Mrs Mitchell

Ever since the beginning of term 4 my classroom has now had another teacher for the rest of the year. Her name is Mrs Mitchell. She's funny and allows my class to have a few minutes of free time now and then. Wonderful would be a great way to describe her.

Our teacher Mr Reid has taken a leave, but will be returning next year. Luckily we have Mrs Mitchell so that we wouldn't need to have reliever every single day. I also can't wait for the pavlova she's soon going to bring for our class!

Temporary Fix

 

After having the temporary fix on the Auckland harbour bridge there have been six new lanes open on the bridge. A lot of people that live around the north shore area have been taking the western motorway on their way to work or to the city. 

Many aren't really happy to take public transport so thats probably why some work from home. Since this is only a temporary fix, this means it allows two extra lanes on the road. If you don't know what happened with the bridge try reading my previous blog post. 

Auckland Harbour Bridge

 

On Friday a horrible incident happened on the harbour bridge located in Auckland. This included two trucks toppling over each other.  Since this happened the bridge has been closed for repairing. This has caused at lot of traffic near that area. 

People around the north shore area will have to use buses or even work from home if its possible. This might only be a temporary fix because if it were to be permanent it would have a lot of people involved!

Control!

Yesterday my group and I had our second session in control tech. This week and last week was basically "preparing" because we mainly focused on naming our slides, folders and setting up our google classroom.

Since coronavirus is still happening, we have arranged seating places so that we are all spread out but we can still talk to each other and see the teacher. One thing I enjoy about this class is that we don't get dirty and we don't have to move a lot.

Tubro Touch!

Today was our second session of turbo touch. Since lockdown came in place a few weeks ago we sort of forgot some of the rules and skills that coach Chris taught us. 

After going over everything we played football touch. The aim of the game is to share the ball around your team and trying to tap the other team. Team 1 wore orange bibs, team 2 wore green bibs. I'd say this is my favourite game even though we've only had 2 sessions.

Cyber Attack

There has been a new cyber attack on the New Zealand stock exchange. This means that NZX has stopped all trading in most of its markets. It's the fourth cyber attack that has happened in the last week.

No one knows who is behind this whole attack. "Two to three percent of the profits of the traders could be wiped out by cyber attacks" New Zealand's Central bank said. The New Zealand government has now begun activating the national security system. 

Remembering The Christchurch Earthquake

At 4:35am on September the 4th 2010, residents of Christchurch had been awoken by the large noises and shaking of the big earthquake that happened that day. The earthquake damaged buildings in Timaru and Dunedin. 

To this day Christchurch cathedral is still being repaired as well as many other buildings. This earthquake had killed 185 people. 

How I Feel About Lockdown!

Since this is the second lockdown that New Zealand has been through, I'm not really that keen to be staying home. Although its boring one thing that is good about staying home is that we get to stop the spread of covid-19 throughout our community.

Staying home also gives me and my family time to retrace where we've been and to limit the contact between family members and the public. Maybe after this lockdown we will have a less amount of covid-19 cases than the start of it.

Volleyball Tournament!

This year I was able to represent my school at the volleyball tournament held at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium in Selwyn College. Our first match was against Panmure district. We had a mix of 3 girls and 3 boys for the Y7&8 team. 

A few parents came to watch and support the students from our school. During our breaks we went outside to practise our digs, sets and how to call out for the ball. I enjoyed playing volleyball this year and hopefully I get the chance to do it in college next year.

Technicraft

Last Wednesday I got the chance to finish making my box to put my necklace in. After I saw my box was all finished Mr Grundy polished the wooden box with wood oil. As soon as that was done I tried to finish my workbook while the oil was setting.

On the workbook I had to write down the steps on how to make the pewter necklace and explain what I used to make it. It was fun making the necklace.

Finished Product!

Today I finally finished my final product. All I really had to do was just polish the front/back and the edges. My pewter flower was really shiny that you could see your reflection in it. 

As soon as I finished polishing Mr Grundy hooked up the necklace lace to my flower and it was done. I had a choice to make a box for my necklace to be in, so I did. It didn't really take long as I only had to choose a colour, cut out a piece of MDF and wait for it to all be glued tight together.

