Activity 3: Hidden Figures

                     
I thought it was a good game, and pretty fun yet difficult at the same time. The levels would progressively get harder until the last one, where you could get creative and make your own picture. It was really satisfying to watch the character trace the shape once you got the coding correct. The instructions definitely made it easier, but it was pretty simple to understand how to play in general.

For this activity we looked at a fun programming game, where you can create shapes and images using specific codes. It is called "Artists" by code.org, the link will be below if you'd like to play it for yourself and my thoughts on the game are underneath the D.L.O. I've played one of their games before, though the coding wasn't to create shapes. The idea behind this activity was about the 'first computer programmer', Ada Lovelace, and Katherine Johnson, another brilliant mathematician. They both had to learn how to do basic coding which was years before now when even kids our age are experienced with technology and etc.
Play the game here! - code.org - artist

Activity 2: Overcoming Adversity

                                

One of the biggest challenges my family and I had to overcome was moving from America all the way to New Zealand, for many reasons. Mainly because I had to live away from a lot of my family, and adapt to a new life here. But my siblings and I have ended up living most of our lives in New Zealand meaning we know a lot more now, and although it's not as simple to connect with family members we still find ways to communicate with them. Being able to overcome this big challenge, life has definitely gotten more easier.

For this activity we were asked to share or recount a time when we, or someone we know has experienced a challenge but overcame it. I decided to talk about something not only me, but a lot of my family has been affected by. It's one of the main challenges in general that was most easiest to talk about since I've learnt over the years how to over-come it!

Activity 1: Through Careful Observation

For this activity we looked some scientists or theorists who have changed the world. They introduced these theories about things and how they work, mostly from close observation. Off of that, we were asked to choose one of two paintings to observe it and describe what we see in as much detail. The two pictures were "Day and Night" by MC Escher, and "The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh. So I went with the painting I hadn't seen before.

Activity 3: Apple vs Microsoft

For this last week 3 activity for day 1 we looked at the two biggest names in the field of digital technology, Bill gates and Steve jobs. These two entrepreneurs have accomplished many things. Bill gates is the founder of Microsoft and Steve jobs is known as a co-founder of Apple. Apple and Microsoft are both are seen as competitors or rivalries. Inspired by that, we were asked to look at three more common rivalries in whatever subject. And we had to provide a picture that represents the rivalry between the two brands/companies/people. The ones I chose are showed in a presentation above.

Activity 2: Influencers

For this activity we looked at influencers on the YouTube platform also known as youtubers. These people create videos and channels about almost any and everything whether it's vlogging, gaming, or tutorials, but the list goes on. We were asked to think about creating our own YouTube channel: What would it be about? What videos would you post? I chose to be a D.I.Y channel, because it's the best way I can express and share my creativity. I would post crafty and useful videos on how to make or do things. But I would also love to have a personal YouTube channel so I can post whatever.

Activity 1: The World Wide Web

For this activity to start week 3, we took a look at a few websites that are helpful for our learning. But first we learnt about Tim Berners-Lee who was the creator and inventor of the world wide web which is an information system. The four websites I have listed help me a lot with my learning and in class. I've took a picture like asked, as well as information about why I use it and how it is helpful, with a link to it.

Activity 3: Choose your own

This last activity for week 2 was another own choice. We could choose any person we think has changed the world or community no wrong or right answers. It could be  someone from our family, church, community, or someone famous we admire. I chose to write about Emma Watson because you may know her as an actress, but she is also an activist and has changed the world. You can read about who she is, what she does, and how she has made an impact on others lives. She was a great choice for this activity.

Activity 2: Leading by Example

Sometime ago this year I was swimming and I over-heard two people talking about one of the life guards because of how he acted feminine and wore makeup. This life guard had did nothing wrong but watch over the people swimming making sure they were safe. Out of respect and kindness, I went up to him/her and complimented them saying they looked beautiful. They smiled, and I swam away knowing I had made their day. What to take away from this story is that we should never disrespect a person for being different.


