Enviroschools leaders visit the Meridian Eco Bach(Batch)

On Tuesday a group of Enviroschools ambassadors headed into town to view the Meridian Light house Project. They received a tour from one of the leading architects for the project. They came back with heaps of notes as well as ideas for the up coming inquiry. They will be talking to the class about the eco home later in the week.

Young Leaders Day

On Monday the 23^rd of May a few of the year eights went on a trip across the water to Wellington for Young Leaders Day 2011. There were five inspiring speakers who talked to us about making smart choices, asking for help, saving the world, hopes and dreams, the x factor and being yourself and not someone else and lifes journeys. The speakers were:

• Pat Buckley

• Andrea Deelely

• Alison Shanks

• Dave Atkinson

• Jamie Fitzgerald

And they were all fantastic.

It was very encouraging and sets us up for years to come, we all enjoyed it so much we would love to go again.

Mr Bagnall tells a tale

On Wednesday the 11th of May a teacher called Mr Bagnall came into our class to talk about some animals that live in our native bush.

First of all he talked about Black Oyster Catchers which were not a protected bird when duck shooters used to practice shooting them.

The Kakapo were found at Stewarts Island by a deer hunter in 1962 and then reported to the Wild Life Center that he had sighted it, however they didn’t reply so he captured a Kakapo and pulled some of its feathers off to have proof. But still they didn’t reply. More and more people said they saw Kakapo on Stewarts island and they were beginning to get noticed.

He also talked about the North Island Robin and how Eastbourne wanted to have Robin in Butterfly Creek. But first the rat numbers had to go down by setting up traps every 50 meters because then they would get killed. Then they had to transfer the Robins from Kapiti Island to Butterfly Creek. To reduce their stress level they had to hire a chopper (helicopter) and land it by the bus garage at the back of Eastbourne. They got 40 Robins and each one had its own box with food in it and one by one they were released in Butterfly Creek.

~Martin and Drew

Uno's Garden

Today we were exploring the key themes found within Uno's Garden:
The students then worked in groups to further dissect a few of the the above themes and look at current examples, explaining the theme further and discussing why this is an important issue.

Uno's Garden

Uno’s Garden, By Graeme Base will provide the foundation for our Term Two unit of work

Overview / Storyline

Uno arrives in the forest on a beautiful day at the very beginning of spring and is greeted by a myriad of beautiful, lush plants and the most fantastic creatures he has ever seen. He likes it so much that he decides to stay there.

Uno's decision spells doom for the plants and the creatures of the forest, including the only completely ordinary Snortlepig.

But Uno is wise and sees the future of his children and their children if someone does not act to stem the consequences of civilisation. So he starts a special garden that does not have the vegetables and flowers of other gardens, but allows his children and grandchildren to have hope for their future.

Uno's Garden is a rich story that delivers a powerful message through both its words and pictures. The diversity and detail of the illustrations tells a complex story that provides an excellent starting point for children to start considering their impact on their environment and how this can be positive.

Learning Intentions

Student will understand that:

• The living world is a large and beautiful thing with diverse climates and habitats, flora and fauna.
• Every living thing has a right to have its needs respected and protected.
• All living things depend on the environment around them for survival.
• All living things are interconnected and interdependent, and the balance can be delicate.
• Humans are ultimately responsible for the state of the environment and its protection for the future.
• Environments change over time and these changes can be caused by nature or humans.
• Changes, whether natural or artificial, can affect whole systems and the environment both for better and for worse.
• The environment can affect how we live and the things we do.
• Many spaces and species are threatened because of human impact on the environment.
• We all need to respect and take responsibility for the places in our community.
• We have a responsibility to care for and protect our environment for the future.
• Our beliefs and actions are intertwined with the society and culture in which we live.
• Different groups may have differing beliefs and values about the environment, which may cause conflict between these groups.
• Our natural resources, like water and clean air, are precious.
• There are international agencies that promote environmental protection.
• I can have both a positive and negative impact on the environment.
• Through knowledge and understanding, I can make responsible choices to meet my needs and still promote the protection of the environment.
• The beliefs I have and the actions I take can influence others.
• I may only be one child but I can make a difference.

Milo Cup Cricket

Today the year 7/8 boys went to Te Whiti Park and played a twenty20 match against Hutt Intermediate. While the Hutt team was stacked full of experienced players Muritai proudly played with a team of keen mixture of inexperienced and experienced players. After winning the toss on a wet wicket Muritai opted to bowl first and were able to pin the Hutt Intermediate batters to a score of 109. Coming into bat for the second innings Muritai started strongly with our openers hitting the ball well in all directions of the field. Sadly both openers fell to the same bowler, in the same over, to the same stroke. With both openers gone it was up to the middle order to put runs on the board. Sadly although there was some classic batting Muritai was unable to chase down Hutt Intermediates total.

