R12 Prizegiving 2017

Y8 Academic Excellence and Dux: Athens

                                     

                               

Academic Excellence Y7: Saluselo

Most improved Y8:  Min Zin

Most improved Y7: Henry,

and Mary

Y8 Manaiakalani Cluster Scholarship for Tamaki College: Mika

Manaiakalani Ambassador: Athens

Lion trophy: Mary

Responsibility: Meana

Leadership: Min Zin

Supportive: Katrina

Principal’s Award: Athens

Citizenship:  Meana

Sportsperson of the Year: Timote

Cultural Performances 2017

Prefects' Last Messages 2017

Waiata

Tongan Girls

Tongan Boys

Samoan Girls

Samoan Boys

Samoan  Girls and Boys

The Cook Islands Girls

The Cook Islands Boys

Speech Finals

'Procrastinating: by Athens: Winner of  2017 Y7/8 Speech Finals

'Education' by Meana: Second in 2017 Y7/8 Speech Finals

'Video Games' by Henry: Third in 2017 Y7/8 Speech Finals: 

Summer Learning Journey by Tupouseini

On Friday Rachel Williams came to Ruapotaka School to talk about the Summer Learning Journey. Rachel said that this year's theme is based on New Zealand.

This year she was lucky enough to have a team of bloggers to help comment on each student's blog from different clusters. I knew that as soon as she started talking about it I wanted to register and the prizes would relate to the theme.

The reason why I want to participate is because when I come back next year I will be ready for my tests that I have to sit. And because I want to make more progress and be better than before. I can't wait until I'm registered and ready to blog.

Also it begins on the 18th of December and ends on the 26th of January 2018. If you haven't registered then register now so you can start blogging.

No Hat, No Play! by Jack Daniel

Since Summer is approaching, sweatshirts and trousers are now BANNED! The sun is shinning everywhere around Auckland and I haven't seen a drop of rain around. At Ruapotaka School, hats are to be worn at interval and at lunchtime play. Not only are students wearing hats, but so are teachers on duty.

"No Hat, No Play," is a simple rule used for sunny days like these ones. Students without hats sit under the shelter, to keep nice and cool, on a hot day. The sun is going to burn off for a hard 3 months (November, December and January) and going to the beach or pools in the holidays would be appropriate.

Reminder: Hats are to be worn on heads at all times, and it is not a glove.

Speeches by Athens

So I made it into the speech finals, super exciting! I made it along with three other students who are Meana, Salu and Henry. We are all very thrilled and have been working super hard to do our best. 

My speech is about 'Procrastinating' which I, myself do a lot of. I know I'm not the only person in the world who does this so my speech is to help out everyone else who has the same problem as me. I hope on Friday I can please the judges and maybe even get a placing.

Second Place! by Athens

So my wishes didn't come true after all, after hoping and praying that Mr Reid doesn't make us run up and down the tracks. Guess what happens the very next day? That's right! He makes us run and get ready for athletics day.

Somehow on athletics day I placed second in both the 100 and 200 metre races (don't ask me how I did it, I don't know). So that meant that I was going to the inter-schools competition! 

The students and I trained every single morning to get ready for it but sadly I ended up catching the flu from my brother so I had to stay home. Luck is never on my side.

Athletics by Athens

Athletics Day is quickly approaching and to be completely honest, I'm not that thrilled. This year's athletics is a tiny bit different from last year's because the 75 metres dash no longer exists. Instead we now have to run a long, sad 200 metres. 

So far we haven't started practising and I don't think we are going to get to it. We are all currently busy with relays but who knows? Mr Reid might surprise us and make us run up and down the tracks. Let's just hope he doesn't.

Disruptive Sounds of Thunder by Lupe

Today the weather has been strange. During reading we have been hearing some weird noises. It  sounded like thunder and lightning. The weather has been changing from rainy, sunny and dark clouds. To reduce the clatter and disruptive noises our teacher said, "Close the windows and keep reading."

It was quite windy as well but luckily I had my jumper on. I hope when tomorrow comes there will be a change in the weather and it will hopefully be better. If it is sunny we can play outside which is my preference.