For this activity we were asked to re-call or preform a random act of kindness little or big in inspiration of Princess Diana and Mother Teresa that were both led by examples of random acts of kindness towards others. Although I decided to talk about something I did quite a while ago I think it was a great example of a simple act of kindness you can learn from too!

Activity 1: Everyday Heroes

For this activity we were informed about the New south whales wildfires in Australia that are currently happening. After doing some research and learning about what's going on, we were asked to brainstorm at least five ways we could support and help the cause. This could be raising money, donating, gifting, and etc. Then we shared them by creating a video or voice recording, you can watch mine above.

Activity 3: Wise Words

For this activity, we were asked to identify a role model in our life and ask them to share a piece of advice with us. This is something I quoted from my mother when I asked her for some wise words. She always says things like this to me and my siblings, and I always appreciate the different things she says. It's very inspirational and gives me motivation, so I decided to create a poster with it as well.

Activity 2: Celebrating Diversity

For this activity, we looked at a few indigenous communities being Ainu people, Australian Aboriginal People, The Inuit People, Papua People, and the Maya People. The two most interesting to me were Papau New Guinea and the Inuit Nunangat. We had to write at-least two interesting facts we learnt about both choices. I did a lot of research about what is happening with these two Indigenous Communities, and the issues.

Activity 1: Guiding Principles

For this first day 4 activity we looked at something called a Whakatauki, which is the way Maori (like many other cultures) explain their feelings or describe a specific thing using these sayings, proverbs, and metaphors. Knowing this, we looked at a few examples of some Whakatauki and chose one that had meaning to us. We created a simple poster, and we had to include a picture/drawing. I chose this Whakatauki because it's inspiring and motivating in a poetic way.

Activity 3: Belle of the Ball

For this activity, we wrote a short book review of any choice imagining that Emma Watson asked for a good book recommendation to share with her book club that she started. The book I've chose is called "The Best Worst Thing" written by Kathleen Lane. This is an amazing book, and I was really excited to write about it. I would definitely recommend it. Book cover + summary + personal review is all above.

Activity 2: The Right to an Education

For this next Summer Learning Journey activity, we looked at a young woman named Malala Yousafzai. I've heard about her before, and her story is very inspirational. She is a Pakistani activist who wants female education. But she is also a survivor and fighter. Malala survived an assassination attempt, and has since recovered. She lives her life continuing her career, and is currently 22 years young. Malala created a children's book called "Malala's Magical Pen". Inspired by that, our task was to write a short story/narrative about anything. This is a made up story called "The Man on the Moon" about a boy called George and the mysterious far away person on the moon, who he talks to at night. Enjoy!

Activity 1: The Right to Vote

For this activity, we had to imagine the government was going to create a new 10$ note. We had to find another New Zealand women to replace Kate Sheppard with and explain our choice. I chose Kate Edger to be the new face of the 10$, and above is some information about both of them. Kate Edger is a great example of womanhood, just like Kate Sheppard. Kate Edger was the first woman in New Zealand to earn a  university degree. Merry Christmas everyone! I won't be as active through the day as usual, but I hope you have a great day.

Activity 3: “I Have a Dream”

Rosa Parks was an African american women who was heading home after a long day. She sat at the front of the bus knowing the racist law, yet believing she didn't need to move because of her skin-color. When the bus driver aggressively approached her to give her seat up to a white man, she refused to move or even get up. The police arrested Rosa, and she was in jail for 24 hours before she was bailed. Rosa Parks fought for civil and human rights. Many remember her story, and look up to her as because she wanted freedom and stood her ground. I think the incident on the bus was just another protest for Rosa and her people.


For this activity, we went back in time to when Rosa Parks refused to fall to a white man, and when racism was very alive. At that time, there were laws to separate black and white people. One of them made colored people sit in the back seats of the bus. That is just how Rosa's story takes place. We learnt and read more about her story, so we could share what happened, what Rosa Parks did, and how others reacted.

