Information Report Writing: The Moon

Do you recognise the big white circle that appears in the sky at night? Has a different shape every month? Yes, that is called ‘the moon’.  Because they didn’t know other moons existed, they simply called it ‘the moon’. Until Galileo Galilei discovered them.The moon is a natural satellite that orbits around the earth.

The moon has been discovered for many years now. It is very close to earth and is supposedly an important light. But it doesn’t have a light of its own. It reflects light of from the sun so it looks like the moons natural light. Without the moons light and the moon itself the climate change of the earth would be unstable. If anything the moon is used as a source of light. Additionally the moon provides light for animals breeding. Unfortunately the moon is not as bright as the sun so the moon isn’t visible during daytime.

The Phases of the moon is the different ways the moon looks like in a month. While the moon orbits the earth half of the moon that faces the sun will be lit up. The side that is lit up can be visible from earth and is known as the phases of the moon. The phase is the angle of the moon so its appearance is different everyday. There are 8 major phases the moon goes through. The new moon, a crescent moon, the first quarter moon, waxing gibbous moon, full moon, a waning gibbous moon, the last quarter moon, a waning crescent moon and an old moon.

The word tides is a term used to define the sea rise and fall of sea level which are caused by the moon and sometimes the sun. Tides were created because the Earth and the moon were attracted to each other, just like magnets are. The moon tries anything to try and pull the Earth closer but the Earth is able to withstand everything except for the water. Because the water is always moving, Earth isn’t able to hold onto it causing the moon to pull on the water. That is why there is a high a low tide during the day.

Children's fairy tales from all around the world tells us that the moon is made of cheese but in reality, it is most likely to be made out of rocks. The moon's surface is covered with dead volcanoes, impact craters and lava flows. The surface of the moon was formed my pools of hardened lava. As asteroids collide with the surface it can capture imprints (such as Neil Armstrong’s famous footprint) that turn out very detailed. Because there is no wind on the moon imprints can stay there forever.

In conclusion, the moon is no doubt a weird and remarkable planet/place. It is a source of light and a gift to earth. Some would say an extraordinary place.

What is an active learner?

There is a difference between a orange and an apple. Just like there is difference between a student and an active student. Active students are greatly engaged and focused on learning, whether it is a physical or mental learning activity. They push and extend their learning so that they are ahead and are always prepared and ready for the next learning task. Active students are always determined, hard-working as well as they are committed and industrious.

An active student is kind collaborative and always help their peers. As an active learner, they should be able to collaborate and communicate well with their peers. They always admire and value their classmates ideas, as well as they value their feelings. Active students are always willing to help those in need of assist and give them the extra stretch they might of needed. It is important that active learners are able to act cooperatively and collaboratively towards their classmates in order to gain more trust from them.

People may assume that an active student  is an energetic and hyper person that jumps around as though there they have ants in there pants, but one of the real definitions of an active learner is that they are always occupied with their learning. Education is always an active learners first priority. Things like handing in work on time, finishing an assignment and trying to get ahead of everybody are some simple things an active student is willing to do. The more they accomplish in their learning, the more they will continue to enhance and intensify their education.

To become more active in their learning, they are always eager to try new things. Even if it is something they hate. When active students endeavour to do  a certain activity and fail, they never hesitate to get back up and try again. One of active students greatest benefits. No matter how impenetrable this activity is they will always find a way to master it. For there great and committed attitude has gone threw it. Attempt, fail, try  again. Three steps that an active learner will always have.

Active students are very collaborative,  hard - workers and are always determined and eager. It is someone that many many people are striving to become  and someone that is very active.

Volleyball

For the past few weeks Glenbrae School has been learning how to play volleyball taught by two wonderful coaches, Elena and Sam. Last week and the weeks before we learnt the moves digging, setting and serving. This week we learnt how to spike. First, you will need to step to the left, then to the right together with the other foot. This altogether will need to be at a fast paste and will need your arms to swing in order to have that momentum. After the foot work, you then will have the energy to bounce off your feet and hit the ball downwards. Everyone in our class did very well and learnt a lot. We are always looking forward for our next lesson. 

