Ancient Worlds: Gods, Monsters, Mayhem

Why did so many gods have lightning powers? Why were Greek deities so dramatic? And did Odin, Ra, and Tūmatauenga ever consider just talking about their feelings?

In this class, we’ll explore the epic, bizarre, and sometimes ridiculous myths of a variety of ancient worlds—comparing gods, monsters, and uncovering EPIC drama. From tricksters to titans, heroic quests to divine grudges, get ready for a crash course in ancient chaos. (Miss Rose)

Appreciating Music

Are you a music lover? Listen to a wide range of music and are passionate about your tastes? Appreciating Music is about exploring the history of music, the differing genres and the way music impacts people. In this Whakareinga you will learn about the cause of music over time, what influences music and what drives YOUR favourite artists and bands. (Matua Tadhg)

Creation of Tākaro

Create your own exciting sports game in this hands-on Whakareinga! Take the spirit of a picture book and transform it into a dynamic, fun, and engaging sport. Whether it’s a fast-paced team sport or a unique outdoor challenge, you’ll learn how to create a fun and exciting sport and how to teach and upskill others in your game. (Mr Price)

Dance!

Do you light up when Just Dance comes on? Perhaps you like to boogie at home? Or maybe you do dance outside of school? If any of this sounds like you, then come and explore the wonderful world of DANCE with us! In this Whakareinga we will guide you through the different movements, music and genres of dance. For this term’s Whakareinga, we want to support you in having the confidence to share your ideas and perform in low-key situations, so welcome everyone with some interest in dance, regardless of your dancing background. We can’t wait to have you join us! (Miss Westlake & Mrs HP)

Exploring the Middle East

 ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ As-salamu alaykum
Do you want to learn more about the Middle East from its language, art and cuisine? Then this is the whakareinga for you! By the end of this you’ll be able to speak some Arabic and will have learnt how to cook a bunch of different dishes! There will be a $15 fee to help cover the costs of ingredients. Let’s go on a journey together and expand our knowledge about the region!  (Miss R)

Film Studies

Step into the captivating world of cinema with our Film Studies Whakareinga! Designed to ignite young minds, this program explores the artistry, storytelling, and cultural impact of film. Through interactive discussions, literacy based response tasks, and screenings of diverse films from around the globe, you will deepen your understanding of cinematic techniques, genres, and narratives. Whether you aspire to be a future filmmaker or simply love the magic of the silver screen, this group offers a fun and enriching journey through the world of cinema. Join us and unlock the secrets behind your favorite movies! (Miss McKenzie & Mrs Robinson)

Glee Club!

Calling all aspiring stars-in-the-making! Are you ready to hit the stage and unleash your inner songbird? This is your chance to join Glee Club. In Glee Club we will sing pop, Broadway, Disney songs, 80’s jams, and anything else you can think of. We will be belting out ballads, learning to harmonise and creating choreography to create a diverse repertoire  of music. But it’s not just about hitting the high notes—it’s about finding your voice and gaining the confidence to share at the Performing Arts Showcase! So, grab your mic, tune up those vocal cords, and get ready to shine like the true star you are. The spotlight awaits—let’s make some unforgettable music memories together! (Miss Dobbie)

Humans of Rāroa

Love writing? Dreaming of becoming an author or owning a blog? Join Humans of Rāroa for the opportunity to get your story published in the school library! In this whakareinga we will dive into the world of journalism. Learn what makes a great story, how to ask meaningful questions and of course, complete your first published journalistic piece! A passion for writing and storytelling is essential! (Whaea Dani)

Illusions in Food and Art

Illusions are images that differ from reality. In this whakareinga you will spend time in the art and foods room creating and making the impossible seem possible. (Mrs Dowman & Whaea Bridget)

Just Fling It!

Using a range of construction techniques you are going to create a catapult OR slingshot that will be able to fire a range of objects as far as possible. There will be a number of skills required and safety will be front and centre in all we do. That said, our philosophy is “go big, or go home”. 

