Plastic Bag Ban-By Riiana

During the weekend I went to Sylvia Park and almost immediately, I noticed that most stores stopped selling plastics bags. I had thought it was only supermarkets so once I got back home I searched up the cause of this.

I read from here that stores are now banned from selling plastic bags. Any store caught could potentially be faced with a fine, or the ministry will contact the business and try to figure out why they haven't stopped giving out plastic bags.

It's wonderful that there's now a law against plastic bags. Around 28% plastic waste have been discarded, leaving 72% to end up in the ocean or stray somewhere in our environment. Even if it's only a little bit, we're reducing plastic waste.

It's Hard to be a Potato When... by Jessica

You're surrounded by kumara.

Today at Tech Frank and I made Kumara Frittatas.

Ingredients:
1/2 of a big kumara
4 eggs
1 cup of milk
1/2 onion
Optional - Mixed herbs

Method:
Step 1 - Peel the kumara and grate with cheese grater.
Step 2 - Dice onion.
Step 3 - Whisk 4 eggs and 1 cup of milk together.
Step 4 - Mix vegetables and egg mixture together.
Step 5 - Prepare a lined baking tray and pour the mixture in the tray.
Step 6 - Bake at 200° for 15-20 minutes.
Step 7 - Take out and serve while hot.

Frank and I make some pretty tasty dishes!.

We're Surrounded by a Massive Ghost! by Jessica

New Zealanders living in Auckland are experiencing paranormal activity!

This morning when I woke up and looked outside the window I was very surprised at the sight. This ghostly mist has a short, three letter name... Fog. We're surrounded by a ghost like mist that's very hard to see through. This paranormal activity is so dangerous that over 70 flights In New Zealand were delayed or cancelled. This unsuspected ghostly visitor has also made our Friday very cold and chilly.

Optical Illusions by Jessica

For the past few weeks, my class has been learning about how to draw optical illusions and how 3D perspective works. Most optical illusions must consist of straight lines and shading has to be on point. 3D perspective art must have straight lines co-responding to the direction they're coming from and once again, shading must be on point.

I have really enjoyed drawing out different types of optical illusions. From drawing 3D stars that trick your mind to a twisty, 3D heart. I think the hardest one for me was the star because there were so many lines to keep track of and they just ended up going everywhere.

The Pike River Mine Reopened. -By Konzay

After the terrible incident that happened, the Pike River Mine was finally re-opened last week. The Pike River Mine agency let three people into the mine to have a look and come back out.

The Pike River Mine disaster was a coal mining accident that happened in November 19th 2010, 46km  northeast of Greymouth.  Following that explosion 29 men were believed to be dead but no one was able to go into the mine to check it out.

On Monday Ruapotaka met some Visitors from ERO ( Education Review Office) the man's name was Richard and the woman's name was Pam.

We first welcomed them in to our school with a fantastic greeting, then they introduced them self to us and then Sosiua told Mrs Hamilton to stand up so that she could tell us that they will be here till Thursday.

When we were done Jessica told the ERO people that they could leave while all the classes sang a song for them, after they went Jessica told the classes to go back to their class room to do some more learning.  

NZ Sign Language Week- By Jessica

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week Riiana, Leanah and I presented the teachers with 6 different posters based on New Zealand Sign Language Week.
Not only did we present some NZSL posters, we also made 3/6 of our own. One poster entirely made specifically for Mrs Brough, another with words the juniors commonly use and the last one filled with signs the seniors should learn based on their learning criteria.

We presented the teachers with our posters during morning tea. Riiana and Leanah did all the talking while I repeated in sign language. It was challenging and fun learning NZSL. I had to learn many different signs according to what was being said. In the video below, we are displaying two posters which we coloured in. We also printed out a small poster with medical signs for Mrs Shortland. Our first presentation was on Monday:

On Tuesday we presented the teachers with the posters we had made for the students.

