Make sure you know when to say no!

This Morning Mr Andrew Patterson came in with Ex-student Raenan. Mr Patterson brought Raenan in to share with us his experience of the past 4 year through Tamaki College. They also shared us a video of a year 12 boy from Manurewa High school, Dwight. Dwights background may shock you from what you would see today. Raenan shared with us that if you just keep your mind on your work and 'Go Hard' you will earn great success. Mr Patterson Interviewed Raenan at the start of his visit.

Raenan shared with us some of his own motivational references like 'Make the most of your opportunities' and 'Make sure you know when to say no' and lastly 'Go hard to have the best outcome'.  Mr Patterson also shared a video of Dwight sharing a speech only last week. Even though his father was a member of the Mongrel mob and Dwight was around violence from a young age, he still succeeded. A quote from Dwight was 'Change won't happen unless you change it yourself'.  I found that both Dwight and Raenan are inspirational young men. My goal is to be an inspirational student for the Pt England intermediate kids in 2021(when I'm in year twelve).

Kiwi Kids News

In this task I looked at a few different articles on Kiwi Kids News. I also answered a few of the questions list below.

Perspectives and Opinions.

Walt: Identify the ideas and opinions of the author and share my own in comparison.

In this task I read a few different articles about the RLWC game of Tonga v England. I found proof of the happenings during the game. I think Tonga won How about you?

Measuring Angles

walt: Identify and measure different types of angles.

 I found this task easy to go through. I got into the questions very easily although, about halfway into my questions it got harder for me to figure out. Overall I really enjoyed doing this task.

End of year Poem

End of the year now feeling blue
Just past Halloween all night saying boo
My friend and I are stuck together like glue

For the next few weeks my heart will be filled with sadness
But moving onto college with great friends brings me gladness
I know on the last day it will be filled with madness

Just remember we'll always be friends
No matter what happen they'll always lend me some pens
What great friends I have I know I'd rate them all 10s.

Emotions

Emotions. With sad, happy, scared and frustrated all the emotions were matched with a song chosen my Yvonne and I. We both looked at different options and we chose which songs most suit our emotions.

Letter to RLWC Tongan Team

A few weeks ago, I heard alot of people talking about this big game of Tonga v Nz. I wasn’t sure of what to expect from these two teams. Of course I was ready to watch the intense game. From the first 10 minutes I had figured out who the winners were and from there I was hoping they’d take out the RLWC 2017. Unfortunately on last Saturday one team got in the way.

Malo e lelei,

My name is Cameo. I have really enjoyed watching your games the past few weeks. With excitement and thrill you doubtlessly brought the best entertainment any other team could of. I thank your team with much gratitude. I’ve learned from you all that one's love for their culture will never change.

For me you've really changed my perspective on the reasons you played. Your hearts are rich in your culture. Everyone aware of the RLWC would have seen that throughout the whole competition you showed dedication, Inspiration and Motivation. You've really made all of tonga proud on how far you've come.

Thank you so much,
Cameo.

Math's Problems

Walt: solve measurement, algebra and fraction.

 This task took me a while to finish. At first the equations were really easy but as I got more into the presentation, I started to struggle with the last few topics.

Child Tooth Decay in Nz

Walt: distinguish between fact and opinion by identifying relevant language features the author has subtly used.
 
 In this task I found more information about the tooth decay for children in Nz. I learned how bad it is. The impact and turnout of this condition is unimaginable. I definitely think I've learned valuable information.

Water Cycle

Cameo - Water cycle from Team 4 Pes on Vimeo.
This is an animation explaining the Water Cycle and the Changing States Of Matter.

Maths Problems

Walt: solve maths problems.


In this task I solved simple maths problems. I found the first activity very easy. I found it got slightly harder each activity.

Word Problems

Walt: use different strategies to solve problems.

In this task I solved word problems. I struggled with some but most questions were easy.

Guy Fawkes

Walt: relate information and ideas from texts to my own experience to form and opinion.

In this task I found out who Guy Fawkes is and the story about him. I found a lot of interesting facts about this man. Find my learning in my slides above!

PB

Walt: Take care of little things in our writing.

P.1:
I guess you're wondering what PB stands for, no not peanut butter this PB stands for ‘Personal Best’. Last Friday we had our final annual School Athletics Day (for the yr 8s). All the seniors had their mind on only one thing. To achieve their personal best in each activity. I have just 3 simple steps so you can achieve your personal best no matter what!

