EOTC 2010

In Week 7, the Year 4 Syndicate accepted the EOTC 2010 Challenge. We experienced three activities, these included: 10 Pin Bowling, Waipu Caves, and Adventure Forest. The words 'resilience', 'persistence', and 'courage' were emphasised and put into action during the 3-day experience. We absolutely enjoyed our adventure, and it will be a time many will never forget. A special thank you to the parent helpers and co-ordinators for their input...we couldn't have done it without you!

Our 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost Challenge'

Last week, Anna (from Zero Waste) came to teach us about ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. She taught us about making our own cake and biscuits. Another way of reducing the amount of waste is called smart shopping. To smart shop, means not buying things that can’t be reused or recycled such as chip wrappers. Our class was also given a challenge, this was to reduce the amount of lunch waste left in our lunch boxes. The amount of rubbish across the week went down from 49 to 12 pieces. On another visit, we played card games about smart shopping and recycling. One of the pairs of cards was a handkerchief and a box of tissues, and another pair was tiny yoghurt containers and a big pottle of yoghurt. We had to sort them into items that could be recycled or reused.
All in all, we learnt lots about the caring of our planet, and...please remember to be a smart shopper!

By Olivia, Rosemary and Emma (Blog News-Reporters of the Week)

Jackson

Mrs Lusty came to show us her baby boy named Jackson Taine Lusty. Here is a few things about him. She feeds Jackson seven times a day. He is nearly 2 months old (8 weeks). He was born on the 18th of August. Jackson only wakes up once during the night. He weighs five and a half kilograms too.

By Anna-Kate (Room 15 Blog Reporter)

Our Cultural Task

Bula and Kia ora! The final task for this terms concept of 'culture' was to answer two key questions: firstly, 'What if a family from Fiji was coming to SFX, how would we help them keep their culture alive? and secondly, what do we need to teach them so they value the beliefs and traditions of our New Zealand culture? The children were organised into pairs, had to create a poster using ICT and then had to present it to the class via Photo Booth (video) where they were then peer assessed. The children had lots of fun completing this task. Tino pai nga tamarikii!!!

Our Fijian Patterns

Bula! We have been looking at different Fijian patterns. We had three learning intentions using different coloured pastels, these included: 1. repeat a series of patterns, 2. blend our colours, and 3. use hot and cold colours. We are extremely proud of our art. We hope you enjoy the amazing talent we have in Room 15.

Raising Money (Procedural Writing)-By Andre

If you follow these steps you will make a delicious hangi.

To make a hangi you will need: manuka wood, volcanic rocks, pit, wood, veges, potatoes, kumara, and pork.

Follow these steps and you will make a divine hangi.
1. Dig a wide pit about 1 meter wide and not to deep.
2. Place the manuka wood in the pit.
3. Put the railway irons on top of the pit then put more manuka wood on top.
4. Then place the volcanic rocks on top as this will maintain the heat.
5. Wait for 5 hours. Warning, keep a hose by you as you will need it.
6. Carefully light the wood and stand back.
7. Wait for 20 minutes.
8. Wash it down with a hose.
9. Place tin foil on top then put a sheet over the hangi.

To check if it worked, eat it. If you want to make it, start over and follow the steps again.

'Culture Day' in Room 15

G'day, Sa-lam, Kohomada, Dodro utro, Mamaskar, Nei ho, Mabuhay, Bonjour, Kia ora! Haere mai to Culture Day. Today, the junior and middle syndicates celebrated 'Culture Day.' Everyone dressed up in different cultural uniform/attire. Later on in the day, we showed off our culture in a class by class parade. There are so many different cultures at our school and each is extremely special and unique. To cap the celebrations off, we had a shared lunch-YUM! Thanks to those parents who assisted during the day. Ka kite ano.

Maori Animal Myths

Animals were much more then a source of food for early Maori. They were considered part of a great family.In some cases animals worked with humans to educate or guide. Up above you will see the Maori art we have drawn and dyed. Some of the animals we drew were a whale, a dolphin, a shark, a stingray, a gecko,a dog, a Kaka (bird) and a wood pigeon. We hoped you enjoyed our slide show of our art because we enjoyed doing it. (Blog Reporters-Leah and Emma )

Saving Our Environment

On Thursday, Rosemary and I were chosen to go to the Parish hall where we met several ladies passionate about the environment. Their names were Christine Morrison, Julie Holt (from the 'Enviroschools Foundation'), Gillian Cutforth and Mrs Douglas. The enviro school teachers talked about our environmental learning and how it flows like a stream starting at the top and then traveling down to the ocean. We were put into small groups and discussed what words meant in the bronze and silver enviro awards. We also drew a river and put little tags on where we thought it would be in our journey of leaning about our environment. Then we made an actual river with cloth and put different material for the froth. During the morning, we really thought hard about how we can help save the earth at our school and in our community. We had an enjoyable time and learnt plenty!