Hosting Our Class's Movie by Vaimoana

Yesterday was the Manaiakalani Film Festival. Meafou and I went on the Tamaki Collage van to the theater. We were one of the hosts for the Manaiakalani Movies for 2017. Our movie was about rugby values. Most of the teachers thought it was the best movie out of all the movies that were played. We had to go on the Tamaki Collage van with the room 10 hosts to the theater. Hosting our movie to 500 people was scary but it was fun. Running around the movie theater trying to look for our time to shine was tiring. In cinema 3 we were 5th  in screening, cinema 2 we were 2nd and the last one we were 8th. I hope you enjoy our movie. 

Film Festival by Athens

Yesterday was one of the greatest days ever! Mainly because we showcased our movie at the Sylvia Park Hoyts. Another wonderful thing about this is that we earned a break from the everyday, boring things that we usually do at school. I feel as this event occurred at the perfect time because I'm pretty sure everyone including the teachers needed a break from all the testing that's currently happening.

Here's the movie that we put blood, sweat and tears into.

R12 2017 Rugby Values: Manaiakalani Film Festival by Athens and Meana

Do you want to be an ideal rugby player or be the best that you can be?

Well we can show you how!

From good sportsmanship to healthy eating this movie has it all. The main focus of this movie is to understand that having good characteristics and traits are what it takes to become a future champion rugby player.  

Guy Fawkes 🎆🎉 by Katrina

On the 5th of November most people celebrate Guy Fawkes day. On this people buy fireworks to light up with a lighter and watch the cool looking colours explode into the sky.  It is important to remember about Firework Safety:

1. Make sure children are supervised while holding a firework,

2. Always have a bucket of water near or next to you,

3. Never try to re-light a firework,

4. Make sure the fireworks are legal before buying them at the store.

Poem about the explosion that happened:

Remember Remember the fifth of November Gunpowder, treason plot we see no reason why gun powder treason should ever be forgot.

The Film Festival Is Soon! by Jack Daniel

The Manaiakalani Film Festival, is just around the corner. It will be on November 8th. The Film Festival is a local event for Manaiakalani schools like Ruapotaka School, Point England School and other schools around our Tamaki area. This is our School's third year making movies for the Festival.

For those who don't know what the Manaiakalani Film Festival is, it is where our Tamaki schools make short films and they get to showcas them at the Sylvia Park movie theatre. The Year 8's of Room 12 made a film, but I don't want to spoil it ....

Meafou and Vaimoana are our movie presenters. Personally, I think our movie will be one of the best this year, due to our amazing and entertaining actors.

End Of The Year Tests! by Saluselo

The end of the year tests are today! I was so nervous that I couldn't focus at all! Luckily we did our Maths test and our Spelling test. We had two minutes to finish each of our Basic Facts tests. It was very quiet so people can focus on their tests.

I was also really nervous for the marks because I didn't know if I would pass the tests. I looked for my name on the list and .... what a surprise! I went up 12 percent since my last test. I scored 245 correct out of 250! Yay! I am ready for the real test now!

First Day Of Term 4 by Tupouseinii

On the 16th of October 2017 term 4 had finally started. I was excited to be back at school especially because I missed my friends. Daily fitness was fun and Mrs Golder announced that it was Chinese language week. We learned a Chinese word which was 'Huānyíng' and it means 'welcome'.

Shortly after sports the bell rang and everyone walked to assembly in the multipurpose room. Mrs Vickers talked about the Tamaki College Gala and the prefects said some reminders like 'testing soon' and 'to go home straight away'. One student from each classroom received a Duffy book from our sponsor Terry Jarvis for 'caught being good'. When we were back in class, Room Twelve Group One reviewed this week's Homework.

I learned a lot of things on my first day back at school I can't wait until tomorrow.

✈ An Adventure To Melbourne ✈ by Timote

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.  

Fitness Disaster!! by Saluselo

On Tuesday, we started our new fitness. Our fitness now includes relays. We are organised in our dance groups and we are split up into four corners.
There were four cones on the field. Each teammate had to run to each cone and pass the baton to their teammate there, but it ended up in a disaster! People didn't know what team they were in, they didn't know how to pass it to their teammate, and even one team gave their baton to another team member! It was outrageous! It was messy.

Mr Reid said that if we didn't do it properly tomorrow, we had to do Ms Riley's fitness which was circuits!

Goals For Term 4! 😊 by Lupe

Today we are writing up our goals. We had to do a goal for every subject except inquiry.

My personal  aim is to concentrate on my education because next year I will be going to college.
My reading goal is read more often at home, my writing goal is to use more academic words in my writing and my maths goal is to show evidence when solving problems.