P.2:
First, make sure you practise practise practise. Without practising before the big day your body will be unfamiliar with the amount of movement so fast. It’s better to prepare your body for some certain activities as well like, sprints, high jump, javelin, shot put etc. These things will require more movement so it’s best to practise them more.

P.3:
Another very important step is to make sure you make the most out of your day. Being my last year I know that these are very important Last memories of our (yr 8s) year. Make sure to dress up and have fun with your costume. Getting there is the hard part, am I right? Your dreading one activity the most. Try to have as much fun as you can because before you know it the day will be over.

P.4:
My last step for you all, Focus on yourself and Participate. It doesn't matter whether your racing the fastest person in the school or playing tug-o-war against the strongest girl. Focus on yourself and try your hardest to achieve a new personal best in every activity. Participate even if you know you won't make it, try your best. Do everything with a smile!!

Conclusion:
I hope you've learned a little bit about how to achieve your PB (Personal Best). Following these three simple steps you should be able to have the best Athletics Day, well at least for you personally. From experience you'll have massive fun!

Our Game and Mission:
You are to complete an explanation of how you can achieve your 'Personal Best' during school athletics day! Each of you will start on 100 points. For every silly mistake I find in your finished writing will cost you 5 points. Every person with a score 75 or higher will receive a prize from me at the end of the week!

Wish Me Luck!

Coming to you.. Streaming for more than 10 years!

It's streamed for over 10 years. This year almost 100 films made. It's the Manaiakalani Film Festival!!! This is an annual Manaiakalani cluster event. 12 schools from around our community. Each class creating their own movies. Last Wednesday teams 4 and 5  travelled to the sylvia park movie theatre to attend the Manaiakalani Film Festival. My favourite movie streamed was called 'Ask Your Aunty' it is about a group of aunties on a tv show giving advice to children with simple problems. I'm very happy to be attending Tamaki College next year as I will still have the chance to make more manaiakalani movies. Although I have 5 more years this was my last PES Film Fest movie, I'm sad but happy. I'm also ready for the next movies!!

Reading Evidence

Walt: find evidence in a text.



In this task I read a story about a primate name Koko. I found evidence about the story and used it to prove in my presentation.

Ext Research on RnB

Task:

We needed to research the history on Rhythm and Blues music (R&B). Find out where it originates. What RnB music is for.  Instruments used for R&B music. Some of the R&B music artists. Some popular and recent R&B songs. Also maybe try to find out how old R&B music may be.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rhythm and Blues, often referred to as RnB or R&B, is a popular African-American genre of music. RnB was originated in the 1940s, thinking about that means it's been around for 67 years and almost 68! RnB music is often written to express African -Americans experiences of pain and their adventure or quest for freedom and happiness.

Some very popular Rhythm and Blues artists are, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Usher, Rihanna, Drake, J Cole, Alicia Keys ect. From around the 1950s to 1970s piano was a main instrument in RnB bands. Also used commonly were one or two guitars, bass, drums, saxophone and sometimes background vocalists(singers).

R&B music originated from America in the 1940s. Producer and writer Robert Palmer defined Rhythm and Blues as “A catchall term referring to any music that was made by and for black americans.” Some very Popular R&B songs from this year are Young, Dumb and Broke, Wild Thoughts, Questions and Havana has also recently become popular.

This term in extension we are writing orginal songs. Our chosen genre is RnB and we had to research the history behind it. The task above ^ shows what I researched.

Makey Makey and Scratch - 2017 Term 3 Ext Reflection

Makey makey Term 3 - 2017 Reflection/Plan

Last term for extension our focus was on Makey Makey and Scratch. Yvonne Venetia and I created a tune using both Scratch and Makey Makey. Zoey (worker from omg tech) came to extension to teach us how makey makey and scratch works together and separately. Once we knew how to use them both we started with our task.

We had a choice of three tasks. The first task was making a band. Using Scratch and makey makey we had to make instruments out of cardboard, decorate them hook them up to a makey makey and finally create a tune to play for every instrument. We also had the choices of a ‘Game Show’ or a ‘Controller for people with disabilities’ . We chose to do the instruments.

In conclusion I felt that this task was a personal challenge as I haven’t got much experience with using both scratch or makey makey.  Although I was nervous throughout the task I felt it was a great experience having Zoey come in and teach us so much. I also enjoyed working with the girls and finding out what they might know and what they’re interests are with this whole task.

