Retiring Mrs Vickers!!

We have some breaking news!! Mrs Vickers is Retiring!! Well, next year. On Thursday, we had a powhiri to welcome our new principal, Mrs Hamilton.

Katrina did the welcoming, while the senior block did a haka in the background. I did most of the talking. After I introduced myself to Mrs Hamilton, Leanah started singing a waiata and everyone joined in.

Then Mrs Hamilton stood up and talked about how wonderfully organised we were at our powhiri. After the powhiri, Mrs Riley thanked us for how well we behaved and guess what!! She nearly cried!! Luckily Mr Reid was there to hug her. Awwww!! I guess he does care!!

Thank You Coach Pete!!

On Tuesday, it was the last day for tennis with Coach Pete. For the last day, we had a bit of fun. We were split up into two groups. When we were split into two groups, we had to choose a partner to play. It soon became "Duo v Duo". I was partnered with Leaaepeni and we thrashed everyone until Leaaepeni did one slite mistake and we were defeated, but it was fun.

After that, I did a thank you speech to Coach Pete and we shook hands like Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.

All I Do Is STUDY STUDY STUDY No Matter What!!

In the weekends, it was kind of boring, (well a lot boring), because all I did was study for my test on Wednesday, the 28th. The exam was to find out what class I would go to for college. My dad said that it will be worth it.

Next year I will be going to Edgewater College, where my sister is currently going to now. I can't wait!! (😒😒😒).

Donate To Charity!!

On Wednesday, my group went to Mr Pineda's class at Tamaki College for tech. We continued on our charity box that we made last week.

The idea of my charity box was to make a cylinder made out of cardboard, then cut two circles to tape at the end of the cylinder to make it look like a piggy-bank. Then I would put a cardboard and fold it and finally glue it to the cylinder to make it look a roof on a pole.

I made this because I don't want homeless people to live on the streets. I also will paint on the roof, "Save The Homeless."

Who would you do a charity box for?

And SCORE!! The Crowd Goes WILD!!

It has been the first time Ireland has won over the All Blacks since a phenomenal 111 years!! Ireland beat All Blacks 16-9, with a classic try in the first half. All Blacks tried to score a try but Ireland's defence was unbeatable including the three times All Blacks had an opportunity to try but couldn't.

I cheered for the Ireland because something inside of me knows that they still have a lot to go. Who would you cheer for?

Remember The Armistice!!

What is Armistice Day? Well, Armistice Day, (Ar-mis-tice Day), is mostly like ANZAC Day. It was an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop  fighting for a certain time or known as the truce.

It is only celebrated on the 11th hour, 11th day and the 11th month which will be celebrated this Sunday, the 11th of November. Room 12 were separated into groups and we first studied what Armistice Day means and why we celebrate it. I was the Team Captain of the Liza, Vika and Julianne. This is our slideshow.

The Movie Is Revealed!!

On the 7th of November, we went to the Hoyts for the special 11 year Manaiakalani Film Festival!! Tupouseini and I had to go early to the movies because we had to present our class's film. We had to go to three cinemas including the Extreme Screen!!

Then we had to walk to Cinema 3 to present our movie again in-front of our school! It was a fun experience but Mrs Vickers reminded me that we still had to present it in the night time for our parents.

From today I still have butterflies in my stomach.

Coach Pete Is Here!!

On Tuesday, we had Tennis with Coach Pete. It was pretty nerve-racking because I have no experience with a Tennis racket. Luckily, Coach Pete taught me all through the steps.

I was partnered with Katrina and after a little while, Sosiua joined our group. We started off by hitting the tennis ball at or near the cone.

Then we started a rally and we always swapped after a while if we had three or more people in our team.

I hope that we get more practice in the weeks to come. It was fun!!

One Assembly, Two Duffy Books!!

On Monday afternoon, we had assembly. Mrs Vickers talked about how we can be  Better Than Before. She told us that this was a special assembly because the student that was chosen to get an award, would get not one, but two Duffy books!

I looked at Mrs Golder and knew immediately that she was having a hard time picking people. Finally, she eventually hand-picked me to go and receive the award. The two books I chose were called, The Slice and Conspiracy 365.