By Rosemary and Sinead (Blog Reporters)

My Mansion

Above my mansion are marshmallowy clouds swiftly skipping through the warm wind, while the fern green trees swing side to side in the burning sun. SWOOSH!!!!!

Beside my mansion is a relaxing warm pool with a small garden in the circled swimming space.

Below my mansion are slimy black bugs trying to squirm out of the muddy surface of the yucky brown ground. GASP!!!!!

Around my mansion is a beautiful garden with a creaky old gate, swinging like a chimpanzee around some red attractive flowers, squashing them like a tiny ant under a humoungous boot.

Inside my mansion are my family, Alyssa getting ready for swimming, Mitchell playing on the nintendo and Mum and Dad sipping tea while reading, but there's someone missing. I wonder who that is???


P.S. = MEEEEE!!!!!

By Yvette

Hockey One, Hockey Two, Hockey Three

On Thursday, Room 15 walked over to the hockey turf to practice our hockey skills. Beven (from Northland Hockey) taught us how to pass the ball, how to dribble the ball, and how to push the ball. I think the best part was playing the game of hockey. Hockey is fun. You should try it! Our next session is next Thursday.

By Harna (Room 15 Reporter of the Week)

Ta Moko

Tā moko is the permanent body and face marking by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. It is distinct from tattoo and tatau in that the skin was carved by uhi (chisels) rather than punctured. This left the skin with grooves, rather than a smooth surface. Our 'green hat' challenge for this week was to design a moko using our knowledge of the Maori culture. The children had to describe to their peers its message, while acknowledging the importance that moko has within the maori culture. Their mokos are amazing!

Harakeke

Tihei mauri ora! This week we have been reading a text about harakeke (flax). We learnt about its importance to the Maori culture. We discovered some interesting facts about harakeke. It takes about 17 years to mature before it can be harvested. The harakeke has three distinct blades, these are called "whaea" (mother), "matua" (father), and "rito" (baby). When cutting the harakeke, you need to cut the "tipuna" (grandparent) blades on the outside of the plant, and it should never be cut in the rain. We weaved the plant to create a headband. The left-over plant material needed to be returned back to where it first came from. The children enjoyed the experience and gifted their first headband to another person as a sign of respect and Maori protocol. We began and ended the session with a karakia. A special thank you to Mrs Collyer for your input. Enjoy our photos.

Day Dream Poem

Mr Werder thinks I'm reading...

But, I'm sunbathing in Madagascar with
the wild wind blowing sand all over my
sweating face.

However, I'm actually wrestling five
thousand hypo snakes in the middle of
freezing Antarctica.

But, I'm certain that I'm bouncing on
an immense pogo stick trying to beat the
world's fastest people ever!!!

Mr Werder thinks I'm listening...

But, I'm positive that I'm swimming with
a swarm of grumpy bees in a pool of melted
honey, aaah!!!

However, I'm shipwrecked on a deserted
island with no one to comfort me.

But, I'm actually fighting the New Zealand
Bank because I want my wages of five
million dollars!!!

I'M IN MY OWN WORLD!!!!!!!

By Olivia

Our Gymnastics Reflections

Dance/Kanikani/Movement

Kate (a parent) came to Room 15 to teach us a variety of dance moves. She demonstrated simple movement patterns and how we could use the space around us. We were placed into groups and choreographed our own dance moves. Each group then performed in front of the class. We learnt to work as a group, have fun and link what we are doing with the concept of ‘movement.’ Thanks Kate.

How a bicycle works (Explanation)-By Billy

Have you ever wondered how a bicycle works? Well I'll tell you how.

First you need to know the part. There is a bell, reflector, brake pad, seat, pedals, brake lever, gear lever, tyre, wheel, chain, handle bars and an axle.

The pedals make the chain move and the chain makes the wheels move. Great, now that you know the parts you can teach other people! First you put one leg over the bicycle and push down getting the bicycle balanced. You may want to put training wheels on your bicycle first to get more practice. Once you feel confident enough, you may take the training wheels off. Then you get back on the bicycle and push off the ground and put your feet on the pedals and start to pedal.

