Tamaki X Team

Think Globally, Act Locally. This is Irasa's presentation from her research project on water pollution

2011-11-15T11:00:00.001+13:00

Description writing about - Dream Cars

2011-11-15T09:31:00.001+13:00

I'm really sick and tired of roaming around G.I with a white scooter. At the time I got it II was enjoying it. Now all I want is my dream car!

My dream car would be a Lamborghini Mercurlago with a tremendous blue paint job. With some blue tinted bullet proof windows so I can be anonymous at all times because you can’ttrust street kids! I’d have the most slippery tires for some outstanding drifting. On the rims I’ll have some golden spinners to make people jealous.

My Lamborghini would be dent proof so It can look magnificent at all times! With some built in missiles on the door and they will be wing doors! It'll also be voice activated because who needs keys?

On the inside of my dream car my seats would have the most rarest leather of them all and it will be a massaging chair which can vibrate to comfort me! On the steering wheel it would be covered with sparkling diamonds, astonishing aqua marines, bright red rubies, significant emeralds and dark blue sapphires!

It will have a built in LCD plasma t.v as big as my windscreen with voice activation. I’d also have a built in PS3 in my glove box which I could use to play with on my plasma t.v! On my fabulous seats it would have a built in bed where I can just go sleep when I want to.

My engine would have approximately 5000 horse power for some serious rushing! I would have an auto pilot mode so I can play on my PS3 on my TV while going to my destination. It’ll also be an amphibian so I can explore the seas and save planet earth from water pollution!

I can only dream of that car but if I ever see that car I will be totally amazed.

Description writing about - Dream Cars

2011-11-15T09:25:00.000+13:00

Well, my dream car is a black Mustang Convertible, with lime green and gold graphics. The graphics will be hand painted by a professional artist. Then the final layer will be so clean and clear that the sun will sparkle off it.

My car's tyres and rims will be so flash that no one will know what hit them. My tyres will be lime green so that when you go full out you will see green smoke. The rims will be solid gold with five carat diamonds implanted in them.

Now something special about my car is that the exhaust pipe blows bubbles. This will surely surprise road users.

My special motor is awesome. It is more trustworthy then any other motor invented. It'll be able to rich speeds higher then any other motor on earth. It'll also be super light with more power. And an extra touch is that it will have chrome piping.

Next a cool feature? My grill will be able to come off and be replaced with another.

On the inside it will be black leather interior. Even the floor will be black leather.

But with the black it will be really hot. So I am installing a super charged air conditioner, by every seat.

Some of the extras in the car will be a 10 inch touch screen TV monitor in the front centre console. There will also be a flat screen in the back so that the family can watch DVD's. Also the sound system will be loud, actually so loud that the car will bounce. It'll be so loud, it will blow people's ear drums out.

The last important thing about my car is that the car will run on biofuel. It is fuel that is good for the enviroment.

This is my car. It wll be fun for my family and I but will also get us where we need to go.That is why this is my car.

Manaiakalani Movie

2011-11-10T10:48:00.003+13:00

Term 3 was a great and exciting term. To add to the fun in our classroom the world had its eyes on New Zealand as we hosted the Rugby World Cup for 2011. For the Manaiakalani movie festival we decided to make a movie about our chosen team to support the All Blacks. Enjoy and leave a comment.

Tamaki Intermediate officially opened the Rugby World Cup. Here is Zaiden's recount about the fun and exciting day

2011-10-05T10:02:00.002+13:00

On the 9th September 2011, the first game for the New Zealand Rugby World Cup was happening that day so we thought we would celebrate with our very own opening ceremony. The whole school was involved and we all had fun.

I lined up with my class, the All Blacks and waited for the call to go inside. Mrs Parker-Tofa asked me if I would be Graham Henry and carry the cup. New Zealand went in first and Australia followed us in then France then South Africa, Fiji, then Tonga.

After everyone was seated we stood up and sang the national anthem. Mike stood up and said a speech in Maori and Samoan. He did the honours of kicking the balloon to officially open the Tamaki rugby world cup and the games were on.

"People for the Chip And Chase please come forward" said Miss Waetford. Throughout the game Room 1 was dominating the field. People were cheering for other classes, but it just didn't seem to work, they were unstoppable!We headed outside to play sports and try to win the title as strongest class.

The second game to play was the scrum.Our class and Room 2 were the first to go up against each other. Room 2 won that one but we were sure that we were going to get back at them. Meanwhile all the other classes were going head to head in the scrum. The last two classes that made it to the finals were Room 1 and Room 2. Room 2 won but the chants were coming up and we were feeling lucky.

Room 3 was last to do their chants and we were getting excited. Vea walked between us calling the Haka and shouted "Kia Mau!" The boys were slapping their legs and chest and doing the Haka. Everybody shouted and screamed when were done.
Soon after that the teachers were tallying up the scores for the chants.

The Daniel Carter kick was up and Jeffrey and Vaolele were doing it. They weren't the best kickers but they made our class proud.

The overall scores came in. Australia in 3rd, France and New Zealand in 2nd place equal and South Africa in 1st place.

That day was the best because we got to show our true colours and do a bit of team work.The atmosphere was intense and people were happy.

How do you make a paper plane? Maria will tell you how with her procedural writing

2011-09-30T11:45:00.002+13:00

How to make a Paper Plane

With this procedure you will learn how to make a basic paper plane.