For my velvet I chose the colour purple because I thought it suited well with the silver necklace. I'm excited to finish making the box and placing my necklace inside it.

New Alert System!

There's a new volcano alert system, that could have possibly guessed the eruption of White Island 16 hours before it happened. This new gadget was designed and created by a team of scientists at Auckland University. 

It was an algorithm that can pick up patterns before the eruption happens. A person has spoken saying that this might be the only device of its kind in the world! The scientists are now looking at Ruapehu and Tongariro.

Dr Dempsey says that he really hopes this will be a product that is used around the world.

Orangutans and Siamangs At Auckland Zoo!

Auckland Zoo has officially opened a new habitat for orangutans and siamangs. The zoo staff has said that this has been their biggest development in 97 years! These chubby hairy creatures will enjoy their new home that has a lot of stuff that they could climb on.

This new environment provides a lot of things that orangutans and siamangs will love. I think that this is a great idea adding more animals in the zoo, especially for young children to watch. Their new home also allows the primate staff to take care of them!

Sanding Part 2!

Yesterday I was finally able to move onto my second to last piece of sandpaper. About 10-15 minutes went by and I had finished and was onto my last sandpaper. Since we had a few more weeks left in this class for next term I was really in such a rush. 

Once I was finished sanding my flower I then had to sand it with water and repeat the same moves that I have done for the last 2 weeks. As soon as I finished I gave it to Mr Grundy to see if it was all ready to be polished and shined.

Unfortunately there was not much time to start polishing so I have to wait till next term. I think that my design turned out better than I expected and I can't wait to see it all shiny!

Sanding My Work

Last Wednesday I was able to start sanding my pewter design with sandpaper. This means not just rubbing it one time and expecting it to be finished, it means smoothing the edges, front and back many many times. 

After I finished smoothing my pewter with my first sandpaper I received a smoother sandpaper from Mr Grundy, this circle goes on until you use the smoothest sandpaper he has. I am currently using my 2nd piece of sandpaper and I actually love touching my flower!

This flower is really smooth and doesn't really have that much bumps on the edges. Tomorrow I'm excited to start sanding again!

Celebrating Ruapotaka School's Birthday!

Last Friday the students and staff of Ruapotaka School celebrated our 66th birthday. Although the schools birthday was on Sunday we celebrated on Friday.

Since every birthday should have a cake, we were surprised with a beautiful and moist chocolate cake. As we all gathered together Mrs Hamilton chose Nurul and Isadora to cut the cake since they happened to be the oldest and youngest students. 

It was a surprise to me finding out that the school is 66 years old!

Avalanche Warning For Mt Cook!

Mt Cook which is located in the South Island has been said to be experiencing major cold and windy conditions which is leading to many avalanches. This very dangerous avalanche is able to injury someone or even worse. 

This was spotted about a week ago. The avalanche might be able to reach Mt Hutt if it continues to move. Snow is very popular on Mt Cook so its not a surprise that there was an avalanche there!

Woodwork

Yesterday I finally finished my pewter necklace. Although the pewter is already done I just need to have the string. I liked how mine turned out.

Pita was another person who I saw was finish same as Malia from St Pius X. It was fun feeling my necklace but making it smooth was a long process. The flower I made was for my mum. After I finished doing all of that I had to write why I did it.

I can't wait to see my finished product!

King Street Bridge

For reading my group Apples read a story called "King Street Bridge". Apples has four students in the group Sunipa, Agueer, Satui and I.

The story was about Hera, a girl who had a lot of panic attacks but was also getting bullied at the same time. Once she had to walk home by herself the bullies (Lyza and Rebecca) threw water all over the poor girl causing her to have a panic attack. Hera then woke up to the sound of Lyza and Rebecca crying and trying to help her up. 

In the end Hera forgave them and they soon decided to be friends. Hera's best friend Jules helped her through the whole thing but couldn't be there to help her during the time she was having her panic attack. 

I really enjoyed reading this story! 

Hard Materials

Today was our third session with Mr Grundy. This was the day when our teacher tried to get us to trace our final design and cut it but unfortunately not all of us finished. We are making necklaces but in order to make them we had to fill out our pewter workbook.

Pewter is a type of material that is the colour silver. This is what we are using to make our necklaces out of. We have to have 4 people that would be chosen to have a necklace made for, you could also add yourself to one of the 4 people. For my final design I have decided to make a flower for my mum. 