Mr Jacobson and his Wind Instruments

Another cool event that happened this morning was Mr Jacobson and his Wind Instruments. He started by showing us the Conch shell, they used them in the islands to call from one side to another. Next he showed us a Shofar which is a cantaloupe horn. This was used in deserts as they were far from the ocean so they had no chance to find conch shells. Bringing us to a more modern side he blew the Bugle, this was more used in the army and people use them to play a song on Anzac day in remembrance of our soldiers. As bugles can only play 5 notes a trumpet was made to be able to play the three extra notes needed. I think its amazing how one of our teachers can play so much wind instruments ( its really hard). 

Farewell Ms Vani!

Another huge event we had this morning at assembly was a farewell to our social worker Ms Vani. Ms Vani has been with us for years and I have even worked with her. She was first called up to the front and showered with gifts from students all over the school. The whole school then sang a Waiata acknowledging Ms Vani and her work here. Just after everyone sat a few people from kapa haka felt it was right to perform a haka for her, including me, Judah, Tj, Lishana, Lanzie and William. We Will Miss You Ms Vani!!

Niuean Language Week!!

I would just like to thank the Niuean group for pulling off an amazing performance in only a week!
This huge group of children from all ages around the school managed to pull together a full performance and a variety of speeches in their very own language. They started with a beautiful dance from the princesses to the song 'Sipolo'. Our very own warriors then finished the performance with a big Kalo a.k.a. Haka. They all did an amazing job this morning. Congratulations to you all!

Mathematics

Walt: Solve additions problems by changing one decimal number into a whole number.


In this task i learnt from Ms Tapuke how to simplify my numbers to get the answer. We needed to move the numbers around a little bit in order to figure out the answer.

How to make the best cheese and onion grilled sandwich

First you will need to gather your ingredients. It depends on what combination you're going for like, ham and cheese, onion and cheese, cheese and tomato or even just plain cheese.

In this I’ll be telling you how to make a perfect cheese and onion toastie.

Your ingredients consist of a quarter of a white onion marg or butter (whichever you prefer) and cheddar cheese along with two slices of plain white bread. You are free to use whatever types of butter bread and cheese.Now to assemble you toasted sandwich.

Before you do anything turn on your grilled cheese maker. Firstly spread your butter/marg on one side of your bread slices. Chop your onion into small sized pieces and spread on one slice of bread ( opposite side from the butter). Then generously spread your grated cheese on top of your onions and add a pinch of salt.

Now you want to gently place your sandwich into the sandwich maker and wait for the bread to become golden brown. Once your toastie is ready cut in half while it’s still hot then let the cheese ooz out. There you have it! The best cheese and onion grilled sandwich.

Musical Madness!!!

Term 4! Have you ever gotten the feeling of butterflies on the first day of the term, but last first day of your life? Well if you have then you must know how i felt, sad, excited, emotional, ecstatic and even maybe a bit petrified. This morning we had the last Immersion assembly of the year and for all the year 8 students. Our focus for the term is ‘Musical Madness’ so without further ado this is how it all went down!!

To start off the assembly Mr Burt and his Senior management team (SMT for short) formed a band and even wrote a new song called ‘Musical Madness Saves The Day.’ It rhymed, had good rhythm and the band itself was marvelous. All five teams had pretty much the same idea but in delivery I think the most informative groups were Teams one and five.

I definitely found that team 3 had the most entertaining way to showcase their idea. Their way of explaining the idea was ‘Storytelling using music’ so they decided to make a songs in real life video. They brought our school many laughs (I also heard some people singing along).

I definitely want to learn more about team fives focus which was ‘How do composers use music to evoke an emotional response in an audience’ in short words ‘What impact does music have on our emotions’. I am interested in learning what some of the words actually mean like evoke or composers. I think that this was a really good last immersion assembly at Pt England School.

Aims Games

In this task I read/ wrote about our sevens

Night Light

Walt: Analyzing - I am able distinguish between fact and opinion by identifying relevant language features the author has subtly used.

Room 3 Manaiakalani filming/ The Struggle Is REAL!!

Right now I think another film idea could possibly be 'The Life Of A Pt Englander'. It could be about how Pt England students' days are and how they go. Another Idea could be 'Songs In Real Life' So a normal school conversation but using songs instead.

