2015

There are approximately O N E more day until 2015, and I am really looking forward to it. After all the great things I have achieved in 2014. It has been amazing experiencing how it feels to be in intermediate.

The fact that even being a P R E F E C T for 2015 is a huge step. Teaching and showing good examples for the little ones. But what I reckon about 2015, is that its going to be very exciting and more fun. This year it was also a good opportunity for us year 7's  to learn and know all the things there are to become a good role model for next year.

So all the things that I have learnt this year are the things that are going to be accomplished next year.  I am really looking forward for it!!! As what everybody says "New year, New Me" Have a great Holiday everyone!!!

Warren Pohatu Art!

Here is a movie that I have created during this term. We had set tasks which was to create, an art that was inspired by Warren Pohatu. And after we had finished our art we had to create this Movie!! Hope you enjoy!

Our Trip to The Te Tuhi Art Gallery

This week our year 7’s and 8’s has had the privilege to visit the Te tuhi Art Gallery. Well today our class got an amazing opportunity to go. We had the chance to Explore more information about the Polynesian Tapa and art. There were two common people that had shown us around Te Tuhi, which was Louisa and Jeremy.

As we got to the Gallery our first activity we had done was to create our very own Tapa made out of Paper, dye, and brown ink. We had to create our tapas using 4 symbols that represented us, which were our Culture, Family, Interests and Home. It was great because we could see how a tapa could be created.

There were also some examples from the cultures, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. My favorite Tapa were the ones from Tonga. Why? Well of course it's because I am Tongan, but also cause there were a lot of texture and detail in it. There were other cultures too, like Niue and Hawaii. The Niuean Tapa which is called (Hiapo) had more detail an geometric patterns in it which also made it look cool and great.

Did you also know that Tapa could be used for all sorts of things. Like Weddings, a funeral and a Birthday. Some cultures also use it as an outfit to dance in or the Big 21st!!!!

So far I've learnt a lotttt!! of things about tapa. I enjoyed our Trip today because we also got to watch videos about Artists and the art that they have created, which was the best part.  

Touch Day Out Tournament

Last week on Thursday, our year 7&8 Touch Teams had the opportunity to play mixed touch at the House Park reserve in Mangere. The theme of the Tournament was “ Walk the Talk” Which was part of Cyber bullying, Anti bullying and Bullying in all sorts of ways. It was also held by the  Genesis Youth Trust.

For half of the day, the hosts were always talking about bullying and what it can do to other people. Most of the conversations they had were about Emotional feelings and what bullying people can cause. It was a wonderful day meeting a lot of schools out in the South. We were put in to two different groups which were Whero (Red) and Kahurangi(Blue)

One of my favourite parts of the day, were making it into the Finals with Kedgley. It was quite sad lost our game but then at the end of the day we actually came 2nd!!!!!! But hard luck for the other team they had came 2nd to last apparently.

Near the end of the day, our Kahurangi team had came back with a basketball that they had won. They had won it by a dancing competition that they had attended. There were alot of activities and games that were held. They even gave out free lunch, such as a Sausage sizzle and Ice cream for a treat.

It was an Amazing day, and it also was a good message that they had sent about bullying.

Athletics 2014

Athletics 2014 - By Sela!!

Athletics, Ahhhh!!! Athletics is an yearly event that held at our school.  Our WHOLE school participates in it too!! There are more than 15 events and 6 mains. Which are: Discus, Shot put, High Jump, Sprints, Javelin and Softball throw. 

It was held just last week on Friday!! Because the weather wasn't looking good the year 7&8's had to finish there last three events on Monday. Every year we are put into house colours like, Green (Mataatua), Yellow (Takitemu), Red ( Te Arawa) and Blue (Tainui). And every year I am always put in the color Green!!

Walking to the courts butterflies hit, my legs started shaking. As we sat down in our year groups, excitingly the day got hotter and hotter. Finally, Miss Va'afusuaga called out the year 7 girls to head over to Softball throw. The day went on and on as we got to shot put the day got better. Watching everybody throw the shot put was actually cool, and even for most of my friends coming either first or second in an event.

After most of our events were finished it had finally came to the end of the day, with our last event which was Sprinting. Although it was quite sad I didn't get to run cause of my knee injury. Most of our girls still made us proud, with Mataatua coming first in it. I just can't wait for next years Athletics, so that I can see the improvements that I have made. 

Good Friends

Good friends they take care of one another, if one of you are in trouble you all are, you’d always have to put up with their funniness or either their Jokes that aren't funny.