Then there was another... on Wednesday Riiana and I presented Mrs Brough with her very own poster. It consisted of words such as, thank you, boss, email and other computer and manner phrases. 

Ruapotaka's ANZAC Service by Jessica

Ruapotaka School held its very own ANZAC ceremony. It was hosted by the student leaders Riiana, Leanah and myself. When we have our services we welcome parents and family to join us. We also invite people from the RSA to watch us and give us their feedback.

I started our ANZAC service with our school prayer followed by our school waiata. After that, I lead the singing of the National Anthem. All the students, teachers and parents joined in. I then invited Mrs Hamilton to the stage to read out the Declaration.

We had three different ANZAC contributions. I was a part of this. I wrote a soldier profile. Flight Lieutenant T. G. Culling. Each class made a wreath that was laid out in front of the crosses we had displayed.

Following the laying of the wreath, I introduced Riiana to the stage to recite a poem called "In Flanders Fields". After that, we had our second and third ANZAC contributions. We had a new student from Room 10 who read out a narrative about being a child waiting for their father to come home from the war and two lovely students from Room 6 who read out why we have The Last Post. Straight after that, everyone stood for the playing of The Last Post and then we stood quietly for the one minute silence.

Lastly, I welcomed Leanah to the front to recite the Remembrance poem and to close the service. It was a major learning experience hosting something so important. Our service was a complete success too! The lady from the RSA said “This is the best school service I’ve been to.” Which was really nice to hear considering all of us worked so hard to fulfill high expectations.

My Ball! by Jessica

Everyday, aside from Wednesday, Room 12 does daily sport. We play all kinds of sports such as, soccer, touch, softball, netball and (a new addition to our collection) volleyball.

Sadly, my class cannot play volleyball. The reason being that we have too many students. Playing volleyball with everyone in my class when they are present can be catastrophic. 

Volleyball is a game that consists of 12 players with a total of 6 people on each team. My class has 29 students so that's roughly about 14 students on each team.

In general, I've been enjoying playing sports with my class. So far this term we've played softball, touch, soccer and volleyball (but there were quite a few of us away). The majority of us are very energetic and spirited. 

Who's The Head Prefect? by Jessica

Last year we had to say goodbye to the year 8 Prefects. It was sad to see them go.

A new year has begun and new Prefects have been selected. Working alongside me this year we have, Madisyn, Agueer, Frank, Sione and of course, Riiana and Leanah. It turns out that I was chosen to be Head Prefect.

Many know me as Jessica or Jess. I am 12 years old turning 13. I have a humorous love for art and sleeping.

As the head prefect I am expected to be a positive role model. Someone who always tells the truth, someone who has manners and someone who is inspiring or encouraging but honestly, the list could go on forever.

Knowing that a lot of students and the teachers can trust me and support me through out my last year in intermediate makes me happy. This year is going to be one of my wildest. My parents want me to get into a good college with benefits of a great future. Right now I could care less about college because all I need to worry about is where I'm at now. Pushing myself until I can't, working my bottom off until I'm satisfied with my results. My current goal is to be better than before. A phrase that's been by my side ever since I started at Ruapotaka, will stay with me until I'm satisfied and need a well deserved break. Until that day comes I'll be working hard.

Cultural Items 2018: Nuien Dance by Samoan Cutlural Group - Sipolo - Mary-Ruth, Joanlisi, Jessica and Alexandra

Prizegiving 2018: Head Prefect 2019

Jessica

Prizegiving 2018: Prefects' Speech by Leanah and Jessica

2018 Prefects: Katrina (Head), Leanah, Jessica, Saluselo and Riiana

The Prefects would like to say 'thank you' to Mrs Vickers for all her hard work throughout the 27 years of working at Ruapotaka School. She has done so much to help improve the school ever since 1991. Starting assemblies, laying down rules and putting students first before herself.

From the first day we started school, Mrs Vickers acted like a second mother to us, loving us and showing that she cares. Saying thank you is not enough to show how much we appreciate her.

