Room 6 Upper Moutere School

New Blog

2011-12-07T14:44:00.001+13:00

As of today we have started a new blog if you would like to view it click the link below
New Blog
This blog will also be avalabile to view still but will not be found on the google search engine.
If you would like to view it please go onto our new blog and click the link provided.

Room 6

Behind the scenes at Capital E

2011-12-02T13:30:00.001+13:00

Here is a slideshow of behind the scenes at Capital E.
Click the link here, Enjoy!

Wellington Camp

2011-12-02T11:10:00.001+13:00

We all arrived heavily excited at school ready to go to camp. All of us hurried on to the bus for the three hour trip to Picton. On the way we watched a movie to keep us company. We raced on to the Ferry and headed off for a four hour long ride to Wellington.
A while later the lot of us sped up to the sundeck. The wind was so strong that we could lean into it and be held up. Finally after a long ride all of our excited bodies raced off the ferry and jumped into shuttles to the zoo.
The bags were carried into the room as all of us rushed outside to look at the Spider Monkeys and Capuchins. Then everybody walked in single file down to the playground. I heard laughs of thirty two kids and then all of a sudden Mr Watson said we had to go, that went so quick. A smell wafted into my nose, PIZZA! I thought. A stack of boxes came out of the car. My eyes were like magnets, I couldn’t keep them off the pizzas.

BY Edward Lane

Monday 21 November

2011-12-02T10:23:00.002+13:00

“Bye mum” I said with excitement running through my veins. Cchh! The doors closed and we were off on our fantastic trip to the capital of New Zealand and the North Island.
We were laughing our heads off. I just couldn’t wait to get there. The scenery was amazing and beautiful, seeing so many grapes made Mr Watson feel like a bottle of wine. Seeing his eyes bulge was a new experience.
We had finally got to Picton but had a pixie (Ferry) ride to go. I started laughing because I was so tired and we still had four hours until we got to wellington. I tripped onto the ferry not noticing the mind your step sign. The boat started to move. We were going so slow I thought Levi from Mitre 10 Mega was holding us back.
I tumbled down the never ending stairs to the cinemas. We watch Cars 2. Its about travelling the world and also the mighty spies. After the movie we went up to the sun deck. I was getting tossed around because it was so windy. I wondered how the wind turbines were still standing. We flew off the ferry and stood waiting while the teachers herded us into the shuttles.
We were on the final stretch to the zoo. We quickly unloaded our bags into Archibald House. We stood on the deck and watched the monkeys playing.
We walked to the playground, the boys bolted to the flying octopus. After getting worn out we staggered back to Archibald House to find boxes and boxes of pizzas. I ate six but nobody was counting.
The night tour awaited.....

By Kohu

Monday evening

2011-12-02T10:18:00.001+13:00

The monkeys carelessly flung themselves around their enclosure. They didn’t care that about 30 faces were staring at them, marvelling at their every move. The half humans were almost like street performers, the crowd and activity surrounding them didn’t matter, it was just them carrying on with their routine. They probably weren’t strangers to an audience, being part of a zoo, and a view to those inhabiting Archibald House.

I doubt the monkeys heads even lifted as our class bounded off into our zoo night tour. Our host, Kim, guided us through the night, an endless source of information on the animals.

We started with scavenging through a network of green and tree trunks, our treasure: rotten logs. It didn’t make sense at the time, but in hindsight it would make Meerkats very happy.

Keas were our first feature of the evening, but the shrieking of the Lemurs made interpreting information from Kim near impossible. As the night carried on it grew colder, and soon we were drizzled with rain. We passed many animals and soon the incredibly tall, creamy coloured, brown patched creatures ambled towards us. Their long necks supported kind eyes and large ears. One animal carefully plucked a dainty twig of pohutakawa from my hand. So tall.

The monkeys were hidden in the darkness as our class trudged back to Archibald House. They were silent. After all, we’d only merely been guests in their presence.

By Amanda

Night At The Zoo

2011-12-02T10:00:00.003+13:00

Monday 21st November

We were raging with excitement when we started off on the night tour. Kim our tour guide appointed us our first task which was to pick up dead pieces of wood that were slug infested. So we started off cleaning up the forest. It poured with rain but that didn’t stop us!

We trooped on to the giraffes feeding them with their favourite food pohutakawa leaves and fortunately they did not bite our fingers off. Strolling on to our next destination the lions which unfortunately at the time were having a doze. Our spirits silently dropped but with heaps of excitement still to come we carried on happy as ever.

We trudged in the door of Archibald house dripping and cold when suddenly the lights dimmed and the candles flickered from the kitchen window. Two cakes were brought out and placed on the table to celebrate Mum’s birthday. With our mouths watering over the cake we finally got to munch on it with us some juice.

We started to make our way to bed literally on a 2cm mattress and a towel as a pillow all in one room. We flopped on to the ‘bed’ most of us exhausted and settled down to watch Hop.