But what really is good friends? People may understand friends as in people that are kind to you or either people that help you out. Well friends are most likely kind, good, amazing and trustworthy people that you have choose to put into your life.  

Yeah sure they can talk a lot but most times they are just the best people to be around with. Good friends help you out with bad things and even in family situations. Most of all friends are just good reliable people that take care of each other 100% a day.

There are types of friends out there that can be differently set. Have you ever heard of a Frenemy? Apparently they are friends that are also enemies. No matter what culture or skin color you are, good friends take you by your personality and mind.

Most likely people need friends that are trustworthy and Reliable. Trustworthy friends are really good people that are to be told anything, and I mean anything. Friends that are trustworthy are most likely the best you’d probably have as a friend.

People may prefer their parents as their Best friends, than other people. Basically its true. Parents are the best to talk to. “ We ride together, We die together” Quoted by Will Smith.

Thank You Parent Helpers!!

Last week on Tuesday we had an opportunity to visit the Auckland Museum with our Teachers and our helpers.

Without our Parent helpers I’m fairly sure we wouldn't even go. So I’d like to say a HUGE Thank you to all our Parent Helpers that helped us with our Trip.

It was a great experience having one of our year 8’s parents as our helpers. Thanks for all the activities that you had organised for us last Tuesday. It was a great pleasure having Shannon (One of the year 8’s parents) as our Parent Helper.

So THAAANNNNNKKKK YOOOUUU Shannon for having to put up with us on Tuesday , and looking for me while I was lost. It was a great pleasure having you as our Parent Helper.

Also having other parents was great too. Thank you all for coming with us and for the Teachers who made this happen.

Yours sincerely

Sela

Highlights of our Trip

 I actually lIke this picture, because once we had finished our tasks. We had the chance to have a little Free time while we were outside. 

 This photo is actually a good photo of the types of Building around the Museum.  I've always wondered what this building was. 

I liked looking at this piece of art, because it had a lot of color and texture in it.

I enjoyed looking at this piece carving inside the museum because it represents the maori Culture. 

And at the end it was time leave thats why I like this photo to remember the day we visited the Museum.

Why is it Important to have Sleep?

Why is it important to have sleep?

It is really important to get enough sleep. Actually sleeping can help you in a lot of ways. Getting enough sleep helps with growing and even having a better attitude the next day.

Sleep is allowed for creatures like, Hippos, Elephants Giraffes, Koala Bears, Grandparents, Mums and Dads, and creatures that live in the wild. Sleep is just like eating, sleep is important for survival.

Adults need about 7-8 hours of sleep a night. From the age of 5 to 12 the amount of sleep that is needed, would probably be 10 to 11 hours. Babies also sleep a lot, to grow they also need 14-15 hours of sleep. Some kids might need more then most need less, it depends on the kid.

Sleep is actually healthy for your body. It is actually more important than you think. Sleep isn’t just for your body, its also for your brain too. A average kid has a busy day. Running around with friends, attending sports practices, taking care of your pets and doing your homework. At the end of the day the child needs a huge amount of rest.

Trip To the Museum

As part of having “Art Attack” as our topic, we had the opportunity to go to the Museum. With all the year 7’s. Last week on Tuesday.

By the time I got to school, we were already put into our groups. So luckily I was put into a group with my friends. While walking into the bus we all started to get excited.

Even though we've been to the Museum a lot we still enjoyed our trip. Our year 7’s explored a lot of things around the Museum, most of it was based on art and Culture.  

One of my favorite parts of our trip was exploring the Museum. But one of the best parts were, experiencing a volcanic eruption. Why? Well the best part was being inside a house just watching the Volcano ashes come towards us.

Later on we all had a task that was set for us, which was mainly about taking artistic photos around the Museum. It was quite like hunting but taking very good photos of things. I really enjoyed our trip, because most of the time we got to do amazing Activities.

Tattoo Design

 I like this art because it symbolizes the culture I am from. In this artwork I like the colours that I have used in it. This art is mainly used in Tonga.

    Then this art symbolizes, the Maori and the country that I stay in. I actually like this of art that I have created. 

Why is it important to have School/class rules?

                Why is it Important to have Class/School rules?

Yeah why is it important to have school and also class rules?

Well if schools did not have rules there’d be a lot of dangerous things happening like, fights, bullies, swearing and thefts. For an example dodgy things could happen during school. Without rules children are most likely to disrespect one another and the teacher.