We wish Ms Vickers all the best in her new chapter of her life.

Making Logos - Graphics with Mr Pineda

My group and I, were designing logos for a charity we chose At Tamaki College for Graphics Tech.

I chose Domestic Abuse as my charity. I believe no one should be treated as if they don't have a life by being physically pushed, kicked or worse. That's why I chose Domestic Abuse as my charity. As I've mentioned before we made some logos supporting our charity. Here are my logo's so far.

Year 7/8 Speech Finals Term 3, 2018

Congratulations to the winners of the Speech Finals today.

1st: Pupuke

2nd: Leanah

3rd: Jessica

ToonDoo - Graphics with Mr Pineda by Jessica

This week at Tech, I'm with a new teacher with a whole new style.

My new teacher for Tech is a man called, Mr Pineda. He does things based on drawing and designing. In other words, graphics. I am so stoked! Mr Pineda welcomed us into his classroom and introduced himself.

A few minutes of chatter and introductions later, we finally started our activities. We created an account on a wondous website called ToonDoo. Here is what I've created so far.

Meet The Prefects Of 2018

Kia Ora! My name is Katrina and I’m the head prefect of Ruapotaka School. Being a head prefect means I have to take on more responsibilities than the other 5 prefects combined. I, as head prefect, have to be an excellent role model to all students. I also have to make sure the other prefects are in shape and that they are doing their personal jobs properly. This year is probably going to be very sad because it is my last year as head prefect at this school.

Talofa! My name is Saluselo and I am a year eight student at Ruapotaka School. As a prefect, the title comes with great responsibilities. I am a sports person and I consider myself being an artist. My sister was a prefect too so I should say that prefect blood is in me. It is my last year so I should give it my all as a prefect.

Hi my name is Pupuke, and I am a year eight prefect at Ruapotaka School. As a prefect me and my fellow prefects have to show extreme leadership and be a great role models for our school. We have many goals and tasks to complete together and as individuals. Being a prefect has changed the way I do things in regular living. I have noticed that my actions, my interaction with people online and my fellow classmates have changed. Given the opportunity to be prefect is such a privilege and an honor.

Hello I am Riiana, a year seven prefect. Being a prefect comes with a lot of responsibility which is pretty nerve wracking. As a prefect you’ll be seen as a person to be looked up to so you can’t afford to make many mistakes. I am excited for the future as a prefect even though I’m also nervous about it. I hope my brother becomes a prefect with me too.

Hola, My name is Leanah. I am an intermediate student at Ruapotaka School. I have been chosen to be one of the prefects. Being a prefect means a lot to me because I can act as an idol to other students. I savor the time I have with my friends before we go off to college. Being a prefect has changed my perspective on some things in my life. Although being a prefect is a privilege I like to be treated equally. As an individual I have a lot of goals to achieve, and a lot of responsibilities to carry out.

Talofa! My name is Jessica. I am currently a year seven student at Ruapotaka School. I play a big role at Ruapotaka, I am a prefect. As a prefect have to be a positive role model but that doesn’t stop me from having fun. Being a prefect has definitely changed my perspective on some things in my life,  like how people act towards me. I’ve noticed that people are more friendly with me and a bit more formal. I like to be treated equally as a friend and as a prefect.

Prefects for 2018

Katrina, Head Prefect is supported by her fellow Prefects: Saluselo, Pupuke, Leanah, Riiana and Jessica.

Interschool Soccer Competition

Football Tournament

Balls flying everywhere, supporters cheering here and there,  coaches shouting what to do, even though we scored a few.

After all the football games we played we felt weak. Then it was finally time for the manager to announce the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth placings. We were anxious for the host to report back where Ruapotaka School came.   Suddenly we found out that we came second. We were so amazed. Our team were all up and cheering. We were acknowledged for our second placing by being given posters and certificates.

We all had fun, even before it begun and now we are all proud, we started to shout out loud!!
By Elizabeth, Sini, and Damien