We will be using 3D Modelling and smaller materials to prototype our constructions before scaling up to our finished product. If you are into physics, engineering and constructing things, we think you’ll have a blast in this Whakareinga. (Mr Bailey & Mr Boekhorst)

Konnichiwa! Let’s Learn Japanese

Konnichiwa minasan! Hello everyone! We will learn about the Japanese alphabet, basic information of the language to help guide us in our practice conversations, and explore aspects of Japan’s culture. ありがとう！Arigatou! Thank you!  クリスティー せんせい Christy-sensei (Whaea Christy)

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a Whakareinga using meditation, breathwork, grounding techniques, yoga etc to help us cope with the stresses of modern day life. A chance to slow down, breathe and reflect. We will also be using Te Ara Whakamana, with a focus on using the dualities of the atua in order to gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us in a te ao Māori context. For this we will use art as a medium. This Whakareinga will suit those of us who want to slow down, become more aware of the beauty within ourselves, the environment and our place in the universe. Kia ora and namaste Rāroa! (Paul)

Netball Umpiring

Are you a keen netballer? Do you watch or play games and wish you knew more about what sanctions are and where penalties should be taken? Do you know the difference between a Free Pass and a Penalty Pass? Most importantly, are you ready to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone? Confidence is key if you want to give umpiring a go! If you’ve answered yes loudly to these questions, join Kelly for learning, laughter, challenge and fun and start to pursue a passion that may continue for years to come! Join our Netball Umpires Whānau; nau mai, haere mai!  (Kelly Herbert)

Rather Be Reading

Readers of Rāroa – come and read the books, talk about the books, play games about the books and did we say read the books? A chance to immerse yourselves in your library – make it an extension of your lounge – make yourselves at home, share your love of reading and all things bookish. Must love reading. (Ms Forrest & Mrs Dobie)

Scripted Drama

Love acting? Here’s the one for the theatre kids! You’ll begin by building confidence with drama games, then hone your stage performance skills by practicing with scripts. Learn how to bring characters to life and connect with the audience. You’ll have the option to work towards a short filmed skit or a performance for Term 3 Showcase. (Mrs L-P)

Sew It, Stitch It, Flip It!

Love being creative? Want to learn awesome new skills? You’ll learn to crochet, cross-stitch, and use a sewing machine to bring your ideas to life!
Design & Make cool projects, Upcycle old clothes into something new, Learn stitches & sewing machine skills, Create with friends & have fun! No experience needed – just bring your imagination! Come stitch, sew, and craft something amazing. (Mrs Collins and Victoria)

Spanish 101

¡Hola! In this fun and interactive Spanish Whakareinga, we’ll be exploring all things Spanish, Language, Countries and Culture. You’ll learn basic words and phrases to introduce yourself, talk about your interests, and have simple conversations—all while exploring Spanish-speaking cultures through games, music, and activities! (Mr Anderson)

The Crowd Goes Wild

Imagine that you are interviewing some of the biggest female and male athletes in New Zealand to get an insight to how they got to where they are. If you are fascinated with what Sports Journalism is and how you could dip your toes into the world of sports and entertainment, this is the Whakareinga for you! (Mr Fouhy)

Unlock your Mana with Haka

Get ready to dive into the world of Haka, where powerful movements and words bring life to the stage. Imagine standing next to your friends learning to express strength and pride through Māori traditions. This space will leave you feeling inspired. Don’t miss your chance to come along on this amazing journey.

NOTE: This Whakareinga will run for both Terms 2 & 3. (Matua Dillon & Whaea Jess)

Waiata Mai

Waiata Mai is like the Te Reo/ Pacific version of GLEE choral singing! We will be learning contemporary songs in not only English but in Te Reo and other Pacific languages. Singing in unison, in harmonies, some students as soloists and of course, you’ll work on your stage presence. We have a few major performances already booked in Terms 3 & 4 eg. the Inter-Intermediate Waiata Mai Choral Festival, our school Showcases, other schools and assemblies. 

NOTE: This Whakareinga will run for both Terms 2 & 3 (Miss Fa’alogo & Mr J)

WOW

Students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of Wearable Art—where fashion meets imagination! Inspired by the renowned World of Wearable Art (WOW) competition, this project will challenge students to design and create a unique, artistic outfit or costume using unconventional materials. (Miss Renouf)