Most schools have rules to keep Children inside the school boundaries. I think that rules are most likely helpful to help children have a better environment.

When rules are followed kids would be more respectful and kinder.  Thats why I think that rules should be set in every school.

Night Markets

                      

What is Night Markets you may ask? Well Night Markets, are Markets that are held during the Night. Here in Auckland it is held 6 times a WEEK.

Night Markets are Located Mt Wellington under Countdown (Tuesdays), then goes through to Onehunga Dress Mart (Thursday),Papatoetoe Under K Mart (Friday) Henderson Under K Mart) Friday.Then there is Pakuranga Under the Warehouse (Saturday) Last of all its Sunday Night markets ( Glenfield- Westfield)

Night markets are filled with, Food stalls, Fun games and even stalls that sell clothes. So far I’ve been going to the Night Markets in Pakuranga and Mt Wellington.  Which are the closest from where I live.

What I look forward to at Night Markets are mostly the Food Stalls. Why? Cause there are different types of Food Stalls that are held. The most common food plates and bowls that are sold, are most likely Churros, Ice-Cream and Smoothies. But I LOVE buying the Dumplings.

Night Markets are set into two different parts, one side with games and the clothing area. Then the other with Food.  But also they sell Stuff Like Headphones, Phone cases, Shaped Balloons, Hats, Beanies and even more!!  

I really enjoy having Night Markets.  Because you can meet a lot of new people.  

Happy LATE Birthday Blogger!!

Did you know that it was  Bloggers 16th Birthday!!! Last Saturday. Here is a little presentation that I have created while the holidays started.

The things I enjoy doing

Here is a little presentation of the things that I enjoy doing. Hope you enjoy!!

What would it be like in the Future?

 Here is a presentation my friend and I have created about what the future would look like in the future. Hope you enjoy!

Unique Sport Presentation

Term 3 Reflection

Aaaaahhhhh!! Term Three's almost over !!!!

This term has been an outstanding Term, with all the different types of sports I’ve been in, and also having to participate in Cross Country.  

A lot of things have happened this term. We’ve had Netball Prizegivings, League Tournaments and even Cross Country races. Every Wednesday we’d probably have Kiwi Sports, and for the past few weeks we've been having Netball sessions with Donna. Having these sessions also help us with what we can achieve in our actual teams.

My highlight for this term would probably be our Netball Prizegiving. Which was held right after Cross Country. Why? Well actually I got awarded Best Sportsmanship for my team.

I think that I have achieved one of my goals which were Self Managing. Which was part of finishing of tasks properly. Also creating movies and finishing it on time.

I’ve really enjoyed this Term. Learning different types of writing Topics, and reading journals about Earth. Overall I’ve enjoyed this term.  

Unique Sport

Sela, Jordenne and Asena AFL from Team 5 PES on Vimeo.
Here is a Movie that my friends and I have created. It is a modified version of AFL ( Australian Football League ) Hope you enjoy!!

Cross Country 2014

After all our trainings the day had finally come. It was Cross Country 2014 for our whole school.

Every year our school has cross country, and this year the tracks were harder. It went from year 1- 8. Aaaaahhh!!!! The 11th of September was the day.  We’d come to school in different types of colours. I came to school in the colour Green Mataatua. There were other colours Blue (Tainui) Red ( Te Arawa ) and Yellow (Takitimu)

When Mr Jacobsen called out the year one boys we all got so excited.  Watching my little brother run too, was quite an exciting experience. He was also representing Mataatua.

While waiting for our turn, I started getting hotter and hotter. Finally Mrs Nua asked us if we wanted to move to another spot. Eventually we heard Mr Jacobsen call out the year 5 boys.

Filled with nervousness, I headed off to the start of the race, just before  Mr Burt called out the yr 7 girls. Butterflies hit my stomach, and my legs started shaking. BAANG! Mr Burt slapped the blocks together.

Huffing and Puffing I ran as fast as I could. It was actually the fastest that I’ve ever run. Running towards the gates I stopped and took a very long breathe, as I said to my friend “ the tracks are too loonnggg!!”  

It had came to the end of my first lap, while struggling to get around for my second lap. Finally I had a friend to run with. It was Allanha, and we quickly ran down to the finish as everyone was cheering for us.

I can’t wait for next years Cross Country. Running in the year races too. “ GOOOO MATAATUA” I said while the year 8’s were running.  

The Sports I enjoy Playing

Here is a little presentation that I have created. It is all about the sports I enjoy playing. Hope you enjoy.