I'm going to  try and achieve my goals  and be BETTER THAN BEFORE!!

Pumphouse Theatre by Katrina

On the second to last day of term 3, 50 children from Ruapotaka School were chosen  to watch the Pumphouse Theatre play. It was called Mrs. Wishy Washy. The play is based on the Mrs. Wishy Washy and The Big Farm Fair book.

The characters were Mr and Mrs Wishy Washy, Cow, Pig and Duck.
All characters were very fascinating and delightful. My favourite character was pig because of  his singing. The play was very enjoyable and satisfying.

Orienteering by Timote Junior

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.    

Duffy Role Model by Mika

On Tuesday Michel Mulipola visited our school. Michel is a comic book artist and a pro wrestler. His love of drawing and reading inspired some of the students. He illustrated the book Headlocked: The Last Territory. He is a wrestler at the Impact Pro Wrestling. He enjoys his time as a wrestler and  artist.

Technicraft Rotation by Tupouseini

Toady I hopped on the bus excited for Tech rotation. When we had arrived  at Tech Mr Pineda was sadly absent but I was still happy because our teacher was Miss Kasipale. The task  that was  assigned to us was to draw our names and the width had to be approximately 60mm long which is equivalent to 6cm.

We were  instructed to try and make each letter of our name different and unique. As I looked around at everyone else their drawings were nearly ready for coloring. Then I looked at mine and saw only three letters and some weird looking shapes. I felt really frustrated because I didn't know how to draw with detail so I remembered our mindfulness session.  I stopped,  took a deep breath then I carried on. At first I didn't think it was going to work but after I finished my drawing I actually had time to add some detail.

After the bell rang for first period a new reliever came in and took over Miss Kasipale. When I was adding my detail I was distracted by Mr Stag. I couldn't help laughing,  he was just so hilarious. When I was about to color in my drawing the bell rang for the second period.  We sadly had to go but I had fun for the first time in graphics.

Mixing Colours Together! by Athens

This week our class conducted a science experiment. The main focus of the experiment was to create new colours by combining primary colours on a spinning disc, which when spun quickly changed to a different colour. 

At first I was all over the place but quickly I became focused and got stuck into it. I made sure my buddies and I didn't mess up because we didn't want to face the wrath of Mrs Golder. 

This is definitely my most favourite science experiment mostly because I enjoyed everything from step 1 all the way to the end, and it was pretty fun spending our afternoon just playing with the discs that we created. 

Poetry Recital: Year 7 Finalists

Pupuke and Saluselo performed their poetry recital in front of the whole school today. You performed beautifully.

Poetry Recital Year 8 Finalists

Two year 8 students from Room 12 performed their poetry recital this morning.

Meana

Athens

Cross Country Season! by Athens

It's officially cross country season and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. I am most definitely not very thrilled to say the least but I don't have a choice, so I have to endure it whether I like it or not. 

I'm not sure why but after I finish running my legs always feel like jelly, like it could collapse any moment. It's not a great feeling but on the bright side I'm increasing my stamina, I'm getting fitter and that's always a good thing!

🛠 The Switch Over (Tech) 🛠 by Jack Daniel

Today was the day that the year 7's and 8's switched over to a different activity at Tamaki College's Technicraft. The year 7 students all attended Mr Pineda's 'Graphics' class, which was our previous class. The year 8's including myself, proceeded to Mr Grundy's Workshop and our particular topic is currently glass.

Of course Mr Grundy WARNED us students about what would happen if we didn't follow the rules with respect - We would get either burned, cut, or hurt. Mr Grundy has very strict rules which are intended to protect us.

Our first task was drawing our designs, and mine was not too bad. My favourite sketch was a castle. I'm thinking of using that design to use for my glass activity.

Orienteering Is Back! by Jack Daniel

Orienteering is finally back, and it's been four, long years since we've last done it. Our guide or teacher, was Mr Leon and he showed us a few symbols or icons on the map of our school. On the first day, Mr Leon gave us all a clip card. All clip cards were unique because they each had different numbers.

It was a bit complicated at first because the clippers were not in alphabetical order, but I managed to execute it and not place last. It was fun simultaneously. The same day, we all trotted around the school with maps, and found each base.

Unfortunately, people had their map taken off  them because it was not facing North. The following week, Mr Leon came back and handed us all a clip card and a map. We had to clip the card by using the map to find our destination.

