Fishing... A Recount by Zaiden

I was waiting in class excited to go to the wharf. I felt nervous. When we got to the hall I looked around. I could see all the other kid's lines and bait catchers. It took ages to get out of the hall because the teachers kept on talking. The senior syndicate all lined up outside and began our walk. The long walk to the wharf was exhausting. I could see the smiles on all the kids faces and could hear the laughter when Mr Saili got out of his car. I thought it was cool that he came fishing with us. The wharf looked kind of small and I was surprised it fit all of us on it. I was freezing but excited at the same time when I lowered my line slowly into the water.

Next I waited and waited, the waiting got a little boring. I saw Osaiasi's bait catcher fly away and wave goodbye to him. He got frustrated but he laughed. I felt sorry for him. I walked over to get some bait. It smelt putrid. It was like the bait just disappeared into the water! Time was flying by as we were having fun. Then the time had come to finish and Mr Lintott said "Lines in kids!"

I was amazed I caught nothing. I had an awesome day and I felt tired from all the fishing and playing around. Our classes formed two lines and marched back to school. It was so muddy walking across the rugby fields. I was glad I had shoes! I washed my hands when we got back but the smell of bait just wouldn't go away.

Rescued... A Narrative by Anais

As I saw the terrifying wave coming closer my heart was pounding so fast. It's enormous hands wrapped around my body. The midday sun was rising but I didn't feel the heat. The waves grabbed me laughing as they were pulling me closer. I took a really deep breath and found myself in the water.

I shivered with fear and in seconds there was total silence. All I could hear were waves crashing and I felt frightened.

"Help!" I yelled.

I was hoping the lifeguards would see I needed them. I was so relieved. As they were getting closer I couldn't wait for them any longer. When they yanked me out, I was thrilled but at the same time I was freezing.

"Put this around you," said the lifeguard.

"Thanks," I shivered.

Swallowed by the Monster... A Narrative by Jonive

When I was on the rocks I could see the crashing waves all around me. They all looked like an enormous frightened monster. It was a humungous monster. I couldn't believe it! It had sharp shiny teeth and it looked like it wanted to eat me and swallow me. The monster scared me.

When I was in the sea I felt like I was about to drown but I saw people on the rocks. I was calling but they didn't hear me. I saw a rock close by and I wrapped my arms around it. As I yelled "Help me!" I saw someone running.

When I saw the lifeguard I put my hand right out and I was really excited that someone was coming to help me.

"Are you ok?" the lifeguard yelled out to me.

"Help me!" I cried.

I felt so relieved to be pulled into the orange boat.

Fishing Fun!

Have a look at the fun the senior syndicate had fishing off the Panmure Wharf using the fishing rods and bait catchers they made as part of our Kei Raro I Te Moana unit...

Meet Principal Keziah...

What an extraordinary day for me to have the opportunity to be the principal for a day. I had so much fun and felt really important when the kids called me Miss Keziah.

My day started when I had to say a speech off the top of my head to the representatives from Rotary. For me it was nerve wracking to stand up there and say something, I thought I was going faint but I felt lucky to be able to help Mr Hunt give the Year 4 students their dictionaries.

After assembly the senior syndicate, Ms Hansell, the teachers and I did Kapa Haka. It was amazing we learnt a song and a Haka in about half an hour or so, it was unbelievable! Later on Kapa Haka was finished and the seniors had a five-minute early start to morning tea. While they were outside, I stayed in the hall with Ms Hansell, Mrs Fepulea’i and Miss Hansell and we had a hot drink. It was such a fun treat to do that.

After morning tea Ms Hansell had to go to a meeting so I was left in charge of the school. I felt so excited to have that job. Mrs Gibson gave me the school mobile phone to walk around with in case they needed to contact me. Next I went around the school to make sure that everything was ok and to see if the teachers needed anything done. I went into Room 6 (my usual classroom) for a little while to see what they were doing. They were all really pleased to see me. After that I helped Kelly with the lunches then the bell rang. I went outside and saw heaps of happy students and teachers it was an amazing sight to see. While everyone was outside some of the teachers and I went upstairs and got some yummy lunch and a hot drink in the staff room.

When lunchtime was finished I went into the office and helped Mrs Williamson count how many children had brought money for the school photos. After helping Mrs Williamson the bell for home time went and I turned back into a student and went and got R.J. (my younger brother). I had such a great day and my family were so proud of me. I would love to be a principal when I grow up. Thank you Ms Hansell.

Loni's Recount

Keziah tries to persuade Ms Hansell

Dear Ms Hansell

Wouldn’t it be nice to let someone else walk in your shoes for a day? Imagine being able to step back and let another person answer your phones and worry about the building project. I know that I am a responsible leader in our school and I know that I would be a responsible principal for the day.

I could arrange a little carnival day to fundraise money to fix the handle on the flying fox because kids like playing on it, and at the moment we can’t. I could organise a day of playing games and selling sausage sizzles and drinks. We could even have a mufti day and charge the kids $1.00 to wear the clothes they want to wear. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a fundraising day for our school?

If kids come to your office I could read their work, write comments and give them kiss stamps. I would feel excited to read what they have written about, and I could give them feedback and feed forward to help them write even better stories.

I could lead the Kapa Haka group because over the last few years I have been chosen to perform the karanga for the Year 6 graduations and other special occasions in our school. I know the words and actions for the waiatas and I could even teach the group a new song that I know. Wouldn’t that be cool?

Ms Hansell I know that you deserve a break from everything you do for us. Think about having a relaxation day, no work, no school no nothing just having a break from all your hard work. After all research shows if you give students as many opportunities as possible to serve as leaders in their schools it will inspire them to become leaders when they leave school. Being a leader is something I want to be, so I hope I have convinced enough you give me this opportunity.

Yours Sincerely

Keziah