You can ride a bicycle just about anywhere. The best place to ride a bike is on a flat surface, such as wood or on the concrete. Make sure you always wear a helmet and shoes and elbow pads and knee pads.

Hopefully this story will help your knowledge of bikes, also it should help others if you want to teach them.

By Billy

National Catholic Schools Day

Last Wednesday, the school was host to other Catholic Schools from around Northland. The theme for the day was 'Be the Change.' The challenge was for all of us to go out into the world to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, similar to the message experienced by the apostles at Pentecost. The day also highlighted how special we all are in God's world.

'Balloon Racers' Challenge

The movement challenge for Week 5 was to create a car using any material and be powered by a balloon. Newton's Third Law of Motion states 'as air rushes backward out of the ballon it pushes the car forward in the opposite direction.' The cars constructed were amazing! Well done everyone, especially those who received awards.

Our K'nex Experience

Last week we were sorted into 6 groups. Each group was assigned to a particular K'nex box, which included levers, pulleys, axels and wheels, inclined planes, etc. Our task was to work as a team to construct a machine using the equipment and instructions (if required). At the end of the session each group explained their machine.

Our Swimming Lessons at the Aquatic Centre

For the past four weeks, we have been learning how to swim at the 'Whangarei Aquatic Centre.' Our class was divided into three groups. All in all, we have learnt how to swim streamline, breathe from side to side, and improve our freestyle and backstroke(s). Thanks to those parents/caregivers who came to watch us swim and gain confidence in the water. A special thanks to Jenny (Christina's Mum) for helping organise the children, and for Tania (Kirwin's Mum) who assisted during changing time. I appreciate your help-thank you.

Guest Speaker

Room 15 were extremely fortunate to have Mr (Doud) Brickell talk to us about his 20 years service in the New Zealand Army. He spoke about his role in the force and his extended travels overseas. Doud also spoke about his relative (Leo-Doud's father) from the Second World War and his heroism displayed in saving his comrades from the Germans. Doud presented some war memorabilia from the First World War. I'm not sure about the children, but I was buzzing after his talk. He let us hold a grenade (defused) from both wars, some medals, a German Officers hat, a German soldier's spoon and other bits and pieces. Doud's presentation was excellent (perhaps he should change careers to a teacher!), as we were all in engrossed in the words spoken and the mannerism of how they (the words) were expressed. Thanks so much for taking time from your busy schedule to talk to Room 15, it will be an experience we all will never forget. And thanks to Kirwin (his grandson) for inviting him in.

Battle of Casino

Christina presented to the class a cape (camouflage tarpaulin) worn by her Great, Great cousin who fought in World War Two. His name was Len Radhurnd. He was part of the 1945 Battle of Casino in Italy. Christina also showed us some cannon balls, which evidently weighed a tonne!

Gallipoli

LEST WE FORGET
They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
We will remember them.

This week we have been studying the ANZAC campaign of 1915. Many of the children in the class gave oral presentations of relatives (both men and women) who had participated in war. Kirwin presented to us war medals that his Great, Great Grandfather had won at Gallipoli. His name was Hugh Brickell. He was one of the last soldiers to be evacuated from ANZAC Cove in 1916. After Gallipoli Sgt. Major Brickell went on to serve his country in France and was one of the six “over the top” survivors of an assault by 16th Company in September 1916. He returned to new Zealand at the end of the Great War, married and raised a family. He died on March 17, 1966 (Howick & Pakuranga Times, April 23, 1998).

Bishop Pat's visit to Room 15

Bishop Pat visited our school on Friday. He came to our classroom and talked to us about his role as a bishop in the Auckland diocese. Bishop Pat showed us his ‘mitre’ and ‘shepherds crook.’ We loved asking questions about his job (and uniform), and he responded with honest answers. It was an honour to finally meet him, and a day we will treasure for a long time. Thanks for visiting our school Bishop Pat.

Extra Work

The following short clip is on a variety of activities the children have been working on in class. They range from autobiographies, ‘ To Love, To Learn, To Serve’ shields, a green hat exercise promoting the school, and the integration of descriptive language and Photo Booth into Comic Life. Please feel free to explore the classroom walls for those children who missed out on exhibiting their work on this page.

Introducing the TEAM from Room 15