I had heaps of fun and it was fun doing orienteering after four years.
   Orienteering (First Lesson)

   Orienteering (Second Lesson)

✏Graphics ✏ by Katrina

Today at Technicraft the year 7/8s were arranged into different classes. Year 7s went to Mr Penida who does Graphics but sadly Mr Penida wasn't there. We had a different teacher instead who's name was Mr Stagg and he taught us year 7s how to write and draw our names in different shapes and types.

Technicraft was exciting but complicated at the same time because I didn't really know what to do during Graphics but then everyone helped me do what I was supposed to do.

Making A Movie😁 by Lupe

For the past few weeks some of the classes have been trying to create a movie. My class's movie is about How To Be A Good Rugby Player. Nearly two times a week we go out to film. While we are doing that the rest of the children have to be absolutely quietly so that we can focus and get the filming done. I think that the idea is excellent because it's about the New Zealand history.

Banana Muffins At Tech!!! by Saluselo

Today, we had tech at Tamaki College and it was about cooking. We made Banana Muffins with Mrs Tuipulotu. 

First, we had to get the equipment to get ready for Mrs Tuipulotu's instructions. She gave us two bananas and we were instructed to slice them into a bowl. We mashed the bananas until it was so slimy that it felt like saliva with squishy lollies in it. 
After that we put in all the ingredients and baked them in the oven.
Finally we get to eat. It was yum!

😄 Orienteering 😄 by Meana

Yesterday I attended my first Orienteering. At first it was kind of nerve racking because I didn't know what to do. Once I received my piece of paper and map I quickly ran around looking for attachments. It was kind of hard to concentrate with the cold air blowing upon my face. After running around it started to ease down and I was really tired but I managed to keep going. As I became more familiar with the course it was like a piece of cake. Finally I darted off to Mr Leon and I was so surprised because I came first. I jumped with joy. Once everyone slowly made there way back and calmed down we all sat their patiently waiting. Overall Orienteering was so much fun. Do you love Orienteering?

Chocolate Cake by Tupouseini

Today was the last day of Tech cooking for this year but we will be coming back next year.

We made chocolate cake with whip cream and Hershey's chocolate sauce.
First we began by mixing the dry and wet ingredients in one bowl then we mixed the batter until it was no longer dry. We had to put our cake batter into the cake tin and I was becoming anxious because I couldn't find it. But luckily Mrs Tuipulotu had some extras for us.
Afterwards, we put the cake tin in the oven to bake. I looked at the wooden spoon which had the cake batter - it smelt so delicious and I couldn't help myself, so I tasted the raw batter which was surprisingly not that bad.
Finally, I took the cake tin out of the oven. Mrs Tuipulotu  added the toppings then I sliced it into segments before eating it.

❄Winter Learning Journey ☃ by Timote

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.

R12's Weekly Bus Journey To and From Technicraft

Every Wednesday  the Years 7 and 8 travel the same route to attend their Technicraft classes. The distance the students travel is exactly 2km according to my mapping directions and I'm guessing that it takes approximately 5 minutes to get there. Next time I am going to use my timer to accurately measure the time it takes for us to get there.
Can you guess what that could be?

Three Ways To Increase Traffic To Room 12 Blog

I learnt 3 new ways to increase more views on my blog.

1. Content: make content easy to read by using plenty of subheads, bullets and numbered lists.
2. Promote my blog in my email signature.
3. Cross-promote to your mailing list, by sharing the first paragraph from several recent blog posts and include a link to continue reading on the site. 

🏀Netball Training. 🏀 by Timote Junior

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!!

🐔Chicken CURRY!!!🍛 by Saluselo

On Wednesday, the year 7 students went to Tamaki College to do some cooking with Mrs Tuipulotu.

Our cooking today was Chicken Curry on rice. First I was excited to make it but when Mrs Tuipulotu said that it is not the chicken curry that is made island style, I was disappointed. She said that we were going to do the Indian style.

We used an Indian style curry sauce for the base. Then she put tomato paste into the curry sauce to combine the two flavors. We stirred and stirred the mixture until Mrs Tuipulotu said to stop. She came around with brown sugar and a butter knife. She scooped up a few spoons into the bowl and moved on to another table. After that, she carried a large tray of frozen chicken for us to cook.

