To The People That Have Been Affected By The Earthquake

To the people that have been affected by the earthquake in the South Island, we hope you guys will recover from the damage in your communities. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We hope you recover soon… you are in our hearts. We are sorry to hear these kind of things and hope you haven’t lost anyone in your family.

On Tuesday the 15th of November, 8:17 AM a disaster struck. A strong magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit 15 km N of Kaikoura, New Zealand. It is one of the biggest earthquakes in New Zealand. Tsunami warnings have been announced to affect the top of the South Island. I hope that this is not the case.

I understand that houses were badly damaged and so were roads. The earthquakes also caused landslides, power cuts and floods. Some business owners didn’t have insurance. This meant that damage to their buildings would cause them to move out or they would have to pay for the damage. During the earthquake many gutless robbers decided it was good to loot and take from houses stealing people's belongings. These people deserve to be caught and punished.

Once again we are sorry for your hometown being affected by this natural disaster. Hopefully you guys find your way through life. God bless you all.

Show Not Tell Writing

As Billy and Matthew kept mocking the poor boy they didn’t know what he was capable of. “Why don’t you go and cry back to your fat old mum, HAHA!” Billy had taken it way too far. Winded up to breaking point he couldn’t take it anymore. Outraged Kendrick gave out a loud wild scream and blasted lasers out from his eyes and blazed Billy's leg. As Matthew squealed and squealed his burn began to sizzle and it was getting awful.

Springing out of the blue Cole jumped out from a bush beside them. Cole is one of Kendrick’s best friends also with unearthly powers. He can heal people doesn’t matter how bad the wound is. As Cole flowed and waved his hands through the air, he levitated into the air like he was Iron Man but with no gadgets. While in the air he was receiving some sort of force from all living things (trees, bushes, people, birds,), he then sent a force wave straight to the wound on Billy's leg. Feeling relieved Billy thanked Cole and promised he would never mock Kendrick again or he will know the consequence. “Now you know don't ever say that again!”

Immersion Assembly Term 2 2016

On a chilly, freezing morning I fell off my bed and had a surprise wake up. I remembered it is the first day of Term 2 and I’m so unorganized. It's 8:15am and I'm ready to travel to school. I arrive at school now it’s nearly 8:30 so run to my classroom and get ready for our Termly Immersion Assembly.

The first item that kicked off the day was from Team 1. Mrs George, Mrs Dwyer, Mrs Lal, Ms Peck and Ms Wild. They had a video talking about their favourite things. One of Mrs George favourite things was Hokey Pokey Whittaker's Chocolate, I love that as well. I also like football/ers Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi as much as Mrs Lal.

My favourite item was from Team 4. The Teacher Vengers! Characters included…

Wondering Woman - Miss Lavakula, Bear Baxindine, Team Leader America - Mr. Sommerville, Bat Guy - Mr. Goodwin, and the Amatuer Heroes - Ms Moala and Miss West. I liked that item because it was humorous, had action and a good plot and ending.

First day back at school was a good start. I’m looking forward to the term ahead and the exciting activities as well.

Naughty Stories For Good Boys And Girls

My Writing About Easter

I think Easter has got to do with Jesus Christ and his remembrance. The death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday. Most Christians celebrate the resurrection of the lord, Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. They also believe that Jesus resurrected three days after he died on the cross. On Easter Sunday (actual easter) I would love to go church but I’m caught up with other things.

On Good Friday I have a long deep sleep. Before Easter Sunday I normally go out shopping with my mum to buy some Easter Eggs for my relatives. This year my family and I have started an annual camp day. Every Easter we will be camping at each others houses, so that means every year we change where we camp.

I can’t wait for this upcoming event because I have heard that we will be watching movies all night on a projector, roasting marshmallows and playing lots of fun games.

Tele'a Group 1: Narrative Writing

Lost In The Forest

“Hey boys! Wanna go explore the forbidden forest to celebrate my Birthday?”, says Jacob. Ben replies, “What ifwe get lost?” “Don’t be silly! We won’t go that far!” Jacob responds. So Jacob, Ben and Anthony head towards the Gates Of Exploration.