Ki-o-rahi

Over the course of the last couple of weeks the students of room 21 have been learning and playing the traditional Maori sport Ki-o-rahi. The students have loved the teamwork and skills in playing this unique, fast paced game. Watch the video for how to play:

To be or not to be...

Today we headed to Wellesley to see the performance by a talented group of performers called "As you write it". Their performance was based on the works of Shakespeare but was entirely impromptu. After consultation with the audience they had to include:

Set – Dark ages Britain

The Hero – A Flying Hero

Theme – Finding Nemo

They were very clever. The show was extremely funny and enjoyed by everyone.

Te Papa Visit

Yesterday the Senior School visited Te Papa Museum. We went to the European Masters exhibit and studied all the art in preparation for Arts Week. We also went to Blood, Earth, Fire to learn about the history of New Zealand. Then we went to the Treaty of Waitangi and studied some of the history of that to help us with some of our inquiry. Lastly we went to the Brian Brake exhibit to see the whole purpose of his photos. Brian Brake is a New Zealander who is world-famous for his photos.

Rights Vs Responsibilities

Over the past few days room 21 has been exploring its rights and responsibilities at Muritai School. This ties into our current Inquiry of 'Words to Live By". My favourite (although not necessarily accurate) one was "that I have the right to do what I want"

Putting on a show

On Wednesday 4th November some of the students from the Year 7/8 Kapa Haka Roopu went to Days Bay Playcentre to perform to the adults and children. This was a great way for the group to relax after a number of high expectation performances. It also allowed the year 7/8 students to relax and form closer bonds with the community.

A whole lot of running, jumping and throwing

Athletics day information:

• It is Thursday (all day) 11th November with the following Monday (pp day) 15th November.
• It is different to previous years as it is to be held at the Petone Rec and not the Eastbourne Rec.
• We will kick start the first of 6 rotations at 9:45am and finish with relay events between 2-2:30pm.
• We are traveling by bus to and from.
  
• We’ll be returning to school at 2:45pm.

	1 LONG JUMP	2 DISCUS	3 SHOT PUT	4 SPRINTS	5 HIGH JUMP	6 VORTEX	7 FREE
9:30 – 9:40	Buses arrive, Teachers take students to assembly area directly in front of grandstand for debrief. Event leaders to lead groups to first event.
9:45 – 10:15	Year 3A (29)	Year 3B (30)	Year 4 (49)	Year 5 (42)	Year 6 (49)	Year 7 (48)	Year 8 (33)
10:15 – 10:45	Year 8 (33)	Year 3A (29)	Year 3B (30)	Year 4 (49)	Year 5 (42)	Year 6 (49)	Year 7 (48)
10:45 – 11:15	Year 7 (48)	Year 8 (33)	Year 3A (29)	Year 3B (30)	Year 4 (49)	Year 5 (42)	Year 6 (49)
11:15 – 11:45	Year 6 (49)	Year 7 (48)	Year 8 (33)	Year 3A (29)	Year 3B (30)	Year 4 (49)	Year 5 (42)
11:45 – 12:15	Year 5 (42)	Year 6 (49)	Year 7 (48)	Year 8 (33)	Year 3A (29)	Year 3B (30)	Year 4 (49)
Lunch break (12:15 – 12:30pm)
12:30 – 1:00	Year 4 (49)	Year 5 (42)	Year 6 (49)	Year 7 (48)	Year 8 (33)	Year 3A (29)	Year 3B (30)
1:00 – 1:30	Year 3B (30)	Year 4 (49)	Year 5 (42)	Year 6 (49)	Year 7 (48)	Year 8 (33)	Year 3A (29)
Small break as we pack up each individual event and organise relay teams
1:40 – 2:15	Class and House Relays

I spy with my little eye...

On Tuesday Jason from Industrial Research Ltd came in to speak to us, as part of our current unit. Jason is at the cutting edge of new research.


He first gave a brief overview of insulin, what it is, why we need it and outlined why some people don’t have the gene.


Then he talked about other animal sources that people used to get insulin, about genetic engineering, putting insulin gene into bacteria to make it. He discussed gene therapy for people to add insulin gene.


Then basically showed the progression from using natural products from animals to genetic engineering bacteria to genetic engineering people.


We also got to look at bacteria under microscope, what bacteria looks like on agar and small centrifuge to spin down cells.

WALTer

WALTer talks about Inquiry this term.




Get a Voki now!

Going the extra mile...

Today for wacky hair day we managed to raise over $1000 and as a result the locks had to come off. So for the first time in 9 years I now have a respectable hair cut. As part of our efforts to raise money for Ferndale School we had a couple of students who pledged to support me through my recent traumatic hair removal. Here is a little movie showing the before and after shots:

Raising money for Ferndale special needs School

Burglars have broken into a Christchurch school (Ferndale), a school for students with special needs and stolen thousands of dollars worth of equipment from the students struggling to come to terms with Saturday's earthquake.