#StoptheBull Revolution Tour

Here is also a  little snippet of what happened, that day.  Sorry for the late post!

Why Plastic Bags should be Banned.

To the Prime Minister (John Key )

I as a student, am writing this letter to let you know that plastic bags can pose a bigger problem than climate change. The reason why I think that we should ban plastic bags are because it’s killing our sea creatures.

Did you know that a man called Charles J Moore the captain for the US Merchant Marine fleet and founder of a leading oceans research group did an in-depth survey on the Great Pacific garbage patch. He said that he was staggered by the increase of pollution.

The reasons why I think plastic bags should banned are that it can kill sea creatures. How? Well when the plastic bags are drifting through the water a sea creature can swallow it which causes it to choke then die.

Therefore plastic bags are even a bigger threat than climate change. Did you also know that people from other countries drive around New Zealand, and probably think that our country is messy because there are plastics flying around the streets and in the sea.

So the main reason I think plastic bags should be banned is that it kills our sea creatures. It’s also bad for the environment. That's why I think you should ban plastic bags.

Yours sincerely

Sela

Pt England School

Why is exercising good for your Body?

Why should younger children exercise everyday? Well, wait its actually  good for your body.

One of the reasons that exercising is good for your body is that it can help you get fitter. For an example athletes need to practice and work hard  everyday to get fitter and have a placing in the Commonwealth. Did you also know that when you exercise it helps your brain.  

 Another reason exercising is good for your body is that it can help with sports. Which is mainly about how fit the player is for that sport. For an example if there were a unfit player in Netball, the team would probably have problems winning. When you are fit you’ll have more energy than an unfit person.

But why don’t people exercise? Besides having medical problems. Like asthma. Although exercising is good for your body, it can help with your brains. Besides that it also helps your Bones and Muscles.

Younger kids say exercising is Fun. Actually every kid does it. Kicking a ball for an example is  a kind of exercise. Which helps your muscles in your legs.

That's why exercising helps you. Therefore if you exercise you can also lose eight in between weeks.

Why is your Body Important

Its really good to take care of your body. First of all eating the right Nutrition is the start to having a healthy body and mind.

You can also be aware of things like drugs and other sorts of things that you choose that go in your body. Drugs can create Short time memories, double vision, permanent brain damage and more.  Drugs also slow down types of messages responses to your body. There are a lot of different types of drugs like marijuana, p, cocaine gas and glue. Drugs don’t choose people the people choose drugs.

It is really important that you put the right things into your body. I’ve learnt the importance of having a healthy body and treating it well. There are people around us that are taking drugs and currently either stressed, depressed or either causing trouble.

The Neurotransmitter helps messages get around your body. Drugs can affect parts of your body as well as Brain damage and short time memories. I’ve learnt that drugs can create crazy things happening to you. ‘

There were also people who had the potential to become a All black, a Teacher or also a Scientist. But instead they chose drugs and started drinking. So choose the right, become what you want to be, and think about the bad things Drugs can do to your body.

Life Education Caravan with Harold

Currently our school has had The Life Education Caravan with Lynn. This year our class had the opportunity to learn about Drugs and Alcohol and how it can affect your body. For the last four weeks we have been learning and watching clips about teenagers that have shared their stories with us. It was Malcolm, Rita, James, Zeb, Jason and Amy.

Drugs and alcohol can create permanent brain damage, double vision, short time memory, anger and more.  Drugs that are used by people can create stress from families and close friends. There are different types of Drugs that are legal and Illegal. Drugs can also slow down your neurotransmitters.

Zeb on the other side, had the potential to play rugby. But instead he chose drugs.  I enjoyed watching Zeb’s story.  Zeb had started at the age of 13 while the others started between 13 to 17. He said that nothing wrong was happening, but actually it was affecting the people around like his family.

People mostly start taking drugs to “Fit In”. There are drugs like, Marijuana, Cocaine, Glue, pot and more. Drugs can also slow down your brain. Lynn also gave us some tips on what our future should be like, healthy and a good education.

 

How to Suceed

Lest We Forget

Today is a special day to remember. From August 4th 1914 till now. Which marks the 100th Commemoration when the first World War had started. Men and women from around New Zealand had volunteered to Fight with our allies.

Most schools around New Zealand had assemblies to remember  the people who went to Gallipoli to fight for us. Even our principals Grandad went off for world war and came back alive. Today at nine in the morning our school and schools around New Zealand flew their New Zealand flags half way down the pole.