“We’re finally here. Since it’s your birthday Jacob which path should we take?” Says Anthony. “Let’s follow the left path.” As Jacob points his hand in that direction. While they walk the brothers sing happy birthday, tell jokes and push each other around. All is fun and merry until something dreadful happens.

They accidently slip down a long slope and are lost in a forest. Ben then yells at Jacob, “I told you we were gonna get lost! We’re never gonna find our way back home now!” Jacob felt like an idiot and was sad as well. “ROAR!” “What was that?” The boys say simultaneously. “ROAR!” Another one. “THUD! THUD! THUD!” “Uhhh… Guys look over there” Anthony says shivering. “AHHHHH! RUN!” They all scream. A grizzly bear has started chasing the boys.

After a long run deeper into the forest they have lost the bear. “Now we’re probably deeper and farther away from finding our way back home!” Jacob sadly sobs. Ben insists that they stay put so they’ll be easier to find. Jacob refuses to stay as he wants to get back home to eat his cake. Then he starts crying, then Ben and Anthony start crying as well.

Out of nowhere a leprechaun appears. “Psssst!” He whispers to the group of boys. “Who are you?” The boys asks. “I’m a leprechaun who grants wishes to people who are in trouble. Since it’s your birthday today Jacob what do you wish for?” Jacob doesn’t think twice about what he wants and answers, “I wish that my brothers and I will get back home so we can celebrate my birthday” The leprechaun replies, “Well a wish is a wish… follow the bright footpath and it will guide you out of the forest.” “Thank you!” the boys shout out.  

When they return home they are glad to see their family.  Jacob and his brothers make a pact never to return to the forbidden forest again.

Tyrannosaurus Poem

Writing Test: Ariana's 5th Birthday

On a rainy chilled Saturday afternoon I went to Kids Crafty Club in Pakuranga to celebrate my cousin's 5th Birthday (Ariana). I went with my mum and nana then met other family members at the party.

When we arrived I greeted the birthday girl first. “Happy Birthday Ari!” She replied with, “Thank You!” I then wondered off exploring the building and entered a deserted room where I spotted an iCade Machine. It had all the old classic games like Centipede, Donkey Kong, Pacman and many others. One of my favourite classic games has definitely got to be Pacman. In this game you have to eat all the small dots to pass the level and also avoid the four ghosts Inky, Pinky, Blinky and Clyde which kill you instantly. After a few challenging rounds it was now time to cut the cake.

When I had entered the gloomy dim hall my two eyes bulged out and glistened in the candlelights. I heard a jittery and uneven voice beside me, “Mmmm… delicious yummy cake!” It was my four year old cousin who absolutely loves cake. Ariana was so lucky as her mum had made her a cake symbolising her favourite My Little Pony character Rainbow Dash. My mouth was dripping with anticipation when Ariana cut the cake it had all the colours of the rainbow topped off with some sky blue icing. It looked scrumptious… and it was because when Ariana gave me a piece I gobbled it up and had a second and a third! After everyone had a piece it was game time.

First game was musical statues. Unfortunately for me I couldn’t join any of the games as I’m too old for them now so I sat back and watched. It was funny when Ariana got out as she was not happy and exited the room flicking her hair at her dad. The winner of that game was my little cousin Atunaisa who was supposed be out in the first round as he kept moving around. Second game was pass the parcel which was probably the funniest. One of my cousins David wanted the music to stop on him but it didn’t… and even though it didn’t he still opened the parcel. All the parents were cracking up… but he won in the end since he was patient the rest of the game. It was relaxing time now. I showed my cousins the iCade machine and they hogged it until they left. But luckily I spotted a PS3 with Fifa 15 which I played the rest of the day.

Celebrating my cousin's birthday was awesome especially the part where I munched some of the cake and got to hang out with the family as I don’t oftenly. I can’t wait for the upcoming birthdays but mainly mine which is on the 16th of December (the last day of school!).

GEGNZ Summit

My friends and I at a garage band workshop.

Earlier last week the Year 7&8 extension group travelled to Hobsonville Point Primary School (HPPS) to present at the GEGNZ (Google education groups New Zealand) Summit. We were split into 2 groups one presenting about P.E.N.N (My group) , our school news network and the other about how we use google apps.