Swimming Lessons

For the past 5 weeks now, room 7 has been learning how to swim. We have mainly focused on freestyle and backstroke. Freestyle is swimming above the water with your head facing down. Along with your arms rotating pass your ears and thigh. Backstroke is the same except with your face facing upwards. I think we ll improved and are ready in case of an emergency. 

Perspective Art

For the past 2 weeks, room 7 has been working on Perspective Art. In perspective art, you use shadings and vanishing lines to really make it look realistic. I think that everyone's art was outstanding but here are two pieces that just stood out and caught my eye. 

  

Vodafone Warriors' Visit

Today, at Glenbrae school we had the opportunity to meet three amazing vodafone warrior players. Lewis, Kiano and Joe. Along with their visit, they taught us the importance of hydration, belonging and sleep. We played quizzes games and to top it all off, they gave us the amazing chance to receive awards such as bottles, bags, balls and wristbands. I mostly enjoyed playing the games because it got me energized and hyped up. There’re visit was very exciting and fun. Our school had so much fun and learned many many interesting facts.

My Toondoo Creation

Today, at our first day of tech this year we were told to create a Toondoo Comic including your plannig for 2018. In my comic I have added things I haven't learnt to do such as self defence and swimming. Also added myself relaxing and having fun. Here it is below

Dye Art

In room 7 we decided to create  flowers filled with patterns and colour dye. We call it Dye Art. In this flower you can use any kind of patterns and colours to make it beautiful. Here is how you make it.

Ingredients/Material

Crayon (Not Pastels)

A piece of A4 paper

A sketching pencil or a normal pencil

Dye (Any colour)

A paint brush

Some Newspaper (Optional)

Instructions

First, just to make it easier you will need to fold your A4 piece of paper into quarters and start sketching out your 4 petals

Now insert your own pattern. Make sure it is not too small.

Pick out 2-3 colours and get them ready for the next step

Take one colour and and use it to go over the outline design

Go over the lines at least once or twice When done get a teacher or adult to help you with the dye part. You will have to dip your paint brush in the dye and then go over the whole flower

Now take your paper and place it somewhere safe to dry

When all dry, cut the whole flower out and arrange flower on cardboard.

Global Warming Poster

What is Halloween?

What is Halloween?

Halloween is a very festive and popular holiday, that is celebrated every year on October 31st. Halloween was originally called All Saints eve, All hallows, Samhain and soon shortened into halloween.

All saints day was made to remember those who have died. People believed that on the night of October 31st, the ghost of the dead would return to earth. In the eighth century many people ate soul cakes and carved pumpkins. They also disguised themselves by wearing costumes, so that they can fit in with the dead.

Back in the day it was more of trick than treat. For example kids or teenagers egg and trash people's houses. Now, halloween is more friendly, kidlike and more of a commercial holiday. Which means it's more about buying and spending loads of money. America especially tends to spend more than 6 billion dollars a year just on this holiday.

Halloween now is celebrated in many different ways. People watch scary movies, go trick or treating, decorate and do an activity called apple bobbing. In different countries people celebrate halloween differently.

Most mexican families create an altar for their loved ones and decorate it with their favourite things. (the loved one's favourite food, thing etc). On November 2nd is when they come together, wear disguises and paint faces quite similar to a skull. They call this The day of the dead. This is also how Asians celebrate it as well.

In the end, it is important to understand why halloween is celebrated and the importance of this holiday. Happy Halloween!

What is Christmas?

Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December every year. Everyone honours and loves this holiday because this was the day Jesus was born.

Many New Zealanders celebrate this holiday by decorating the inside and out of their houses to prepare for the special day. A lot of people also put big christmas trees and decorate them as well.

Around of the christmas tree goes the christmas presents. Now, the christmas presents are only to opened on christmas morning. Opening it before wouldn’t be as special.