What you will need: ·
1 A4 sized paper Method:

1) Firstly find yourself a clear space, preferably a table.
2) Next lay out your paper, making sure that there are no creases or bumps.
3) Take one corner of your paper; fold it down along the opposite side of the paper.
4) Then take the corner that was opposite the one folded and bend it all the way over so that it is touching the other side.
5) Make sure that all the sides that are supposed to be creased make sure are and check that everything is firm. The paper should now look like a house or a pentagon.
6) Now take the very tip of the “roof” and fold it down.
7) Next find the side of the “roof” that is loose and tuck it into the middle of the folded down tip. 8) After this you fold the whole thing in half.
9) This part is a bit tricky you need to fold both sides down again but leaving about 1cm-2cm.

Congratulations! You have now finished your very own paper plane!

Samoan pride

2011-08-11T09:44:00.002+12:00

My Samoa

Samoa the Navigator islands

Is as beautiful as the beach

Friendly and kind are the people

And tough like a warriors

Mats and clothes are very stylish

And very unique are the Tapa cloths

Fan weaving takes a lot of time so don’t sleep or you’ll never make it

Pork buns and green bananas are as sweet as lollipops

And fruit trees are as juicy as oranges

The umu waters your mouth every time

Coconut trees are very good to eat with lemon on a summer’s day

Our sasa is fast like the speed of light

But our Siva is as graceful as a slow snail

Fire dance is really hot in our culture too.

Schools are sometimes strict so be good

Our head teacher is like dragon

But our teacher is like a flower

The population is as big the North Island of New Zealand

But our islands are as small as Auckland

Cities is like being in wonder land

But we live like free spirits

Our fale is as high as the sky tower

And our churches are as big as a field

Rules in our culture are really, really strict

But our family rules are alright

Our language is very complicated to understand

But the English language is easier to understand

Samoa is a beautiful country

So come along and enjoy it with us

By Kaisara

Martha's poem about her homeland

2011-07-06T09:25:00.004+12:00

Manahiki

There is only one perfect island in the Cook Islands

One where the water is like the sun

And where the people are known for such friendliness and harmony

Where on a clear night the stars dance playfully in the moonlit sky

One where the water from their waterfalls

Look like diamonds falling from a cliff side

With mothers watching their young grow from their bedside

Where their breath taking atolls are full with breath taking sights

Which have pearls that can fill a woman with delight

This island, this beautiful Island is Manahiki

We have been focussing on writing poems. This is Maria's poem about her culture.

2011-07-01T11:09:00.004+12:00

My Culture

My culture is Maori
You can see us, we are everywhere
My people, as beautiful as a golden sunset
My whanau, together as one
My language spread like a virus
Our ways as simple as white canvas
Our essence told in our art
Our lives are calm like a still lake
My people’s hearts are as strong as a lion
The hapu are united as one in our iwi
Our tupuna are with us
Our marae, welcoming like a hug
We are native to our land Aotearoa
We eat as a family
We sleep as a family
We live as a family
Our kapahaka is proud as mothers seeing her child take its first steps
Our waiata grabs you and embraces you
We are Wahine, Tane, Tamariki, Koro and Kuia
Our taonga, pounamu and carvings jump into your heart, soul and body
We have beautiful Tamariki
Our language, worldwide
Our kai, delicious
Our hearts, strong
Our minds, clever
Maori, forever

By Maria

Our fashion show

2011-06-15T09:29:00.004+12:00

TAMAKI’S NEXT TOP MODEL

In this term we are learning about Unity in Diversity. Unity in diversity is basically about cultures uniting as one, treating other cultures equally and not being racist to others.

On the 23^rd of May we held a beautiful cultural fashion show showing how proud we are to be Maori, European, Tongan and many more.

We rehearsed everyday of the week focusing on how fast we were walking, planning which cultures go first and how to engage our audience. At the end it was decided that the Maori being Tangata Whenua will go first followed by the Europeans then the Pacific Island nations represented by our students.

We were focusing on how fast we were walking because Mrs Parker-Tofa said “How are you going to show off your cultural costumes if you are rushing?” Then we had to count in our heads 1 2 3, 1 2 3 so we couldn’t be too fast or too slow.

Friday the 27^th of May was when we had the Fashion show. The morning was a very busy morning because of all the dressing up and doing the seating arrangements and we also made paparazzi passes for the photographers.

Tatiana was our master of ceremony (MC) on the day. She did a great job introducing the different cultures before they walked on to the cat walk.

We walked as a class to the net ball court but then we had to go into our cultural groups. We waited and waited and then the fabulous fashion show finally started.

Everything went well. The parents were very happy and the Year 8 students were supporting us too by being there and clapping when each cultural group entered.

The fashion show was a special moment for us because we got the opportunity to show the school who we are and where we come from through our cultural costumes.

Keedin's speech for the Year 7 Speech Competition

2011-05-25T09:42:00.004+12:00

Ko Maungarei Te Maunga
Ko Tamaki Te awa
Ko Ruapotaka Te Marae
Ko Tamaki Te waahi,
Te Kura Takawaenga o Tamaki toku Kura
Ko Mr Horan Te Tumuaki
Ko Mrs Parker Tofa Te Kaiako
Ko Laurence taku matua
Ko Larissia taku whaea
Ko Keedin taku ingoa

Kia ora and greetings to you all

I would like to ask who are Maori and as a matter of interest what is culture? Well culture is different languages and beliefs in different religions and ways of behaviour. Cultures like English, Tongan or Samoan have different languages and different religions although some of these are shared. Maori are people who came from Hawaiki and came to Aotearoa on different waka. These waka are really important in identifying tribes.