That night we tried to get to sleep. Some slept like logs, snoring away, others were lying their until about two in the morning with eyes wide open. We lay there in bed not a noise to be heard but our eyes finally gave and shut.

By Nicole

Wellington Zoo

2011-12-02T09:36:00.003+13:00

Wellington Camp 2011 Tuesday 22nd November

We had finally been made to wake up by the incredible roars of the Lion's & the screeching of the Gibbons. We packed and cleaned up Archibald House and started walking towards Mojo’s Café. While putting our luggage away, we caught a quick glimpse of the zoo’s gift shop.
Minutes later. We entered the café and sat at our tables. I was at a table with Amy, Lukas, Laurens and Regan. Once we all got a glass of orange juice I held up my glass to propose a toast and said “to Eilish not being here” and the rest of us at the table (apart from Amy who gave us the evil eye) toasted.

After a beautiful breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast with the boys and Amy, Kim (our guide) took Room 6 for a morning tour of the Zoo as we had seen the nocturnal animals last night. The first stop was the Chimpanzee's and they were pretty happy with us watching them. They enjoyed showing off for us!

From there we saw the Lions, Meercats, Porcupines, Red Pandas and a variety of other animals. At the end of the tour Kim gave us bracelets to say we had slept at the Zoo. We thanked her and moved to our next destination.

By Mitchell

Wellington Zoo Our Morning Tour

2011-12-02T09:21:00.001+13:00

Tuesday 22nd November we were woken up bright and early by the Gibbons, we packed up our bags and sleeping bags ; said goodbye to the Archibald House and walked to Mojo’s Café for breakfast.
Most of the class had either scrambled or poached eggs we also had a choice of muesli or French toast. When we finished our breakfast we looked at the little pygmy monkeys that were in a cage that we could see from inside the café.
Our tour guide Kim came and took us away to see the outside zoo to meet the animals. When we came outside we saw the little otters, little blue penguins and the Kunekune pigs. We walked around the Zoo and watched Sun bears, lions, cheeters, chimpanzees and many other animals and birds.
We visited the nest (A.K.A) the Wellington Zoo Animal Hospital.
When we got back to Mojo’s four shuttles arrived to transport us to Tory Street. We put our bags in the back of the shuttles. With a Whizz we left to our next destination Wellywood.

By Laurens

Matiu/ Somes Island

2011-12-01T13:54:00.003+13:00

The clean cut surface ripples below the plank.
My feet tremble as I step onto the Dominion Post Ferry. I stumble on searching for a good place to sit. Now retreating back to the front of the boat that was now moving. Starting off slowly and then gradually speeding up. The waterfront is now just faint buildings in the distance. As the buildings get smaller and smaller the island becomes bigger and bigger.

Once more we slow down.
We are now waiting for the other passengers to disembark.

When our class finally descends we all trail into quarantine where we scavenge for any pests or unwanted wildlife that may endanger the species on Somes Island. Once we are finished checking our bags we get into our three groups with one of the tour guides.

Our feet starting to blister, we tredge up the rocky path with the sea crashing below us. Gulls squawking, as we get closer to the top we spot a red parakeet entwined in the branches of a tree shading its self. My hat; now tugging for it's poor life to release its self from my head and into the hefty wind.
By Mya

Matui/Somes Island

2011-12-01T13:53:00.000+13:00

Matui/Somes Island

After finding our rooms and getting settled in to Wellywood we had a long walk to the wharf to have a bite to eat. After about half an hour the Dominion post ferry came in sight, slicing through the water like a bullet in pursuit of its target.
It was exhilarating zooming across the water and feeling the sea spray explode in your face. When we finally got to Somes Island we had to go through quarantine where they checked our bags for mice, rats, seeds and dirt. After quarantine we started the journey around the island.
It was amazing seeing the Weta houses, Leper Island, the animal quarantine stations, the bunkers and the lighthouse. After the walk around the island everyone was exhausted, we had a quick peep at the tombstones before we were off again, marching down the hill towards the ferry. Everyone was excitedly chattering about all the amazing sites they had taken in as they sat on the ferry on the way home.

By Zac

2011-12-01T13:43:00.000+13:00

Wellington Camp 2011

We walked to Laser Force all excited. We split into two teams. My group went first. The team walked into the briefing room to watch the instructions on the big TV. Then it was war time!
We threw on our vests and ran into the course. There were fluorescent lights and there was dry ice smoking. The game started. We raced around firing our guns like mad. I got shot in the back. Oh no! I was out for ten seconds and then game on!
At the end of the game a computer voice came over the speaker, “game over man.”
I was hot and sweating and I was annoyed because my gun hadn’t worked. I went for another game the next day and got a better gun. It definitely made all the difference.

By Regan

2011-12-01T13:41:00.000+13:00

We flooded into the black, smokey darkness, we swiftly moved to our base, we were soldiers, preparing for the challenge that awaited us, my team stood there, and then came a surprise attack, the other team burst out firing there guns, we weren’t even ready.
I heard my team mates getting zapped, I managed to escape.