Activity 2: School Strike for Climate

For this Summer Learning Journey activity, we looked at the School Strike for Climate protests and learnt a bit about what was going on. What they are doing is striking schools in order to be able to start seeing the changes that they want. "We are temporarily sacrificing our educations to save our futures from dangerous climate change." From this, I created a poster and had to include 3 things I learnt and a photo of me doing something helping the environment seen above. Climate change is definitely a real issue which people like the government aren't addressing before it's too late.

Activity 1: A Long Walk to Freedom

For this first Summer Learning Journey activity to start day 2 of week 2, we wrote journal entries imagining we were Nelson Mandela living at Robben Island prison. Talking about how he felt, what he did there, his thoughts, and etc. A Journal entry is personally expressing yourself in the pages of a Journal with writing. I found this activity really interesting, because I was trying to look at this perspective I've never even experienced myself. But using the information I've read about being in the prison, I was able to make a good paragraph out of it. 

Activity 3: ‘Dear Jacinda’

For this last day 1 Summer Learning Journey activity for week 2, we wrote a letter to Jacinda talking about an important issue in New Zealand. It could be about education, health or welfare, or maybe a controversial topic. I chose Child Poverty in NZ, which covers education and wealth. The reason I chose this was because I know many children not only in New Zealand but all around the world, suffer from poverty, and aren't able to be a kid and live their lives freely. Children are more likely to live in poverty than adults. Child poverty is children not being able to sustain or afford for basic needs.

Activity 2: NAIDOC Youth of the Year

For this challenge, we were to calculate Dr Jessa Rogers age when she won the NAIDOC youth of the year award. The information we were given was she was born 7th of April 1985, and received the award on the 9th of July in 2010. The following working out is my calculating and answer..

First step is to calculate the months because it will be the hardest to count, and the main goal. An important step is the order of months - April, May, June, July.  The bold names are the months we need to count up first before we can to the 9th of July and sum our days. May has 31 days, June has 30. We start at May by adding 23 days to April 7th. But we quickly finish May by adding 31. Now June + 30 means we would be at July. Now all we have to do is add 9 more days. Doing the final counting, her birth year (1985) + 25 years gets us to the final date 9 July 2010. 

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SUMMARY: April 7 + 23 = May + 31 = June + 30 = July + 9 = July 9.

 23 + 31 + 30 + 9 = 92 days which is 3 months/2 days. 1985 + 25 = 2010.

Dr Jessa Rogers would have been..25 years, 3 months, and 2 days old!

Activity 1: Playing Favourites

For this first Summer Learning Journey activity for week 2, we created a list of 5 of our favorite things to do with some photos. It was hard choosing my top 5, because I like having a bigger variety. Here are a few things I like to do..I like reading fictional books to enter my imagination, and writing stories/summaries, or etc because it's my favorite subject I love being with friends and family whenever possible because I love their company and we can spend more time together. I enjoy all games, digital or physical. I'm really good at online drawing, especially when it comes to tracing.

Activity 3: Own Choice

For this last Summer Learning Journey activity for week 1 we could choose any community or person who we think is changing the world, no wrong or right choices. Instead, I chose to talk about the Summer Learning Journey programme and team because they fit this description perfectly. We were to provide the name of your chosen subject, a description of what they do/have done, and an explanation of how their work has had impact on the lives of others.

Activity 2: Swimming to Safety

For this activity we were introduced to a young women named Yursa Mardini. Reading about her life was shocking but also interesting. It's amazing what this profession swimmer has done to deserve such respect and support. This is her story of how she became the person that she is today.

Yursa Mardini was only 18 years when she helped save 20 passengers sea-crossing on a boat. Only a few minutes after they first set, something caused an engine failure in the boat full of people. Brave Yursa took responsibility to save those people and risked her life. She hopped in with her sister, and two others to handle the lifeboat for over 3 hours and rescue those people. It didn't just take her skills to be able to do this, but her dignity. Months after, she was recognized and became a member of a Refugee Olympic team. Now she focuses and wishes to continue her swimming career. Her work has been see by many around the world, and she's been already been presented with many awards.