Before the special day we have something called Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve has many of its own customs and traditions, for example people have something called ‘Midnight Mass’. Midnight Mass is a Christmas Eve  tradition in the Roman Catholic Church.

Many people have the tradition in which they open one gift on Christmas Eve and it would be their Christmas pajamas, so when they wake up on Christmas morning they'll be wearing their Christmas pajamas, while others wait until Christmas Morning to unwrap all the gifts, including what Santa Claus has brought them. Lastly people sing christmas carols such as:

• We wish you a merry christmas
• Twas the night before christmas
• Silent Night
• The 12 Days of Christmas
• Ave Maria
• Joy to world
• Jingle Bells

And many many more. Everyone in New Zealand love and enjoys celebrating the birth of Jesus. They love giving to one another and sharing there love that they have for each other.

Te Reo Maori - Favourite Food

This week for Te Reo Maori we learnt how to say some of our favourite foods in Maori. Here is a google drawing that I have made showing the different kinds of foods and what I have learnt.

My Imagination Visit

In writing this week we learnt how to write to a specific audience. For example kids, adults, teenagers and the elderly. I have created a recount that is suitable for young children. 

So, I used less difficult words, kept it PG (so no violence, blood or killing) and added PG photos. Please Enjoy! :)

Brushing our Teeth

Brushing our Teeth

Brushing our teeth is something that everybody should do everyday so that we don’t have rotten or smelly teeth. It involves a toothbrush and toothpaste.

How do you brush your teeth?

Of Course you have to have a toothbrush and toothpaste. Slowly squeeze the toothpaste onto the toothbrush, just so that it doesn't get all messy. Then start brushing your teeth. Gently move your brush back and forth in very short strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Why do we brush our teeth?

It is very important to brush your teeth because you will get a lot decay or bacteria in your mouth. It will eat there way through your teeth and then soon it will fall out. If not you are at risk of plaque building up in your teeth. Plaque is a type of bacteria that occurs in everyone's mouth.

Why do teeth get dirty?

The reason why our teeth isn't looking as flash as we want them to is because the food that we are deciding to place in our mouths. For eg. Coke, Chips, Sweets, Candies and many more sugary and fat foods. These kinds of food are what we should stay away from and they are what are producing more and more bacteria into our mouths.

In conclusion everyone should brush their teeth daily unless they want to have smelly and rotten teeth.

Pompallier Mission House

On 22nd of August 2017, the year 7 and 8 students from Glenbrae school had the chance to visit the Pompallier mission house at Russell as part of our school camp. Sixteen students visited the Pompallier mission house, along with the 2 teachers Miss Stone and Mrs Tofa.

It took us only about five minutes to arrive at our destination because our camp site was also in Russell. Our groups walked through the path and waited outside the Pompallier mission house for the tour to begin. Minutes later, our tour guide arrived and greeted us with a warm smile. Julie, our tour guide, started by giving us some background information about the house. They say the house was built only by five people and in some rooms, the builders incorporated shells, rocks and sand to make the walls. I was completely shocked.

Julie, took us into the first room. I walked in and saw a printer placed on a cross and loads of brown leather, which Julie said the french missionaries had made. Again I was completely shocked. Julie took us into the next room which was about leather. She took us outside where there was a hole with brown water in it. She explained how they made the leather which made us all disgusted. It included water, bark and cow urine.

Julie took us upstairs where it all explained why they made leather so much, one reason was for clothing and book covers. She said that the whole point of the house was to share a type of Christianity called Catholic. They used the leather to make prayer books too!. They stuck it to the front, back and sides of the book and then gave them out for free.

It came to the end of our tour. The tour guide really wanted us to sing a waiata for her so we sang Hallelujah. I think that we sang beautifully and pleased the tour guide Julie. She was also very impressed

We spent about an hour there and really enjoyed the tour. We all learnt a lot about the house. I was absolutely shocked, surprised and all sorts of emotions. I learnt loads about about my religion that I hadn’t known before  and hope that I come back and visit the beautiful Pompallier Mission House!.

