulbs around the perimeter of our entrance way. We can look forward to seeing a ray of sunshine from the spring bulbs once they have sprung. Geoff has also replaced the Perspex in our Playhouse to make this a safe and dry play area for our tamariki. A big shout out to Turangi Glass who supplied this to the school at a reduced cost.

We have a few fantastic events coming up. Tonight all our teaching staff have been invited to stay the night at the local Poukura Marae. Here they will be meeting with local kaumātua to gain a greater understanding of the Tūwharetoa tikanga and purakau.

The Space Road Show will be making its way from the deep south to Turangi on Thursday 18th May. They will host our students in two groups throughout the morning.

“The showcase is a hands-on space science experience. There are satellites to build, rockets to launch, billion-year-old meteorites to hold, and even the chance to make (and ignite) your own rocket fuel!”

Please read the section 'Tūhura Tuarangi – Aotearoa in Space' for more information about this exciting opportunity.

We will be participating in Pink Shirt Day on Friday 19th May. As a school we pride ourselves on our KURA Values (Kindness, Understanding, Respect and Always Persevering) and take a strong stance towards promoting an anti-bullying environment. Next Friday we look forward to supporting this good cause and hope to see our staff and tamariki Dress up, Stand Up, and Stop Bullying!

On Thursday 29th of June we will be holding a Fancy Dress Dance and Matariki Celebration at the Kuratau School / Community Hall from 6pm-8pm. See more details below.

Wow, we've certainly got a busy few weeks ahead!

Shirley Bailey
PRINCIPAL

A hands on Space themed science roadshow is coming to Turangi!

We have been invited to attend the Tūhua Tuarangi - Aotearoa in Space Roadshow. This will be held in the Tongariro Area School Hall from the 18th-20th of May. Kuratau School will be attending on Thursday 18th May.

PLEASE read the following details regarding transport to and from this exciting event:
On Thursday 18th May:

All Turangi based students are to meet Mrs Pyman and Whaea Helen at Tongariro Area School at 8.30am.
All country kids (Western Access and Omori) will depart from school at approximately 8.05am (once Omori kids arrive on Bruce's bus).
Raewyn's bus will transport our country kids to Tongariro Area School and meet the rest of the school at 8.30am.
Rooms 3 & 4 (Tui and Pīwakawaka) will attend the first session - 8.45am - 9.45am.
Rooms 1 & 2 (Ruru and Karearea) will attend the second session - 9.45 - 10.45am.
While each group is waiting for their session they will enjoy some local activities based in Turangi.
At the conclusion of both sessions (10.45-11am) we will return all students to Kuratau School via buses.
Students will return home as usual at the end of our school day.

The showcase (https://otagomuseum.nz/spaceshowcase) celebrates Aotearoa New Zealand’s deep connections to space and our achievements to date in the aerospace sector. It seeks to lift interest in STEM subjects through hands-on experiences—inspiring young minds to explore how they can get involved in space right here in Aotearoa. Tūhura Tuarangi is targeted at 8-12 year olds and their whānau, but it is informative and fun for all age groups (from pre-schoolers to grandparents).

Tūhura Tuarangi features interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that cover various topics related to Aotearoa New Zealand’s relationship with space. Some of the highlights of our showcase include:
· Creating and igniting clean, green hydrogen rocket fuel (made from water!)
· A rocket launchpad where visitors can build and launch their very own rocket
· Interactive visualisations of space junk and a real-life piece of a spacecraft that fell to Earth near Canterbury
· Hands-on space science demonstrations and activities with our team of science communicators

This opportunity is FREE and the entire Turangi community is invited to attend during the following hours: