First Christmas in Australia

A few days ago was the 25th of December which was Christmas/The Lords birthday. Just 5 day before that, we planned what to do for Christmas, so we decided to go the the beach.

As soon as we got out of bed we had to get ready straight away because we didn't want everyone else taking up the space on the beach. Going to the beach was a 1 hr drive, but it was worth the wait because as soon as we got there, we were the only family there. The beach was really big and not deep at all.

The kids were already swimming when we got there and my siblings and I were playing with the sand. My older sibling and I dug my other sisters in the sand and they looked very short. When they came out they we all cover with sand, so I suggested that we'd swim! But just before we swam, we put heaps of sunblock on.

We then all entered the beach and it was freezing cold but I got use to it so we played some handstand competitions. I got out and we got some more sunblock, so then we got back in and started chucking sand.

It was a fun Christmas and I enjoyed it! 

Uncles deaths

Just yesterday my uncles pasted away and I would like to say R.I.P! My uncle was a very special man and I was special enough to be his niece! He was a man that would always like to help people out and likes giving without receiving.

My uncle a a member of my dads family, and as soon as we knew he was sick from cancer, we visited him every single day! We tried our best to make him fight for cancer but he is in a better place now! Rest in Peace Uncle!

Australia

Only been in Australia for a few days and I am loving it! As soon as we got off the plane from New Zealand, we came straight to our cousins house and ate KFC!! We got here around 11 and slept once we finished eating. When we woke up we had a debate on what to do for the day, so we went church and then we had a feast with our other relatives.

On the following day, we got to go for ride just to see what its like in Melbourne, Australia. It was awesome and very different to what Auckland looked like, even the shops were different. The names of the streets were also weird. Their is one named Nana Walk, Oldhouse and more. Once we settled properly into our cousin home, we got enrolled to a school named Narre Warren P-12 College and I bet you Pt England is still the best school!

Food Art

In the past few day we have been making food art in extension. I was in a group of four and we planned on making 3 meals, sushi, burgers, and strawberry snake cake. 

We had to make our food at school and once everything was ready we had to get it in. I cooked the chicken, patty and also cut the strawberries. Our meals only took 2 hours to make and we made it. The first thing we made the the strawberry snake cake and we had to do the sponge cake for the bottom layer. Once it was in position, we put on the cream so we can stick the strawberries on top of it. I enjoyed making it especially playing with the cream!

Our snake cake was all done and we finally put it in the fridge and then it was time to cook the chicken! It wasn't difficult at all but it was hot. The chicken was for the sushi and we also cut up the cucumber. While the chicken was cooking the pattys were getting baked. We expected sushi but once we failed our first round of making it, we just made a sushi cake. 

Both meals were done and then it was time to make the yummy burgers. We had six buns and six pattys, we also had to fry six eggs. Everything was then baked and fried and then we put all of it together. All our meals were finished and we were so generous that we shared our meals! Also thanks to Mrs Tele'a for providing this food art activity for us! 

Te Tuhi trip

This week the intermediate block got the opportunity to go Pakuranga for our trip 'Te Tuhi'. 

Today our class got to go and it was fun to be honest, and I enjoyed it. At first Jeremy and Louisa introduced themselves to us and then we headed to the art room where we paint and draw.

We had to paint tapa cloths and the first step was to crinkle the paper. Then we open it up carefully and put crayon on it. As soon as we finish that then we put dye over the whole paper and let it dry. It was fun but we had to dry it for tomorrows sessions. We learnt so much and we also learnt some pacific words.

As soon as the drawing and painting was over, we went around the building and we talked about other different artists and art. It was very abstract and I really liked one other art. It was of sound and looking, the light lines was the very quite part of the art and the very thick part of the art was the very loud sound the artist heard.

I enjoyed the trip especially painting and creating the tapa cloths! I would also like to say a huge Thank You to the teachers for providing this trip for us and to Jeremy and Louisa for taking us around the trip.