Kayaking

Kayaking

On 23rd August 2017, our year 7 and 8 students of Glenbrae School had the opportunity to go kayaking at Russell as part of our school camp. Six students from my group participated in the activity, along with my teacher, Miss Stone.

As soon as we reached the beach we changed into our kayaking clothing and put on our bright red life jackets. Afterwards, Dan taught us what to do and what not to do when you’re in a kayak boat. We then talked about how to paddle, hand placements on the paddle, how to go fast and to stop. Later on, Dan assigned us to our own kayaks and got straight into the very cold water. We paddled for a short period of time so that we could test out the skills we had learnt. Then we learnt how to raft up, which is when all kayaks get a hold of an object and link with each other.

Moments later, my group paddled around the bay, once again, practising how to direct our kayaks. Dan our Instructor and Sarah our Adventure for Good (AFG) leader, decided to let us got further and experience the beautiful sceneries. The seawater was absolutely beautiful and the sun was shining brightly in the sky but the water was really freezing.

Later on in our lesson, we had races with each other which got us very, very tired. Some of us even bumped into rocks that slightly rocked our kayaks giving us a small heart attack. At the very end of our kayak lesson, we rafted up one more time and  got the chance to walk across the kayaks and cannonball into the water. I was the last person to do it. I jumped into the deep blue sea and it was extremely cold. I  managed to get sea water in my mouth which made it hard for me to breathe. I got back into my kayak and paddled back to shore where my group and I, helped Dan load the equipment into his truck.

Miss. Stone and Sarah allowed us to have a quick swim and play around a bit. I thought it was the perfect time to practise my water survival skills, skills such as help position, huddle, sculling and treading water.  When I finished, I joined the others and played games with them. I was shivering non-stop but I was able to stay in the water for quite a while. As it was time to leave, we got out of the sea and wrapped ourselves with our towels. We got into the vans and drove back to the our Camp site.

Our kayak lesson was such fun and was very cool. I am proud that I came back alive from the kayaking lesson and also for learning several skills. I am glad that I got to practise some swimming skills and I hope that I get another opportunity to kayak again. I had an amazing experience which I will never forget.

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How to make Scones!

How to make scones!

Scones were originally made by European people hundreds of years ago. It’s a more tasty and sweeter version of bread. Rich or wealthy people in England back in the 1800's always had tea with scones. They adored scones and had them all the time at tea parties. This recipe will make 6 small scones or 4 large scones.

Ingredients/Materials

• 1/2 cup Raisins (Optional)

• Plain flour

• 1 ½ cups of self raising flour
• 40g of butter
• 1 tsp of salt
• ½ cup of milk
• Bowl
• Knife
• Fork

Steps

1. First wash your hands with soap.
2. Now add the flour and salt into your large mixing bowl and mix until they are well combined.

2. Next add in your butter (Make sure to cut the butter into small pieces) and rub it into your flour until it looks and feels like breadcrumbs.

3. Then poke in a little well just in the centre of the bowl and slowly pour in the milk.

4.You now want to mix the mixture slowly until it is a little doughy.

5. Now get in with your hands and massage it a little and cut it into equal pieces (You do not want touch the dough too much or it will get tougher by the minute).
6. Then preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
7. Now place your dough onto a flat pan or baking tray and put it straight into the oven.
8. Cook it for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Once you are finish, i'd recommend you add cream and jam to them or if you like, add on margarine. Now they are ready to be served and eaten.

Grease Production by Auckland Girls Grammar

Movie Review of  'Grease' by Auckland Girls Grammar

1. This play is a musical about a nerd falling in love with a cool high school guy

2. My favourite part about this play is all the beautiful singing. They all were so talented and I loved it

3. I liked this play because everyone was so confident, talented and also very funny

4. I’d recommend this book to high school students. I reckon they’d like it and enjoy it

5. “You should really watch this play/movie. They are very talented and really really funny”

6.     Give it a star rating out of five: I give this movie a 5!

  Book review by: Telesia