Term 2

WOW, I can't believe term 2 is already coming to an end. We've all been through some much with lockdown and being busy getting things back to normal. This will definitely be a term I will never forget but even so, I would like to reflect on some of the best things about this term.

Lock-Down. It was a bittersweet feeling going in and out of lock down. It gave me time to reflect on myself, and think about how I've started the year. But it meant that we somehow had to keep up with our learning and other activities like Prefects and Penn. We did keep Penn going and we also had assembly going, somehow social distancing brought everyone closer together emotionally. I did enjoy my time at home during lock-down. But it was even better to get back to school and back to our normal routine.

When we got back to school we had a lot of things happening. We did the 40 hour famine which was cool I raised $365 and we will find out how much we raised altogether next term. We changed home classes. These changes were really important and I can't wait for the rest of the year.

Selwyn College, I know I'm at Pt England right now, but pretty soon that's where I'll be going. Just last week we were all getting ready with open evenings and interviews. Every school seems just as amazing as the next, and I'm looking forward to what the future, bring ahead. But I know that I should make the most of my time here at PES.

Overall Term 2 was hectic and really tested my ability to learn. But with a positive mind-set and a bit of determination. WE DID IT.

The Water-Cycle (Term 2 Animation)

This term we had to create an animation to explain one of the earth's system. We had the choice to choose between animating a Volcano Erupting or the Water-Cycle. I chose to animate the Water-Cycle I started with precipitation then Accumulation, Condensation, Evaporation, Transpiration and Sublimation.

Next time I feel that if I start to work on my animation earlier the graphics would come out looking better, I also had to re-record my voiceover due to background noise. But overall I am proud of this animation. :)

The Million Pound Bank-Note

Today we finished the million pound bank-note text. It was very interesting and I could slightly see where the story was going but it was a slight surprise that the gentleman that was betting turned out to be Portia father. I really liked this text and I am quite happy with doing texts like this.

What is the Water-Cycle?

The water-cycle is a key component in the hydrosphere. The water cycle is a hydrological cycle that has been circulating throughout the world for hundreds of years.

There is no original beginning nor an ending for this process, I will be starting with precipitation. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet or hail that falls to or condenses on the ground. In New Zealand, the most common form of precipitation is rain and snow. 

After precipitation, accumulation takes place. Accumulation is the process of water gathering in a body of water. This can be as large as the ocean or as a small puddle. Without accumulation, we wouldn’t have any oceans, rivers or lakes.

Evaporation is the third part of this process. This is when water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor. Once water has accumulated, heat from the sun evaporates the water into vapor. Water vapor can be seen on your window as a result of the rain. Evaporation is the main movement of water through our hydrosphere as it returns from liquid form to atmospheric water vapor.

Condensation is when water vapor collects to form clouds. Condensation is the movement of water vapor changing into liquid water, basically the opposite of evaporation. The clouds will then continue to get heavier and heavier until it bursts, releasing as precipitation. Condensation is essential in the water cycle as it is responsible for the formation of clouds.

This is the key element of the water cycle, but there is also transpiration, the process of water going into plants. This process involves water from the rain being absorbed by plants through their roots, stems and leaves. When water is exhaled by plants, it leaves in water vapor adding building up the condensation in the clouds and returns as precipitation.

Another part of the cycle is Sublimation. It’s when the clouds not only produce water but also release what we know as Hale, Ice or Snow.

That is the complete order of the water cycle. Precipitation, Accumulation, Water-vapor, Evaporation, Condensation, Transpiration, Sublimation.

Fractions Level 3

Today we looked at fractions. We had to answer the workout and answer the questions on the slides. I actually struggled a little bit near the end but, I just need to practice it some more. Looking forward to doing more!

Fractions Level 2.3

This week we looked at fractions once again. Near the ending we looked at turning fractions into decimals. It was pretty easy and a good recap of most of the things last year. I am however ready to learn more about fractions and decimals.

The 1 Million Pound Banknote

This week we learnt about the Million Pound Banknote. It was a 17 page story that we read 7 pages of and we answered some questions about it. We found out that Henry's life changed a huge amount once, we acquired that bank note and he got treated like a millionaire. It was very interesting to read, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book.

Matariki

Today we had a Matariki Day at School.
Matariki is the Maori name for the cluster of stars called the pleiades. The celebration Matariki is the first rising of these cluster of stars. It’s a harvest festival that takes place nearing the end of Winter. While everything is getting ready for the time ahead of them. Argo Matariki is the marking point for the New Year and the New Growth.

