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).