Maori have been living here in Aotearoa for over a thousand years and are doing their best to keep their language and spiritual culture alive. Maori is an official language, so that helps to keep it alive.

There are many Maori icons in New Zealand like Tiki, the Haka, greenstone or pounamu a Taonga. Icons are brands that are special to Aotearoa. They make New Zealand famous and make our country different to any other country in the world.

There are many things to experience all over New Zealand. There many famous towns like Rotorua with its boiling hot pools, the Sky Tower in Auckland city, The Beehive, in Wellington, and Mt Cook our highest mountain.

Maori performance costumes are unique but they have changed a lot in modern times. However the patterns on their costumes identify which tribe they’re from. My tribes or iwi are Ngati Pikiao, in the Waikato area, and Te Arawa which is in the Rotorua area.

When Maori people perform they perform with pride and they might use pois and long carved sticks to perform and some Maori might wear greenstone or head bands.
Aotearoa is a Maori and English land because in 1840 there was a treaty with the British and Maori. The British wanted to own New Zealand but only parts of New Zealand was sold to them.

Aotearoa for me is a great experience and exciting life. I am Maori and I’m proud of it.

Kua mutu nga korero
Mo tenei wa
Ko Te tumanako te rangimarie
Kia koutou katoa

Manuia le Aso Sa o Tina

2011-05-04T11:26:00.001+12:00

Dear Mrs Baker

My name is Irasa and I am writing to you about my generous, loving and mature mum. Well first of all my mum’s name is Helen. She is 37 years old and she has seven children including me. I am writing this letter because I really want to win this special prize to give to my mum.

My lovely mum is special and very loveable. She makes me laugh all the time. She works at a factory selling clothes and only works for half the year.

When she stays home, she is makes us breakfast and ensures all of us are fine. When we are sick she makes sure we get better and whenever we are upset she tries and makes us happy.

My mum is caring and a bit crazy sometimes. She always has a lovely smile on her face. She cares about my dad so much and I think that is why they have been together for a long time.

Ever since I was little my mum would come back from work and just clean without resting. She will then ask each of us about how our day was.
If I was given one wish, I would wish to go back to when I was little and watch my mum looking after us.

This is all I have to say about my mum and I hope I will be able to win the prize for my mum

Yours sincerely

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-04T11:00:00.002+12:00

Dear Mrs Baker

My name is Tamika and I am in Room 3. I am writing to let you know about a wonderful lady in my life who I know would really appreciate the prize you have for this competition.

My nana is a lovely and beautiful nana and she has great hospitality. She looks after five grand children including me. She makes sure that all of us are always clean, healthy and well mannered. She always makes sure I have fun, always makes sure I have lunch for school and pushes me to get a good education.
My nana has been looking after me for ten years. She would definitely appreciate a mother’s day gift.

When I was little, my nana took my sister, brother and I to live with her. She always thinks about our family and puts us as her first priority. My nana is one of the most special people in my life and I love her very much.

My nana is only 63 years old and enjoys having my brother, sister and I with her every step of the way. She now has guardianship of my siblings and I and always gives us what we want. She always makes sure we have fun and she has a great sense of humour.

I love my nana so much and I know she loves me as much as I love her. I hope you enjoyed reading about my lovely nana.

This is Veisinia's letter regarding an article she read in a local newspaper

2011-04-01T12:09:00.006+13:00

Room 3

Tamaki Intermediate

Panmure

Auckland

Thursday 24^th March 2011

Allan Peachey

National MP

Dear Allan Peachy

I am writing against your decision to shut down Tamaki Intermediate and give four primary schools the right to become a full primary school. I have reasons for coming to Tamaki Intermediate.

First of all I decided to come to this school so I could use new learning tools, try out their new uniform, and experience being taught as a young adult. Staying at a school that you have been to from five years of age until 13 is going to be really irritating. I want to see new faces, make new friends and have a change of learning environment.

Your opinion of our school makes me feel really upset and angry. I know Tamaki Intermediate has the best learning tools and teachers as any other school.

Lastly if I get sent back to primary it will make me feel like I am back to being five years old and that feeling will never go away. Primary was really awesome but I want to start in the next stage and at a different school to help me get ready for my next steps which is college.

I hope my letter will persuade you and give you of bit of time to think about the information you are sending out to people and think about how it is going to affect the students and the teachers of this great school.

Thank you

Veisinia

Lika takes us back to the day we went to Motat

2011-03-23T09:34:00.002+13:00

On the 10th of March 2011 the Year 7 students went on an educational trip to Motat. When we arrived we were welcomed by Elaine and she took us to our spot for the day which is next to the k900. That is also where we had our lunch and morning tea.

After morning tea the classes went to their own activity. The first activity Room 3 did was the tram ride. When we arrived to the tram station we had to wait a few minutes for the next tram because we were early. Then we saw the tram coming on the other side then it came to us. We all hopped on and enjoyed a ride up the road where the display for planes is.

The next thing our class did was look at the different displays at Motat. We looked at the old cars, old washing machines, old ovens and we also read some information about Jean Batten.

After that it was our turn to go into the class. The teacher was Elaine who welcomed us to Motat in the morning. She asked us what we thought a real New Zealand citizen is. She taught us about kiwi symbols and icons and she was very impressed with what we know about New Zealand already. After that we got the chance to play dress ups and sign our class treaty. Some of us dressed up as a farmer and some girls and boys dressed up as Jean Batten. Signing the treaty was cool we had to keep dipping the feather into the ink to write our names.

The last activity was so much fun. We went to the mirror maze and it was almost impossible to complete it. After that we went to the village and looked at the jail and the church.