The Pleiades are the cluster of seven stars. Many people debate on whether or not there are 7 or 9 stars. The Maori constellations states that there are 7 stars Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipunā-ā-rangi and Ururangi.The Greek constellation includes 9 stars. Including Hiwa-i-te-rangi and Pōhutukawa.

At school we have celebrated Matariki in many different and fun ways. One of them being our Matariki fun days. The whole school splits up into different classes a mix of yr 1-8 student. Then you spend the whole day doing either, Sport, Cooking, Crafts, Movie Making.

On Friday our school did our Annual Matariki Fun Day. I was put into Arts and Craft, despite the fact that it wasn't my first choice so I was a little skeptical about being in Art and Crafts, mostly because my arts and craft skill haven't improve much.

When arriving at room 7 which would be my class for the day. The rest of the group was there too; Me, Tha-Zin, Leilani, Te Rangimarie, Taliyah, Kauri, Josh and Paschal were all from the senior block so a good chunk of the group would be made up of seniors.

Mr Goodwin let us into the class and explained what we were going to be doing. We were to make a galaxy art in which we had to add a matariki quote onto afterwards. I quite enjoyed doing this it was fun and didn't take to long. We had all finished nearing the end of the middle block. Me and Tha-Zin also got to talk a lot about High-School and our time in Mr Goodwin's Class.

The day went by very quickly and reflecting on it now. It wasn't too bad. I this would have to be my favourite Matariki Group. And I just realized that this was my last Matariki Day, it's a bittersweet feeling. But for everyone who's going to be doing these in the future good luck and make the most of it. ;)

The Vampire Chronicles

This week we looked at fake news Articles and near the ending of this lesson decided to make a second New Article. My one is called 'The Vampires Chronicle' and my fake new story, is a 6th Twilight Movie being made. I chose this story, because Stephenie Meyer's novel Midnight Sun is coming out on August 4th and I'm hoping a movie will be created to support Edward Point Of View.  There is no proof of a 6th Twilight Movie Getting Made, (DOUBLE CHECK YOUR FACTS).

Fractions and Decimal ~Question 10~

Today we looked at a site, that our student teacher created for us to test. It was full of different activities informative videos and tasks that really tested our knowledge. I liked this question because the answer wasn't straight forward but after giving it some thought and looking at some of the stuff we learnt yesterday we became more clear what we needed to do and the answer was found. Overall I had fun and liked this task, can't wait to do more!

Fraction Level 2.2

Today we looked at more fractions. This time we went to the next level and looked at harder fractions. We looked at adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators using equivalent fractions. I did get a bit stuck on the last ones, but after giving it some more thought it didn't seem as hard. These slides definitely took more time than yesterday's though.

Scandalous Satire

Today we looked at Satires, and how they are usually made to joke and aren't usually believable. We also looked at news sites that are legitimate or not. Most news sites we written to be somewhat believable that's why we came up with 3 things to think about when looking at a new article. Is there any other knowledge of this on google, is it a legit site, does is sound real?

Fraction Level 2

Today, we looked at fractions. We got into 2 groups and worked on fractions. We added fractions and later looked at improper fractions. Near the ending we had to split a packet of M&M's into fractions of 16 which we later simplified. I quite like using fractions last year Ms Stone helped me increase my knowledge on fractions a lot so it wasn't as tricky this time.

Joesph Parker @ PES

Today we had one heck of a surprise waiting for us. Every Friday morning we have a school assembly, and this one was quite special indeed last week. Do you know who Joseph and Elizabeth Parker is?

Yes, can you believe it? Ms Carter had some connection and made it possible Joseph and Elizabeth to come to and talk in our assembly. That morning was full of a mix of emotions. As I was a prefect I got to special meet and shake hands with them myself it was quite and honor. Many people were shocked, AJ one of the other prefects even asked me if his hair looked good!

If you don't know who Joseph Parker is he's an amazingly talented New Zealand Boxer. He's 28 years old, has a wife and 2 kids. He is 1.93m tall and weighs 112 kgs. He has held the heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018. And like every great man Elizabeth, who is Joseph's sister manages him.

Standing at the front of the school it was easy to tell that everyone was excited and acknowledged his presence. There was a quiet buzz and the whole school was whispering to the people around them. Started out assembly normal we did the karakia mihi national anthem the quiz and then the korero. The whole time there was a slight excitement and tension all waiting to see what the famous boxer was doing here at our school. 