When we arrived we all received a swag bag which included a google pen, book, name tag and other things too. Unfortunately I lost mine so that was unlucky. Soon after that Collin spotted a van with lots of technological stuff such as remote controlled robots, 3D printers and more. Other schools started to arrive which included Orewa College, Rowandale Primary and Henderson Valley… ! When most schools were there we were welcomed by a mihi and waiata then Toby Carr talked to us.

If you don’t know who Toby is already well you are about to now. Toby Carr is a 16yr Old entrepreneur and CEO/Founder of his million dollar company DeXTech. He studies in Stanford University and has been in business for 2 years. Some things he said was take every opportunity that comes by and don’t put down people because then other people will do it back. Tom Edison and Sir James Dyson were the two people who inspired him. They inspired him as they failed more than a thousand times but never gave up and came up with a finished product. One thing that interested me was that he was a 15 Year Old paper runner now he has a million dollar company but still juggling the demands of being a teenager in school.

After this inspiring talk we split up into different workshops these included How to Use Garageband on an Ipad and how to make 360 photo spheres on an android device. My favourite workshop was creating a game on Scratch (Street fighter) with Orewa College. I enjoyed this session as I learnt how to code/create a game. Also the presenters were helpful and humerous.

GEGNZ was an awesome experience for me as I got to see other workshops about how to do things that I didn’t know how to do before. I hope the GEGNZ create another summit next year or while I’m in college so I can attend again and maybe be a young entrepreneur!

Extension Project: D.O.C Design

In extension we are learning about biodiversity. Mrs Lagitupu (Extension Teacher) has set us a task to come up with a project to protect endangered species. Here is a post that includes my Ideas & Planning, SketchUp Designs and Reflection.

Ideas & Planning:

Here is a list with some of my ideas:

• Bird Feeder - durable, waterproof, how birds would know to go there?
• Safe place away from their predators
• Trap? …. pressure plates
• Shelter
• food - nutritious
• Shape & Size of design
• Innovativeness
• Cost efficient

SketchUp Designs:

Bird Feeder Design One & Two:

I created this bird feeder to help protect endangered birds by providing a safe place for them to eat nutritious seeds. The type of wood I would use is Cedar as it lasts for years and can handle harsh weather conditions. However the downside to using this wood is the expensive cost.

From the first design I extended the roof to provide more shelter. I also shortened the platform and lowered the sides so that only small birds could enter the bird feeder.

These designs are durable, safe and waterproof.

Rat Trap Design One & Two:

This pest trap is helpful for the endangered species. It’s designed to lure pests and drown them. Negatives about this sketch is you have to check the trap daily so you can get rid of the pest you find. One interesting thing is it camouflages into the environment.

From the first design I have added a transparent lid to prevent birds eating the food and rain entering. It is also easy to check if there are pests as the lid is see-through and also lightweight. Replacing the rolling pin with a plastic strip was better as this would be more harder for the pest to reach the food and survive. I also added a ladder and a small hole so that only a rat could climb and enter the trap.

These designs are durable, safe and cost effective.

   

Reflection For Bird Feeder Designs:

Evaluate the effectiveness of your design:

I would rate my design 7/10 for effectiveness because I think it would work but I’m not sure as I haven’t actually made the model and used it.

Predict how your product will help to protect an endangered species:

I predict that my bird feeder will help to protect Stitchbirds by feeding them easily, daily and nutritionally.

Reflection For Rat Trap Designs:

Evaluate the effectiveness of your design:

I would rate my design 8/10 for effectiveness as it is durable, safe and cost efficient.

Predict how your product will help to protect an endangered species:

I predict that my rat trap will lure pests and drown them making the environment safer for endangered species.

Ant-Man

Yesterday I went to the movies with my friend, Louis, to watch the new release ANT-MAN! At about midday Louis and I were at Sylvia Park buying our snacks from Pak ‘N’ Save. We brought a party bag of Doritos, Lift plus for me and coke for him, thins (biscuits) and chocolate to share. After that we made our way to the cinema. The whole point of going to the movies was for my uncles Karate Team fundraiser. They were raising money for their trip to Melbourne, Australia.