Samoan Tatau

This term, the year 7 & 8 extension group have been learning and finding out about the history of pacific tattoos, especially the design of the tatau. We have been investigating what is on the tatau and how it has been designed. 

Last week Mr Tele'a visited us to show us his tatau. A tatau is a tattoo for men that represents or shows respect to your culture. Mr Tele'a showed us his legs and most of it is covered with the tattoo ink. It was sore for sure but he finished it. He got it because his brother was getting one and his brother needed support so he volunteered and got one with him, so all of his brothers got one.

He (Mr Tele'a) was not suppose to show his tatau unless it was all finished. Its disrespectful and you'll live in shame if haven't finished it. We asked "What is the most meaningful part of the tatau to you" and he said it was his belly button, because it was the last part of the tatau.

The tatau that was tattooed on to Mr Tele'a was all finished and the man that inked it put his signature on the bottom of the tatau. Tuifa'asisina Su'a was the man that did Mr Tele'a's tatau and he is a well known man in Samoa because of his tattoos. He has inked heaps of people and he is famous for that.

We learnt so much from this designed tattoo. There were so many parts of the tattoo and they were hard to memorise, but it was fun learning about it. There is also another tattooist named Sua Suluape, and he is one of the mains!

On every tatau there is a va'a, and its the start of it. The va'a is the very top part of the tatau, and Mr Tele'as va'a started very high, it means to protect your family. The belly button was the last part of the tatau and it a relief because all the pain was gone a little bit and it a a happy ending.

The most painfull part of the tatau

1. How many days did it take to do your tatau?

Mr Tele’a had 17 sessions

2. What helped you to cope with the pain.

He had a Soa and he was with his brothers

3. What inspired you to get the tattoo? 

He got it because his brother needed support so he got it with him.

4. Who did your tatau? 
Tuifa’asisina Su'a

Future Aspiration

Future Aspiration

Anthony Samuels is a dad of 4 boys and a long time ago when he had no kids, he was an entertainer on a show called ‘What now’. What now is still going and is one of the longest NZ show that is still running. Anthony started what now in 1995 to 2005. Now that he’s finished with what now, he is a hard working man that is running 3 companies and his main role is being a husband to a woman named Shannon and is a father of 4 boys. “ My past does not have to determine my future “!

Paula Fakalata is well known as an Attitude Presenter. After working with young children, Paula started public speaking. He has managed to present over 250 presentations and has spoken to over 35,000 students. Mr Fakalata has a lot of humour in his stories along with compelling.

Amelia Unufe is a New Zealander and her parents were born in tonga. She is a student in AUT University. She is taking fashion and is in her 2nd year completing her Bachelor of design. When Amelia attend Mt Roskill Grammar, that is when she had interest in fashion. In 2015 she wants to have her own fashion line along with a view of her own label.

Athletics Day

Athletics is a annual sports event that we do at Pt England. Everyone participates. There are about more than 15 events and 6 main ones, shot put, high jump, sprints, javelin, discus and softball throw along with the relay.

Our very first main sport was shot put. After a practice round, it finally came to the real deal. Coming first was my friend Ata, 2nd - Mary, 3rd Puawai. It was my turn and I was ready but filled with nervousness.

Boom, my shot put went far but I just came second. I was so happy. But once it was over I was coming 3rd. It was time for lunch time and we only had half an hour. I enjoyed a little break but then it was time for another tiring event, high jump.

On our way to high jump, I was scared but I believed in myself. After the very first round of high jump, we all made it over. It got higher and higher as less people made it over. I made in the top 4 and it was pretty high. My first jump was a fail as well as my second, but I tried my best. My friend (Jordenne) came first and AsenaF came 2nd.

We did heaps of events but we didn’t finish them all. High jump and Shot put was my top two funnest events. I enjoyed athletics day and hope to come something next year! Can’t wait!

