Librarian's Book Choice

Welcome back to School. Ridha one of our fantastic librarians has selected a set of books for display. 

My Owairaka in review

Today is my last day at Owairaka. I feel a lot of mixed emotions, as after six years, its time to move on, but I will be very sad to leave all the wonderful people here.

Ms Mitchell asked me if I'd like to do a display of my favourite books, but I decided that instead, I would do some reviews here for you all to read.

Old Huhu - Kyle Mewburn

In the first year I worked at Owairaka, both of my parents died. Around this time, this book was released. Old Hu-hu is about trying to find answers when you lose someone close to you. The conclusion to this lovely story resonates with me still. This one is in English and Te Reo, in the M section of the Sophisticated Picture Books.

Lest We Forget - Feana Tu'akoi

My late father was a returned serviceman who had seen conflict in Vietnam and various other places. He rarely talked about this, but would religiously attend ANZAC Day dawn services. This book resonated with me because what was reflected back at me was the feelings I had as a child about ANZAC Day, but also the greater understanding that I had come to as an adult. I was lucky enough to meet the author at an event at the National Library, and chat to her about it. Find this one in the T section of Sophisticated Picture Books.

Grandpa and Ah Gong - Morag Loh

This book is a little old and doesn't have any whizz-bang title graphics, but its a sweet story that I think illustrates the spirit of our school. Mandy has grandfathers from two different worlds, and they don't seem to get along, until they find that they can use the best of both their worlds to create a wonderful surprise. Find this one in the L section of Sophisticated Picture Books.

The Family Book - Todd Parr

In 2014, my family became somewhat unconventional. Todd Parr's book provided a humorous and non-patronising picture of how families are all different, but they all love each other. This one is in the 300s section of the Junior Non Fiction.

Red - A crayon's story - Michael Hall

My own radical transformation took place around a lot of self examination about who I was, who I had been, and becoming more authentic. This charming story about difference and acceptance illustrates that we can find strength and beauty in our quirks, and that changing the wrapping doesn't change who we are - we may as well just be true to ourselves. This one is in the H section of Picture Books.

No Flying in the House - Betty Brock

This particular book I ordered for Owairaka because it had been one of my childhood favourites. Annabel Tippens is an unusual little girl with an unusual friend - she can fly, and her friend is a talking dog. But how did she end up that way, and why is she living with the stuffy Mrs Vancourt? Find this one in the B section of General Fiction.

North Star - Peter H. Reynolds

I love this book because at the time I read it, it was telling my story. I was struggling to find my North Star. But the message in this book is knowledge I take with me wherever I am.

"The bird said, "Ask yourself where it is you want to go, and then follow the signs you already know."

The time is right to move on, and the opportunity has come to make sure that I can do that and remain true to myself.

In the very words I see every day painted on the side of our library, I know that if I follow this principle, I will be on the right path. 

And so will you.

He aha te mea nui o te ao

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata

Owairaka's original cross country

Owairaka has just had its cross country day, and I have seen lots of very serious distance runners (especially in the time I've spent with Room 6!) and lots of people just giving it a go.

But did you know that when it comes to running, Owairaka is pretty darn special.

Check this out!!

Growing up with Lydiard tells the story of an Owai kid and his encounters with running legends. How many local places and street names do you recognise?

And here's the map of Arthur Lydiard's original Waiatarua Run. Maybe one day our cross country runners could run that far!

Room 25's amazing, awesome book!!!

Room 25 have written this amazing book of awesome alliterations. You can read it online now, and you can come and look at it in the library too!!!

Enjoy!!!!!

How NZ came to love Maori legends

Many of us have been saddened to hear about the passing of author and illustrator, Peter Gossage.

Peter's books are New Zealand classics - in the past and today - and have been instrumental in introducing New Zealand children to Maori legends and their heroes - Pania, Hinemoa and Tutanekai, and probably most importantly, Maui.

Many adults will have fond memories of his books from their childhood, but they have never gone out of style, and we have a great collection in our library too.

Have a look at our collection, and have a listen and look at the videos as well.

Peter Gossage 1946-2016

WATCH AND LISTEN

The stories of Maui

How Maui Found His Mother

How Maui Slowed the Sun

The Fish of Maui

READ

Peter Gossage's classic books in our library

Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori 2016 - Akina te Reo!

Akina te Reo - with you all the way! 

Use Te Reo to support and inspire!

Give these a go!

Koia kei a Tamati! Tamati really nailed it!

Kei reira! Right on! That’s the one! 

Ka pai hoki koe! Good on you!

Ka mau te wehi! That’s outstanding!

Kia manawanui! Hang in there! 

Wetiweti ana! Mean! Wicked!

Koina! Yes, that’s it!

LISTEN
Check out correct pronounciation here: http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/learning-maori/whakahuatanga-pronunciation/

READ

Books in Te Reo in our library! There are some of the main display, but they are spread through the library, marked with a special sticker. Ask a librarian for help.

Yikes!

We have just received and put out...

TWENTY

new Goosebumps books!

That's right... 

20.

There's heaps to go around - get your hands on one today from the NEW book stand!

Matariki 2016

Traditionally, Matariki marked the end of the harvest and a time to rest and celebrate. It was a time for remembering those who had passed away, and looking forward to the year ahead.

Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui.
Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e!

Matariki re-appears, Whānui starts its flight.
Being the sign of the [new] year!

Matariki has had a modern revival, and more and more we are celebrating New Zealand's own New Year.  Here at Owairaka in 2016, the whanau group will be having a kura moe, climbing Te Maunga O Wairaka to look for Matariki, and putting down a hangi.