This Week Room 3 finally got to start filming our movie for the Manaiakalani Film Festival next term. An annual event all the schools in the Manaiakalani partnership participate to create movies in each class of 13 different schools in our community. Each school get's the chance to gather at Sylvia park to watch everyone's movies on the biggest screen in the country!

I enjoyed filming our part in the movie the most because we had a really humorous scene . There was this really funny part when one of us couldn't get ONE sentence right (we filmed that scene a handful of times). I also liked how we got to wear just nice, normal clothes as our costumes.

The Most challenging part in my mind was writing the script and planning out each scene as I got selected to start it. I found writing the scenes really easy as the choice my partner and I thought of, got the majority class vote. Luckily we had already planned out our whole idea before it was chosen and knew what scene and what type of camera shot.

Next Time, I think I would have practised my lines a bit more. I wasn't the best at remembering them so I kinda just winged it. I didn't get much time to learn my lines anyways because I was always out of class rehearsing for our school Production: Live Stream. I also think our props could have been more thought out so we knew what we needed to use and didn't need.

Science

This week for science we have been learning about the moon and solar system.  

Multiplication Pyramid

This is my multiplication pyramid. The numbers that started the pyramid are at the bottom.

Geometry - 3 Shapes

Walt: identify and describe 3d shapes.

In this task we built, learnt and described different 3d shapes. My partner in 'Your turn' was Revival.

Writing A Quality Blog Comment

Walt: write quality blog comments.

In this task I was assigned to write a quality blog comment. I learnt how to write a quality comment properly and the order of how I write it. I commented on my friends blog from Glen Taylor school, Her name is Brooklyn. I commented on her post about a Powhiri she had.

Geometry

Walt: identify and describe 2D shapes.


 In this task I learnt about different 2D shapes. I named some and I also found the shapes in objects in my classroom. I worked with Revival and Htethtet on making a shapes card game.

Team 5 Speech Competition

Imagine competing to be one of the top 3 talkers in your class. Well last Friday Team 5 had a speech competition. The top 3 students from each class presented their speeches in front of at least 100 students. Speech topics went from being president for a day to cook island legends. I had two speeches in particular that I most enjoyed. All o the speakers also got judged by two teacher Ms Tapuke and Mrs Judd and the results will be told later.

I found that out of all the speeches two stood out to me. The most appealing speech in my opinion was by Amelia she talked with a clear voice, had good detail and she shared a personal story but did it confidently and with pride. Her speech was about her grandma and how she always had a smile on her face no matter what. I think that throughout her speech it started happy then slightly sad but ended happily.

The most entertaining speech to me however was by Mubashshir. He engaged with the audience by making us laugh at times but also having a serious side to his speech. It was about what he'd do if he was President for a day. He talked about building shelters for the homeless, take pollution down as well as dept bills and try making the world a better place. I think his ideas were good and keeping it serious but entertaining was one of his many talents during this process.

Even though all of the speeches were awesome these two stood out for me the most. I enjoyed listening to their speeches but it definitely took alot of guts for them to talk in front of us all. I hope that we get to do this again sometime. Maybe we'll have different people next time.

I Wonder Animation

This is my short animation about my I Wonder question - I Wonder why Scientist thought Pluto wasn't a plant. Answer: The Definition of a planet changed and Pluto no longer fit it, so it's now known as a dwarf planet.
Cameo - I Wonder from Team 4 Pes on Vimeo.

GEGNZ Student Summit

Today I was gifted the privilege of attending this years GEGNZ (Google for Education group) Student Summit and Ormistan Junior College. The group that attended was the year 7&8 Extension group along with Mrs Langitupu. Starting the day we had a huge welcome from Ormistan Junior college and primary.

We were split in two groups as we were presenting two different workshops. My group did a scratch workshop teaching others how to create a game using coding. The other group showed and presented how we use a school network to get notices around, that is called PENN (Pt England News Network.)

There were over 400 different students from schools around Auckland and even some from down south. We had a range of different workshops like Telligami, Robotics and loads more. I even got to see my old teacher Miss Lavakula. We met her classroom and took heaps of photos.

Four students from Pt England school won prizes they were Mitchell, Simon Ana and Yvonne.
The prize range was huge! Chrome cast to smart globes. I hope to go to this event again next time.

Perimeters

Walt: find the perimeter of objects.
In this task I found perimeters of different objects.

