Welcome to my Reflections Blog. This blog is a collection of events, resources, activities and reflections of my work as an Educator in Auckland, New Zealand. These posts are my own thoughts and opinions and are not a direct reflection of my employers.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Making Butter
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Character Descriptions:
Monday, September 13, 2010
Loni and the Octopus
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Rescued... A Narrative by Anais
Swallowed by the Monster... A Narrative by Jonive
Friday, August 20, 2010
Fishing Fun!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Meet Principal Keziah...
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.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Loni's News
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Should Tamaki Primary have swimming lessons twice a year?
Dear Ms Hansell,
Are you aware that summer is the most dangerous season to be at the beach? Kids should feel confident in water. Why? Because some kids don’t know how to swim and are afraid of being in water. I think children at Tamaki Primary have the right to know how to swim. Do you want us to be strong swimmers? TPS should have swimming lessons twice a year. I personally think kids should learn how to swim at a young age.
In summer it is likely to be packed with people. There might be children who can’t swim and get stranded in the water. Because of this reason you should let us go swimming twice a year so we don’t become one of those kids!
Do you want us to help others so they are also safe. It is also a good idea to learn how to swim because we are surrounded by a lot of water. Imagine the feeling of saving someone from drowning. Not many people know that drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death in New Zealand with around 105 people drowning each year since 2005.
Ms Hansell I hope that these reasons will persuade you enough to let us go swimming twice a year. I think its important to know how to swim because if you are in a situation with water you will know what to do! Which is why we need swimming lessons twice a year, especially in Term four!
Yours Sincerely
Teresa Mae