After that we had to go back to where the k900 is and get our school bags because we had to leave for school. Before we left we said thank you to Elaine for being an awesome host. We really enjoyed our trip and I would like to thank our teachers Mrs Parker-Tofa, Mrs Nirmala and Mrs Andrews for taking us.

Irasa recalling Constable Paul's visit

2011-03-18T12:27:00.004+13:00

Truancy and Behaviour

On Wednesday 16^th of March, Room 3 was in the ICT researching information on the computers when Constable Paul came in and introduced himself. He told us he was going to discuss two things. Truancy and Behaviour.

All of us were asking ourselves what truancy is. He said it was another name for wagging. Constable Paul asked us if we had ever wagged at Tamaki Intermediate. We all obviously said no. Then he discussed his childhood. We all understood what wagging was and that it is a bad thing to do.

After that he talked about bad behaviour. He told us how important it is to behave in school because it will help us in the future.

I think Constable Paul’s visit was important because he talked about things we need to do now that will help us have a good future.

Maria's recount on Constable Paul's visit

2011-03-18T11:55:00.003+13:00

Paul visits Room 3

On Wednesday 16th of March when we were in the ICT room Constable Paul from the New Zealand Police came and spoke to us about truancy and behaviour.

Constable Paul Grey said that truancy was when someone missed school for no reason. We also can’t just tell our parents that we are going to school then walk around the streets without coming to school. If someone is caught truanting the police will go to their houses and ask why they are not coming to school. He said no one should want that.

Then he talked about behaviour. He said that we have to concentrate at school and be good. We can’t be stupid during class as well. We have to pay attention and if we don’t concentrate we will miss out on our learning.

I really enjoyed listening to Constable Paul Grey. He is a really good policeman.

Information Report about our National Anthem

2011-03-14T11:44:00.002+13:00

God defend New Zealand

Did you know that New Zealand’s National Anthem was written as a poem in the 1870’s? There was a competition to compose music which was in 1876 by the Saturday Advertiser and judged by three prominent Melbourne musicians, with a prize for ten guineas.

The winner of the competition was Tasmanian- born John Joseph Woods of Lawrence, New Zealand who composed the melody in the single sitting the evening after finding out about the competition. The song was first performed at the Queen’s Theatre, Prince Street, New Zealand on Christmas Day, 1876.

The song became popular during the 19th century and early 20th century, and in 1940 the New Zealand government made it copy- right and made it New Zealand’s national hymn in time for that year’s centennial celebrations.

The case of the stolen projector

2011-03-01T14:26:00.001+13:00

On Wednesday the 16th of February we used our smart board.

I felt really happy using it because it was my first time in my whole life. Well firstly we used it for maths, topic and writing. We also used it for our wall story which the whole class was working on.

When I came to school on Monday the 21st in the morning we could see that our classroom was dark and only Mrs Parker-Tofa was there. Mrs Parker Tofa told us someone stole the projector.

I felt really sad and little bit angry because we only used it for two days and it must have cost a lot of money. I was also angry at my self for not closing the curtains on Friday the 17th of February 2011. I am sad too because of the work we did using the smartboard was really cool. We could all see what we were working on clearly.

Well if the police find the people who stole it I will be so happy to know .I will also be happy if Mr Horan buys us another one. I HOPE!

I think those robbers will be punished for what they did to our school property. I also think they were the people who stole Ruapotaka’s projector that was in the multipurpose room.

Losing our projector

2011-03-01T14:18:00.001+13:00

When we first got the projector I was so happy and excited. We hadn’t had one before in Room 3 and with the new projector we were able to use the smart board.

We were having a good time using the smart board and projector, doing our work. Then we came back to school after the weekend and we heard the bad news.

Miss Parker told us that on Sunday at midnight the Room 3 door was forced open and our projector got stolen, that was why we were up stairs in Room 5. She also told us that the police were going to investigate and try to find some evidence.

When I found out I was shocked because they have no right stealing the projector and they left bits of it behind. Plus that is one of our learning tools gone. I also felt disappointed because we only had it for a couple of days and then it was gone. I think who ever took it is a selfish and ignorant person.

Dear Mum and Dad

2011-02-22T14:24:00.002+13:00

Dear mum and Dad

Hi this is Veisinia I am writing this letter to tell you about my first days at Tamaki Intermediate.

On Wednesday the 2nd of February 2011, was the day I started Tamaki Intermediate with a big great smile. I was a bit nervous but I was with my brother and that made me feel really happy. The teachers started calling the names for the classes and then I was called out to be in Room 3 with Mrs Tofa.I was really thrilled to be in my brother’s old class.

During interval was a relief because my brother brought me some yummy food from the tuck shop and I got to meet new students and play with them. Getting to meet your old friends from primary
is a great feeling.

Sports is one of the things that I like about Tamaki intermediate, because you play a lot of sports and you get to try out for tournaments like the girls softball team and the boys softball team. At first you go and sign your name up on a piece of paper, you practice, then you play a little bit of a game, then finally they choose the team. It is really fun once you get to be in the team.

Learning inside the classrooms is very cool.Mrs Tofa makes my learning so interesting in extension.You have to learn to do your work with no chatting and you have to strive to complete your work with excellence.

My first day was really awesome and so much fun. I got to meet new friends and see very familiar faces from primary.

Yours sincerely
Veisinia

Showing her appreciation for her granparents. This is Genevieve's letter expressing her grattitude for her grandparents.