Laser force was going to be a heap more fun than I thought. Lasers were blazing everywhere, I could see multiple red targets, I nailed all three of them, “Tango’s down.” I puffed under my breathe. “RAPID FIRE ACTIVATED!” The noise blasted around my eardrums. I felt a wave of power flow through me, adrenaline rushed through my veins, I felt INVINCIBLE! “VVVVvvvv” The sound of powering down drained my adrenaline. I swiftly moved to cover, a ninja in the shadows. “Don’t forget the targets” a cue for me to continue the battle.

The heat in here was enormous! Sweat calmly rolled down my head. Whilst sprinting around a corner I came face to face with an enemy, I dropped to the floor making myself a smaller target I went crazy on the trigger, not such a bad trigger finger eh? I was thinking. Going stealth I crouched and was about to pop up and zap an enemy, when a ear bursting noise sounded,

“GAME OVER!” I escaped through the door, out of the sauna like battlefield, Sweet as, can’t wait for the next game.” I muttered

By Ewen Tuisamoa

Wellington Camp 2011

2011-12-01T12:33:00.000+13:00

Laser force
On Tuesday evening we all walked to Laser Force. Mr Watson went and paid for the Laser Force games and Miss I gave us tokens to the arcade. We all split into two groups.
The first group went to play Laser Force and the other group went and played in the arcade. First you walk into a small room and you watch a movie of how you play. Then you got into another room and there you got a blinking vest and a Laser gun.
Suddenly two sliding doors open and you go into the Laser Force maze. After playing two games of laser force we went and played in the arcade. The gaming was so much fun, we would have loved to have stayed longer but no…..we all walked back to Wellywood half asleep.

By Lukas

A night at Laser Force

2011-12-01T12:28:00.002+13:00

It was Tuesday night and we were on the move. At first I had no idea where we were heading. We all walked past the towering buildings and art sculptures on our way to Laser Force.
'Wow this is cool," I thought.

It was exciting because I had never been anywhere like this before. All we could see was gaming machines, ping pong, air hockey, racing games, motorbike games and lots more. Man this is better than doing work at school!

We were split into two groups. The other group disappeared and Ms I dished out five token each. "Hmm what are these for?" I thought, but I quickly worked it out. There so many choices I found it hard to decide. My favourite games were Racing, Shooting, Ping Pong and Star Wars. I was speeding through jungles and snowy worlds, diving under water and then sitting behind a wheel racing in Japan and London.
Before we knew it we all hopped off the gaming machines and walked into the room with the TV in it. "What’s going to happen?" I wondered, I had a feeling this was going to be amazing.
The video showed us what we needed to do and then we raced into the next room. There were chest pads with a gun on the front and the lights flickered on and off. There were two colours of breastplates to choose from- red and green. I put on the red battle suit and grabbed my gun. On everyone’s suit there was a code name. Then a humongous door slid apart and we all walked in. There was smoke everywhere and flurescent lights glowing in the darkness.

We all went inside wondering what is going to happen. Suddenly lasers came flying at us, we quickly ducked and hid but then I saw a green battle suit I fired and ran for my life but more and more green battle suits came out of nowhere!

Needless to say when we were given the choice to go back to Laser Force or shopping I went back for more. It was one the best experiences I had on camp and I was actually pretty good or at least better than some other people I don’t want to mention.

Joshua D

Lazer Force

2011-12-01T12:27:00.000+13:00

In the darkness of the arena I could see the red flashing lights of my opponent’s suits. I knew what I had to do, I made my move. I rolled around the corner with my gun blazing and next minute I had gained rapid fire! I creped around the maze assonating people on my way. I was about a group of people when a voice emanated from my suit saying “game over man, game over.” I emerged in to the light of the Lazer force main room. It was a blast!

By Burgess

Wellington Camp Capital E

2011-12-01T12:21:00.000+13:00

“Silence in the Studio Video tape is rolling, Floor manager prepare to cue presenters, in 5 4 3 2 1 Cue Now! Our brief, was given to us first explaining what we would be doing, though looking back on it now I think it was going in one ear and out the other ,we were just too excited.

Sixty minutes prep and practise. But we just wanted to do it. Our excitement was only kept in by the flash cameras and fancy equipment. We had already applied for our jobs and had a basic understanding of what we were doing.

There are three main rooms, the studio floor, location set and control room. Each had their own role. The control room was an aircraft cockpit, full of buttons, knobs and flashing lights. This is where the director, sound team, vision mixer and technical producer work. You often heard the director groan with confusion and frustration.

Meanwhile on the studio floor, the cameramen were working out how to use their equipment. “Fifteen minutes to dress rehearsal”. The presenters, reporters and interviewees were dressed and ready to go thanks to the wardrobe team; they looked nervous and pleased with their new costumes.

“Five minutes”. By this time everyone was buzzing waiting for our rehearsal. We lumbered into the briefing area and had a quick discussion.

