Wednesday in Dunedin

Late post tonight, as we have had such a big day. We started out with the 'Baldwin Street Event'; we were out to beat the 1:00 record for running up. Didn't quite break it, but there were many top efforts. Then it was off to town for our circuit of activities; photo challenge around university, talking with the birds at the Botanic Gardens, exploring the museum and getting up close with the butterflies. It was another top day, the kids were brilliant. By 4:30 we piled back into the buses and headed off to Moana Pool to burn off the last shreds of energy. By the time we got back to camp at 7:30 we were famished. The parents did an awesome job of preparing the most delicious nachos. It's now 9:30 and all is quiet except for the manly giggles coming from the adults in the kitchen. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

If you look close, you'll see the cutest penguins making their way up the beach. Was worth the long wait.

Another great birthday.

The most amazingly tidy bunkroom, well done boys!

Any they're off...

Nearly there...

Final burst of energy.

Catching breath at the top.

First, second and third.

Learning to whistle like the birds.

Up close with the butterflies.

Encouraging those lovely blue wings to open up.

Fun in the discovery centre.

Still had energy left to run up and slide down a zillion times.

Funny man entertains after dinner.

Two fabulous kitchen helpers

The butterfly egg...

... which transforms into a beautiful butterfly.

Behind the waterfall in the 'tropical forest'.

The Coast getting exuberant at Otago Uni.

Day 2 in Dunedin

What a cool day we have had so far. After a great sleep, we hit the road early en route to the Albatross Colony. Needed a break for some wonky tummies, but arrived safely. Got to see some 3 month old albatross chicks, adult albatrosses flying, and learnt heaps about flight through video, talk and some hands on experiments. We also explored a very big and very old gun. Next we walked down to Pilots Beach, very quietly, so as not to disturb the yellowed eyed penguins who were hanging out on the beach ... wow, this was a rare treat. Back on the buses, we made our way to Larnach's Castle where we had lunch in the stables and then headed off on a brilliant tour. The guides were most impressed with the listening and behaviour of the children. We are about to have an early tea before heading back out down the peninsula to see the little blue penguins come in.

One of the three chicks we could see.

Putting the albatross together.

Investigating flight and wind foils.

Gun is about to fire ... just tricking.

This was a real treat, seeing a yellow-eyed penguin.

That's the penguin in the bottom right corner.

We ate lunch in style at the castle.

Ready for the tour.

Learning about the history of the castle in the library.

Up we go.

What an awesome view from the top of the tower.

The final climb to the top.

Go the Mountains!

Day One in Dunedin

We've had a great first day on camp. It was a long trip down, with many 'Are we there yet?'s. Highlights were; playing in Oamaru at the steam-punk playground, exploring Moreaki Boulders and the walk along the beach (and down the sandhills) at dusk

The end of the flying fox, rather fancy!

Chilling out at the boulders.

Birthday girl.

Nearly back at camp, gorgeous evening on St Kilda beach, just a wee bit chilly.

Crab spotting inside the boulders.

Rolling and leaping in the sandhills.

Drizzle in Timaru, so we lunched at the train station.

What a hoot it was in the roller-thingy.

Awesome day!

Week 9 Update

Camp: We are on the big countdown to our Dunedin Camp.

• You should have a copy of the gear list, along with other important information. This has been copied onto the next page on this blog. 
• Remember food donations of baking (Coast, Plains and Mountains) and a bag of fruit (Forest) are to be brought on Monday and handed over before climbing aboard the bus.
• Camp parents meeting Tuesday April 1st at 5:30 in Room 16
• Please get permission forms for digital devices at camp back this week.

Twilight Fair: What a fabulous time we had on Friday night at our twilight fair. A huge thanks to the organising committee for the endless hours you put in to make this such a success. Thanks also to those senior students who performed, helped set up, helped out at games stalls and managed the rubbish.

Te Whanau Mahi Tahi got things underway ...

Now this was too good an opportunity to miss!

Yes, his aim was good. Bruce was dunked numerous times. 

The chocolate wheel was a big hit with our kids.

Fantasy is in the air in te whanau Kauri ...

The crowds were wowed with magic, led my Megan the Magnificent, during our writing motivation today. We can't wait to read the fabulous fantasy that our wonderful writers are sure to produce. (Yes, we did talk about alliteration today!)

Telepathic powers from Magician Megan were impressive.

This one had me bedazzled!

The highlight was the conjuring of the rabbit from the box.

Then we learnt a trick or two and shared our magical brilliance.

Can she deceive him?