Tattoo Pattern

1. What are YOU interested in?
2. What do you want other people to know about you?
3. What do YOU value?
4. Have you ever lost anyone/anything close to you? Would you want to memorialize them with a custom designed ornament/structure/symbol or tattoo etc?
5. Do you have a favorite quote or lyrics that have gotten you or your family through difficult times?

1 - I’m interested in sports especially rugby, and also going to church.

2 - I want people to know that I come from a big family and we are Samoans.

3 - My family, friends, loyalty and some toys i’ve had since I was young.

4 - Yes, I actually lost my aunt because she had cancer and I want to remember her by wearing stuff she gave me.

5 - No

About the Kardashians and the Jenners

Kardashians and the Jenners. I'm guessing you know them?? Well, they are the famous family of the reality show of Keeping up with the Kardashians (KUWTK). It comes on 11 every Sunday, feel free to watch it.

There are 3 Kardashians and 2 Jenners, all of them are from the same mum but different dads. The 3 Kardashians (Kourtney, Kim and Khloe) dad is Robert Kardashian, and the Jenners (Kendall and Kylie) dad is Bruce Jenner.

The parents have sons as well, but only one Kardashian brother (Rob) and 2 other Jenner brothers (Brandon and  Brody). If you didn’t notice, all the females names start with a ‘K’ and the males start with the letter ‘R’.

Kourtney Kardashian is the oldest of them all and she is 35. She was born in 1979 on April the 18th, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Kourtney is a mum of 2 and there names are Penelope (girl) and Mason (boy) and is now pregnant to the 3rd one. Her partner is Scott Disick and they have been together since 2007, which means they have been together for 7 years now.

Kim Kardashian. Well, I got to say, she is the most popular one out of all the Kardashians and the 2nd oldest of all of them. Kim is a 1980’s women and was born on October the 21st, yes, she is now 34. She is a model, a fashion designer and she has also been acting a little bit. When Kim was young she predicted what would happen when she grew up, and it was true. She said she wanted to be famous, and now she is. Kim has 1 child (North West) and her hubby/husband (Kanye West).

Lucky last of the Kardashian, Khloe. I gotta tell you, she is my favourite because she isn’t too judgmental and she ain't full of negativity. It was in 2009 she married Lamar Odom the basketball player and divorced in 2013. She is now going out with the star French Montana. He is a former rapper. Khloe isn’t only on Keeping up with the Kardashians, she also use to be on X factor, Kourtney and Khloe take the Hamptons, All-star Celebrity Apprentice and Fashion police with her owns show Khloe & Lamar.

Now the Jenners. The 19 year old Kendall Jenner is one of the 2 Jenners and is the oldest of them. With her birthday in November the 3rd (which was only a few day ago) and was also born in Los Angeles, California, United States of America. She is 1.78 m tall, which is the highest height of all of the Jenners and the Kardashians. Kendall isn’t only a reality show star but she is a model and she also writes books. Her book she wrote with Kylie (younger sister) is called “Rebels: City of Indra: The story of Lex and Livia”.

Last but not least, Kylie Kristen Jenner. She is also my other favourite but no explanation given. She is a young show star that appears on E and is a book writer that also wrote “Rebels: City of Indra: The story of Lex and Livia”, like I mentioned before. With the age of 17, she was born in 1997 and in August 10 was her birthday. This means she is still attending school and her education is Sierra Canyon School.

If you didn't know the Kardashians or the Jenners before you read my story, well you are lucky, because now you know them, RIGHT!

60 word story about The Cat in the Hat

There is a cat that live on the road and found a hat that a man had owned. But the cat didn't know someone owned it because it was lying around, the man that owned the hat then knew he dropped his hat. So the man found it and put it on his head with the cat in the hat.

Film Festival at Sylvia Park

Film Festival. Its tomorrow at Sylvia park in Cinemas. It will be heaps of fun, I've actually been there a lot of time and its because I always present. Our whole school is going to watch the other films. Our side is so lucky because we’re the only ones that get the opportunity to go to Sylvia park and watch it on the xtreme screen.