“Go!” We went to our stations ready to start the opening title. “5,4,3,2,1, cue now!” A few stumbles come from the presenters the rest of the rehearsal flashes by like a blur. A few mistakes were made but were repaired.

Everybody’s nerves were gaining again because of the upcoming final show. The presenters were cued we were off after the dress rehearsal the nerves were settled and the stammering had stopped.

Poor Shawn and Edward had been thrown in the deep end, being told upon arrival that they would be in front of the cameras instead of behind. But they pulled through, as did the rest of the class.

The final show was a great success, was heaps of fun and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

By Callum and Milaan

Weta Cave

2011-12-01T11:56:00.000+13:00

We rushed through the miserable rain. We trampled into the leather comfortable shuttle seats getting the seats wet with our tired warn out bodies. I could see a bright yellow sign that said Miramar. I bounced out of the vehicle as soon as I hopped out I wanted to get straight out of the unbearable weather. I spotted the Weta Cave in the distance so I quickly and quietly went in. I looked above me there was a giant lifeless thing leaning over me. I couldn’t make a decision move away or don’t move a muscle. Massive models stalk me with their bright menacing eyes. Their size makes me feel like nothing. Knife like teeth aim at me I felt like I was going to be his lunch. It looked so life like with its black dirty disgusting hair. It was Lurtz from Lord of the Ring. Out of all of the characters Lurtz was the one that caught my eye.
By Connor Pope.

The Cave

2011-12-01T11:51:00.000+13:00

I crept into the crowded cave. The innocent shady bloodshot eyes starred me down as I curiously searched. I turned around, there it was, the thin thread hair, the grey sensitive skin, the sharp pointed teeth… Gollum
Figurines filled the rocky shelves. Demons hung from the roof grimacing at anyone and everyone. The giant detailed monsters towered over, making you feel like tiny ants.
A pack of us piled into an icy black space, confused. I took my seat on the comfy piece of cushion.
Lights flickered as a movie started to role. We gasped in amazement as we watched characters being made from scratch.
“What a job, what a career”, we exclaimed as we exited the world beyond worlds at Weta.

By Graham

Cable Car-Carter Observatory (Wellington in space)by Stephen

2011-12-01T11:50:00.000+13:00

On Wednesday Jo and I went up the cable car to the Carter observatory.
At the building, we went to a show about the stars and constellations.
We also watched a video about the universe. I was so pleased.
The planetarium is a big dark room with comfortable chairs in a circle facing the centre. It suddenly goes the darkest of dark and I felt a bit excited.
The dome shaped ceiling became a starry night filled with constellations. A narrator told us about the stars, how they were formed and how they die. I learnt about the pot which is Orion’s belt and sword upside down and a red star which is the Eye of Taurus. I also learnt that stars are big balls of gas which are born in giant gas clouds called nebulae. When stars die, they expand as red giants before shrinking as white dwarfs and disappearing. 5 billion years from now, the sun swells into a red giant swallowing up the inner planets before getting smaller as a white dwarf and fading away.
Some stars become supergiants before exploding as SUPERNOVAS before becoming neutron stars about the size of a mouse or collapsing stars called black holes that suck everything into it and crushed down to nothing, including light, gravity, even time. After the show, it was pouring with rain so Jo and I put on our raincoats and dashed through the puddles to the cable car. It was much better than walking! The cable car itself was made of wood with wooden seats, ceiling and floor. A bell rings as you start to descend slowly and the car stops midway which enables the other cable car to pass as it ascends. One car counterweights the other. We got off at Lambton Quay and walked past the shops to the department store called Kircaldie + stains. It was an old fashioned store because it has a big winding staircase in the centre of the store and glass display cabinets. I bought Gemma a present and we met with my friends at Capital E on the quay. It was an awesome day.

Shopping in Wellington

2011-12-01T11:42:00.000+13:00

On the shuttles I could not stop thinking of going shopping we have been past lot of cool shops that I wanted to go in. Miss I let us go at last off in groups of six or less. It was overwhelming to be in Wellington again, there were so many shops compared to Nelson! We were racing to beat the time: two hours with too many shops was not long enough time but we still had lots of fun.
Everyone in my group bought something. I bought a pair of earrings, a nice t-shirt and some present for my friends. When our time was up we reluctantly left the last shop and headed back to the food court for dinner.
As we walked into the food court we spied one of the other groups so we looked round till the last stragglers got there, now we could have dinner. There were so many places to eat like Indian, Chinese and loads more. As I was walking around my tummy was rumbling, I was definitely feeling hungry. McDonalds hit the spot and filled me up.

Now we only have one more thing till bed time …….the Pantomime, but that’s another story involving a strange man called Alfred John Smith A.K.A my Dad. It was an amazing day I couldn’t wait till tomorrow!
By Amy

Sweet Shopping, Lol Laserforce

2011-12-01T11:38:00.001+13:00

It wasn’t until Wednesday afternoon that we got a well-deserved break. We got to make the choice of going shopping or playing laserforce again. Hard choice for some, but not for me. Shopping is basically my hobby!