The reason why she picked me was because I backed-up my answer with evidence in reading.

Poetry Recital!!

On Friday, three students and I were chosen by our teachers, Mrs and Mr Reid, to present our known poems.

Leanah presenting "The Red Horse," Jessica and Tupouseini presenting "Punk Junk Mailer," and Tyron presenting "My Teacher Said To Read The Newspaper, So I Did."

My poem was called "Afakasi Chameleon" by Selina Tusitala Marsh.

After that, Mrs Golder handed us a certificate. I was so proud of myself!

I Thought We Were Supposed To Change!!

On Wednesday, I thought we were supposed to change classes but we had two more weeks!! So, I worked for another day. I cooked with my companions, Robati and Jessica. We made Sausage Kebab.

Method:
Step 1: Slice the sausage.
Step 2: Slice the red onion and capsican.
Step 3: Put sausage, red onion and capisacan on a kebab stick and put it in the oven for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!!

The three of us had 4 each so I ate 2 and saved the other 2 to take home. It was kebab-reffic.

Did You Hear About The Food? It Pasta Way!!

On Wednesday, Robati and I cooked Ham and Pasta Salad.

Method:

Step 1 - Boil pasta until it's soft.

Step 2 - Drain the pasta in cold water (use colander)

Step 3 - Dice half a tomato, half an onion and some ham.

Step 4 - Add tomato, onion, ham and mayo to pasta.

Step 5 - Serve in a white bowl.

Step 6 - Clean up.

It was so pastariffic that I had to take some for my dad. It was yummy!!

No!! Okay!! Curry On With Your Butter Chicken!!

On Wednesday, I made Butter Chicken with my fellow colleagues, Robati and Jessica. Here is how we made the dish.

Method:

Step 1: Dice the chicken.

Step 2: Fry the chicken until brown.

Step 3: Take out the chicken into the a seperate bowl.

Step 4: Fry onion, add sauce, 1 cup of cream and chicken.

Step 5: Serve with rice.

It was terrific so I saved some to take home!
 

Jess (The Hip Hop Coach)

On Friday, it was the final day for Jess to teach us Hip-Hop. We went inside and went straight into our final dance. She told us to make our moves sharp and hard. It was hard to move while everyone were in the same spot and it was hard for me to concentrate with all the hands and feet going wild in the air.

After that, we did a game called "Musical Statues" and for me was like trying to relax from all that concentration. The point of the game was whenever Jess told us a dance move, we all had to make that same dance move while the music stopped. If we move or get the dance move wrong then we were out. I came 5th.

After that, we did a couple of pictures with Jess and after that, I stood up to say a thank you speech to Jess for what she has taught us.

Thank you Jess!!

Cooking At Technicraft!!

On Wednesday, we went to Tamaki College for cooking. Today we are cooking Quiche.

Mrs Tuipolotu wrote the steps on the whiteboard and we had

follow her instructions.

• Step 1 - Cut the pastry into 12 pieces. Paste into muffin tray.
• Step 2 - Dice Ham 
• - Add ham + cheese into the muffin tray.
• Step 3 -Whisk 4 eggs with 1/2 cup of milk
• - Dip on top of ham + cheese
• Step 4 Bake for 15mins 18C

It was fun and the Quiche was yummy. I put my Quiche in a foil and I took it home.

Dance Off!!

Today we had hip hop with a professional dancer, Jess. This week we had to get into a 3 to 4 group and start learning a dance routine that is in beat with a rhythm that Jess had prepared for us.

I was with Solomone, Joanlisi, Jessica, Tristan and Riiana. We were competing with three other groups. It was hard to think of a dance that would keep in beat with the rhythm but we had a lot of ideas from Jess. All we had to concentrate on keep in time with the beat and remember that actions.

We all danced at the end and clapped at the same time. It was fun.

Ruapotaka's Manaiakalani Ambassador!!

On Wednesday the 30th of May 2018, Mrs Golder and I went to Somerville School that use to be Tamaki Intermediate for my presentation about Road Safety. The reason why was because I was the Manaiakalani Ambassador for my school, Ruapotaka.