My Future Footprint

Walt: create a positive future footprint.


In this task I made my online future profile. It describes what I care for most and what I want to be when I grow up.

Speech Writing

Walt: Identify the different places, speeches/talks that are given and how they are designed for delivery.

Ok so there have been a few words between me and others about whether a thumb is a finger, right so what do you think? Honestly thinking about it humans only have 3 fingers am I right or wrong? I’m pretty sure it’s correct I mean we have a thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and we have our little pinkies on the end.

I’m gonna say that personally I’ve never heard anyone say ‘Oh yea I just use my pinky finger for that’ like c’mon really?! Same for the thumb I mean yeah they’re just names for them but that means nothing… or does it? Nah being honest I would say we have 4 fingers because a pinky looks like a finger *mumbles under breath* (even though it isn’t).

Sometimes online people can be persuasive and really good at bending the truth. Maybe in this case they are. Take a look at your hands. What do you see? a thumb and four fingers right? Well name all of your fingers and you’ll realise only three are called fingers while the other two aren’t. Why is this? Maybe it’s because humans only have 3 fingers. Index finger, middle finger and ring finger, and on each end we have our thumbs and pinkies. I’m convinced we have 3 fingers but that’s just my opinion.

Reflection on game

Intro:
Have you ever created a game using code? Well if you have you should be excited
Task: For the past 10 weeks my partner, Seini and I were assigned to create a game on scratch using our knowledge from last terms experience. The theme was based on space. We needed to include space facts that we read off sites and set challenges for the main sprite in our game.

Starting our Game
Getting started was not a problem but moving on to the next levels was quite tricky. We had to broadcast our sprite on to another backdrop and add a code to the backdrop to receive the broadcast so it would switch backgrounds. If that second step wasn't included than the background would stay the same which was frustrating at times.

Problem Solving
Our second level had the most issues, when trying to get our sprite (spaceship) to shoot at the enemies. Luckily, we had the internet! Tutorials were really useful when we had no help from Zoe. We were eager to learn and extend our knowledge of coding especially if we didn't have an experienced coding adult in the room who worked at O.M.G Tech to help us with it.

Highlight Levels
Level three and four were our easiest levels to work on. The third level had 15 martians attacking and one bullet point where you had to get to; to receive your bit of space information. Our fourth and last level, showed the earth orbiting the sun and had some obstacles around it to block the sprites way from reaching earth.

Conclusion
Unfortunately, my partner and I were terrible at communicating. We also weren't the best group at managing our time as well as w could have. Our game could have been better and more complex if we had done so. So these are one of the main things we need to work on for next time. Overall though putting beside our communication Seini and I created an amazing game and I especially thank her for that.

Hundreds in Numbers

Walt: identify groups of hundred in numbers up to 100, 000

Inquiry Questions 'I Wonder'

In this task My group and I came up with a few I wonder questions about space. The People in my group were Unique and Yvonne.

The Space Race

Walt: Justify by selecting the evidence across a range of texts to demonstrate what I understand of 'The Space Race' and it's purpose.

In this task I read 'The Space Race'. I found out information I have never known.

Measuring

Walt: measure using informal and formal tools


In this task I measured a range of different things around the block. I also used informal and formal tools for the measuring.

Immersion Assembly Speech

Walt: Identify the different places speeches/talks are given and how they are designed for delivery.

Imagine starting off the first assembly of the school term meeting aliens. The whole school gasped and burst out in laughter, as the aliens fought with Mr Jacobsen and Mr Sommerville. That's how the Immersion Assembly kicked off.

Team 1’s main topic was based more around the sun and moon and how they affect the earth. Team 2 was pretty much the same as team 1. Team 3 is focusing on the time and seasons. Team 4 are searching for information around Outer Space and other planets. Finally team 5’s theme or topic is finding out what cause the tide to come in and out and what impacts other planets have on earth.

I think the most informative performance was team 4’s because they showed things that can and have happened. The most entertaining group was team 5 because of their live band and singer! This term I am looking forward to finding out more about the planets and the galaxy.

Bonus Activity

Task: On your blog, post a video or write a description about your week. What have you learned? What did you like about the trip? What didn’t you like? Was there anything that surprised you?