After we cooked the chicken and the sauce, she came around with rice. We put the chicken on the rice.  Then we put a few teaspoons all over the chicken and there you go. It was yummy!

Hawaiian Dancing by Athens

A couple of weeks ago ten students from Room 12 were chosen to go to Te Oro to learn dancing. Our dance instructors were from Honolulu, Hawaii and they were all Year 13s. 

They started by splitting us up into four groups, I was divided into the same group as Mary. We then started learning a Hawaiian 'thank you' chant. They were using Hawaiian language which was hard to remember and pronounce so therefore I had a really difficult time learning it. 

I thought the chant was challenging but the dance must have been at least 5 times more complicated. Most of the time I didn't even know what I was doing. I was probably making up my own dance moves, Meana and Lupe even told me that I looked totally lost. When the hour was finally up I noticed that I improved and wasn't as bad as I first started. 

Skipping (Update) by Timote Junior

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 whcih we have been practising.

🎤 Samoan Singing!! 🎶 by Saluselo

Last week on Friday afternoon, we had Samoan singing. We lined up into a single line and made our way up to the multipurpose room. We waited for a while, because the juniors were still singing a Samoan song. After two or three minutes, the juniors slowly strolled out of the room. After that, we went in the room. Mrs Folu was waiting for us at the other side of the multipurpose room. We sat down and we were ready to lift our voices.

Our first song we sang was Le Aute and I started it off with a tune. Tasi, Fa! We sang with our hearts. After we sang, Mrs Folu started to clap. "You sang beautifully!" Mrs Folu spoke as she smiled. We did a couple more songs. My favourite song was the Samoan alphabet. It was the best singing that I have ever done.
AEIOU Alphabet Samoan
Vaai I Le Pepe Samoan
Siva Mai Samoan

Graphics Class by Athens

Every Wednesday we go to Tamaki College to attend cooking class or graphics class. The Year 7s are currently doing cooking- the Year 8s graphics. 

Our current task right now is to learn how to make juice boxes. We first have to create and design our boxes on a piece of paper and to help us we use our Chromebooks. I still haven't started on this since I've been focusing on other things.

Mr Pineda also has this system. If you get your work completed on time you get a couple of points. Once we have finished our work he checks it and either gives us a merit, achieved or excellence grading. At the moment I have around 30-40 points, I can't remember who but I'm pretty sure the person with the most points has at least 70.

I enjoy graphics but the cooking even more. My enjoyment comes from the preparation of the food and definitely consuming it. Learning cooking will definitely help me in the future especially when I'm living on my own and won't have my parents to monitor me.

🏃 My Experience At St Kents 🏃 by Meana

I walked into class and noticed on the board that we have St Kents Day! I jumped with joy, it's been nearly 2 years since I last went there, this was my opportunity to go again. Once the bell rang everyone who was invited to come bolted off like a cheetah especially me. I was glad that I had Tupouseini, Vika and Mary to support me. As we walked to the bus like mature students we quickly seated ourselves and off we went. When we arrived we were so happy that we quickly rushed off the bus and waited in our class lines. We had different but fun activities to do. I'm so excited to see what we'll be doing next.

Skipping by Tyron

Rooms 12 and 11 combined together to do skipping outside on the court. We all spread out and found a space where we wouldn't bump into each other when we skipped. We all warmed up doing simple easy skipping skills.

We skipped backwards, forwards and side to side. When that was all done, we all split up into teams. Each team had to come up with ways to work together. Every class in the school is doing a skipping display.

Everyone then went back to where they were standing. Then we all start to skip again as a class. If you stopped or became tired you had to sit on the ground.

★ Learning About Matariki ★ byKatrina

On the 13th of June every Maori in the senior block went to Te Oro to learn lots of things about Matariki★. We all learnt how to find Matariki★ in the sky and we also learnt that the Southern Cross never rises and it never sets.

People think of the group of stars as a mother and her daughters. The mothers' name is Matariki★ and the daughters' names are Tupu-a-nuku, 

Instructions on how to find Matariki★ for yourself. 
Maybe you can try and see the star cluster in the sky. Tupu-a-rangi, Waiti, Waita, Waipungarangi and Ururangi. 


All you need to do is firstly wake up before 6 o'clock, and then at 6 o'clock go outside and look for the Southern Cross and if you've find it try and find Matariki★ but remember to use the Southern Cross to help you.

