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.

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.

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.

Bing Boom Ping - Sammy V by Jessica

Yesterday afternoon Ruapotaka School had a very special visitor. His name was Sam Verlinden, but he had a street name which was Sammy V. Sam took a major in the music industry and decided to write and conduct his own songs.

He had an interesting back story. He narrated his story with actions. According to Sam, he wanted to become better at singing to impress a girl so he read everyday to find new words for lyrics.

I thought it was interesting and new having someone who chose a music career and it all started with just reading and practise. I truly think he has inspired many of us, especially the juniors to continue reading everyday.

Week Seven's Assembly by Riiana

For every school assembly, one class will have to host it. This has been going on for four weeks. Yesterday's assembly was Room 6's turn.

Besides the usual, badges were given out to classroom monitors, acknowledgement for the road patrollers and library monitors, and principal awards were handed out.

When it was time for the prefects to give their messages, we were assigned the job of speaking about something that we are grateful for. I am grateful for growing up in a safe, friendly and loving environment.

What Did We Do Today? by Riiana

Today we had the first session of Tech of 2019. My group was with Miss Ferguson doing graphics. She had us working on a Google Drawing about ourselves. All we had to do was get pictures off the internet with a transparent background and insert it, though they had to be about what we like or are interested in.

Prefect for 2019 by Riiana

It's 2019 meaning I have one year left before going to college.

As a year eight and a Prefect, I'll have to put in more effort with not just my work, but with my skills as a leader. I am absolutely not prepared for this year but what can you do? I am, however, ready to welcome this year's obstacles.

A little thing from last year, I had hoped that my brother would become a Prefect with me. Surprisingly, he is one of 2019's prefects.

This year should definitely be interesting.

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.

The House Winner Is... by Riiana

Throughout the year the four houses (Whero, Kakariki, Kowhai, and Kikorangi) have been aiming to be the winners of each term. The way you gained points was by doing something good and the teachers or prefects would award the students.

The points from each term were added up to figure out the winner of the year. Yesterday we found out who that winner was.

It was Kikorangi! We received a house winner trophy and a round of applause. Kikorangi won with 1,281 points.

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.

Who Won? by Riiana

Friday last week was originally supposed to be the skip off but the rain had other plans. We were lucky enough to get all the Rooms displays done. Since we weren't able to do the skip off, we seniors did it on Monday which replaced fitness.

Congratulations to Agueer, Pupuke and Kotipi for placing in the Top 3!

If you'd like to see how it went down, here's the clip.

Making Mac and Cheese at Foodtech- By Malia

It was another day at food tech. We were making Macaroni and Cheese. We added herbs and all other spices and seasonings. It was like we were professional chefs. We tasted our food and it was actually an excellent dish. Most of the other people liked it as well. It was extremely easy for Riiana and myself to make. I'll be making this at home.

One skill I have learnt for this week is how to dice and slice an onion.

By Malia.

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.