Mr Bennett says about Matariki 2016...

Matariki is a time to reflect on important events or activities that have already happened, celebrate special people or places and plan for the future.

Learn more here!

WATCH
Find out the names of all the stars in the Matariki constellation, and what they all mean. An interview with Maori astronomer Dr Rangi Matamua.

http://tvnz.co.nz/seven-sharp/matariki-video-5460623

READ

• The Encyclopedia of New Zealand   www.teara.govt.nz/en/matariki-maori-new-year

• If you are using a computer at school, use library:2001 in the address bar, then search 'Matariki' to find online resources, as well as our catalogue of books.

• Take a look at the library display.

Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa

Samoa Language Week is here! What's on? Heaps...in the library and online!

LOOK!
We have a display in the library with a beautiful siapo design. What does it mean?

This link might help you...

http://www.siapo.com/design-elements.html

PLAY!

Have fun with this interactive activity. Click the link in the caption to play!

http://www.wicked.org.nz/Interactives/Pasifika/Pasifika-Patterns

READ!
Our books in gagana Samoa are going to fly off the shelf - but that's ok because you can read these e-books any time! Click on the titles under the pictures.

The Magic Seashell (in Samoan and English)

How Fire Came to Samoa (in Samoan and English)

LEARN!
Getting started – Words and phrases that you could try

• Tālofa lava: Hello (formal)
• Mālō le soifua: Hello/Good health
• ‘O ā mai 'oe? How are you? (to one person only)
• Manuia fa‘afetai: Good, thank you
• Manuia le aso: Have a great day
• Tōfā soifua: Good bye (formal)

Are hens allowed in the library??

I think Butter Chicken and Turbo are probably best kept in their funky new coop!  

And is this where Room 21s frogs ended up??

What do you think?

World famous in New Zealand!

Check out the cool poem by our very own Ridha in the latest Upstart magazine!

You can check out Ridha's poem in the library...and check out our other issues of Upstart as well. Its a pretty cool magazine with lots of Kiwi content, especially reader contributions!

You too can contribute to Upstart right here!

http://www.upstartmag.co.nz/your_voice/contribute/index.htm

Inspiring and empowering!

Check out some of these amazing new books in our library!

Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai showed that one person can make a difference. In Kenya, the land was being wrecked by people, so to make it healthy again and nourish people instead, Wangari Maathai - "Mama Miti" - encouraged women to plant trees. 

This is her story.

WATCH and LISTEN to Wangari Maathai talk about the Green Belt Movement she started.

Another true story about a woman who's bravery meant people still had access to books and learning, even in the middle of a war. There is sadness in this story, but also hope, and encouragement from Alia Muhammed Baker's strong conviction about the value of reading.

LISTEN

Sometimes people don't look or behave in the way we expect, but that doesn't mean that it is wrong. This book is about one child's way of expressing himself that is a bit different, and how his friends and family just let him do what feels right to him.

Reading in the Library

12 Huia Birds - a cautionary tale

Thanks to NZ On Air funding, this beautiful interactive story is available for free on 

Google Play, iOS App Store and Amazon!

It walks us through the demise of the Huia, as a cautionary tale about caring for our native flora and fauna before they disappear forever. Its not upsetting, though, just thought provoking.

There's all sorts of extra goodies too - worksheets, extra information and games.

Check out the trailer here!

Our bees in a book!

This is pretty exciting! 

Our very own bee hive and our students feature in this book about Suz the cat who goes on an adventure and learns about how we get honey!

Suz and the Honey Bee Adventure is just one in a series of cat adventures - we have a whole 18 books! They will go on our new book stand at first, but later, you will find them in the Early Reader section...look for the frog stickers on the front.

Who do you recognise in this book?

Bee writing!

Puriri Team went and checked out the honey extraction from our school beehive last week. 

There is some terrific writing up on the wall in the library, but here is a sample from Victor!

Today we went to the kitchen to see the honey extraction.

First Mr. Lyons talked about the frames, he said that the frames hold the honey and the wax keeps it inside. Then he talked about how you take the frames out of the hive and he showed us how you put them in the extractor.

After that we all got a turn to spin the extractor machine. This makes the honey come out of the frames, it is collected in a bucket. The honey is put into jars.

I felt happy, I really liked extracting honey and seeing it in the jars, it is liquid gold!!!

Here is Victor himself helping out with the extractor.

Make sure you come in and check out the rest of the awesome writing on the Writers Wall in the library!

I Spy....something new!

The I Spy collection of books by Jean Marzollo and Walker Wick have always been super popular, and now we have more to add to the mix! 

These are great for learning about word sounds, while enjoying hunting for the objects in the photos.

Look for them in the Beginner Reader section in the Picture Books.

Check out the Scholastic website for I Spy games!
https://www.scholastic.com/ispy/games/

Kei te pehea koe? How are you feeling?

Thank you Room 6 for sharing this with me. 

Have a look for this book in our library in the D part of the picture book section!

New Flag? Part 2

The referendum* on the the New Zealand flag still has another bit to go. 

First, everyone decided which of the possible alternative flags most voters preferred. The next step will be to decide if we want to change to that flag, or keep the old one. There will be a referendum in March where every adult who is allowed to vote will be able to cast their vote for which flag they prefer.

Come and have a look in the library for the stories behind both of them, and see them in full flight below!.

Which one do you like best?

*A referendum is a public vote on a particular issue.

Reading in the holidays

Did you keep up your reading in the holidays? 

Fairy Judy will be giving out prizes soon to people who kept their reading logs over the holidays.

Here are kids from the Owairaka Holiday Programme still keeping up with their reading over the holidays, with books from our awesome library.