Skipping Is Coming Up!😄 by Lupe

😄Very soon my school ( Ruapotaka School) is going to have an event called Skipping. Every year all the classes do a display then we have a skip off. If you want to win, your stamina and your skipping have to be good. When we do the skip off we stand in separate spaces so no one gets muddled up. Then you skip for as long as you can. Later one of the teacher will say "double under" and that's when it gets hard.  You have to turn the rope twice as fast. And the last three who skip the longest get a special certificate for coming first, second or third. So we are practicing.

🥇Duffy Award!!🥇 by Saluselo

On Monday, we had a whole school assembly as usual. One of the items that occur is when Mrs Vickers gives out the Duffy books and certificate to the pupils who have been doing well in their reading, writing or other subjects.

She called out the room numbers one by one: 9, 10,11 and 12. It was their turn to receive the Duffy books. The teachers had a good think about who they were going to chose. Finally,  Mr Reid picked Mary and Mrs Golder picked Saluselo which is me because I did well in my reading. I moved up a reading group as well as my reading level.

When I went up to get my award, I felt nervous. This is my 5th Duffy book award. Afterwards, Mrs Vickers congratulated me by shaking my hand and gave me a Spirit Animals book which is my favourite book.

When I looked at my book, I thought to myself, 'now I have two books like these.' I was proud of myself for doing well!

🏃Our Daily Fitness 🏃 by Azahar

Every Morning after the first bell, all the seniors have to line up for our daily fitness. Our fitness is running, and we have to run around the senior block for at least 10 minutes.  

Sadly I can't run with my friends because it's Ramadan and I have a month of fasting.

When I'm not fasting I usually run with two of my friends, Jack and Mika. We always run on the left because we don't want to slow down the people that are overtaking us. 

I'm Back! by Athens

After two months in Myanmar and Thailand I'm back at school! I left New Zealand on April 5th and arrived in Thailand on the 6th. I landed back in New Zealand on June the 5th but took a week off because I was very jet lagged. I couldn't sleep at night instead I slept all day, just like a possum! Now that my sleeping schedule is back on track I no longer sleep like a nocturnal animal.

Something that I will miss is probably the fruits back in Thailand. There were many types of fruits there that we don't have here like lychee, mangosteen, rambutan and jackfruit. 

             

I am happy to be back at school because I missed my friends and teachers dearly.

🌞 What A Beautiful Day To Do Fitness 🌞 by Meana

Today was a wonderful day to do running. Even though it was a bit chilly it still turned out very good. After the long weekend everyone looked shattered and tired. Looking at the sky it was crystal clear and really sunny to at least do some exercise. Once the bell rang everyone walked casually like always and stood in line to wait for Mr Reid. When Mrs Golder started the timer everyone dashed off in a flash. About five minutes into the fitness, everyone was puffed out, but I had fun anyway. 

National Milk Day! 🥛 by Lupe

Today is an incredible day because it is National Milk Day. We get milk from Fonterra. They provide milk for us and makes us fit and healthy. Every school now has milk delivered to them. We have milk and drink it at morning tea. Milk comes from the cows udder's then farmers have to milk them. After we drink our milk we have to fold the carton in a certain way. So drink milk and stay strong. 🥛

We Are The Champions!! by Mika

On Wednesday we had an epic Inter-School Soccer Tournament. Representing Ruapotaka were me, Lupe, Min Zin, Dakbai, Saluselo, Timote, Meana, Izabella, Isabell, Katrina, and Solomone.

In our division there were Glen Taylor, Tamaki Primary and Sylvia Park. We defeated Glen Taylor and Sylvia Park but lost to Tamaki Primary.
In our last pool match we thrashed St Patricks beating them by 7- 0. In the Semi-Finals the result was Panmure Bridge 4, Ruapotaka 0.We made the finals - everyone was excited.

In the Finals we went up against Stone Fields, which was really intense. Both teams were trying their best to win the game. But no-one won, so it ended with a draw (0-0) Dakbai scored the most goals (5) and our MVP (Most Valuable Player) was Captain Lupe.
Overall we came 1st equal. Our whole team was tired and exhausted.

We are the 2017 CHAMPIONS!

My Jewllery Tree I Made At Tech by Tupouseini

Today I finally received my jewellery tree that I created at Technicraft at Tamaki College. I worked hard in Mr Grundy's workshop to complete my tree and all that work paid off.