When we arrived at the theatres there were heaps of people waiting outside for a pack which included lollies, ice cream, popcorn and a drink for $5. But Louis and I just walked past as we already had our snacks. When we entered the theatre and couldn’t believe it… the whole cinema was already PACKED! Only seats up the front were left so Louis and I sat there. At about 3:30 the movie started.

After watching the movie I was so amazed with all the graphics, action and special effects involved. Ant-Man is all about a guy named Hank Pym who has been kicked out of his company from his co-worker Darren Cross. Hank then recruits Scott Lang who has just been released from prison to be the Ant-Man! Scott gets trained by Hank along with his daughter Hope. After Scott's training is perfect he then gets armed with a suit that shrinks his size but still allows him to have his human strength. With his suit he can also control an army of ants that can fry enemy technology (sabotage), transform into something that can get him out of difficult places and many other cool roles. Scott then has to stop Darren (A.K.A Yellow Jacket) from mastering the same technology and using it as a weapon for evil things!

My favourite part in the movie has to be the ending when Scott turns off his regulator and zaps himself and Yellow Jacket into a place where it is impossible to get out. But Scott gets lucky with a blue disc that he puts inside his regulator which makes him big again and get out of the molecules that trapped him. The other guy has no escape plan and dies recklessly.

Overall the movie was absolutely AWESOME!! I went around to my uncle’s house to find out how much money they raised and you won’t believe how much they made. Over $2,000 went to my uncles team!! Hint hint… what a great idea for fundraising if I need money for something!

3D D.O.C Design Presentation

This term the Year 7 & 8 Extension group were learning about biodiversity. We were set a task to design and create a product for D.O.C that would help protect an endangered specie. Here is a presentation to showcase my work.

Tiritiri Matangi Island: Reflection

Earlier this morning the Y7&8 extension students got the opportunity to travel to the beautiful island of Tiritiri Matangi managed by the D.O.C (Department of Conservation)! So at 9:00a.m on the dot we boarded the ferry which would take us to our destination. The reason why we were visiting Tiritiri was we were learning about biodiversity and how it’s important to our Earth.

Do you know what biodiversity means? Well if you don’t you’re about to know now. Biodiversity is short for 'biological diversity'. It is the variety of animals and plants found on this planet including the geographic locations they are found in.

Back to the story, when we finally arrived at Tiri we sat down facing towards a man who told us instructions and most importantly the rules on the island. After that we started our guided walk. During the walk I saw many different birds I hadn’t seen before. For example two Takahes which only have a few hundred left on this earth! Also a stitchbird and a piwakawaka (fantail) which is our logo for Pt. England School.

Five New Things I have learnt on this trip are:

• The brown patch on the Saddleback indicates the anger of the Maori legend, Maui. He burnt the Saddlebacks back with his hot hands for not listening to his order.
• Takahes green poop dries up into straw.
• Bellbirds and Stitchbirds like sugar.
• Bellbirds make sweet singing sounds.
• In the beginning Tiritiri was 6% forested and 94% land. Now it is 90% forested and 10% land.

My experience at Tiritiri Matangi Island was amazing as I could see and learn about different birds I hadn’t seen before. I also got to ask questions to a Tiritiri Matangi volunteer/expert named John. One day… I want to be a member of D.O.C and help save endangered species!

Triathlon Blurb

Fakalofa Lahi Atu,
My name is Stevenson and I’m a Year 7 student attending Pt. England School. This year 8 intermediate students were selected to train for the Iron Maori Tamariki - Rangatahi triathlon which is held annually down in Napier. I was one of the 8 chosen to compete in this amazing event. We have already started bike & swim training at the Glen Innes Y.M.C.A. I’m feeling nervous because it is going to be my first time competing in a triathlon… also stoked as I will be racing along with my friends!!

A Letter To George Bollinger

Dear George Bollinger,

Firstly I want to say thank you for sacrificing your life to save our country. You are a courageous man!

Secondly, I’m very happy because you were very brave during both world wars even though you were part German and you went through hard times such as complaints from the Anti-Germans ladies group. They wanted you to return to the frontline as they didn’t want their sons being led by a German soldier and you put those complaints to rest by doing exactly what they asked. I also feel sad for you because you were probably frightened to return to the frontline after you had seen most people die from that position.