Because there were thirteen people who wanted to go on a shopping spree and we all wanted to go to different shops, we needed a plan. We were divided into smaller groups to save time while shopping. Our group of five started walking, trying to avoid getting soaked by the raindrops that clung to our rain jackets, and twisted and tangled our damp hair. I didn’t care much about my damp hair, because I was wearing a rain jacket, which is definitely not a way to make a fashion statement!

After a slow but steady walk through puddles on the streets of Wellington, we finally found a shop that we wanted to go to: Valley Girl. Ella, Mya and I rushed inside, hurriedly taking off our rain jackets. We wanted to look at least a bit fashionable when shopping for clothes. Judging by the ads, decoration and bright façade of the shop, summer had already started here!

In the thirty minutes that we were in Valley Girl, we felt far away from the real world, which at the last time we looked was cloudy, charcoal coloured and very wet. Practically hyperventilating with excitement, the three of us gathered ideas for outfits in our heads, and the summer’s new trend’s in our arms to try on.
We each walked out with one bag in our hands, and were happy with the contents: maxi dresses (Ella), tops (Me), crop tops (Mya). Meanwhile, Brodie and Burgess went to the Rugby World Cup shop, but felt ripped off by the crazy prices.

Time flew by and after we’d been to Bling, (where we picked out some jewellery to complete our outfits), Equip, and Glassons, where Mya and I walked out empty handed, and Ella strutted out of the plain, cream façade wearing a new pair of sunnies. After complimenting Ella on her flattering choice, we glanced at Lori’s watch. We realised that we needed to go to the food court where we arranged to meet up with everyone in way less time than we expected.

We started speed walking. A look of horror, then a faint smile crept on my lips, as I realised I would have to multi task to manage. I started putting on my new hair band from Equip, while juggling my beloved black backpack on my back, and three shopping bags in my dominant right hand. I managed, though I needed a bit of assistance from Ella.

As we finally get to the food court, we started to become paranoid, with no sign of familiar faces in the crowd. It was just us five, and Lori, who allowed herself a nervous glance at her watch. As Lori held up her watch so we could see what the handles showed, we got an unexpected laugh attack. We had speed walked so fast that we were the first group there!

With twenty minutes still left, I rushed into Whitcoulls, which was next door. “Teen Vogue, please have Teen Vogue,” I think to myself, childishly crossing my fingers for luck. It must have worked though: there it was though, sitting on the shelf. I hurriedly grabbed it, and ran to the counter to pay.

As I walk back to our “Restaurant,” most people are here now, telling excited tales of bargains, and high scores on laser force. Miss I gives us our $ 15 dollars, and the thirty-two of us rush off into every imaginable direction. After we had dinner (Indian for me), Ella and I rush off into the bathroom to glam ourselves up to go to Circa Theatre. Ella puts on her floral and paisley patterned maxi dress that she brought before, while I put my striped navy and white top on, the bright scarlet bow of my top casually hanging over my black cardigan, we leave the bathroom. We’re ready to go!
By Vanessa

Pantomime

2011-12-01T11:25:00.002+13:00

After an exquisite dinner, we briskly walked in the cold breeze towards the Circa Theatre. We walked single file slithering between people. As the Theatre came in sight, we had accomplished another 1 of the many challenges we had overcome in Wellington. We sat on the comfortable seats made of a spongy red fabric.

“Widow Twanky Hanky Panky…Twanky here no Hanky Panky!” were the first words of this outrageously-out of this world performance. Widow Twanky was the mother of Aladdin, who was the main character in this amusing Pantomime. Hanky and Panky were friendly Twankys servants. We scoffed and hissed, ooooh and booed, cheered and applauded, laughed and cried all through this awesome pantomime. We were invited on stage to do some dancing as well.

Of course there was a happy ending!

By Brodie

2011-12-01T11:24:00.001+13:00

Watch us Perform at Circa Theatre!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RNzCzwENlI

Pantomime Aladdin

2011-12-01T10:10:00.000+13:00

After a scrumptious dinner at the food court all of Room 6 strolled to Circa Theatre to watch the amazing experience of Aladdin,
We slouched down in our seats to get ready for the pantomime. The pantomime performers encouraged us to join in on some of the parts.” Hello I am Mrs. Widow Twanky and…” hold on, I thought to my self, a widow is a very poor person! She doesn’t look poor? “This is my son Aladdin. I have my very own made up job to wash and clean laundry, Oh and I almost forgot this is Hanky & Panky”.
Colourful costumes swivelled past. Song harmonies and the occasional tango filled the theatre room with joy. Melting ice creams and sticky lollipops were all over my Farmers bag. Suddenly a of puff of smoke emerged from the stage and an orange genie came out of the smoke “hellooo” she said….
What a great experience going to a Pantomime! Fun!
Tyla

The Unexpected

2011-12-01T10:00:00.002+13:00

I broke through the glass doors of TePapa. Memories flooded In, when I lived in Wellington I came here often. I threw my heavy weight bag into the jail like cage. Scott, our tour guide, with an Australian accent had just started and we were in for it for the next hour.

