St Pat's Got Talent Auditions 2014

The students have spent the last three weeks auditioning for the judges. Well done to everyone who took part and we look forward eagerly to the St Pat's Got Talent Final on Thursday 11th December at 1.30pm. 

Belt Up

"Always wear you seatbelt" was a clear message today given to the students from who else but the Police !

Lucas with Bobby the dog - he's real you know

A number of policemen and women, some very familiar to us, were in school promoting the message. Not only was it lots of fun, but somehow Mr Day was forced onto the stage (that's twice in two weeks folks) to participate in the action as he smashed Constable Chopper in the seat belt challenge.

Be smart. Be clever - Always wear your seatbelt !!

The Room 1 students with Bobby the dog

Water Safety 2014

Kids having fun at the water safety course - learning new skills for the future.

It's Good To Share

As always in Room 1 we are looking for new and exciting ways to share your child's work with you. Above you will find a new application called Voicethread which enables us to share work in many formats - in written text, in an audio file or in a video format.

Click on the first thread from us to hear all of our Holdsworth highlights.

More photos and stories to come from the Kildare trip in to our wonderful native bush.

St Pat's Search and Rescue Team

When people are in danger and they need the help of professionals to help save the day, who do they call ? 

The police ? The fire service ? Perhaps the army ? Nah - the St Pat's Search and Rescue Team.

Scooter in the safe and loving arms of his rescuers

Yesterday at Holdsworth, as they descended the dizzy heights of the Rocky Lookout, tired and weary from a day of physical exertion, the team automatically went into rescue mode as they noticed a small dog in need of assistance. Scooter - a small and much loved pet - had become lost in the bush and had wandered away from his owner.

Without even thinking of the risks and the dangers that they might be putting themselves in, the SPSART set about fixing the problem. They carried little Scooter all the way down the mountain and reunited their lost soul with his very worried owners.

Introducing the SPSAR team

It was wonderful to see them in action and even more wonderful to see the relief on the faces of the owners who were understandably distressed.

So next time you need help...you know who to call !! 

Holdsworth and Back Again - Part 1

The decision to go ahead with the Kildare trip to Holdsworth, despite the weather, paid off. The sun appeared and the cloud lifted - perfect. However, many of the original activities planned for the day were abandoned due to high winds. But we didn't let that stop us.

We all had a fantastic time tramping to the Atiwhakatu swing bridge and Rocky Lookout. Many of the students got to do things they have never had the chance to do before and many impressed their peers and themselves with their courage, determination and intrepid adventures. 

Clara and Lucas delighted to be "Out there doing it" !! 

Sian and Grace wrapping up in the strong wind at the top of Rocky Lookout

Xav really didn't enjoy himself - as you can see !!

Cheese !!

At the end of the tramp there was nothing but sore feet and big smiles all round from the lads

Everyone did extremely well, but a number of individuals stood out from the crowd for various reasons. Scroll down for more details.

Having a ball !!

Raymond and Emily overcame their fears to make it across the swing bridge and both admitted that they had a great time ! 

Undoubtedly Mr Day's Star of the Day - Charlie who said he could carry Mr Day's backpack from Donnelly Flats to the Rocky Lookout. "Yeah right !!" said Mr Day with his award-winning moustache. It was very heavy but that didn't stop the sweat-soaked Charlie from proving Mr Day wrong. An hour later Charlie earned himself 2000 house points and a lot of respect from everyone. We salute you Mr K. On the way back Mr Day carried Charlie's backpack down as a mark of respect. .

Proving he can be adventurous and be cool at the same time - Sam T !!

Peter just taking it all in from the top

A huge thank you to all of the parents who helped and made the trip possible. We hope you enjoyed your time too. More photos to follow.

More pictures of the water safety activity day. Rooms 1 and 11

Water Safety

What fun we had !! This week a number of Room 1 students joined others from the syndicate in a programme designed to teach them water safety skills. The aim was to provide them with some practical skills that they could use should they ever find themselves in a spot of bother in a river or in the sea.

Suffice to say that everyone had a great time !

Life in the Kildares

Have you ever wanted to know what your child really gets up to at school ? Well now you know. The "Life in the Kildares" video is a two term long project designed to capture the students in some of their memorable achievements both in and out of school. Obviously, it wouldn't be the same if we didn't capture some of their most embarrassing moments too. A great way to celebrate our time together. Beware.........there may be another video before the end of the year !!!!

Just Jammin'

After a long session rehearsing for the Kildare Arts Show this afternoon, a group of Room 1 students chilled out at the end and jammed with Mr Day. Perhaps we need to do more  unplanned sessions like this in the future ? 

Author Comes to Town

The students were visited today by Mary Kippenberger, a reknowned author of childrens' stories. The 30 minutes show in the hall required students to get up on stage , dress up as famous characters and act out the books themselves.

It was great fun and even Mrs Cayless and Mr Day joined in. Oh the joy of reading and the excuse, if you needed one, to act on stage !