Questions I have for you are… How did you survive? What was going through your mind when people were already dieing before you had arrived  ashore? How did you feel fighting against your own country? Has anyone sacrificed their life to save yours? Would you go to war again? And my last question is has anyone gone to war with you like a friend, family member etc… ?

Yours Sincerely

Stevenson Jackson

Hyperlink!

Stevenson Jackson

130 PT England School

1072

05/13/2015

WW1 Symbol

Here is an original symbol I have drawn to remember the soldiers who died for our country.  The two w's stands for world war and the one is on the bottom. Beside the word one is a peace sign and above it, is a yin yang sign. On the right bottom corner is a skull. In the centre is a cross and inside it has a broken heart and L.W.F in the middle which stands for Lest We Forget. 

Paihia Road Trip

During the A.N.Z.A.C* weekend I travelled to Paihia in the beautiful Bay Of Islands with my two cousins, aunty, uncle and mum! We went there because it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations, according to our family members that had visited before. I was so excited until we started driving.

It was 1:00p.m when my mum and I had began our journey. I decided to get some sleep from not getting any at my aunt’s house the night before. I expected myself to wake up when we arrived at Paihia. When suddenly I awoke from the cold, fierce wind blowing from the drivers window. I looked at my phone and only a hour had passed by. “It feels like I’ve been sleeping for ages!” I thought out loud. “Are you ok?” My mum asked me. “Yes. I'm fine.” I replied. Since I was awake we decided to stop for lunch in Wellsford.

Soon after we hit the road again. I asked my mum for the map we had taken. I read the next town was Whangarei which was another hours drive away. “Ugghhh!” I sighed. We passed alot of farmland and trees.  The scenery was beautiful. Fast forward another two hours and we arrived at our accommodation.

“What the heck... 5 stars???” I was absolutely amazed that we were going to stay across the road from the beach at Edgewater Palms Ramada Resort. We had our own room with a king sized bed and ensuite. It had a huge lounge and kitchen area and a 2nd bedroom. There were huge sliding doors which lead out to the pool...”wow” I said out loud. To be continued...

*Australian New Zealand Army Corps*

Anzac Parade

On the 25th of April, my family and I went to the Anzac Parade held at Panmure town centre. We were there to commemorate the ANZACS who went to war and sacrificed their lives for our country. 

As you can see in the background is a helicopter which landed in the middle of the town centre. This was because it was the 100th anniversary since WWI and the organizers wanted to make it special.

Furious 7

Furious 7 is about a dead man's brother, Decker Shaw (Jason Statham), seeking revenge on the Toretto (Vin Diesel) gang. If you’ve seen any of the series then you already know that the movie involves a variety of luxurious, exotic and muscle cars.

You probably didn’t know but one of the main characters in the movie died halfway through the making of Furious 7. It was Paul Walker. I bet everyone was wondering how they were going to keep filming. Luckily for the producers Walker had two other brothers that could help. The producers used one of them and a special effect to make him look exactly like Paul.

The crazy stunts, camera angles and special effects in this movie by the producers are amazing. I found this movie interesting and recommend it to boys 10yrs and older.

Video Conference With Hawaii

This morning the Year 7&8 extension class had a video conference with two schools named Keau and Nanakuli Elementary School in Hawaii. Our extension class showed them our presentation about our native animals and showing them how we roll here at Pt. England. Brynn (a teacher in Hawaii) showed us her classes (Keau) presentation. Kai another Hawaiian teacher said that the teachers at his school (Nanakuli) teach their students all ciriculum subjects in Hawaiian Language.

In Hawaii there native animals are Nenes, Monks, Seals, Apapanes, Honus, I’iwis, Amakihis, Happy Face Spiders and many more. You see that photo on the right? Well that is the fire goddess which they name Pele. According to what Brynn was saying... Pele (Lava) has claimed lots of homes which has forced families to relocate in different houses.

Malama Honua will be sailing a shore at our Pt. England grounds. The Manaiakalani schools (2,500 students) will meet this crew and sing a waiata (He Honore and Nga Waka) and a chant (E Oho).