This week has been full of adventures and fun. My favourite place I visited was Farewell spit. I learnt alot from the whale part too like: how to keep them alive for as long as they can using wet towels, water and staying away from their tails. I also learnt more from the movie: The Whale Rider, my Great- Nana was actually in that movie. I also liked learning things about Aotearoa I actually never knew like how we invented the tranquilliser gun and bungy jumping too. I think the art I liked most about this week was seeing all of the photo's. I was surprised about the inventions New Zealand came up with. I would say the thing I least liked about the trip was the possum part because when I searched up photo's of them for my blog I saw some pretty scary ones.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful pt.2

Task: After you have finished up in Taupo, it is time to hop back in the car and head for Rotorua – a town where will have the chance for some much needed rest and relaxation. In fact, you will visit the Tarawera Bush Pool – a geothermal hot pool that is located in the middle of a forest. The warm water in the pool comes from underneath the ground. After a few hours in the pool you feel really relaxed.

Part of my task is to post a photo of me doing something that makes me relax!

I like to hang out with my friends. I find it relaxing because we always talk and laugh it's awesome.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful pt.1

Task: While in Taupo, you go for a walk around the lake and you notice pieces of rubbish floating in the water. You also notice that there is rubbish on the footpath. As you know, it is really important to put rubbish in the bin and keep New Zealand clean and beautiful for generations to come. With that in mind, it is time think about what you can do to keep New Zealand beautiful. Use your imagination and come up with three things that you could do to make your neighbourhood more beautiful.

My list of things to make my neighbourhood more beautiful:

- Stop Littering
- Pick Up rubbish lying on the ground
- Stop tagging on the streets
- Stop stealing from others
- Stop robbing other people
- Stop roaming around at night

Bonus Activity

Task: As part of the Matariki festival, there is a two day Kapa Haka competition. The haka is a traditional war dance that Maori performed before going into battle. The haka is now performed by children/adults in the community and by professional sporting teams, including our national rugby team, the ‘All Blacks.’  The All Blacks have performed various haka over the years. Watch the following three haka videos (1 – 3) .



My ratings from best to worst:
#1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiKFYTFJ_kw
#2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z60PGuxnHmw
#3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYmszJ00aMM

I have rated all three videos and I think that this is best to worst. Well it is in my opinion anyways. What order would you put it in?

Native Aotearoa pt.2

Task:  After visiting Shag Point, you hop back in the van and drive all the way up the east coast of the south island until you reach the town of Picton. You get out of the van and onto the Interislander ferry. It travels back across the Cook Strait to Wellington. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and every winter the city hosts a huge Matariki festival to celebrate the Maori New Year. This year part of the festival is being held at Te Papa, a big museum in Wellington. Read about the Matariki festival at Te Papa.  There are so many different things to see and do at the festival this year.
The events I have chosen are:
Te whare matoro: Haka fusion
Tiramarama: storytelling for kids
Kaumatua kapa haka

Te Whare Mataro were iwi-community based 'houses' of entertainment for young people. They used to be the 'night club' of the pa (village). For this young men and women would participate in entertainment by the younger people from all around the world.


Tiramarama: is a programme of storytelling for young children. Said in both Maori and English, the aim for this is to entertain and delight the young kids. As winter gets close to finishing around us the matariki stars rise. The storytellers Te kahureremoa Taumata and khali phillips-babara try to help celebrate boy sharing knowledge, stories and songs.


Kaumatua Kapa Haka: is a two day celebration of haka and waiata. It is performed by senior maori performing artists from all over New Zealand. This is a regular feature on the matariki calendar. The kapa haka group is performed by the older generation.

Native Aotearoa pt.1

Task:  Let’s imagine that you were on the first Waka to arrive at Shag Point. You had never been to New Zealand before and you had no idea what to expect. Write a poem describing how you would have felt when you arrived in New Zealand. Would you have been excited or scared? I would have felt pretty nervous, I reckon…
Anxious to see what lies beyond me,
I have come far across the sea,
My journey was long and exciting.
Although I had nerves biting,
Anxiety had me feel like hiding,
For the nights were extremely tiring.

Bonus Activity

Task: You and your tour group have enjoyed your day in the mountains but you’re ready for a change of scenery. You ask Curious Kiwi to take you to Central Otago, a region of the south island with lots of rolling hills and flat, brown grasslands. While in Central Otago, you decide to join the Otago Central Rail Trail – a 150 km long cycle trail. Curious Kiwi and I (Rachel) cycled the Rail Trail in April and we loved it!
I think that the Otago Central Rail Trail sounds like fun but I don't think I would be able to complete it.
I think that if I did have the chance I would take it but I wouldn't do the whole thing. I think the reason that would stop me is because I wouldn't be fit enough to do the whole trail. The upside is that I'll definitely be able to do some of it!