It was my first time ever using a machine that could cut something out. My design that I cut out was a bit crooked with a few lines that were meant to be curves. It was fun this week learning how to use a machine!

New Zealand vs Coronavirus

New Zealand has now defeated the pandemic that has been going around the whole world. Now its been 17 days since a new case of covid-19 and 26 days in lockdown alert level 2! Since we are on alert level 1 gatherings have no limit in how many people can go.

We are still having the same border restrictions but we are only allowing NZ citizens or permanent residents in. All who come in through the border must self isolate for a fortnight.
Jacinda Ardern has asked that people keep track and write down every place they are going to.

South Island Beaches Turn Red?

A lot of the beaches down in the South island due to many dead red squat lobsters. This problem only occurs if adult squat lobsters give up their surface in the ocean. Many of the teenage lobsters turn up on the beaches with nowhere to breed. 

Many of the lobsters end up clinging on to rocks and from there they start to die. The red colour of the squat lobsters turn the sand red. If all the beaches in the South Island are red then there must be a lot of lobsters down there!

These squat lobsters are really red in colour so no wonder why these beaches show a lot of red!

Volleyball!

Today we had our first session of volleyball. We played with room 7 which makes it bigger and more people to play with. Our coach Elena had us practise setting, it wasn't really easy as you have to get in position and have your hands above your head. 

Soon we got into a group of four, then in partners and practised setting together. After we got the hang of setting we soon broke into four groups and played king of the court which is just versing every group until we have a "King" (basically a winner). We then finished and started playing girls vs boys. 

I liked the first session of volleyball and hope to my skills progress throughout the term!

Black Lives Matter!

New Zealand police have decided to not shut down all BLM protests. New Zealanders people still are marching through the city protesting justice for George Floyd and every person affected for something they didn't do just because of the colour of their skin.

However, new national leader Todd Muller is disappointed as he thinks that the NZ government has sent wrong messages and that many people are breaking a lot of rules. Organisers of the protests say they tried their hardest to provide hand sanitizer for protesters.

I think protesting is good as it might bring justice to all those people who have passed but it can risk someone getting the virus as people don't know each other. Stay safe and if you are deciding to protest take face masks and every other thing that protects you!

Water Restrictions

Many might know that our country is starting to have water issues. Since that has happened, Auckland has begun to have water restrictions. Auckland has only had 35 percent of our normal rainfalls. People are saying that our dam is currently sitting at levels that citizens haven't seen in 30 years! 

Since we are preserving water sprinklers, water blasters and car washers are turned off. Make sure that when you are taking showers and brushing your teeth don't take too long.

Back To School!

Now that we are back to school there are many things that have changed in our classroom. Some things that have changed are the seating, the lunches, sharing equipment and the distance between each students.

It was weird having almost every class separated into their own section of the school and not being able to sit close to my friends. Learning has been fun aswell since we do art almost everyday! It's also pretty sad that I can't really play or talk to my friends from the other class.

I think it'll be more normal next month.

Should We Move To Level 2?

The decision to move down a level still hasn't been decided but if we do move we will see a slight change on which shops will be open and closed. Michael Baker has said that our country will still need to stay under level 3 for a few more weeks.

If we do decide to move down to level 2 tomorrow gatherings of 100 or more will still be banned. People will be allowed to move around the country to see family.

Show Workers Excited For Level 2!

The decision to move down a level won't be happening till next week. Many shops will be opening including hairdressers/barbers. Employees will have to wear PPE (personal protection equipment) as their job has them getting close to costumers. 

Many shop workers are really happy to be opening soon!

Winter!

Now that winter is right around the corner some places in the North island is starting to get really cold. Many people might have turned on heaters and grabbed extra blankets last night. The weather temperature went from 4C to 8C overnight. 

In Whangarai, Thursday marked their coldest morning of the week. The South Island is actually pretty warmer than the North Island. 

Month Of Ramadan

Last Thursday night the Islamic holy month of Ramadan began. In the western calendar this happens year to year. One thing that is a major thing about this is fasting, which means no eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset.

Ramadan is also a time to prayers, good deeds and time with family and friends. Since Covid-19 is causing us to be in lockdown large gatherings will not be happening. 