 First we all had to draw our woodwork so it could match the measurement.
 Then we had to write down reasons why our projects are useful. I asked Mr Grundy if he could show me how to put on the hooks correctly. After putting on my hooks I finished writing my reasons down on paper. It was time to pack up so Mr Grundy said he would finish our work for us because we had to move on to a different class which was cooking.

Soccer Team⚽⚽ by Timote

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!!

🎤 The New 'Lip Sync Battle' Champions! 🎤 by Jack Daniel

I have never witnessed an assembly so fascinating and exciting as the one I had seen on Monday (08/05/17). There were entertaining dancing, award-winning students and even hosts that were loud and clear. On Monday, the syndicate assembly was spectacular.

Room 12 were the hosts, and Rooms 11, 10 and 9 were the audience as well as their teachers. We had another lip sync battle and this time, Room 11 (The former L.S.B champions) were defending their prestigious title against the other classes.

Here were the contestants:
Room 9 - Jacob and Diego (Options)
Room 10 - Dominic and Peni (Let It Go)
Room 11 - Meafou and Vika (Rolex)
Room 12 - Mika and Lupe (Rolex)

The winners and new Lip Sync Battle Champions were Dominic and Peni from Room 10. Their performance and effort was super entertaining and they should be proud of themselves. The belt was passed to Room 10.

 

🍳 The Return Of Technicraft! 🍳 by Jack

Last week on Wednesday, (The first week of Term 2) we started Technicraft at Tamaki College again. The last time we went to Tech was in Week 9 (Term 1). On the first day back, we made truffles.

The truffles were the easiest and quickest recipe so far. The ingredients were oreos, coconut, condensed milk and chocolate. First we broke the oreos, then put them into a bowl. Then we added some coconut and poured milk on top of the crushed cookies.

After that, we mixed them together and put the bowl into the refrigerator to cool it down. Next, we melted the chocolate in a separate, smaller bowl in the microwave. We then took the two bowls out of the refrigerator and microwave.

Finally, we rolled the truffles into balls, and applied the topping which was the melted chocolate. Lastly, we rolled the truffles into more coconut. I made four chocolate truffles. They tasted sweet and appertising. I enjoyed the first tech of Term 2.

Back To School by Tyron

After two weeks everyone's holiday was over and it was time to go back to school. Last term we all had our Anzac service and not many parents came to watch, but some did, so that was good.

Term 2, 1st May 2017 at Ruapotaka School. Today is the first day for term two. Everyone was happy playing and being at school with their friends once again. After morning tea all year 7s went to Room 2 for a talk about Immunization at 11:30 am. We watched a video of children at another school. The video showed children playing soccer and the characters saying that one of the goalies looked very tired or ill and the soccer ball was a sickness and each team tried to keep the ball away from the goal.

A boy that was videoing the soccer was scared of getting an injection and thought it was going to sting and hurt. After they went to go see the nurse and talked about getting an injection they then went to go see what other children thought about getting an injection. The child was more confident about getting  his injection and wanted it straight away, but the nurse said the he needed his parent's permission to have it.

When the video ended all the year sevens went back to class and the year eights went to Room Two for their turn for the Immunization talk.

School Begins 😁 by Meana

I woke up extremely excited to go to school. I actually thought that 2 whole weeks without any learning and no friends was a bit too long. On the way to school I felt a slight chill heading towards me. As I slowly walked closer to class I spotted all my friends, I jumped with joy. As soon as the bell rang everyone walked casually to their daily fitness. I think that my first day back at school was really fun!!

🏅 First Award For Term 2!! 🏅 by Jack

On Monday, there was quite a special assembly. This was because it was the first time back to school after the Term 1 holidays ended for 2017.

Over the holidays, there were two very important events. Easter Day and Anzac day. Anzac Day was important to us because we had learnt about the topic and even had our own special ceremony in the multi-purpose room.

Sadly, I couldn't attend the ceremony because I had left early. Anyway, after we sang our national anthem, three special people from specific classes (Rooms 1, 11 and 12) were called up to the front of the audience and received a book and a certificate.

I was one of the students who earned a book and a certificate. The book was called D-Day, which was based on World War Two. After school, I read the first five chapters of the story. It's a really interesting narrative, that involves a lot of complex vocabulary.

I'm looking forward to reading more of the story in my free time and find out what will happen in the conclusion.