2010-11-25T12:09:00.000+13:00

Dear Mrs Baker,

Have you ever had someone who you loved you, took care of you, fed you and put a shelter on top of your head. Well that’s the job my grandpa and nana have done for me ever since I was a little girl. These two amazing people raised, cared and nourished my mother. My mum and dad have full time jobs so my nana and grandpa are like my heroes.

My nana had two marriages. She had 5 kids before she met my grandpa. Then when she met my grandpa my mum came along. Even though my grandpa is not related by blood to my nanas 5 older children he still cares for them as if he is their father.

At home sitting in her own little room is my great grandma who is 89. This lady has Parkinsons disease. This mean she needs help to do everyday stuff like eating, having a shower, going to the toilet and sometimes even walking. That when my nana comes in. She cooks, does the laundry and makes the best Lu sipi (lamb wrapped in taro leaves) I have ever tasted. My nana is just 70 and has problems with her right arm but she still cares so much about her mum that nothing will get in the way when she needs help.

My grandpa may not be special to you but he is to me. This man has been in the hospital several times because of his heart. The year before last year on Christmas my grandpa was rushed to the hospital because he stopped breathing. At that moment I thought I was going to lose my role model, my rock and my hero.

Yours Sincerely

Genevieve

Are We Ready?

2010-11-10T20:42:00.005+13:00

The extension classes at Tamaki Intermediate made this movie "Are We Ready?" which is all about student voice. We had a lot of fun making this movie. Ideas for the movie were researched and also generated from the "ULearn Teachers' Conference' held recently at Christchurch. We acknowledge all presenters at the conference who presented teachers with ideas to teach digital learners of the 21st Century. Manaiakalani is all about this. We are putting into practice what we are learning. Enjoy watching the movie.

Kitione expressing his love of Music and Dance

2010-11-10T09:48:00.007+13:00

Music and Dance

Dance and Music has changed over time
It sometimes comes on Prime
Music is a sound
You can hear it all round
It sounds sweet
Like when birds tweet.

I like to listen to music
When it doesn’t sound like a broken record
Music is nice to listen to
Dancing is great to do
Michael Jackson is the best
He is better than the rest
And he has finally been laid to rest.

By Kitione Tamale

Hi everyone here is Eparama's explanation writing on cooking methods and utensils

2010-11-08T07:44:00.003+13:00

Cooking utensils are used to cook food. People still use old fashion cooking utensils today. However, some appliances such as the egg beater were not electric until the 1885.

Ovens are also cooking utensils however ovens in the past was not so flash. Some cultures used the earth to make food. Just like my culture we call it the LOVO.

Some people are returning to the appliances and utensils of years ago. These had been accumulated for use and decorative purposes. But some collectors now are actually using them instead of those they can acquire in modern stores.

These might date from 10 or 20 years ago, or they could go back to the mid-1950s or earlier. Those collected for decorative effect often were used even earlier than that.

Through the years cooking utensils had been modified for improvement.

This is a recount about Erika's school holidays.

2010-10-29T07:28:00.003+13:00

My memorable holidays

In the holidays it was my birthday and my Nana asked me what I wanted to do and I just said I wanted to go to Denny’s. My Nana said alright and she went and booked it. On my birthday my family and I travelled to Denny’s in a four wheel drive.

As we walked into Denny’s we had to go to the receptionist’s area. After that we started eating and talked about what college I was going to and about my school and how I have been doing at school.

After we ate, we left and travelled to Candyland in Hamilton. The drive was very long it took maybe an hour. Candyland was fun. I had never seen so much candy at one place. We all started eating lollies as if the world was coming to an end.

When we finished up at Candyland we went to my dad’s house. It was a beautiful apartment but we didn’t stay long because we were coming back on the following Sunday. We drove back up to Auckland and when we were in Auckland we drove back home to cook dinner.

Two days after my birthday my generous aunty took us to the Highland Park Cinemas. We watched Toystory3 it was awesome and at the same time it was scary and awfully sad. We munched on popcorn while watching the movie.

The movie was very interesting to watch. When the movie finished all my little cousins and my annoying brother ran to the arcade area. We stayed there for a couple of games and then we leaving a trail of a mess. After that we had lunch that each one of us packed which was fizzy drinks, lollies, sandwiches and other snacks.

When we got home we ate pizza and nachos. When it finally got dark we started watching movies we watched Eclipse, Boy, Ip Man1, Ip Man2, Predators, Toystory3, Shrek Forever After, Karate kid, Final Destionation3 and Legion.

The holidays were memorable. Another year was added to my age. I went to Candyland and almost suffocated myself with so much candy. The best part is I had so much fun.

This is a narrative written by Chloe. There is a theme in this narrative which she has worked hard to bring forth to the readers.

2010-10-22T12:04:00.002+13:00

It was a sunny day and the sun was shining brightly. It was a typical summer’s day in Folkerston. The wind was blowing lazily and the flowers swayed as if they were enjoying a classical piece by an orchestra. Inside a bach a teenage girl sits at her table looking as if she was in despair.

Her name is Ruby. She always looks sad and angry because she is always bored and always too shy to go outside and play. Every time she looks outside she sees the other children playing with their best friends and laughing. Secretly she wanted to experience the joy the other children had with their friends but she never has the courage to join in.

One day Ruby was looking outside and saw a car driving in to the next house. She then saw a little girl hop out of the car really excited and jumping up and down. “Melina stop moving around so much” her mother said. “I heard the girl next door is a really nice girl. Why don’t you go over and say hello”.