Activity 1: National Treasure

In this activity we learnt about Sophie Pascoe who is a competitive swimmer, and is said to be a national treasure. Which means someone who is special or important to said country. Inspired by that, we were to list 3 things we treasure. These three things are small but some of a the few things I treasure: Necklace, Badges, and a Hand-made craft. Click through the presentation to find out why they are special to me!

Activity 3: Worth her Weight in Gold

For this activity we created Brochures about a country that is important to you, and include some tips and what to see/do. This activity took quite long create the design for the brochure and finding the best pictures and information. I chose Tonga because that is my culture although I have never been there before. Some information possibly incorrect, sorry!

Activity 2: What’s in a Name?

This next Summer Learning Journey activity was really creative, and I was excited to share the name I would possibly change my name to if I could and why. I got a bit creative with my DLO, and created the background as a sky because it correlates to my name. I would change my name to "Hevani" which is Tongan for Heaven. And this was almost my first name, until it became my middle. I really like my name because it's easy to pronounce but I also really appreciate the meaning behind Hevani.

Activity 1: Making a Racket

For this Summer Learning Journey activity, we had to watch these two videos on Serena and Venus Williams speaking about equal pay. These two women are amazing athletes and some of the best tennis players. What I would like to know more about is how this is affecting players in other sports, and the three things I learnt from the videos is that...

1. Venus, Serena, and many other female athletes seek for equal pay when it comes to tennis: but others think to get this they would have to play the same sets or play against male players as well.
2. They both play extreme games and conquer great titles, proving that they're as capable as men.
3. The women think that endorsement deals should be more equal and they would like both women and men advocating and supporting it (meaning signing endorsement deals as way of making money off the court; like players in ad's showing their approval of said product).

Activity 3: Achieving our Dreams

For this activity we asked a friend or family member what their dream job/career is and six ways of how we could support them. I asked my friend Florence to help me out, and her dream of being a photographer is what I used as my example.

Activity 2: Defying the Odds

For this Summer Learning Journey activity we had to imagine we had a chance to interview a basketball player and write 5 questions we would ask him. I chose Russell West-brook, a popular NBA basketball player. I've made a short biography in case you haven't heard about him.

Activity 1: Rugby Superstars

For this activity we looked at a few popular rugby players that are really good at what they do. Being so talented, some people would say they have 'superpowers'. We were to list 3 superpowers that we would have, what they are, why we chose it, and what we would do with them. The three I chose were Telekinesis, Shape-shifting and precognition.

Activity 3: Miracle on the Hudson

For this next activity we had to recount something someone, or I did brave. The activities we did at camp took a lot of bravery because we were stepping out of our comfort zone. The ones I did were Kayaking, High Beam and Raft-Building. But even though they were really fun.

Activity 2: One Small Step for Man

For this activity we were looking at Neil Armstrong, an American astronaut and engineer. We had to imagine we were Neil Armstrong when he first stepped on the moon, and described how we felt. I made a short description since it's easier for me to be more descriptive.

Activity 1: Flying Solo

Amelia Earhart and Jean Batten were both Female American solo flying pilots that had a lot in common. So we had to create a Venn Diagram comparing their differences and their similarities for this Summer Learning Journey Activity. This really interested me because researching about them, I've read about their stories and I was really suprised.

Activity 3: Scaling New Heights

For this next activity we had to look at choose a charity that we were interested in and why. I chose https://www.spca.nz/, it is a charity to save and protect animals in New Zealand every year that are sick, injured, abused, or abandoned. I've never heard or knew about the SPCA before, but I really appreciate what what they are doing to help New Zealand. On their site you are able to donate, adopt, volunteer, fundraiser, partner, or join their team. I would love to adopt one of their pets and be apart of what they are doing.

Activity 2: Discovering Aotearoa

Today we are starting the first official week of the Summer Learning Journey. This is the second activity for day 1. We had to create a DLO or something about our Cultural. I am Tongan, and I get it from my Mom's side of the the family. Read more about me and my Cultrutal in this presentation.