My teacher and I typed a speech on how I made my slideshow and how my learning journey began. I practised first in front of my teacher and a couple of teachers who hosted the programme. I read from another chromebook that they gave to me. 

Finally it was my turn. I was about to shake when I told myself to get on with it and you will feel better when you are finished. At the end of my speech they all clapped as I said Faafetai Lava which means Thank You in Samoan. In the car, Mrs Golder said I am proud of you, you did good.

Road Safety Learning

In the last few weeks, I made a google slide about my Road Safety learning. Learning about this helped me become more aware of the dangers and hazards of roads and vehicles . I enjoyed it because I had help from my teachers and classmates. The more I read and shared my learning  with my classmates,  the more my prior knowledge was extended. Enjoy!!

😫Daily Fitness!!😫

Today we did our normal fitness, running around the senior block and the basketball court.

We lined up in our class lines but Room 12 were separated into year 7's and year 8's. The year 8's went first up the hill, then the year 7's, followed by Room 9 and 10.

At the end, I sprinted all the way back to class. It was fun!(and completely, insanely, extremely PAINFULL!!)😫

🏀Commonwealth Games: Tall Ferns Smash Malaysia!!🏀

 In the Commonwealth Games opening, the New Zealand basketball team  started their campaign with an extraordinary 86-44 victory over Malaysia in Cairns.

The Kiwis were superior from start to the end of a  head-to-head Pool B battle, with star participant Micaela Cocks snatching 15 points, as well as Josephine Stockill with 13 points.

The Tall Ferns won all 4 quarters and are now looking to Saturday's match with Jamaica.

5 Ways To Be Cybersmart!!

1. Understand responsible use of your technology and your chromebook. Source: Smart Learners.
2. Understand copyright rules and agreements when accessing sites. Source: Smart And Legal.
3. We need to understand how to verify or agree online information. Source: Smart Media
4. Make smart decisions with who you connect with online. Source: Smart Relationships
5. Understand the rights as online customs. Source: Smart Money

Necklace For One!!

On Wednesday, we had technicraft and my group went to Mr. Grundy's workshop. Today, instead of doing woodwork, we worked on doing necklaces or pendants.

As you know, necklaces are ornamenamentals with semi-precious glass or pottery and are hollow, but these necklaces are special. The ornaments we are working on are fabricated from Pewter.

I was working on a cross. I am going to make it for my dad because he is a Christian and he loves going church.

Now that I am nearly finished, I am going to surprise him on his birthday which is in the later part of the year. Yay!

Syndicate Assembly!!

On Monday, the 26th of February, we had a syndicate assembly hosted by Room 10. It was a really funny and wonderful experience for me.

Kate hosted the dance battle and called up the contestants to the floor. From Room 9 were Iosefo and Pita. From Room 10 were Kymani and Alamone. Both Rooms were (for me) dancing hard core but in the end, Room 10 won this battle and still the game wasn't over!

From Room 12 were Pupuke and Leaaepeni. There was a lot of humor in their dance. The  battle was over and Room 10 won. It was fun!

Who Am I?

Who Am I?

Talofa! My name is Saluselo and I am  currently a year 8 prefect at Ruapotaka

School. Being a prefect comes with a lot of responsibility because everyone

looks up to you and copies your every move.

I am tall in height and the third tallest in my family.

My hobbies are drawing, basketball, drumming and reading.

Drawing is mostly one of my skills and I almost draw

everything. I even drew my own house. Basketball, on the other

hand, is what I am learning presently. I am also a drummer for my church

which is weird because when I drum, everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY is

watching  me. Reading is my favourite subject at school and I read a lot of

either adventure or action books.

Summer Learning Journey!!

Last week, a canadian woman stood in-front of the students in the senior block and talked about their program that they are doing during the summer holidays named the "Summer Learning Journey." Her name was Rachel Williams and she came last, last term to talk about a similar program called the "Winter Learning Journey."

She talked about how much people were helping her with the project. I looked and . . . that is a lot of people!