Writing: Year 8's Mass 2016

Last week Friday, we celebrated the Year 8 Leavers Mass for 2016. A lot of parents turned up and it was a beautiful mass. I really wanted our Year 8’s Mass to be different and special, because I had been waiting for this mass since I had started school. I wasn’t sure whether to be happy or sad or to cry or smile. But I ended up smiling, I wanted to be happy that it happened, rather than cry that it had ended. I also had the special honour along with Joshua, of giving the Leadership Candle to the next leaders, Lusia and Ana-lei. I will always remember my fellow Year 8’s throughout my journey at Baradene College. I will also remember the Year 7’s and the teachers. I hope that the younger students will enjoy their time here at SPX, as much as I did.

Writing: Reflection - Testing Week

Last week it has been quite stressful, but also fun in some ways. I say stressful because throughout the week I have been studying very hard and nervous whether or not I would get a good score. But it has also been fun because I have enjoyed answering questions that I know are right. It makes me feel good and puts a smile on my face.

Writing: Narrative - Noises!

“Yes!” Shouted a voice. I instantly knew that it was Jordan. “Jordan! Keep it down! If you can’t play your video game quietly, then turn it off!” I shouted, trying to concentrate. My Maths homework was in a stack as big as the eiffel tower and it was not going good so far. I loathed Maths, it was my less favourite subject. BANG! I suddenly heard, I jumped out of my seat. BANG! “Jordan!” “What it’s not me!” He responded. BANG! There it went again. ‘What the heck?’ I thought.

At that moment Jordan came into the dining area trembling. “W-W-Who’s making that n-n-noise?” Jordan said. “I don’t know” I answered. BANG! “Alex, i-i’m getting s-scared,” “me t-too!” So we ran like mice into the lounge, behind one of the sofas. “What are we going to do?” Jordan questioned. ‘What? Or who is up there?’ I starting frantically thinking. BANG! ‘What if that person wants to hurt us? What is he going to do with us?’ I instantly pictured Jordan and I in a massive container, on a ship at sea, being sailed away to China! BANG! I started tearing up, I couldn’t bear the thought of being away from my family.

BANG! I started crying, so did Jordan. We couldn’t help it, we weren’t told what to do in a situation like this. We felt helpless, trapped and we thought that we were goners right then and there. BANG! The noise was as deafening as a siren. All of a sudden we see a pair of headlights coming up the drive-way. Mum! We ran outside without hesitation. “Mum, Mum! There’s someone upstairs!” “What? How do you know?” She questioned. “Well we heard him upstairs! We heard noises coming from there!” She frowned and marched into the house, upstairs.

BANG! “See there’s the noise!” Jordan cried. Mum started laughing. Laughing! In a situation like this! “Mum it’s not funny!” I shouted, but she didn’t listen, she continued. We stood there with our arms crossed, not understanding the joke. BANG! “Come in here,” Mum insisted. We peeked in the bathroom and saw no one. BANG! We both jumped back. “It was the bathroom door, you forgot to close the window and the wind has been blowing furiously all day!” Mum stated. We stood back with our cheeks going red as a tomato. To this day Mum has never let us forget it.

Illustration: The Mysterious Creature

Click here to find out more about this picture!: The Mysterious Creature

Writing: Narrative - The Phone!

A blanket of fog covered the land below with only patches of green grass and some large buildings visible. Quickly remembering something, I scampered to search for my passport, bumping and knocking things over.

The area was small, I only just fit, but I was directly next to the window so I was happy. There were all kinds of people surrounding me, business people, families, groups of teens etc. They were all chatting happily, like they didn’t have a care in the world.

Wanting to check the time, I reached for my phone up, except my phone wasn’t there. Going through that ‘oh it’s probably here somewhere’ phase when you lose things. I checked my seat, bag and jumper, but it was nowhere to be found. ‘Ok now i’m panicking!’ I thought alarmed. With beads of sweat trickling down my face I thoroughly searched the blind corners of my bag, the sides of my seat, the pockets in front of me and even asking the guy next to me, but zero luck. ‘Please please be here’ I prayed to God checking under my seat, but there was nothing.

If I didn’t find my phone before the plane lands, it was a goner. I jumped up and check the restroom, but nowt. I ran a nervous hand through my hair and made my way back to my seat. As soon as I sat down, I noticed that there was something rectangular in my pocket, so I felt it and lo and behold there it was, my phone. Absurd that it was there the whole time. Accompanied by the fact that I was stupid enough not to look there, I kissed my phone, like it was human, and held it tight. My face reddened with embarrassment.

20 minutes later we landed and everyone scurried out of the plane. Getting my wallet ready, I checked my bag, but it wasn’t there. ‘Uh-oh’ I thought to myself.