Activity 1: Setting Sail

1. Porridge - Is healthy and nutritious, and the wholegrain oats contain helpful fiber. 

2. Spaghetti - Whole-wheat spaghetti are a good source of fiber.

3. Backed Beans - They are a good source of protein and high in fiber.

4. Noodles - Instant ramen noodles provide iron.

5. Biscuits - Digestive biscuits help our digestion and improve our health.

6. Soup - Eating soup has higher intake of fiber, vitamin, magnesium, potassium and iron.

7. Trail mix - Nuts have fiber, proteins, minerals, and vitamins that are all good for you.

8. Canned Tuna - A good source of essential nutrients.

9. Dried Fruit - Boost fiber and nutrient intake; supply body with large amounts of antioxidants.

10. Bread - The nutrients are easy to digest and available for body use.

For this activity we watched a video on the pacific explorers and how they traveled. We then had to list 10 food items we would take if we were setting sail and why. I mainly listed canned and dried foods, nuts, and easy to make meals. This is because canned and dried food lasts longer.

Activity 3: The Columbian Exchange

For the last activity for day 3 of the Summer Learning Journey teaser week activities, we had look at someone who has a significant impact on our life, which is positive. I chose to talk about my Mother because she has changed my life, for better. I've grew up being resilient, discipline, and respectful because of the life lessons she has taught me. She helps me do better everyday, and takes care of me.

Activity 2: When the Rubber Hits the Road

For this activity of the Summer Learning Journey teaser week, we looked at a girl named Marina. She didn't attend school until the age of 16 and she was the first person in her family to earn a degree in university as well. Taking from this, we had to interview 3 people what their proudest accomplishment was. I asked 5 people, which were Florence, Aung Naing, Nyjah, Fui, and Chavda. My biggest Achievement personally was earning my first C.A.R.E Award badge, which was Silver Respect. It meant alot getting my first badge, because I put a lot of effort into the activities and I was proud because I knew I deserved it.

Activity 1: The Rainman of Rajasthan

This was the first teaser week activity for day 3 of the Summer Learning Journey. For this, we worked in small groups and looked at The Water Project. We watched a video, and read the site. We explain what the goal is, what the problem was, and what the organisation has achieved. Then each group presented their DLO's.

Activity 3: The Greatest of All Time

This was the last activity for day 2 of the Summer Learning Journey teaser week. For this, we had to create a Pros and Cons list of being the best chess player in the world. An example of this person is Garry Kasparov who is said to be the best Chess Player in the world. 

Activity 2: Equal Pay for Equal Work?

The black Ferns have only recently become 'professional' rugby players who are paid to play rugby. Although they are paid, the Black Ferns make less than members of the men's professional rugby team - the All Blacks. This difference in pay is often called 'gender pay gap' and it is not uncommon in sports. My thoughts on this are very biased. I don't think it's fair female Rugby players are payed less, because they are different genders but play the same sport. They should be paid equally because they're doing the same things.

For this Summer Learning Journey teaser week activity, we had to give our thoughts and opinions on the situation of equal pay with the Womens and Mens rugby teams in New Zealand. I explain what's going on in the description, and my point of view.

Activity 1: Faster than a speeding bullet

Shelly-anne is as fast as bullet.

Shelly-anne is as tall as the neck of a giraffe.

Shelly-anne is as slim as a belt.

Shelly-anne is beautiful like a model.

For this next Summer Learning Journey teaser week activity we had to complete these four similes about Shelly-anne Fraser-pryce who is an athlete (sprinter). I created my own version of some of the starters, and thought creatively to make them my own.

Activity 3: Big Friendly Giants

This was the third Summer Learning Journey teaser week activity for day 1. We had to listen to a reading of a short clip of the BFG. Then we created a descriptive paragraph describing the big friendly giant and creating a picture of him.

Activity 2: Exploring Our Roots

This was the second Summer Learning Journey activity for the teaser week. For this activity we had to create a Pepeha in Maori, of our background. We looked at an example of a what was expected, and had to make ours more interesting. I decided to make it personal, by adding a background of the sky tower and Tongan patterns as the frame.

