2012 Intake 1
5 May Update
We were very blessed with more brilliant weather for the
last rotation of Alpine, Kayak 2 and Tramp 2.
The Kayak group enjoyed the Mohaka but found the getting
into wetsuits on a frosty morning challenging. The river temperature is
dropping and the desire not to swim (ie fall out of your kayak) was high.
We had the assistance of six budding kayak instructors from AUT (Auckland University
of Technology) so we had a ratio of 1 instructor to 1 student.
The alpine group headed to the Manawatu ski club for the
first night. The weather was stunning and very cold. Unfortunately
the ski lifts had stopped for the summer season so this group had the mission
of climbing from bottom to top. The mountain had received some snow in
the days prior so was absolutely stunning. The boys broke into two groups
– the keen and fit who went for the summit and the other group did some
technical alpine skills on the mountain. The summit group got to within
50metres of the top but were iced out. Boys still had an incredible day.
The Pureora Forest was very busy with two Tihoi tramping
groups and five Year 12 SPC tramping groups. Great weather and fires kept
spirits high. Boys who have tramped in previous weeks have learnt a lot
about navigation and the bush so hopefully you will all be in the right place
next weekend. Details of your groups will be emailed tomorrow.
We are in the final stages of their cooking assessments.
The last trip to Taupo Pak ‘n’ Save is today and some students have arranged to
re sit.
We have a busy week of academics. English students are
working on producing an image from the theme of a short story studied.
Every student is learning his pepeha for our marae visit on Wednesday.
This is a full day trip to Whanganui bay where we participate in a powhiri, lay
a hangi and enjoy a day by the lake. It is a nice change to the busy
Tihoi schedule. Boys are currently learning and practising the school
haka.
We are trialling for the first time ever, Morning Surprise
at 7am – 7.20am. This is a change from the 6.30am starts for the winter
months. I have been wanting to trial this to see if it improves boys
health in winter and to support longer sleep. The boys will then have a
7.20am breakfast, followed by usual inspection time of 8.15am. Hopefully
they will embrace it and still be organised by 8.15am. Some of the ‘old
Tihoi guard’ think I am getting soft but we can only trial these things before
we judge.
With the change to being in the outdoors Friday til Sunday
we will be in the office all week. Parent Trampers are invited for lunch
at 12 noon on Friday and the tramps depart at 2pm. The tramps aim to be
back at Tihoi mid afternoon (2 – 3pm) on Sunday to allow you time to travel
home in the light.
Mr Lander is visiting on Monday for an
overnight. He will join one of the houses for dinner and catch up
with the boys and the Tihoi programme.
May 18th Whangaui Bay trip
The trip to Whanganui bay was held on Wednesday May 16th. Students participated in a powhiri, the laying of a hangi and learnt about the significance of these cultural practices. The hangi was lifted at 4pm and enjoyed by all – mutton, potato, kumura, pumkin and stuffing followed by delicious steamed pudding and custard. The boys performed a superb haka just before departure from the bay.