After the prefects had finished the quiz, Mr Burt invited Joseph Parker to front and handed him the Microphone. But his introduction was cut short when Mr Burt asked him to play the guitar. During lockdown the famous boxer got up to some really cool antics, he Played Guitar danced and many kepted many people entertained and well. Mr Burt asked him if he could play us all something. He agreed and played a few amazing notes on the guitar, it felt like seconds when it was over. I kept wishing to hear more. 

After that he started what he came here for. He started talking to us and presented us with a speech that was...well I'm speechless. IT WAS AMAZING! he told us to believen ourselves and that nothing beats hard work. I loved his words and think that he's right keep on believing yourself and NOTHING BEATS HARD WORK!

P.S (After his speech him and Elizabeth helped hand out duffy certificates and I GOT TO SHAKE HIS HAND) 

Testing Transformation

Today we looked at Transformations, this time we looked at rotation reflection and translate. I definitely had some trouble getting confused with translation, but I feel like I will get used to it over time. It was definitely good to recap this, because we did similar stuff to this last year. Looking forward to doing more :)

Fake Facts!

Today we looked at fake news and different kinds of fake news. We also discussed how new that was not intended to be fake but in fact a joke be interpreted as a real article. Thus changing people's opinion and sometimes causing riot. I think that fake news shouldn't be posted at all, its just common sense.

Protesting

Have you heard about the people marching up and down the streets of their towns, cities and country? Those people are all protestors, fighting for their beliefs and opinions. Anyone can protest, your mom, younger sibling, or you yourself. Protests have been happening for 150 years, here in New Zealand!

A protest can be in many different forms. Hikoi, petitions, marches, meetings, strikes, But it’s never intended to be violent, and usually remains peaceful. However they are in fact made to catch your attention and allow people to share their opinion. 

A protest happens to be a response to a problem. This can be an Injustice, a problem, a  It’s an action taken by a group of people that feel obligated to do something about an event taking place, somewhere in the world.

Protests sometimes work; it depends on the reason of the protest, and the outcome wanted. However the point of protests are for people to share their opinion and fight for what they believe. Throughout history, protests like Parihaka have failed but the Women's suffrage movement went well. So it’s basically both sides coming together that make a protest successful.

In conclusion, a protest is down for many reasons in different forms. As long as it is something you believe in and are prepared to fight for. Protest today, for the many things happening in the world.

2 faces and 2 Sides

Chapter 1

He walked through the dark alley. His shoes clacking on the pavement. Click Click. I watched as he marched closer. A knife in his hand. 

He was tall mysterious, with incredibly broad shoulders. It made me wonder how he managed to stand up right. He walked closer and closer, to the small girl weeping in the corner.

I watched helplessly, as he finally reached her. He came to a halt, a dark smirk creeping across his face. He raised his hand and slit the girl across her neck. He didn't stop, he held her there for a second.

I watched in horror. Was this real, no it couldn't be. I ran, I didn't know where or why, but I had to leave. It was late hour of the night, and I didn't know who I should tell. I decided my best bet was my friend the one person I could confide in.

Chapter 2

I had arrived home, it was late. My wife and child was out, probably spending my weeks wage at the mall. It didn't matter I was tired.

I sat down for a moment of silence. It felt like only a second when my friend barged in through the door. He was out of breath and with cold sweat accumulating on his forehead.

I calmly asked "How may I assist you at this hour"

'Murder, Alley, Tall dude' He said out of breath

'Cedric calm down and tell me what's wrong' I stated a looking at him seriously

He took a deep breath and took a seat on the brown sofa I had placed in the living room. 'I just witnessed a murder, It was a girl, she she-' He stuttered

'Cedric how many times do I have to tell you, take your pills. The doctor had told you missing them will affect your mind negatively leading to mild hallucinations' I stated hoping my words would persuade him.

'But it was real' he said again

Later that evening, after I had convinced him, that it was all a pigment of his imagination he finally went home. It was exhausting, and he was quite stubborn. It was a close call, nobody can know what took place in that alley.

And nobody can know my secret. I am the murderer.

Our Task, was to right a story, that had 2 points of view.

Naughts & Crosses

This week we looked at Nelson Mandela and what he stood for. We also looked at Naughts & Crosses a movie in there were 2 sides, and 2 characters, Naughts is the people in lower class this sides perspective was put into a 15 year old boy called Callum and, the Crosses were people that were the upper class their point of view put into a 14 year old girl called Sephy. It was interesting to hear both sides, and that's what I liked about this book.

Writing an effective opening :)

Today, we looked at different types of sentences and how, different types of sentences contain both independant and dependant clauses. We discussed what each type of sentence contained. Along with that we had to try and write each kind of sentence. I liked this task, because I have always struggled with using a range of sentences. This task definitely helped me improve this.