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Daily Announcements

Thursday, January 22, 2026

TODAY'S QUOTE: "I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect." Edward Gibbon

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: British colonists reach New Zealand

On January 22, 1840, colonists aboard The New Zealand Company’s ship, the Aurora, become the first European settlers to arrive at Petone to found the settlement that would become Wellington.

In 1642, Dutch navigator Abel Tasman became the first European to discover the South Pacific island group that later became known as New Zealand. While attempting to land, several of Tasman’s crew were killed by warriors from the native Maori people, who interpreted the Europeans’ exchange of trumpet signals as a prelude to battle. The islands, which were named after the Dutch province of Zeeland, did not attract much additional European attention until the late 18th century, when English explorer Captain James Cook traveled through the area and wrote detailed accounts of New Zealand.

Whalers, missionaries and traders followed, and in 1840 Britain formally annexed the islands and established New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement at Wellington. That year, the Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi, by which they recognized British sovereignty in exchange for guaranteed possession of their land. However, armed territorial conflict between the Maori and white settlers continued until 1870, when there were few Maori left to resist the European encroachment.

Originally part of the Australian colony of New South Wales, New Zealand became a separate colony in 1841 and was made self-governing in 1852. Dominion status was attained in 1907, and full independence was granted in 1931 and ratified by New Zealand in 1947.

History.com

Today is a Day 2 (HS) Day 2 (Elem)

Today's lunch is:

  • Baked Ziti w/Meat Sauce
  • WG Roll
  • Tossed Salad
  • Asst. Fruit Cup/Apple

HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Regents Exams

There will be a Senior class meeting today in Mrs. LaFave's room.

There will be a meeting of the Newspaper Club during 5b lunch on Friday, January 23. If you can't attend the meeting, please see Mrs. Johnson to pick up your Heidelberg Bread fundraiser form.

There will be a Junior Class meeting after school on Thursday, January 29 in Mrs. Laraby's room.

Come paint with the Junior Class on February 6. See the office for a paint and sip form and return with payment ASAP. We hope you join us for a fun night!

ELEMENTARY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Have a great day!