Athletes Day

On Tuesday it was Athletics day.  All classes gathered onto the top field while the parents observed. As Mr Reid said, " Go!" I sprinted as fast as i could. It felt like I was running as fast as a cheetah. Everyone ran their hardest and it was a pleasure to be apart of it.  There were 4 events happening 400m, 200m, 100m and lastly relays. 

Seeing Room 1 to 7 run was amazing. Every race I competed in, I came 3rd place. In my mind I was so excited to compete against Pate and Dakbai because we were the top 3 runners in Room 12. It was fun challenging them.    

🌦Strange Weather🌦

Today Ruapotaka school experienced strange weather, During maths, I heard unusual sounds from outside. I ignored it so that I could carry on with my work. After morning tea it was reading time, and all of a sudden I started to shiver because of the cold breeze coming from outside. Mrs Golder told Jack to close one of the windows to avoid the cold. The weather went from sunny, to cloudy, then lastly rainy. Tomorrow I hope to see bright colours so I can have fun outside.

🎥Revealing Our Film🎥

On Wednesday morning the entire Ruapotaka School were very excited for a special event. The special event was the Manaiakalani Film Festival. It was an event where schools had been busy creating a movie. It was held at Sylvia Park. The Yr 8's  made a short film, and it was shown in the theatre room.

Our movies was about being a good player when it comes to sport. Everyone had to be respectful to the referee and their opponents. We also had to work hard and how to become a good role model. Vaimoana and Meafou were our presenters. Our movie was the best in my opinion because it shows everyone how to become a successful rugby player.               

School Assembly

On Monday the entire school had quietly walked to the multipurpose room like we always do. Mrs Vickers talked about making sure you had someone above 18 years old and being careful during Halloween. She also explained about being good because the following week everyone would be going to the Manaiakalani Film Festival, only if everyone behaves.

A few minutes later Mrs Vickers returned to her office and one by one each class left to their classroom so that they could study hard for upcoming tests. 

Daily Fitness

Every week the seniors had to get organised into their dancing groups. Our fitness currently is relays. Mr Reid gave everyone a number between 1 and 4. Later on we had to go to our station. Once we arrived four students from each groups had to line up in a row, so that the next runner can pass the baton on.

In my team was Lupe, Frank, Vika, Teremoana, Jessica and Tane. When my teammate arrived at the fourth cone and passed the baton to me, I had to quickly run to the end so that our team could finish. On the next rotation the next group had to do exactly the same thing as we did.

When relays finished everyone returned to class.

✈ An Adventure To Melbourne ✈

When the two weeks of holiday started all I could think of was going to Melbourne. Me and my sister (Ruth) quickly dashed to the car because we were a few minutes late. As we arrived at the airport we cautiously placed our luggage on the trolley because there were fragile items in there.

Later on we weighed the bags, waited patiently in line to check in and lastly filled the form. As me and my sister were walking through the gateway we said our farewells. 30 minutes later we were on a giant plane, I looked out of the clear window and all I could see were clouds.

I deiced to fall asleep so that I could have more energy to move. As we landed we quickly grabbed our luggage and headed out of the airport.  I was so exited to explore Melbourne.        

🏃Cross Country🏃

This week the senior block have been practising cross country. Right after a 5 minute circuit pratice, everyone cautiously dashed out of the school grounds and ran on the streets. We had to quickly run for at least three times, but for the fast runners they had to run for four laps.

Dakbai and I quickly dodged people left and right so that we could complete four laps. As we came to the last lap, Dakbai and me deiced to bolt to the end. Coming into school I saw many puffed and sweaty people.

When we stopped Dakbai and I were exhausted as ran out of energy, When it was time to go back to class Ms Riley told the senior block that me and Dakbai had completed 4 laps in nine minutes.

For the first time I did well.

Orienteering

On Tuesday we had orienteering, Mr Leon had gently placed down controls all around the school. Orienteering is all about knowing how to read maps so that you can get to specific places. Mr Leon presented us with a piece of paper. There were four sections to this orienteering, I left with full speed running as fast as I could.

I arrived at my first destination and I was already exhausted, sadly I had no time to rest as I quickly had to  dash  to the second control. When I reached it I thought to myself will it be too challenging for me? As I was sprinting pass people I decided to stop, turn around and help my classmates.

Jack and Azahar were standing at the rugby post confused about where to go next. So I ran over to them and directed them to the right place. At the end me, Jack and Azahar ran together to finish off the task we were assigned to do.      

❄Winter Learning Journey ☃

On Monday, Rachal Williams came to Ruapotaka school to award the students who participated and contributed towards blogging. Winter Learning Journey is all to do with blogging in the holidays and  the topic was about New Zealand. Only 6 students participated. Rachal informed us that she ventured around the countryto purchase specific things from New Zealand.
Pupuke won the grand prize.