Activity 1: New Zealand Royalty

                                

This was the first activity of the Summer Learning Journey for the teaser week. We created a profile page about Lorde, a popular female artists from New Zealand. I've included a biography, description, and fact page about her. The most interesting thing that I found out during this activity, was how she started professionally singing at such a young age. For this Summer Learning Journey, the prize for first place is a Nintendo switch. The programmer is officially starting on the 16th of December, and going on for six weeks.

School Leader Speeches for 2020

This week the year 7's presented their School Leader speeches in front of Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Panmure Bridge School has 6 important leaders which represent our school, being Head, Manaiakalani, and sports. These roles are given to seniors that have shown they have the capability of being everything a leader is. It's traditional to write and present speeches reasoning ourselves to why we want to be a leader. The results for the leaders of 2020 will be revealed at prize giving. I'm going for Head or Manaiakalani leader because I feel that I would be suitable for that role.

Blog Post Analysis Reflection

Today we updated our blog post data analysis graph for 2019. In the beginning of the year when I made the first blog post analysis graph, my goal was to reach 500 blog posts this year. I didn't achieve my goal, being at 415 counting this post. I think this is because I somewhere in the year I stopped blogging Kiwi Can, Kiwi Sport, and Tech reflections. Above are the differences between the updated version and the other version of the blog post graphs.

Exploring National Current Events

This week for Reading we created a Google map about National Current events using the Kiwi Kids News site to look at what is happening in New Zealand. I worked with Chavda, Fui, Florence, and Nyjah to find out where things are taking place and locating and placing them on our map. The following activity was to create an awareness poster about one of the events. We chose measles because it's becoming a big problem in New Zealand, starting to spread.

Social Media Marketing - Rainbow Crayons

Before Market Day we created a fake Social Media posts about our Rainbow Crayons as a way to Advertise what were selling. Making it realistic, we used an Instagram template and a picture modelling the item. Using social media strategy by using hashtags and a exciting caption.

Market Day Evaluation

Last week on Friday was our Market Day. LS2 sold the mix of rainbow crayons we created for 1$ each. Our idea sold because customers were attracted by the posters and vibrant colors and there was a wide variety and supply. We sold every crayon, making a gross profit of 96$. Minus the cost it took to make it, being only the molds which was $8, the net profit was $88. If we had another Market day, I would want there to be more food items and markets that would be faster to move around from.

Romeo & Juliet Scene | Pop-sickle Stick Act

This week for Writing we have been looking at one of Shakespeare's many popular plays, Romeo & Juliet. After watching a video on YouTube of a summary of the play, we chose a scene and got into groups. Working with Florence, and Nidhi, we decided to create a different DLO from every one else. We needed printing and a few Pop-sickle sticks to put together our Pop-sickle stick act. We used an ipad to record and then voice recorded the script. 

Personification - Perspective of Shoes

Today for writing we looked at one of the figures of speech; personification. This is giving a non-living thing a human ability/quality. And we explored different ways of using it. Like "the clock watched over us".  Then we went away in partners using the idea of the perspective of shoes as our writing subject. My partner Florence and I, used the 5 senses to express the detail in our perspective. After everyone finishing in less then 10 minutes we shared them. It was challenging because we couldn't communicate to our partner either, and we had to sit facing back to back. Our strategy was to write on separate lines to get our ideas out and put them together so it made sense.

The Vile Victorians (Horrible Histories) | Presentation + Kahoot

For reading we explored Horrible History books and created interactive presentations to showcase our learning in-front of the class. My partner, Florence, and I read "The Vile Victorians". We specifically looked at the child labor and schooling pages because that really interested us. We were inspired to create a Kahoot quiz using the same questions, answers, and information from the book. The point was to guess the punishment fit for the school crime. What I discovered was how in the Victorian time, it was normal for teachers to physically punish their students. 

Transformations

This week for Maths, we created a poster to remind us about the 5 different types of transformations that we looked at. These were translation, enlargement, reflection, rotation and symmetry. We created our own shapes and objects using only 3 shapes. Using triangle and 2 rectangles, I made a rocket. Can you match the shown changes with their written value?