If your going to be there hopefully you’ll see me present.  I am a presenter for my movie I made with two of my friends in extension. It’s about a girl and that can’t help but look at her phone, that is all i’m giving out.  If you really want to watch our amazing movie (joking), then make sure you’ll be there.

Why is it important to read?

Reading is important because you learn more words from the book you read or what ever you read. If you don't understand the words than you ask a grown up or define what it means, or you can pick another book. Also if you can't pronounce it you put one finger on the book, and if there are five fingers on the book then you choose a different book.

This can help you with probably everything you do, like writing, speaking and more. Reading helps feed your brain with what your suppose to focus on. Its good to learn new words and words you don't know how to say or the meaning of it. 

Guy Fawkes 2014

Thank you letter - Museum Trip

Dear Parents/Teacher,

I would like to say thank you for helping us for our trip to the museum. Thank you for taking your time off! You really helped us because if it weren't for you, we wouldn’t of been able to go and enjoy ourselves.

You also took us where we wanted to go not only that but we also got to go outside! It was fun because we also got to be with our friends and talk a lot, and we also got to go to the volcano eruption(even though we weren’t suppose to)!

And to the teachers, thank you for providing this museum trip for us, it was nice. We all enjoyed it and I would like to thank you once again for taking us, I would like to visit there again.

Auckland Museum Trip

First day back to school from our labour weekend and it rocked. The intermediate got the opportunity to get ready for.....Our Museum trip, sounds fun right! We went to the museum to learn about art because our topic this term is Art Attack (like I said on my very first post I posted this term).

As soon as we got there we ate straight away. It wasn't that fun but until we finished we had a tour but this was to draw a picture that has flax (harakeke). I drew a really nice one. Once we drew our flax picture we moved on and drew any maori thing we saw in front of us.

I drew a tiki and there were heaps of patterns on it. I also entered a marae, but before we all had to take off our shoes. I then got out of it and went to a mini waterfall that had instruction which said "You are invited to wash your hand" so I did and it felt fresh.

My group all finished washing our hands and then we were on our way to the volcano house (where we experience what a volcano feels like). It was quite packed but we also learnt what to do when it happens and how it does. It shook and 1 of my friends cried a little.

I enjoyed it because of the art that was in the museum, and I also got to touch some of it. After we finished checking out the inside of the museum, we went outside and took different pictures of anything!

We also saw a mini water fountain and it was pretty cool. All of our groups walked on to it and most of us fell. We also got to read about it and who made it. Once we felt the water we also got ready to go to the domain, but we didn't because it rained.

It was actually fun and I especially enjoyed it because I was with my friends. I'd love to to visit there again!

This is a photo of a tiki, I like it because it showes the patterns I like and how its designed.

In the marae I saw this photo so we took a picture of it because its a maori design. It also suits the colour of how it is made.

The photo right on the left represents the waka where we saw the tivaevae and I also got to touch it!

This represents a bag which was made out of flax/harakeke, and we were suppose to draw of something that is made of flax/harakeke so I sort of drew the design that is on this bag.









Last but not least, this is of the museum, yes I know it doesn't look too fancy but if you visit inside, you'd love it!

About rugby

Intro

Keeping the ball safe

Defending your opponents

The Positions

Conclusion

How do you play rugby?

Have you ever tried playing rugby, or even wanted to play rugby? But you don’t even know how to play? Well here is an explanation of how to play rugby. When I was year 5 I started playing sports like rugby and it was the best sport I first played. so I went for it and now I know how to play. So if you want to know, read my explanation and find out heaps!

If your team has the ball and you are holding it you have to run and hold it like it means everything to you. You know you want to score a try or win for your team, so you have to step your opponents or at least run where you won’t get tackled. You’ve got to put the ball under your armpit, and run as fast as you can or use your skills and past the ball to your other team-mates.