So we are going to raise enough money to pay for some of their loss, by having a wacky hair day and a gold coin donation for the school. Mr Chadwick is even going to raise money by cutting off his dreadlocks, which he has had for over 9 years, if we can raise at least $1000. This occasion is going to take place at Muritai School on 24 of September 2010.


We are hoping to raise at least 1000 dollars which will hopefully pay for some of the equipment stolen. We are also hoping people throughout the community will join in and help us get to our mark.

Here is the link to the video created by the herald about the burglary:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/video.cfm?c_id=1&gal_cid=1&gallery_id=113812

Cutting some shapes on the dance floor

Today Muritai School was lucky enough to have the Royal NZ Ballet Company come and perform two shows to the students. The dancers were incredibly talented individuals who put on an amazing display of what it takes to be in the Company. Their flexibility, strength and dancing ability was breath taking. Makes me want to get out my dancing shoes...

Oh to be literate...

You a big reader and unsure of what to read next? Then check out the following book reviews by the students of room 21 and 23 and maybe you'll find your next all nighter.

If only...

Has your wish been to be green? Then try http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/365024
Are you a super hero in disguise? Then try http://marvel.com/create_your_own_superhero
Always wished to create your own lego character? Then try http://devbook.com/charactercreators/lego/
Wanted to be the character in a game? Then try http://devbook.com/charactercreators/sonic/

I've always wanted super powers...

Silent Scream!

Can you feel her terror? What could she be afraid of? What happens next? Read on to find out what some think happens...

The Eyes of Terror

As I was staring into the eyes of hell my heart started to pump faster, faster, faster. Then it stopped. There in the shades of the room there was a scream. The lights turned on. She was gone! Just as I was turning around I heard a whisper, "you are going to die tonight". I quickly ducked to the ground and turned to face the voice there was no one there! I was breathing heavily now and I couldn't hear anything it was too quiet to quite be true then the lights went off...

By Brodie

Building up a sweat

As a finale to this week we have had the opportunity to participate in an indoor sports competition. This involved students being mixed into teams and competing against each other in a variety of different indoor sports. It was fantastic to see all the students running around and participating in the wide array of available options.

Kicking up a storm..

Tuesday the 10th saw an exhausting afternoon of rivalry and cooperation as students battled against each other in the Sportzone organized football competition. With all students getting stuck into the spirit of participation, it was clear to see that this was a highly successful event. See below for the tongues out concentration required to take and save penalties and the scenes of celebration.

Riley music

In Room 21 this week we have had a nimble bunch of students that have knawed away at learning the choreography for their production dance. For the Riley group this has required dexterity, coordination and boundless amounts of enthusiasm...and that was just from the teacher. If you are in this ratty group and want to use the music, it can be located at http://www.box.net/shared/ls73bdju0q

Singing a powerful song!

Last Friday the year 7/8 students began to practice the song "Life of Riley" for assembly. This song will also be used during our upcoming production "The short but incredibly happy life of Riley", which is a book by Colin Thompson. Check out our musical talents and feel free to sing along:

Who's got the power?

This terms Big Idea in inquiry is: In order to function and be a happy contributing member of society it is important to understand the value and power of the 'word'. Through exploring the idea of 'owning your words' the students will become more aware of the impact that words - negative and positive - can have on peoples well-being, society, religion, politics and in particular advertising.

In class today we were looking at the Big Questions:

• What 'words' influence you?
• What influences your choices?
• What words do you use to boost another person up?
• What words do you or others use to bring someone down?
• Who do you listen to the most?
• How do you respond in different situations?

What would your answers be?

Celebrating Matariki

Last week (Monday 14th June) saw the start of Matariki, the Maori new year. To celebrate this the students who attended kapa haka on Wednesday participated in a range of making activities and learnt how to play whai (string games).

The year 7/8 students made tukutuku panels using the traditional materials of raupo and harakeke. The year 3 and 4's learnt whai and the 5/6's learnt how to weave putiputi (flowers).

This was yet another fantastic opportunity for the year 7/8 students to be leaders and teachers of the juniors. Check out the photos above of all the cool activities that the students were involved in.

Run run as fast you can...

Yesterday the year 7/8 Hutt Valley Interzone Cross Country finally took place on a slightly soggy Trentham ground. As always this event was only possible with the help of the parents who provided that much needed transport.

Muritai had 23 runners brave the conditions and show what they can do. It was amazing seeing all the students achieving the best that they could be. Notably Georgia who came second, Kenzy and Clara who came 5th and lastly Scott and Ryan who came 8th and 9th respectively. Excellent effort guys.