Manaiakalani Film Festival 2019

This year was the 12th film festival for all the schools in the manaiakalani cluster, to come together and watch a few of the selected films. One of my favourite movies to watch was from Tamaki College about re-making a broken rocket because it was funny and impressive. On the way there and back, LS2 looked after a junior from room 6 or room 7. Mine was Aaliyah. This year our LS2 movie was a skit about fruit and milk. Everyone including me, really enjoyed watching some the movies.

Foodprint Visit

This week, the creator of "Foodprint"; a growing app to save a surplus of wasted food and also a close friend of Mr. Ogilvie, visited us to talk about her business and her idea. Michal Garvey introduced us to the realisation of the overproduced amount of food we have compared to what we actually need. She  created this app with hard work and preparation, and dedication to act upon this. "Foodprint", currently only in New Zealand is giving stores and people more opportunity by servicing the food that could've been wasted.

The Gunpowder Treason Plot | Guy Fawkes Day

Today on the 5th of November, is Guy Fawkes day. You might celebrate this by lighting fireworks or going out, but do you know why we have it? This celebration became from the Gunpowder treason plot in 1605. When Guy Fawkes and 13 other plotters attempted to assassinate the King James and parliament. I created this presentation with Florence about the story behind it. Find out what Guy Fawkes day is, the Gunpowder Treason Plot, who was involved in the assassination, and why guy fawkes and the 13 plotters did it. Remember, stay safe on Guy Fawkes!

Stand Up - A History of Protest in New Zealand

This week in reading, Waiheke group read a book about some of New Zealand's most historical protests. This book was called "Stand Up - A History of Protest in New Zealand".  During reciprocal reading, we made a list of vocabulary, questions, and predictions. The task was to complete a literacy weaving from everyone making their own strip and using two words each from the book. I chose Protest Signs and The Depression Riots. Our summary above made up of two example protests in the book, shows how the people protested and why. What is protesting? It is expressing your opinion on a cause using signs, banners, marches, etc.

Robotics (Tech) | Tamaki College

Last week Friday we continued robotics with Mr. Keishnier by controlling our robots to move. We've already began making our robots move around, and we have been controlling them to go in a certain path or pattern. Like following the lines of a square,  rectangle, and triangle. Last week we made our robots move in circles, and tried making them move in a figure of eight which was very difficult. With all the tasks we complete, we took photos of the steps on mblock and take a video.

Weekly Grocery Shopping | Maths Collabrative Challenge

In Math, we were given a collaborative group challenge to complete for the week. We were to imagine that we had a budget of $200 to spend on weekly shopping for our ‘family’. The amount of people in our family would be the same amount of people in the group. In this case there were 6 for Avalon, Fui, Te Pounamu, Nyjah, Joel, and myself. We had to choose a supermarket site to look for groceries online, and make sure we bought enough proper food fit for 6 people. We chose Pak n Save because we were all familiar with that market. We started off by creating our breakfast, lunch and dinner menu for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was also decided that every group could have one fast food or takeaway dinner. We chose Burger King which we spent $30 on by getting everyone a stunner meal. After that we started writing down the list of ingredients and items of what we needed to make each meal. With somethings we found it was easier to buy it pre-made like waffles, spring rolls, garlic bread, pizza and etc because if we didn't that would mean more ingredients to buy money and more money would be spent. As we went along writing the prices, we were adding them up. We decided to round the cents because otherwise it would be too hard and take longer to calculate. We were told to buy at least one bathroom or cleaning household item that we might need. For us it was bar of soap and a packet of sponges. Sometimes when we were trying to stay in budget, prices would go over too much and sometimes only by a little bit. After taking out some things we really didn't need, and getting good quality for good price we were sure we had it. As we finally totalled up the prices we found we could get maybe 2 or 3 more items but we decided not to. In the end our total price was $184!

Kokako Bird Drawing (Excellence & Innovation) | C.A.R.E Awards

This is a drawing I created personally for Mrs. Anderson after camp for thank you letters. Nyjah also created a drawing of the Hunua falls, which they were both put together in the end. Being a created with teacher or custom, this counts as another and the last completed challenge to earn my silver Excellence & Innovation badge.