Reflection: Term 3

Friday was the last day of Term 3. This term there has been a lot of up's and down's for me. My highlight from this term was going to Sports Camp. This is because I got to make a lot of good friends from Glen Innes School. I also got to learn a lot in Maths, like Geometry and Ratios and Proportions. I hope that Term 4 my last term at St Pius X Catholic School will be a term that I will never forget.

Writing: Tech Cooking Class - Making Bread

Yesterday afternoon at my weekly Tech Cooking class, we learnt how to make bread. But we didn’t have much time, so it was done fast. Richie, Lusia and Malia were the other people in my group. We started off by grabbing our aprons and washing our hands. Then we measured and collected the yeast, sugar, flour and salt, also getting the right temperature of warm water. We mixed the yeast, sugar and warm water together to proof the yeast.

Next we added the salt and flour and mixed it until it was doughy. Next we kneaded the bread, by pushing and folding the dough. To speed up the process we divided the dough in 4 parts so we could all kneed it. After this we split it into 8 equal pieces and put it in the oven. While that was happening, we cleaned. After a little while it was ready and we got 2 pieces each and put it in our bag.

Overall it was a really fun process, my highlight was kneading because I really enjoyed feeling the dough. Now I can’t wait to make Cinnamon Scrolls next term!

Writing: Sports Camp 2016!

Last week, Anthony, Von, Malia and I got the amazing opportunity to go to the Totara Springs Christian Centre Sports Camp. We went along with 24 other students from Glen Innes School and 1 other student from Glen Taylor. There we won 5 trophies and came second in 2 events. I had an amazing time, not only because of the sports, but also because of the awesome friends that I had made and because of the funny teachers.

---

“Get ready, set, go!” Andrew boomed and off we went. I ran as fast as my long legs could carry me. Just thinking about trying my best and finishing the race, for the team. I was also just recapping my day so far. Even though I had only been there for a few hours, I was having a blast. Being at Totara Springs Christian Centre, with my friends from GI Primary and the teachers as well. Made me feel so happy.

Close to the end of the Cross Country race, it became very very difficult. The hills became very steep and I started to slow down. “Come on Alecia you can do it!” I heard Mr Hendricks shout when I was coming up the hills. That was all I needed to hear, to get me to start racing up the hills and past the other competitors. Close to the finish line I ended up having a race with another girl. Even though I was so exhausted, I pushed through the pain and finished the race.

At the end of the race the teachers (Mrs Ramkolowan, Miss Donaldson, Mr Beel, Mr Shaun and Mr Hendricks) came and congratulated me, for pushing through it.

After my race we went and watched golf, shooting, archery and kayaking. Where we succeeded in all those sports. Then that was the end of the sports for that day, before Scramble anyway.

News Report: St Pius X Catholic School’s Tongan Day

Yesterday St Pius X Students and Staff celebrated Tongan Language week, by having a Tongan Day.

Most of the children came dressed up in their beautiful Tongan clothes. Including some of the staff! They carried on their celebration by having a Tongan feast in the hall. Where Joshua’s Mum and Lusia’s Grandma prepared and bought along beautiful traditional Tongan food.

They also enjoyed dancing to Tongan music, including ‘Si’i Lolo.’ It was a beautiful day, with a lot of smiling faces.

Narrative Writing: The Library Book

“Mum! Have you seen my library book anywhere?” I shouted from my room. “No honey, have you checked in the kitchen?” She replied. “Yes! I’ve looked everywhere, but I still can’t find it!” I responded. “Keep trying honey.” Typical Mum response, great I was on my own. I searched my room thoroughly one more time. Nothing. My library book was due today! If I didn’t return it, then I would have to pay $20 and I was not going through that again.

I went to the living room, again and searched the entire place. From the computer stand to under the couches. Again, nothing. I sighed and took off to my Grandpa’s room. “Hey Grandpa, have you seen my library book anywhere? Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone?” I asked. “Sorry I don’t think so.” He said scanning the room. “Thanks, anyway.” I said before taking off to my Mum and Dad’s room. “Hey Dad have you seen my library book anywhere?” I asked, for the third time. “Sorry, don’t think so.” He said scratching his head. “Have you seen my sports shoes?” “Nope sorry” I replied. So off again I ran to the kitchen.

“Mum I can’t find it anywhere!” I shouted collapsing on the chair. “Honey have you checked on the kitchen table?” She asked still stirring the noodles on the stove. “Yes! I have a million times. But it’s not...” I stopped in mid sentence. Behold, there it was, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, sitting in the middle of the table. “What were you saying?” My Mum asked smiling, her mischievous smile. “Never mind” I replied and picked up the book and left to my room.

Narrative Writing: The Misunderstanding

Sentence starter: I found a strange package by the door...

