Kamaea's The 28th Māori Battalion Poster

During ANZAC week, Te Wairua Pakiki 5 looked at the impact of the 28th Māori Battalion during World War two. We first watched a video by the Modern Māori Quartet who did a tribute called 'Pakanga Medley'. It is a collection of old war songs . We listened to the songs and took inspiration from the first song to do a little research into the 28th Māori Battalion.

The 28th Māori Battalion was part of the 2nd New Zealand Division who fought during the Second World War (1939-45). The 28th (Māori) Battalion was a specially formed battalion that was at times attached to each of the Division's three brigades.

Almost 3600 men served overseas with the Māori Battalion between 1940 and 1945. Of these, 649 were killed in action or died on active service – more than 10% of the 6068 New Zealanders who lost their lives serving with 2NZEF in the Middle East and Europe.

Here is Kamaea's poster. To read more from Kamaea click HERE!

ANZAC Day under lock down

On Saturday the 25th April we celebrated ANZAC day. But in Level 4 lock down because of Covid-19. Meaning we were able to celebrate, but only with our bubbles and from either a distance or through an online presence. Te Wairua Pakiki 5 acknowledge a huge part of our ANZAC Day celebrations in Religious Education. We did this because Anzac can be a good time to focus on peace.

First we read and discussed some scripture readings that had a theme of Peace:

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Next we each made a copy of a poppy and opened it in a Google Drawing so we could edit and add text to it. We had to explain in our own words: 

1. What is peace? 
2. Where do we find it? 
3. How do we share it?

We then shared these poppys back with out teacher who created a wreath online of our poppys. How did you celebrate ANZAC Day?