🏀Netball Training. 🏀

This week the years7, 8, 5 and 6 students are training for Netball. Everyday we've been performing extremely well. After all the hard training and exercise drills, I have finally made it into the Netball Team of 2017. My position is currently goal shooter. Everyday we go out to the netball courts and practice so that we can become better than before. I can't wait until inter-school Netball competition, and I hope to make it into the finals!!

💮Pasifika Study💮

Today after morning tea there was a very special assembly where all classes had to showcase their Pasifika Study item. Our performance involved us singing a song called 'How Far I'll Go' by Alessia Cara from the movie Moana. I was very nervous because I didn't know the words to the song, but since everyone sang so beautifully the audience didn't notice.

Performance
Room 1 preformed a sasa,
Room 5 conducted a song called Le Aute,
Room 6 prepared a catwalk,
Room 7 danced to Coconut Tree,
Room 9 sang a song called Little birdy on a tree
Room 10 came up with a song called E Otua
Room 12 sang 'How Far I'll Go'

Start Of Term 3

Holidays are over and we're back at school. I quickly dashed around the house searching for my bag. Once I found it I run out the door and went off to school.

When I arrived back to Ruapotaka School, I was happy to see my friends and start learning new topics. Lunch time was finished and everyone ran to assembly.

Mrs Vickers asked an important question,  "Who read in the holidays?" A few people stood up.

Skipping (Update)

Today is Tuesday so it's the last day for skipping. Room 12 have been practising skipping everyday so that we can become better than before.  We are still working on our routine, for the demonstration. There is only one day until the skipping display. After every skipping session our energy drops, because we are skipping for so long. The skip off is tomorrow and we will be performing in our groups demonstrating our routines which we have been practising.

Matariki

We are currently studying about Matariki. Matariki is an event that is celebrated during the winter solstice. Matariki literally means two things which are 'eyes of god'(mata ariki)  and 'little eyes'(mata riki).  

When the new moon rises it's the beginning of Maori New Year. Matariki looks like a big, bright, shiny blue star in the high skies of Aotearoa. Matariki is a time when people's crops are harvested, plenty of seafood is collected and plants are grown to be tall and strong. Matariki is also a time to be with your family and friends.

Skipping💪💧

 
In the afternoons Rooms 12 and 11 go outside for skipping sessions. We do all sorts of things, for example,  skipping forwards, backwards, side to side, practising a display and lastly a skip off.

 Everyone grabs a rope and lines up into three rows. Mr Reid stands in the  front giving us instructions while Mrs Golder is videoing us. 

In my skipping group there are Lupe, Mika, Pate, Saluselo, Dakbai and lastly me. We were not allowed to be in groups with all boys and all girls. 

🏃Daily Fitness🏃

We are back at school from the long weekend. We are running for daily fitness. The seniors had to run around the  block for at least 10 minutes. Lupe, Mika, Min Zin and me decided to take it slow and jog together.

I'm excited to come back to school and study new learning. 

🥛National Milk Day🥛

Today is National Milk Day. It is celebrated every year on June the first. It started in 2001.

Ruapotaka has been getting their milk from Fonterra. Rooms 11 and 12 drink their milk every week.

We drink milk every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Some schools don't have milk so we are lucky to be one of the Fonterra Milk schools.

🏆We Made History🏆

On Wednesday we made history. It was the first time the year 7 and 8's ever won the competition.
After fitness the soccer team left for Point England Reserve for the Soccer Inter-School competition.
The soccer team members were Mika, Saluselo, Lupe, Izabella, Dakbai, Min Zin, Meana, Isabell, Mary, Solomone and me.
The first game was against Glen Taylor. We played against Tamaki Primary, Sylvia Park, St Patrick's, Panmure Bridge and lastly Stone fields. In the finals, we tied 1st place with Stones fields.
These are the results:
vs Glen Taylor- 1 - 0

vs Tamaki primary- 1 - 0

Sylvia Park- 1 - 0

vs St Patrick's- 7 - 0

                                                               Semi -finals: vs Panmure Bridge- 4 - 0

                                                               Finals: vs Stone fields- 0 - 0



  

Soccer Team⚽⚽

The day has finally come. After all the hard training and exercise, I have finally made it in the Inter-School Soccer Team. Mr Reid has chosen twelve fit, hard working students to join the 2017 Ruapotaka soccer crew.

The reason why some people were chosen was because they had pushed themselves very hard to make it into the team.

Tomorrow morning, the soccer team is going off to Point England Reserve to battle other schools and try and earn their way up to the top. I can't wait for tomorrow!!

Back To Tech

On Wednesday we were  back to school and the year 8s are doing cooking for Tech. Our teacher is Mrs Tuipulotu. We made chocolate balls covered in coconut and chocolate. The ingredients were oreos, coconut, condensed milk and chocolate.
Firstly we had to break the oreos into little pieces, then put them in a bowl. Later on we added the coconut and poured the condensed milk. After all the ingredients were mixed in we had to make them into balls. Then we had to put them in the fridge carefully for a few hours. Next everyone had to melt lots of chocolate chips for about two long minutes. When that was all finished we grabbed the cold truffles and the hot chocolate so that we can combine them altogether.    