On Monday afternoon after school. I looked at it funny because we never get packages so I went to look at it. Ignoring the address and name I looked at the sides of the box. It was written in another language that I couldn’t describe. I quickly devoured my cookies and inspected the box. It was quite large, with sellotape stuck on weird places and different writing.

“I wonder who’s this for?” Then it hit me, what if it’s a top secret package, for someone in our family. What if that person is a cop, no better a spy! What if there are guns and armour in there. No, what if it's, a bomb! Sent from one of my family members enemies on one of their secrets missions. What if it’s about to explode! I looked at the box, then to the living room, wondering what to do. I didn’t know what to do!

Knock, knock, knock. I suddenly heard, I snapped back to reality and opened up the door. It was the mailman “excuse me sorry miss, but I seemed to have brought the wrong package here, it wasn’t to Livingston St 34, it was Livingston St 33.” I looked at the package ‘Livingston Street 33, Mr Michael Beckett' it read. I slowly gave the package back to the mailman. “Sorry again,” said the mailman before walking off to the Beckett’s. I slowly walked back to the living room plopped down on the sofa and pretended that nothing had happened.

Writing: Cross Country Practise

Before lunch Room 7 along with Room 5 and 3 went for our daily cross country practise. We had to run 2 laps and then come back to the start. Throughout the run I started to get a bit tired. Especially where the hills were, but I tried to keep up and encourage the other people who were walking to start jogging. At first I was running with Malia but she stopped so I kept going. I soon ran past my friends and encouraged them to start running as well. What I enjoyed from the run was the nature that I was surrounded by. It put my mind off wanting to stop and rest because it was so beautiful. I finished my 2 laps and not long after that everyone else did. So we walked back to school and got ready for lunch.

Writing: The Everyday Theatre

For the most part of the day yesterday, 2 ladies came in to talk to Room 7 and they were from a company called ‘The Everyday Theatre.’ We talked about family violence and asking for help. I learnt that family violence not only affects the parents, but the child or children badly. They feel like they can’t talk to anyone and can’t express how they really feel. In the future I hope to be able to help children of family violence.

I created a Info graph on Easel.ly to show my writing.

Writing: The N.E.D Show!

On Wednesday afternoon the Ned Show came to St Pius X Catholic School.

The Ned Show teaches kids how to become a champion by doing 3 important things in life. They teach kids through a fictional character named Ned. Ned is an acronym for... N - Never Give Up, E - Encourage Others, D - Do Your Best. The Ned Show has been to many countries like USA, United Kingdom etc. I found this show energetic and interesting.

It is a great way to teach kids how to become a champion in life! I thought that this show was a neat idea. My highlight from the Ned Show was when we got to learn what Ned stood for. Now my goal is to try and do all those 3 things every single day.
I created an Info Graph to show my writing.

Writing: Being Smart Online

This morning Constable Gordon came in to Room 7 to talk about being Cyber-Smart and the 10 Principles of Digital Communication. It shocked me, I had no idea that New Zealand had the highest count of suicides. It made me regret saying bad things to other people.

I learnt that if someone posts something nasty about someone else, and I like it or comment, then I am involved and agreeing with that person. If I write something nasty online, then it can not be an accident because I had time to think about it and write it. Whatever I post online I can not take it back and that thought scared me. These facts made me think hard and long about what I had said to people and what I do online.

I had learnt so much from this talk. It made me feel more aware about what I put up online. Constable had taught me that Cyberbullying is something very serious here in New Zealand. This whole talk has made me regret the words that I have said to some people and has made me more aware. Next time I think about saying something nasty to someone, I am going to stop and think.

Narrative Writing: If My Pet Could Speak..

I quickly jumped from my bed. Straining my ears, to listen. I could hear someone talking and going through the fridge. An intruder, I searched my room looking for a weapon. Bingo, a baseball bat. I picked it up and tiptoed all the way to the kitchen. “Aha!” I shouted, but was caught completely off surprise. Standing there was not someone, but something. It wagged it’s tail and smiled at me. “Hi!” It spoke. I was about to scream. “Wait, wait! Don’t scream!” He said to me. “This is a dream, this has to be a dream and i’m going to wake up any minute.” I told myself.

“I knew that you were going to find out eventually.” He said carrying on searching through the fridge. “No! This is not possible. You are a Corgi dog and dogs do not speak. This is just my dream. Maybe if I pinch myself I will wake up!” I pinched myself as hard as I could. But nothing happened besides a red mark on my arm. “How is this even possible!” I said amazed. “Well to be honest, I don’t know either.” He replied.