The glowing globe was our first stop. We strode in like a herd of elephants and made our way to the padded bench. Looking around I spied several rocks. “Nothing special,” I scoffed. “These are the centre of the earth rocks,” Scott announced. “Now that’s something,” I admitted. We were asked to pick up the rocks. “Piece of cake!” I snickered. My hand curved the rugged greasy rock. So maybe it wasn’t so easy but there were still two more to try. I felt very awkward when everyone else managed to pick them up. The rocks from the centre of the earth were definitely heavier than the outer layers. The one from the actual centre was so heavy it was pretty much an iron rock.

I skipped to the next room it was time to move on. The earthquake house and the scales lay in front of me. Man they looked like they had got bigger! Next was the Marae and finally we learnt a little about early New Zealand.

We excitedly made our way to the rides, slipped through the slender door. I kept track of my foot steps and my eye on the exit feeling bilious. I had already scared the living daylight out of myself. Now it was compulsive. I had to edge myself to the navy blue seats. I gripped onto the two bumpy handles like it was a matter of life and death. Fears filled my head. I had to get out of here!
I was proud, I had overcome my feelings of reluctance. But time had flown by I was already seized in the back of my seat. My last question before the ride came out muddled. The calm man assured me it was fine. What was I in for? A mammoth finger punched the screen and the pictures flew. Unexpectedly your seats moved with it. I felt the air pressure lower and a chill shock went through my body. I almost knew what was coming…. Videos a bike crash. The seats forced your body and jolted you back. More videos filled my eyes.

I felt dizzy and stumbled off the ride. I felt like I had actually fallen off a bike. What had just happened?

We scavenged around stopping through out the place. History, buildings, displays.

The glass doors were spotted again. It was time to go. But I’m still left wondering why could I not lift that rock????
By Connie Sellers

Te Papa

2011-12-01T09:54:00.000+13:00

We finally arrived at Te papa after a long exhausting walk carrying our heavy day packs. We all stepped into the nice cool museum. Everyone had to place their bags into a big metal cage.

At the start of the trip we were all given numbers 1 to 32, so 1 to 16 were in one group and 17 to 32 were in another. My group was 17 to 32 and our leader was named Scott; he is from Australia and hasn’t been working in New Zealand for long.

I haven’t seen Te papa for a long time so I learnt a lot.

He took us to all his favourite places. My favourite was the giant (gross) squid. Did you know that squid have a donut shaped brain? Its throat goes right through the middle. If it swallows something too big it gets stuck in its donut I meant brain.

My other favourite was the very colourful marae. The one carving that related to me was three people tallest to shortest. It relates to me because it’s my brothers and I, that’s the way it’s always been.

It was nearly over and I thought we were just going to go home but I was then informed that we were also going on some rides! I imagined a roller coaster or something but it was a submarine,
I couldn’t wait to have a look inside.

By Summer

Parliament

2011-12-01T09:36:00.002+13:00

We were swallowing the last of our lunch as the protestors stormed up the hill and came to a halt next to the statue of Mr Seddon. We watched in amazement as only few of us have seen people protesting before. After the protesting, we entered the parliament building.
We got searched for any metal. Once everyone was searched we started the tour around parliament. There are four main buildings in parliament. The old parliament building was never finished. There is a tunnel from Bowen building to the Bee Hive; the tunnel is used so if a MP is in a hurry they can use the tunnel instead of walking across the road.
In the oldest building there is the debating chamber, in the chamber there is a speaker who is in charge. The prime minister always sits four sets down from the speaker.
Once our tour came to an end, we collected our bags and thanked our tour guide, Miranda. We had gained a lot of information. We all had a great experience.
From Parliament we rushed back to Lambton Quay, where we boarded the Cable Car, which took us to the Botanical Gardens. We all marvelled at the views of Wellington. It was an awesome day.
We posed for our Group photo, and headed back down again.
Off to the railway station!
By Josh G

Wellington Parliament

2011-12-01T09:31:00.002+13:00

Key still stays in the lock
Thursday 24th November
Tomato, Lettuce, ham and cucumber, make my way down the back of my throat.
The Wellington Beehive behind us.
“Oh, here we go”, I hear the typical deep voice of Glenn Grant.
“NO ASSET SALES! NO ASSET SALES!” bellow the Labour followers and right in front of our eyes a protest forms right outside parliament.
With our tummies full, we make our way to the entrance of the gigantic building.
“Bags please, oh and if you have any metal items in your bags please remove them”, mumbled the security officer like a CD stuck on repeat.
“Miranda is my name; now let’s make our way to the classroom”.
Facts whiz through my head as more are punched in. Three buildings, Kate Shepard, Speakers, Every bit of information is whirling and twirling around and around. Did you know that there are 8 major parties and 8 parties out of parliament?
The architecture is so beautiful; every bit looks as if it has been untouched since it was first built. Every piece of furniture and wallpaper looks as delicate as a feather.We all found parliament really interesting!
“So who’s go to win the election? “asked the tour guide Miranda. Well I guess we know that one now!