Ruby couldn’t believe someone had said she is a nice girl. She is always being put down by others and has never heard a compliment from anyone but her mother. Before she could think again there was a knock at the door. Ruby walked over and opened the door. Standing there with some cookies was a little girl with a bright smile. “Hi there, my name is Melina. I will be your neighbour for the holidays”. Ruby could not say anything for a while. She then smiled at the little girl and asked her to come inside.

They started talking about their schools and how the children are. Ruby told Melina she does not have any friends and Melina was shocked at her confession. “Well, I will be your first friend, and I hope to be your best friend too” Melina said.

The next two weeks went like the wind. The two girls spent so much time together. They went walking in the park every day and counted how many birds they saw in the trees. They baked chocolate chip cookies using Ruby’s unique recipe which included cinnamon. Melina said she has never tasted such nice cookies and will never stop making cookies.

Ruby felt as if she was in a dream. She never thought she would find so much joy from having a friend. Especially a friend so much younger than her. On the day Melina was returning home to start school, Ruby gave her a necklace she made herself. As the girls hugged Melina’s mother asked Ruby if she wanted to visit them during the next holidays. Ruby accepted the offer and felt as if she was walking on clouds.

Vaegaau and Afu had fun writing this narrative. They are starting to use similies in their writing and hope you enjoy their narrative.

2010-10-22T11:38:00.004+13:00

The Haunted Stadium

On one cold misty night on the 22^ndof June 2010, Zuzu gazed out the window and saw a swirl of strong wind taking the leaves into a slow dance in the misty air. She was practicing her ballet routine for her school event by herself and all of a sudden she heard weird sounds coming from the stadium outside.

She ran into the stadium at the speed of lightning and saw no one. She then walked around looking for where the strange noises came from. Her heart was beating like thunder, her teeth were chattering like cups during an earthquake.

Stomp, stomp she hears someone moving around. Her heart started to beat faster and faster. She felt the presence of the person getting closer and closer. Her mind was telling her to run but her heart was beating so fast she could not make a move.

Just before she opened her mouth to scream, she saw the person move closer and realised it was her friend Bridget who was playing a trick on her.

Samoa

2010-10-11T11:25:00.003+13:00

An Action-Packed Term 3 for Room 3

2010-09-22T13:15:00.001+12:00

This term’s Year 7 topic was ‘The Nutty Professor’. We had to find an experiment, test it out and present it to the school with display boards. Three adults and some secret students judged our Science Fair projects. We enjoyed carrying out the experiments and displaying our scientific research and thinking.

A group travelled to Samoa to represent our school. Before they left they showed us what they would be doing. This included a ‘Fiafia Night’ to help the fund raise money for the trip to Samoa. We also had a Mufti day where a voluntary contribution of two dollars could be donated towards the trip.

A Year 7 and Year 8 after school netball team played in a graded tournament. The Year 7 team never lost a game! They were presented with a trophy for winning the Grade D section.

We also had four rugby teams representing us. They were the over 55s and under 55s boys team. There is also an Open Grade girls rugby team and under 55s girls team. Our Open Grade girls have done well, making it to the finals. We are all as happy as larks!

Each Monday we have taken part in an exciting new dance exercise session called Zumba. The instructor’s name was Yvonne. We were all thrilled and pumped. During the session we heard some of our favourite music.

In math we have been learning about percentages, fractions, decimals, geometry, and measurement. We also have a new teacher because our teacher is with the group that has gone to Samoa. Her name is Miss Bell. We have learnt heaps more thinking strategies and ways to improve our standards with her.

Nostalgic Memories and Reflections of Term 3 2010

2010-09-22T09:27:00.002+12:00

It’s nearly the end of the term and we start to reflect back to memories that have happened this term. A reflective feeling came over us as we thought of the science fair that recently took place in the hall.

In our Year 7 individual classes we were partnered up with a buddy to construct a science experiment. We experienced how hard it was to do this particular topic. But with a positive attitude and the help from our buddies we managed to get through. On the day of the science fair a lot parents turned up to see their child’s experiment that they worked very hard on. The next day one of the pairs got one of the individuals to present their work to the school. They left their projects in the hall ready for the two judges to judge their experiment.

Measurement, Time, Fractions, Angles, and Capacity, these are some of the topics that room 3 have been learning about in Mathematics this term. In our group we learned parts of a decimal. We also learned if the number is after the decimal that means that the number is not a whole number yet. But if it is before the decimal it is already one whole number.

Every Thursday Room 3 has P.E. At the beginning of the term we had gymnastics which was usually tiring. Even though it was hard we still managed to pull through it. In the last few weeks of the term we have been practicing our Large Ball Skills. This included the games of Volley and Dodge Ball.

Writing for Room3 has been in the format of a Procedural writing and also Narratives. Procedural Writing was connected to the “Crazy Science” unit study because when we presented our experiment we had to write out our method which includes a diagram of how you set up the equipment, and describes the steps you take to carry out the experiment.

Te Reo Maori for us was really interesting because we got to learn how to ask questions in Te Reo Maori and we also learned about the Atua’s of the Maori’s that lived long ago.

In Technology the girls in Room 3 had Art with Mrs Baker and the boys had Music with Miss Dekker. The girls in Art got to draw birds and we learned the basic shapes of a bird. We also learned how to weave and dye a background. The boys were enjoying learning to play songs on our school ukuleles.