“So how long have you been like this?” “Well as long as I can remember really.” He replied. “And, can all other dogs, you know, speak?” “Umm yep pretty much.” He replied. I fell back on the chair, shocked and well speechless! My dog could talk, my Dog could talk!! It was unbelievable, extraordinary! “Hey you know, could you do me a favour and not tell your parents? You know I don’t wanna get caught or anything.” My Human speaking Dog asked me. “Sure,” I replied back slowly. “I think you better go back to sleep now.” My dog said seriously. “Sure” I replied once again, not sure what was happening.

But before I knew it, I was back in my bed. Dreaming about things that didn’t seem extraordinary to me anymore.

Narrative Writing: The Magical Night

“Somewhere over the rainbow..” I strummed my ukulele lightly and sang my heart out. “Excuse me, do you mind!” Benji shouted back over the music. “Oh come on Benji what are you so down about?” I asked.

He didn’t reply, but instead walked ahead of me. We made it back to the campsite just in time, the sun had just set and the forest was coming to a close.

I took my ukulele out and starting singing again “Ohhh somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there’s a land, that i’ve heard of once...”

“Honestly Angela, do you ever stop singing!” he shouted, now standing.

“I can’t music is my life!” I shouted back.

Benji lay back down, turned to face to the other side, clearly frustrated and annoyed with me. “Could you please go sleep, because i’m trying to go sleep.” He asked me, but I just kept on playing and playing like there was no tomorrow. I decided to change the song, to something more familiar to him. “Savalivali means go for a walk, tautala means to much talk...” I started singing and I saw Benji’s ears perk up, he turned around with a serious expression on his face. Suddenly, something amazing, no! Something magical happened. The creatures started slowly crawling up to us, humming along to the tune. Instead of stopping, I continued. I glanced at Benji he looked speechless, motionless and most of all shocked.

I smiled my greatest smile that I could muster and sang my heart out. The birds, bees, butterflies, caterpillars, frogs and the rest of the creatures, sang along as well. When I looked back at Benji he was starting to stand up and had a huge smile on his face as well. He walked up to me and at this point the creatures had stopped humming and my smile had faded. He held his hand out, gesturing to the ukulele, signalling to me that he wanted to play it. I smiled and gave him the ukulele. The next thing I knew, I felt like my heart was pulled out of my my chest, smashed into tiny pieces and given back to me. He had sinisterly thrown my ukulele into the fire. I started screaming my heart out, the happiness that I had, was thrown out of the window. The creatures slid off into their homes and Benji had gone back to sleep happily now. While I sat in the dark, alone for the rest of the night, howling and screaming for my one true passion.

Reflection Writing: Term 2

This term has been a hard term, in terms of learning and behavior. But I quite enjoyed it because of all the experiences that I have had this term. I have also quite enjoyed it because I had achieved at least half of my goals. In the holidays I am planning to write and read a lot. But I will also be missing my friends. But now I can't wait for the next term!

Recount: Happy Children's Book Week!

This week at St Pius it is Children’s Book Week. So we celebrated it by getting everyone (including teachers) to dress up as one of the characters from their favourite book. Also by having a Duffy Assembly with our Duffy Role Model which is Josephine Bartley. I decided to dress up as Alice from Alice in the Wonderland. Rosrine (my best friend) and I also got the opportunity to lead the Duffy Assembly. I just knew that today was going to be an excitng day!

During the Duffy Assembly each class paraded around showing off their costumes. Rosrine and I also got to ask some people from their class what character they had dressed up as. There were Princesses and Pirates, Nerds, Little Red Riding Hoods, Bat Man’s, Spider-Man’s and even Harry Potter characters! There was also a special Honours Badge Award presented to Kalo and Fale’aka. I was as happy as the sun!

At the end of the Assembly every class paraded out of the hall, with the Duffy Song playing in the background. After the Assembly Rosrine, Joshua (my friend) and I cleaned up the equipment and left the hall. I absolutely loved today because I got see people get out of their uniforms and into their characters!

Recount: St Patrick's Cathedral Visit!

On a beautiful Friday morning St Pius X students and teachers hurried down the driveway and gathered into the 2 buses. Everyone was really excited to go to the St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland city and attend the mass. Visiting the Cathedral was important because this is the Year of Mercy, this was going to be my second time visiting this Cathedral.

When I walked through the Door of Mercy I suddenly felt very sacred. The first thing that I noticed was the Chair of the Bishop. No one is allowed to sit on it besides the Bishop. During the mass I was really impressed at how smoothly it ran and how everyone just went along with it. I also felt mesmerised at how beautiful the entire building was.

At the end of the Mass Father Larry came up and talked to us about the Cathedral. He also told us some interesting facts like when it was built and how the building originally looked. We then got to take some pictures. During all the talk and the mass I felt very relaxed and connected with God. It felt different from being at the Parish Church.

After we had our lunch everyone gathered back into the 2 buses and headed back to school. Being at the Cathedral felt very special and spiritual and I am very thankful for that experience!