When Ramadan ends they will have a special 3-day festival. This is called the breaking of the fast!

Online Museum

As Auckland museum is closed many visitors can still access their online website. The site is filled with activities, puzzles, videos and stories for your family to do that is free. Children can explore the 3D models and can also take quizzes about marine life and animals.

The Auckland museum staff will continue to post quizzes, stories and many more things regually for families to have fun together!

Fast Food!

Now that we've moved into lockdown level 3 the lines at fast food restaurants have been crazy! This has been going on for a numerous amount of days and doesn't seem to be getting any shorter. It's mainly happening at KFC and Mc Donald drive-thrus.

The lines have been everywhere for example some lines have been from the drive-thru all the way to the traffic lights which is around the corner. 

What We Can Do At Level 3

Right now we have moved into lockdown level 3. Here are some of the things that will be happening in level 3.

We are only allowed to travel for essential 
food and supplies. 
Public transport will only be allowed if we are travelling to work or school.
Restaurants, cafes and bars will not open physically but will be open for pick up.

Now that we are in level 3 we must obey the rules and stay home if you don't need to go anywhere. 

Read more about level 3: Newshub

ANZAC Day From Our Bubbles!

Since we are all stuck in quarantine until the next Tuesday we aren't allowed to gather together and have an ANZAC parade. Although we are still in level 4 lockdown that doesn't mean that the Wairarapa community of Tinui will not have their celebration. 

Organizers said that they didn't want to break the law so they're going to broadcast on TV. Jacinda Ardern has also decided to stand at the end of her driveway at dawn to celebrate ANZAC day!

Alert Level Three!

As most people know, New Zealand is moving to alert level 3 on Monday next week at 11:59 pm . Somey students might start going to school and some will stay home and continue to do distance learning. 

Now that we're moving to level 3 a lot of workers will start work again and be getting paid. Many fast food companies are opening with takeaway options only and we will be able to see our family again. In my opinion, I'm actually happy we're moving to level 3 since we will be able to travel more.

Rugby Union Freezes Players Pay

The New Zealand Rugby has now decided to stop rugby union players wages. This decision has now meant that the players will have a 50% cut from their pay. Now that it has been reduced this means they will be saving $25 Million for 2020.

Not only does this mean Rugby Union but it was also mean the same for Super Rugby which includes the All Blacks. 

Feijoas!

New Zealand is now set for a bumper Feijoa crop in 2020. Whats surprising is that the droughts that have been happening around many regions are whats been helping this delicious fruit grow. Many growers have been saying that their crops are 20% higher than last year.

 This huge crop will be available from April to June. Eating Feijoas are very important during Autumn and Winter as they have a lot of Vitamin C to fight off colds, the flu and bugs. 

Baldwin Street Reclaimed It's Title!

Dunedin, New Zealand has reclaimed it's title as having the steepest street in the world! Around July last year Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Wales was announced the steepest street until this year when The Guinness Book of Records has admitted that their measuring methods then were wrong. 

This change has happened due to a person named Toby Stoff who had argued saying that FPL known as the "Steepest Street In The World" at the time was a curve! 

The Food Prices Are Rising!

Now that New Zealand is on Coronavirus alert level 4, all non-essential work businesses and shops are closed such as liquor stores, butchers and warehouses. Leaving all supermarkets and dairies open for people to buy their shopping during the lock down.

Many complaints have been sent to Jessica Wilson (Consumer NZ Head Of Research) saying that shops have increased the price of essential products by a lot! To be more specific it's now $8 for bread, $14 for cauliflower and $30 for chicken.

Another major increase is the price for face masks and hand sanitizer. No one should be paying $50 or $60 for it. They'll probably end up decreasing the price when the Coronavirus alert level 4 is done and it's safe for people to come out. 

Other than that stay inside and be safe! Only let your parents go to the shops at a time. 

The Warriors Are Staying In Australia

As you might already know our rugby league team has now decided to stay in Australia until the whole 2020 rugby season has finished. Their decision was due to the new border rules between New Zealand and Australia.

Unfortunately their families aren't able to accompany them on the Gold Coast. Surely they'll do good over the next few weeks!

Will Our Money Be Gone By 2023?