By Vaegaau & Afu

Talofa from Samoa

2010-09-14T18:53:00.002+12:00

We have been very busy in Samoa. Since our arrival we have made several trips to town and today we went to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. It was amazing to hear about the history of Samoa surrounding the famous writer who died in Samoa and is buried at the top of Mt Vaea due to his wishes. His other wish was to be buried with his boots which the Samoan people fulfilled when he died. It took a lot of work for the people of Samoa to carry Robert Louis Stevenson's coffin to the top of the mountain but they did it because they loved him.

Tomorrow which is Tuesday in Samoa we are travelling to Savaii. We are all excited to go because we have heard so many wonderful stories about Savaii. MRsTofa is escpecially excited because Savaii is where she was born.

We will keep you all posted when we have access to the internet but for now Tofa Soifua.

The power of Mentos

2010-09-09T07:39:00.003+12:00

Question
Will the coke react if we drop mentos into it?

Hypothesis:
We thought the mentos will make the coke fizz.

Materials:
• Coke 1.5L bottle(don’t shake)
• Mentos(mint)
• Geyser tube

Method:
1. Open the coke bottle and place the geyser tube at the top where the lid was
2. Put the little plastic key and insert it in the two holes on the geyser tube
3. Fill the geyser tube with mentos
4. When ready release the plastic key to drop the mentos into the coke

Observations:
As the mentos dropped into the coke, it started to fizz and then the fizz rose to the top causing a fizzing eruption.

Analysis:
Any foreign substance put into carbonated beverages helps release the carbonation from the beverage. Since the carbon dioxide is forced into the soda it is unstable and will fizz whenever there is something else added.

Conclusion:
Our observation proved to be right. The mentos caused a fizzy explosion from the coke because of the carbon dioxide being forced into the soda.

My awesome dad

2010-09-01T11:34:00.002+12:00

Dear Mrs Baker

I am going to talk about my handsome and most lovable Dad.

When I am with him it is like I am with a friend because he helps me with my homework and usually takes me fishing.

While fishing with my dad, my cousin and my brother he taught me how to fish and how to kill it. He says it is just being slow and steady, and if it wasn’t for my dad I wouldn’t have caught a fish for the first time.

He is a helpful and a trust-worthy father who cares about me and does whatever he wants to do in his life. He sometimes tells jokes and acts all silly that makes me laugh.

Ever when I was 7 years old and it’s the holidays, he takes me to the beach. Afterwards when we are finished, he takes me to the shops to buys me an ice-cream that makes me happy.

We both watch our favourite shows N.C.I.S and C.S.I which makes us happy. My dad gives me money when I have no food to eat, he usually calls me “AA” or “hungry” (because I like eating) and it makes him laugh sometimes. Sometimes he gives me lollies.

This is why I have nominated my dad, Togia Pineki because he is valuable to me and is a kind hearted father.

From: Ro-June

My special dad

2010-08-31T20:00:00.001+12:00

My dad is the most supportive trustworthy person I know.

Dear Mrs Baker

My dad is the person I really love. When I think of my family and how much I love them, the picture I see in my head is my dad. The one who puts a smile on my face every time I look at him.

I love my dad because he is the most thoughtful person I care about. In my life my dad is the only person who keeps my family together.

My dad is special because he is the only man in my life who loves me with all his heart.

Every time I get up to go to school my dad is always there to tell me to go to school to learn and have a great education and don’t go to school to tease people and get smart to the teachers.

I LOVE MY DAD WITH ALL MY HEART

By Chloe

My dad

2010-08-31T19:56:00.001+12:00

Dad I love you, I love you, I Love you. This is something many human beings say to their dad but today I will tell you how strong my love is for my dad and what he has done for me.

Ever since I was born I had been looked after by my dad. I know it’s unusual but yes that’s true. Not only for me but for my brother too.

As a child I had naughty days not eating, being an annoyance, not sleeping. I had always been an annoyance to my dad but he did not mind one little bit. When I was to eat I used to spit it out giving worries to my dad. I always had to be pushed back and forth on the bouncer or I would not sleep.

Growing up starting kindy, just crying and crying wanting my dad to stay, not letting him go home.

Turning five and starting primary for me was being very quiet and not talking. He taught me to get on with people, talk to people, be very helpful, be very kind and never disrespect anyone. All these lessons were taught to me by my dad Alvind.

I am very happy to have a loving caring dad and I hope other people do too!

by Ashley

All about my grandpa

2010-08-31T19:53:00.000+12:00

My grandpa is like the gate way to my future. No matter what obstacle is heading my way he will always be there. My grandpa to me is like a jewel that can never be replaced at any price.

He was the one who took me in as a child and still is with me. My grandpa has always been there for me. I think my grandpa is perfect in every way.

There have been some funny times and there still are to come. I wish to become a wise man like him when I grow older. No matter how old he gets he will still and always be in my heart.

By Apelu

My fantastic dad

2010-08-31T19:51:00.001+12:00

Do you have a dad who looks after you? I do. He is the best dad in the world.

My dad is the coolest dad because he takes me to the park and plays video games with me. I go to the mall with my dad and we buy video games in the shops.

My dad looks after me and my four sisters. My sisters and I love our dad but I love my dad the most. He is the best dad in the world.

By Akram

My dad

2010-08-31T19:47:00.001+12:00

Dear Mrs Baker

When I read my speeches my nerves take over my body. I imagine my father’s face in my head and it calms me down.

When I’m at school I expect a loving member of my family to be waiting at home. Mrs Baker I am writing this letter to let you know how hard my father works to provide things for my family.

I myself do agree that girls are better than boys but I wouldn’t doubt the power of fathers especially mine.