H20 Just add water!

2011-12-01T09:23:00.002+13:00

There are no places anywhere! My eyes frantically searching for a free changing space.
Finally I throw on my togs and yell “summer, Mya, Vanessa, Grace you guys ready?! LET’S GO!!”
A tropical blast swings round the corner right into my dumb struck face. Amazed, I stand there lifeless but my eyes still in action.
A tug on my arm sends me flying with 4 other girls into the deep aqua.
A refreshing burst of blue crawls around me sucking me closer to the middle. Screams of delight circle my head. All of sudden a yell awakens me from my trance, “Ella, the hydro sides!”
Still not knowing where the voice had come from I seem to follow its command.
After staggering up more flights of stairs I reach the top. Just to be safe I choose the slowest moving. Half way down, still twisting and turning I decide I need some more... EXHILARATING! The Black Hole!
Another journey up the mountain, sprinting this time. The black hole lures me in. I side into the water and look behind me and realise there’s no turning back…
By Ella

H2O X STREAM

2011-11-30T13:56:00.002+13:00

H2O X STREAM

Thursday 24^th Yells and deafening screams rush into my ear as I twirl deeper and deeper into the pitch black vortex. We meet a long high corner and two rapid quick ones. BANG! SMACK! A mangled mess, we barrel back into light. Smiles light up our faces after we remember the journey we’ve just been though. Joe’s newly acquired battle scar, a bloody nose dribbles calmly down his face. We stepped out of the powerful current shaken, but excited and sprint back up the stairs ready for another go on the “black hole”.

Suddenly I changed my mind and leapt onto the hyper slide. I shot straight down at supersonic speed and crashed into a wall of water. Blinded I wade though the water, my steps clumsy as I stumble outside only to be blown away by the sweet smell of meat on the BBQ. I scoffed my face with tender ham burgers and sausages in bread. One word, AWESOME!

By Shawn

Somes Island

2011-11-30T12:18:00.000+13:00

Somes Island
click on this link to view the somes island slideshow.

H20 Xstream

2011-11-30T11:33:00.004+13:00

I was spinning down the dangerously speedy slide and waving at Milaan who was precariously standing halfway down. Screams were heard behind me but all sound was drowned out by my exhilarated heart pumping, finally I was out of the watery falls.

As I climbed up to challenge the Black Hole I thought “wow that was epic!”. Next minute I knew I was in for some fun as I dived into a tsunami of darkness I didn’t know how many corners I went around but as I wiped out into the pool Zac was there to greet me.

I then dragged myself outside to be amazed an awesome array of sausages and burgers grilled perfectly by Mr Watson. I grabbed a bun, cheese and a burger,sat down and started munching, Exhausted.

By George

2011-11-30T11:28:00.002+13:00

On Thursday the 23 November we went to capital E and made a news program ONTV
Here's our final video!
Click on the link to watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxP5_gyvTBU

Wellington Camp

2011-11-30T11:27:00.000+13:00

Wellington Camp
Click on this link to view another wellington camp Animoto 2011!

Wellington Camp 2011

2011-11-29T10:27:00.000+13:00

Wellington Camp 2011

http://animoto.com/play/0dDXNqR2CN2sOPIISw5hgw

Our Final Day of Camp

2011-11-29T09:43:00.002+13:00

Sleep screams at me as I heave my bag down those dreaded stairs I have been tramping up all week. The large blocks of cement shadow dark, lonely streets preventing the blazing gold of the roaring sunrise.I slump heavy hearted glancing back wistfully at the Zebra painted building that was my home for only a short while.

The rumbling motor ceases and we trail out into the empty, windswept terminal. We grab any suitcase and begin piling them up in front of a waiting truck, letting the leaders of the pack squeeze the bags in tightly. Obediently we file up the escalators rising above the cold wharf onto the sunny deck of the grand Kaitaki Ferry. The sun dawns over the horizon tickling my pink cheeks and warms my blue legs. We grab a seat, peer out rain-stained windows and get settled, digging for wallets and checking watches.

The crossing; a shining day, highlighting the greenery of the Marlborough Sounds. Finally we catch a glimpse of little white sailing boats of Picton Wharf. We make a train from the truck to the bus and begin passing along our cargo. Eventually, once aboard the bus we sit down and chatter about the last few days we spent together. What an amazing camp!

By Grace

Rugby from a different point of view.

2011-10-03T11:08:00.003+13:00

Why does rugby have to be so boring?,
People talking about it every morning.
So unexciting , so uninviting
I wish i could just go into hiding!
Take a minute and sit right here,
Look though MY eyes,
I DON'T CARE!!!

Ella Doty.