A new study in New Zealand shows that most of our money would most likely be gone in three years. The reason for this is that by 2023 a lot of people would probably end up using online shopping which means paying with eftpos and credit cards.


Mobile wallets such as apple pay, google pay and paypal are very famous for online shopping/banking. In my opinion I do think that we should use notes and coins as it's much more easier to buy things that way.

Hone Heke Cut Down The Flag Pole!

It has been 175 years ever since Hone Heke Pokai had cut down the flag pole in 1845. It had all begun when Hone Heke Pokai and Te Ruki Kawiti merged teams and had cut down the British flagstaff. Then the beginning of the Flagstaff war had begun!

There was a ceremony held Far North and it had Kororareka Marae chairperson Deb Rewiri give the chance to everyone to remember the legacy of these two people. 

Deb Rewiri had spoken saying that this commemoration was a reminder to tell people that they should hold onto their Rangatiratangi.

Predator Free By 2050!

Now that New Zealand has become overcrowded with pests, the government has decided to use drones to help get rid of them. Each drone will cost $790,000 and that's alot of money! 

Drones have not been used in New Zealand but drones will be the key to help get rid of pests as it has a lot of energy and can self reset way more times than a electronic trap. These drones also fly around beaches encase of any other pests.

Maybe with all these drones helping by doing the jobs of humans we might actually get rid of all pests by the year 2050!

There's Coronavirus In A Church?

On Sunday a man who had been infected with the Coronavirus had spread it to six people in a Auckland church! This man who had the coronavirus was tested for the disease but his tests weren't back until Friday not when he had received holy communion at his local church.

When he arrived in New Zealand he went to St Mary's church in Papakura and it happens to be the same 60 year old guy who flew in from Iran with the virus. Father Murphy (priest of St Marys) had said that during mass they used hand sanitizer so that they don't spread germs.

He also said that they always turn the cup and wipe it so that mouths don't always go on the same place that other people's mouth had went. 

Make sure to use hand sanitizer and soap to protect yourself from Coronavirus.

COVID - 19 Is Causing Air New Zealand Not To Travel

As you know the popular Coronavirus has been spreading all around the world, first Wuhan, China and then many countries after that. Due to that outbreak Air New Zealand has suspended flights to Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Buenos Aires, Vancouver, Tokyo, Honolulu, Denpasar, Taipei and London. 

Air New Zealand will also be lowering flight numbers to the Pacific. To reduce the chances of you getting Coronavirus, don't touch people and wash your hands well! 

Learning More About Pests

Today Frazer came to our school to teach Room 7 and Room 1 more about pests. He also took us for a walk around the school so that we could lay traps and us students could do the jobs we talked about in class. 

The jobs we had assigned to us were pulling moth plants, placing ribbons on trees, placing traps, nailing chew cards/wax traps and spreading peanut butter on the tracking card. He also talked us through different kind of pest footprints and chew bites.

During that lesson Frazer also handed out little pest themed gift bags and each of us a tracking tunnel, (that we had to fold ourselves).

Frazer also gave both Mrs Cardoza and Mr Ried a gift bag, tracking tunnel and one weta hotel that will be used throughout the year by the intermediate classes!

Free Energy!

Yesterday at science tech we were learning how to make free energy! What I mean by free energy was that we were going to find out a way to make light bulbs work without turning on any switches. Before we could do our experiment we had to watch a video on how to do it.

For our experiment we collaborated with St Pius X. As we were listening to what Ms. Sharma was saying about light bulbs we listed ways we could make free energy at home and maybe at school! 

Unfortunately our experiment didn't work but hopefully we're allowed to try it again next week.

Video Link

Avocado Milk

There is a new trend with Avocado Milk! It was invented by a kiwi food guru Sachie Nomura. This avocado milk is sold in over 100 stores in the United States of America and might even by in stock at our local supermarkets and dairy's.

This avocado milk was also rewarded the healthiest drink due to how healthy it is! For those people in New Zealand who haven't tried this I suggest try to make your own Avocado milk at home! 

Avocado Milk Ingredients:
Avocados
Oat Milk
Sugar

Method:
1. Mash avocados till is has a runny consistency.
2. Add milk and stir.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar then stir.
4. Enjoy!