He is perfect to pick you up and dust you off, driving me to all the events in my life, protecting me from a broken heart and helping me stay on the right path.

My dad travels the world teaching cultural groups but mostly Tongan dancing. Sometimes I don’t get to feel that protection and I can’t witness the loving smile on my father’s face.

Sincerely

By Afu

My awesome dad

2010-08-31T11:52:00.001+12:00

Dear Mrs Baker

Do you have a male person who has cared for you from the first day he set his eyes on you? Well I do. He is an energetic man, who is funny and warm hearted. He is my dad Naita Manu.

He and my mother raised us all since we were born. My dad used to smoke before my brothers and sisters were born. When they had my oldest sister my dad thought of quitting smoking because it would have been a bad environment for our health, so he quit smoking.He said “It was very hard to quit smoking but it was worth it”. Now my dad has no regrets about quitting smoking because he has us.

My dad sometimes takes my brother and I fishing at the Wharf at Panama. Sometimes we catch a few and sometimes we catch a lot, but now my dad is very busy in church. I sometimes go with him and sometimes I stay home. When he goes to church he will pray for my family and I.

My dad is really serious about the education of his children. That is why I try my best in school to have a good and better education. My dad Naita will be in my heart and soul forever.

Sincerely,

By Mowbray

My super amazing Dad

2010-08-31T11:47:00.004+12:00

Dear Mrs Baker,

My fantastic dad’s name is Tony. He is the best dad in the entire universe because he is so supportive of me. He’s always there for me. He always works hard just to get what I need. He plays with me every day. My dad is by my side every second.

Dad you’re handsome, caring, loving, supportive and you have a kind soul.

He’s all I will ever need. Every second I’m with him I fell nice and warm inside. I will do anything for him.

He has given me the opportunity to go to a great school with great teachers and amazing friends. He wants me to get the best education he can give me.

He buys me takeaways when I want it. He bought us a X-box 360. I also got a phone for my birthday. We have heaps of movies that he bought us. This shows my dad wants us to be happy and spends his money on us.

I fell over on the road and he came and took me to the emergency hospital. My knee was bleeding a lot but the bandages stopped it. He put two pillows beneath my knees so blood wouldn’t touch the sheets.

If I didn’t have him I would not be here. If you would have my dad you would feel the same. He lets me play computer games and lets me stay up late. He keeps me safe from all the bad guys.

When we were moving to our new house it was my 10th birthday. But my dad took me out to the movies with him and my mum.

When I’m sick he takes care of me. He makes me some hot porridge and some nice cold fresh orange juice. He lets me get better and have long naps. When I’m awake he puts on the TV for me.

When I have home work he helps me. My sisters are always annoying when they are in my room so he tells them to be quiet and to get out of my room.

When I’m sad he cheers me up. When he has a hard day at work and is angry I cheer him up by making him a cup of coffee.

Yours sincerely,

Vanessa

Dear Mrs Baker - Our Father's Day letters about the special male caregivers in our lives. Enjoy!

2010-08-31T11:34:00.007+12:00

Procedural Writing on making a paper napkin rose

2010-08-25T10:28:00.002+12:00

How to make a paper napkin

Materials:
2 paper napkins
Cello tape

Method:
1. Fold the napkin three centimetres from the top
2. Rip off the two little bits of the opposite side ( 2 inches )
3. From the corner of the folded side start rolling the paper tightly
4. Start to loosen the paper as you keep rolling to form a rose shape
5. When you have finished rolling the rose shape, start to twist the bottom to make a stem
6. With the second paper napkin rip a three cm wide strip to the end
7. With this piece start to twist it from the top of the stem
8. Insert the pieces you ripped off at the beginning to make leaves where you desire
9. Use a little bit of tape to seal the end of the stem

You should now have a paper napkin rose

Procedural Writing on making a paper napkin rose

2010-08-16T16:47:00.002+12:00

How To make A Rose Out Of A Paper Napkin

Goal: To make a paper napkin rose.

Materials

2 paper napkins

PVA Glue

Method

1. Fold in a 3 cm fold on the right hand side of the napkin

2. At the bottom of the napkin rip 2 small sized pieces from the corner (These will be the petals)

3. At the top where you folded in step 1 start to roll the paper napkin tightly

4. After rolling the paper napkin 5-6 times pick up the paper napkin and keep rolling starting to loosen the paper to form a rose shape

5. At the end tuck the edge into the side of the rose

6. Start twisting the stem of your rose downwards

7. When you get to the end use PVA glue to seal the end

8. With the second paper napkin rip off a 3cm wide piece

9. With that piece of paper napkin start to twist it around the stem of the rose

10. Insert the petals previously ripped off where you wish

11. Again use PVA glue to seal at the end of the stem

Apelu was curious about technology and its use in space. This is his information report about the Sojourner Mobile Robot

2010-08-06T09:44:00.003+12:00

The Sojourner mobile robot is a machine used in space.

The Sojourner mobile robot is a machine with a solar panel on the top of it for energy. It has six wheels and has a box looking body which is made of gold and titanium.

The machine lives on mars to take photos of spacecrafts and rocks. It was made especially from the NASA headquarters to reveal the life around on mars.

The robot has a speed of 04 meters\per min It is powered by a 0.22sqm solar panel comprised of 13 strings of 18, 5.5mil Gas cells each. The normal driving power requirement for the micro rover is 10W.

Without these modern machines the world wouldn’t have discovered these planets. There are also three Mars Rover missions planned for the future, including the European ExoMars Rover from ESA, and the American Curiosity and MAX-C Rovers from NASA.