Anzac Ceremony

On Thursday, there was an exciting assembly. During the holidays there were two events, Easter Day and Anzac Day. Anzac Day is a time where people remember the soldiers who went to war and made New Zealand peaceful. At school we had our own special ceremony, firstly we sang the national anthem. After that three people from different classes were called up and preformed a poem. Lastly we stood up and gave a moment of silence for a minute.      

Monitor Badges

On Monday afternoon it was assembly. We finally got this year's monitor's badge. As a monitor you have to make sure the kids listen and you have to make sure no one's doing the wrong thing. Rooms 11 and 12 went up and lined up to received the badges.  

Cooking Class (Tech) 🍳🍲

On Wednesday the year 7 and 8s have been going to Tamaki College for Tech. There are two classes cooking and wood tech. This term the year 8s have been going to cooking classes. Our teacher is Mrs Tuipolotu. The reason why we have been going to cooking because at home we can cook high quality food.  So far, we've made a chocolate cake, pizza wheel, bacon and egg quiche.

Everyday Theatre

On Friday morning two visitors came into our rooms and started to entertain us with a play about family problems and how to deal with them. The characters were Dave, T, Maria, Becca and Brian.

The play was about T. who had lots of drama in his life. He was 12 years old when his parents Maria and Dave began to argue  a lot and then separated. T's. best friend was Jack who always tried his best to help him out with his problem.

Rooms 11 and 12 had to make a group so that we can make our own role play and actions that showed what had happened in the story so far.

In my group were Min Zin, Henry, Mika, Jack, Azahar and Lupe. Our action was Brain moving in to Maria's place. At the end of that entertainment we were given a small blue card and a badge that said, " Game Master."

Pest Information

For the past few weeks Rooms 12 and 11 worked together and studied pests. At first we didn't know what pests were so our teacher made us record our knowledge on the K.W.L chart. This is what I thought Pests were initially 
Pests are insects or animals that can destroy crops.
After some researching about pests my knowledge has increased by a lot. This is what I know about Pests.

The Destruction Of Pests

Pests are creatures that live in filthy areas, people’s homes, schools and other places. Pests are unwanted insects that carry germs can harm or kill humans. Pests bite, destroy foods, crops and make our lives difficult.

There are many types of pests like rats, ants, flies, fleas, wasps, cockroach, mosquito and many more. The most dangerous pest for houses and schools are termites, they have a good ability to chew through wood, flooring and even the wall unseen.

Rats carry many diseases that are called plague, leptospirosis, rat bite fever and many more. When rats bite humans their bite can give you headaches, fever, cause you to vomit, rashes and kidney damage.

     

Mosquito bites are very dangerous to humans because once they have bitten your skin they will start to suck your blood. It causes people to have a fever or itchy bites.This can lead humans to get malaria which can make you vomit, be sick, nausea and then eventually you will die.

Pest aren’t very kind to the environment because they overrun houses and destroy people's properties, and damage humans food supplies and farmers crops.        

Room 11 Assembly

On Monday Room 11 had to plan the  syndicate assembly. The hosts were Meafou, Isabell, Dakbai and Teremoana. Room 11 decided that they were going to do a singing competition. The singer from Room 12 was Vaimoana because Mika and Lupe left to do a job for Mrs Vickers. When her item was finished Room 11 had to pick the winner. A few minutes they chose the winner and it was Room 12.

Tabloids

On Wednesday afternoon the whole school came together for Tabloids activities. We were put into our team houses. The colours were blue (Kikorangi) , red (Whero), green (Kakariki) and yellow (Kowhai). 
Once we started tabloids I was already having fun. 
To score points during tabloids  a teacher observed our performance, behaviour, attitude and physical skills. If we did well then we were given a score between 0-5. 
At the end all the team leaders added their scores up. The total score that we got was 27.   

Maths Test

On Friday I walked in class and saw Maths Test on the notice board today at 11:30am. I was very scared about the test because I was not ready at all. At 11:30 the year sevens lined up and went off to Mr Reid to be tested. A few moments later Mrs Golder began the test so I decided to concentrate.    

Duffy Show For 2017

Today our entire school went to the multipurpose room for a special show. It was all about the earth.  The show was really hilarious and interesting. It had to do with Duffy going with Millicent to different places and helping to sort out climate change.  It was also about Duffy teaching Global Girl how to read books, maps and more. 

Assembly For 2017

On Tuesday Room 12 had to present a class item for the first syndicate assembly for 2017. The host were Tyron, Meana, Mika, Vaimoana, Athens, Lupe, Azahar and lastly me. All of us decided we were going to do a freestyle dance off. After a long time of thinking Mika decided to choose Room 10 as the winner. 

Start Of 2017

On Thursday morning school started and I was still in bed. I rushed around the house searching for my bag so that I could get ready. Finally a few moments later I was all sorted and ready. As I arrived at school everyone started to say, "Hi." I was very happy to see my friends and start to learn with new classmates.