Summarizing Whats For lunch

Whats for Lunch? The Book that we are reading this week was about a boy named Alex and the type of food that he needed to eat. It first started when Tina had noticed that Alex had brought a Nutty Bar to school everyday of the week. Mr Kenna had suggested that Alex should bring A LOT more fruits and Veggies to school. Mr Kenna had pinned up a poster with a pyramid full of Food. At the top of the pyramid had Junk food, in the middle of the had oily fat food and at the bottom of course was Healthy Food. After that Mr kenna had given Alex a chart of what types of food the girls and the boys should eat. And currently the boys chart was healthier. After that Rangi had suggested to share his Lunch with Alex. So by then Alex had started eating healthier.

Australia

Australia is one of the countries that are competing in the Commonwealth Games.

This term we have been given to learn about the Commonwealth games. This week I have chosen to learn about Australia. Did you know that the Gold Coast will be hosting 2018’s Commonwealth games?

Australia is located in Oceania. Currently Australia’s population for this year  is 22,507,616. Australia is currently 55th out of 240 countries with the largest population. Currently China is coming first with a population of 1,355,692,544 .

The most common languages that are spoken other than English are, Greek, Italian, Cantonese, Arabic, Mandarin and Vietnamese. Australia has a lot of cultures that are now living there. I also know that Aboriginal Australians live there too. There are about 0.3 % of Indigenous languages spoken. Aborigines are indigenous to Australia.

There are a lot of sports played in Australia. But the most common played sport is AFL (Australian Football League) AFL was first devised by Wills, his cousin H.C.A Harrison, W.J. Hammersley and J.B Thompson. The Melbourne football club was first formed in August 7th 1858.  

Australia has 113 Medals from the Commonwealth Games.

#Happy Birthday Grace

Before the Day ends I would like to say a HUGE Happy Birthday to one of my closest friends Grace. She is now 13 years of age. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE have a blessed day. May God Bless you. Over in Australia. We all Miss you. I hope I could say this to your face but you aren't here. Have a blessed day and Spoiled day Gracie. May God bless you and your family. <3 Happy Birthday Gracie. Sad you had to leave Pt England though. WE Miss you Gracie. Happy Birthday <3

# Gracies Blog

Commonwealth Games 2014

5 Facts that I already know about the Commonwealth Games:

1	I know that the Commonwealth games is held in Glasgow
2	I know that soccer/football is a sport that is in the Commonwealth games
3	I also know that there are all types of countries in this event
4	There are also 71 countries that are participating in this Event
5	Commonwealth games are similar to the Olympics .

Useful links:

http://www.glasgow2014.com/sites/default/files/attached-files/Glasgow%202014%20Factsheet.pdf

http://www.gameonscotland.org/glasgow2014/

http://www.hie.co.uk/regional-information/2014/100-facts-about-the-games.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-2290636/Commonwealth-Games-2014--Facts-Figures.html

10 new facts that I found out about the Commonwealth Games: (include a link to the site where you found your information. Your information needs to be in your own words)

1	I have found out that this event is held for over 11 days (http://www.gameonscotland.org/glasgow2014/)
2	There are five Para-sports that are included in the Commonwealth games, which are Athletics, Swimming, Powerlifting, Lawn bowls and for the very first time Track Cycling. ( http://www.gameonscotland.org/glasgow2014/events/parasport/index.asp)
3	There are 6,500 athletes from 71 nations and territories. They will be competing in 17 sports and 11 days. (http://www.gameonscotland.org/glasgow2014/)
4	Basketball has been introduced to the Commonwealth games in 2006 in Melbourne. It was announced that Basketball will be a sport in 2018 hosted by the Gold Coast over in Australia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_at_the_Commonwealth_Games)
5	Glasgow was chosen for the Host city in 2007. From the CGF. http://www.glasgow2014.com/sites/default/files/attached-files/Glasgow%202014%20Factsheet.pdf
6	Commonwealth was first held in Hamilton Canada http://www.glasgow2014.com/sites/default/files/attached-files/Glasgow%202014%20Factsheet.pdf
7	Only 53 members are allowed in a team.
8	The commonwealth games are only held one every four years
9	I had just found out that in 1950 AUCKLAND had been chosen to host the Commonwealth Games. http://www.glasgow2014.com/sites/default/files/attached-files/Glasgow%202014%20Factsheet.pdf#original
10	And lastly that Tonga has been competing since 1970. Before my Mum was even born. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga_at_the_Commonwealth_Games )