3 Motivational Posters (Excellence & Innovation) | C.A.R.E Awards

This was another one of the 5 challenges I've done for my silver Excellence & Innovation badge. For this, I had to create 3 motivational posters out of quotes used by inspirational people. I decided to use a google presentation since I would be easier to put them all together. These people were Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr, and Albert Einstein.

My Personal Passion (Excellence & Innovation) | C.A.R.E Awards

For this challenge to achieve my Excellence & Innovation silver badge, I had to identify my personal passion. I would say reading and not only just books. I read in and out of school, and it helps me so much mentally to better and add to my knowledge. I personally enjoy fictional books because they are most interesting whether it be about a green eggs or a bunch of talking animals.

Research a New Zealander with this aspect (Excellence & Innovation) | C.A.R.E Awards

As another challenge for the Excellence & Innovation silver badge, I had to research a New Zealander who has show excellence and innovation themselves. I've chosen, popularly, Sir Edmund Hillary because of the obvious influence and impact he made from reaching Mt. Everest. Others are inspired in their own way from this act proving how he shows excellence and innovation by challenging himself.

Reading 3 Novels (Silver Excellence & Innovation) | C.A.R.E Awards

As one of the challenges for the Excellence & Innovation silver badge, I had to read 3 (graphic) novels. A graphic novel is a novel with pictures set out in the format of a comic strip. The books I read were Matilda by Roald Dahl, Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier and StoneKeeper by Kazu Kibuishi. I think my favourite of all of these novels is Ghosts. It's about two sisters and their family who move to another place in idea to better the younger one who has a disorder. This doesn't stop them from exploring the place, and meeting a boy who coincidentally is connected to their family through their parents. He shows them spirits and ghosts, which make them unsettled. When Dia de Muertos (Day of the dead) comes, the seeing of spirits isn't new and they realise they had no intent to harm them. 

The Possum Problem

This week in Reading, Waiheke group read a book called the "Possum Problem". It's about the beginning of the possum population and how/why they are endangering New Zealand's forest and native animals. In groups of four we created DLO's and recordings to show our understanding and learning of the book. I worked with Angela, Joseph, and Julian.

4 Qualities - Explanation

THE 4 QUALITIES - WEALTH

Respect, empathy, tolerance and kindness; What do these mean to you? These 4 qualities are more important than they really seem to be. They show how we are able to connect with each other and make relationships/friendships. When talking to friends, family or even strangers. But we forget them sometimes, and let the worst get the best of us. Especially when it comes to serious problems, like wealth and money.

Some may have more or less currency than others, but that doesn’t and shouldn’t make us different. People deserve to be treated the same for their rights as a human. Respecting someone else’s privacy and business isn’t difficult, but it ends up being a major problem in schools and such. Trying our best to be tolerant and understanding of their problems whether they have less to no money at all is vital.


Having more money than someone should not be a topic of conversation, or to be made fun of. We should be showing empathy and see things in their eyes. We're all no less than each other, almost all exactly the same. We definitely must not make fun of how they look, or the money in their pocket/wallet. Kindness is the most important thing we can show to another person no matter how big or small, how tall or short, or how much money.

When hearing about someone else's money, these 4 qualities are the most important things to have. Not only in yourself, but others too. To build relationships and connect with others on another level. Showing respect, empathy, tolerance and kindness could change a life...even the world.

At the start of the year LS2 were introduced to 4 qualities being - respect, empathy, tolerance, and kindness. And this term we wrote explanations about them through a topic that is important for us to show them in. I chose wealth, since it has and still is a problem in society. These qualities strengthen and support good relationships. And I was really trying to express how important they really are.

Water Filter Testing

Last term for inquiry we created our own water filters to improve the state of dirty water.  We worked in small groups, to research how to create filters using a small amount of materials. I worked with Taheesha, Eyaka, Marieta, and Alex. Following our plan, we used charcoal, dirt, grass/gravel, cloth, and our bottle. Our water improved slightly when we compared it to the grading strip probably because we were missing the proper material we needed. And it seem like it wasn't going to work by how fast the water was filtering.