Defending your team is very hard, so avoid what you think is weak and go hard for the difficult ones. You have to tackle hard and if they step you just keep on chasing because you never know what will happen. Because if they slow down you can probably tackle them just before they try, so go hard!

There are supposed to be 15 people on each team, so that's 30 all together! 2 Props, 2 Rowers and Flankers, Centre, 2 Wings, Full - Back, 2 Locks, Half - Back, and Scrum half with number 8. It’s also hard to remember where you are standing, but you’ll get used to it.

Now that you know the things I know, I hope you’ll know how to play the game when you trial for rugby or when you play with your friends. When you you first play the game it will feel like you just finished getting a hiding, but if you keep going you’ll get use to the feeling.

Symbol definition and Samoan Tatau Tattoo

Symbolism Definition

the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Symbol Definition

a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process, e.g. the letter or letters standing for a chemical element or a character in musical notation.

Symbolic Definition

serving as a symbol.

Tatau Tattoo

Back in the days, only 2 families were allowed to get the tatau/pea, Suluape’s family and Su’a’s family. Falaniko Tominiko was a resident of Auckland Uni. Just before Falaniko gets the tattoo he first had to ask his parents, His mum was worried because of the pain, and also thought he was joking. It then got really serious the dad said it was all about bravery but especially service.

Its actually traditional to have a soa (partner) for support. Once you start on the tatau you must get it finished because it is an embarrassment to the family! Also if you treat the tattoo artist he’ll finish off your tattoo in the most less painful way, but if you don’t treat him right then he’ll treat you by doing your tattoo painful.

Overall, what I learnt was not to be selfish with what you do, what you have or what you learnt. Suluape taught Falaniko’s soa (supporter) how to do it. Its actually good to teach people new stuff like being a tattoo artist.

Term 4 Immersion Assembly

Every start of the term Pt England school has an immersion assembly. It shows what the topic is and it is also about showing team items. This term, (term 4), our topic is ‘Art Attack’ and it’s based on doing art and drawing any sort of patterns.

To begin the fun, team 1 was ready to show their item. It was about visiting the beach/river to see how the environment was looking and, to also have a picnic for there own team. They were checking out the environment around our school so they can get inspire their artwork that they are working on.

As soon as team 1 finished their item and movie it was team 2’s turn. All of them were dressed in 3 different colours. They first showed a movie and it was about the primary colours. It showed us the 3 colours, red, blue and yellow. When 2 of each colours gets mixed together, it makes secondary colours. e.g blue and yellow make green. Their movie finished and then they just asked questions.

Next it was team 3’s turn to present what they're learning, there were 5 teachers and they were 5 different artists. I can’t remember their names but one was a person who drew cans of soup and he drew Marilyn Monroe. There was also another that I was quite inspired by and what he does is he holds a spoon while he is sleeping because he dreams of what he will draw and once the spoon drops, he wakes up and starts drawing what he saw in his dream.

“Team 4” Mr Burt shouted and up they came. This time there were more than 5 artists. They all got up on the stage and I saw a Samoan painting, it was a siapo. It was a man named Fatu Feu’u that drew it and he was born in Samoa. There was another teacher next to Miss Lavakula and it was Miss Jacobsen. She was acting as Vincent Van Gogh. Miss Jacobsen was holding up a picture that Vincent drew and it was the drawing called ‘The Starry Night’.

Once their team finished it was out teams turn, team 5. Our team 5 teachers dressed up in black and white and one also had a mustache. I was actually excited to see this one. There were six of them and 2 had to draw one painting, so there were actually 3 paintings. They first started and our whole school had no clue what they were drawing because they drew it upside down, but once they finished they flipped it around and it was 3 teachers from our school. Mr Jacobsen, Mrs Jarman and Mr Burt.

What it will be like in the future?

This presentation was made by my friend (Sela), and I! We hope you enjoy and we also hope it actually happens.