One step at a time pt.2

This presentation show's a famous New Zealander I chose Kj Apa.

One step at a time pt.1

Task: After a few hours in the car, you, your group and Curious Kiwi arrive at your first stop – The Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve. It is a beautiful, regional park located at the base of the Southern Alps. You and your group get out of the van and follow Curious Kiwi. He is going to lead you on a short walk through the park. As you start walking, you notice a really cool looking tree on the side of the trail and you stop to take a closer look. When you turn back, the group (and Curious Kiwi) is nowhere to be found. Eek! You are all alone in the middle of a strange forest.

Anxious, confused and curious I gazed only to see trees from all angles. Looking for my group and kiwi trying to figure out where they wondered off to. "Hello anyone there?". I here movement from behind. I turn not only to see two of my mates together eating. "Where is everyone!?" I questioned. "Not sure" They said in sync. We all the ventured off in the direction of voices. 

Bonus activity

Task: Hector’s dolphins are a very special native animal found only in New Zealand. They are the smallest dolphin in the world measuring 1.5 metres long and they are quite rare. Sadly, many Hector’s dolphins are killed every year when they get caught in large fishing nets and can’t escape. Some people have argued that fishermen shouldn’t be allowed to fish in Farewell Spit in order to protect the dolphins living there. I agree that fisherman shouldn't be allowed to fish in Farewell spit because if they continue to the dolphins that live there could soon become extinct. Lately many of these dolphins are dying from getting caught in fisherman"s nets and not being able to escape. I think that we should ban fisherman from fishing in farewell spit due to the rareness of the dolphins.

Whale rider

After a morning of learning about beached whales in Golden Bay, you and your group are driven to a nearby town, Nelson, to watch a special movie called ‘Whale rider.’ It is a famous movie about a young girl who was born and raised in New Zealand. Watch the following movie trailers for Whale Rider: Whale Rider trailer #1 and Whale Rider Trailer #2

The whale rider is about a Maori girl named Paikea who came from a long line of chiefs. She was hungry to learn about the chiefdom but it was only for men. Paikea secretly attended the meetings to become a chief. Her Koro was stubborn and he only went by the traditional rules. When the children did it differently he got angry. I rate this movie 4.5/5 because the background story is good and the film itself is well done.

Swimming with the sharks pt.1

Task:
By the end of Day #3, you have seen a lot of the north island of New Zealand.  Hopefully you have enjoyed it and you’re excited for the next phase of your journey – the ferry trip across the Cook Strait from the bottom of the north island to the top of the south island. You will spend the next two days exploring the south island before you head back up to Auckland, via Wellington (the capital city of New Zealand).

Farewell Spit has been in the news recently as a number of whales accidentally swam into the spit and became stuck on the beach. They were unable to swim back to the ocean because the water was too shallow. Many local people tried to save the ‘beached’ whales. Please follow this Farewell Spit link to learn more about what happened.

To help the stranded whales the locals kept them wet so they could stay alive till the doC came. Freedom campers offered their towels, t-shirts and sarongs to wet and put over them. They also gathered their cooking pots, chilly bins, water bottles and mixing bowls to carry the water to the whales.

Wild eyes pt.2:

Task: After your great visit to the Otorohanga bird house it is time to hop back onto the bus and head towards the Hawke’s Bay – your resting place for the evening. Hawke’s Bay is a beautiful region of New Zealand. It is known for its wineries and gorgeous scenery. When you arrive in Napier, the largest city in the region, you go for a walk through Waitangi Regional Park and notice that many of the leaves on the native trees have been damaged. Curious Kiwi tells you that they were damaged by possums, non-native predators, from Australia. People in New Zealand are working hard to trap and kill these predators. Their goal is to remove all of the possums (and other predators) by 2050. Go to the ‘Predator Free 2050 website’ to read more about their work.

I disagree that New Zealand should be predator free but it would definitely be good to have less in the country. Reasons:
1. My first reason is because predators stay above and under our houses and they also eat our food.
2. A reason to disagree is because predators don't ruin our everyday lives.
3. My last reason is due to them eating our plants and gardens.