Rugby World Cup Poems

2011-09-29T10:55:00.002+13:00

"Aussie Aussie Aussie
Oi Oi Oi"
got really smashed by the Irish boys.
They endured large
amounts of pain,
but it was all worth it
because they won the game.
The lucky green shamrock and pot of gold,
brought back happy faces of the young and old.
The Australian team was as cocky as can be,
and went out there and lost to the green.
15-6 was the score,
the disappointed Aussies played really
poor.

By Graham

Magnificent Mare

2011-09-15T11:53:00.002+12:00

For reading and writing we had been doing poetry. This is my poem about my favourite animal-

Magnificent Mare

My hand traced down her copper shoulder,

Since I'd seen her last, she looked older

Her pale yellow mane fell over her neck

The silky golden coat had white flecks.

She stood perfectly still,

Her voice fresh and shrill.

Each hoof was black

Her beauty had no lack

A white blaze ran the length of her face,

Her tail a flowing stream of lace.

The mare was beautiful,

Her speed plentiful.

Her feet swallowing land

As she stretched out across the sand

She was as fit as a flea,

And most importantly,

Free!

By Amanda

Simply M.A.S.S.I.V.E!

2011-09-15T11:35:00.004+12:00

Butterfly Olympics. It seems its being hosted in my belly right now. Butterflies speeding about competing to get a gold medal.
Steadily tiptoeing down the corridor skimming to the corner and edging to the right. I creep up to the door, my heart pounding against my ribcage, a constant beat “Ba Boom, Ba Boom”! We listen as the music to the school before us starts up. It’s a total party in the hallway, everyone giggling and moving about, dancing to the beat. Soon enough all music ends, everyone is clapping. Ok this is it, our turn to shine and amaze the crowd. Dead silence now falls ahead. The entrance squeaks open, taking one step at a time I reach the steps.

The microphone, feeling clammy in my hands is now in front of my trembling lips, though I am now feeling more vulnerable; as this powerful mechanism will send my voice soaring, bouncing off the walls and rebounding to the audience’s ears. I hear a muffle of movement, oh wait that’s me. My feet not sure what to do as I state my speech, hoping not to stumble my words. My voice starts to fade I have nothing more to say, I smile, what an accomplishment I did my best and that was great, I slide to the left of the stage, red velvet sliding through my fingers then swishes behind me.

Trudging through the ocean of bodies I reach for my mask. I yank it over my head trying not to smudge my make-up. Flipping my frizzy afro over, I pull my mask up and adjust my costume. Ella’s booming voice rose creating a loud shock of an echo across the hall giving me a huge jolt.

Buzzing with anticipation I pace around waiting for my part to arrive. Soon enough it did. A loud scream gave way, our signal. I clomp onstage and trudge to the front. ‘Nod head to side three times, clap hands above head and glide to the right, then again to the left, clap again and bounce three times. Two arm swings to the left then another two to the right, moonwalk backwards, spin and pose!’ wow that was quick! I clamper offstage to change costumes. I lean against the soft wall dodging and getting out of everyone’s way.

A flashing light flickers below the curtains creating a cool effect. Pirates of the Caribbean. We all fumble into our lines in an orderly fashion. Right, left right, left go our arms getting closer and closer to the middle. All of a sudden the music starts to fade and flicker as Ella’s voice reappears. Reassembling into the Titanic formation.

A new song appears an angelic voice floats through the air creating laughter and joy from the crowd. A foggy mist is now surrounding us creating a mystical aroma. But then… “Crash!” the ice berg! I collapse to the ground along with the rest of the ship creating a domino illusion. No wait! There is hope! We rise making a Mexican wave of bows.

Smiling with achievement we trample down the stairs as the crowd applauds us with happiness. I prance, twist, turn, skipping down the hall. I feel like I’m walking on air! Just so excited and yet so tired.

My hand searches wildly for the bowl and then quickly dips in and reappears with a mouth watering jellified lolly. I simply toss it into my mouth before I collapse from tiredness. The bright lights of the classroom blind me as I swiftly pack up my gear ready to go back home to bed. A place where I could dream about the previous event searching for what I could have done
better. I could also dream about how it was tremendously, outrageously and simply…MASSIVE!!!

By Mya Pope

MASSIVE!

2011-09-15T11:21:00.003+12:00

I took slow steps down the hallway, butterflies tap dancing fiercely around in my stomach. I reached Room 4 and before I had even walked through the door Mrs I yelled at me, “Are you in your black?”Luckily I was already in them.Despicable Me popped up on the data projector and we all sat down, relieved, and watched in silence.

All too soon Mr Watson’s loud voice boomed over us, “time to get dressed into your first scene!” The movie stopped. Suddenly the room was filled with action and noise as we all started to get dressed. In what seemed like seconds we were walking down the hall, a sea of different characters glued to the right.

A group of flag rapped kids from Brooklyn School crowded out of the purple door. That was the signal. The signal that told us to: Go through the door and get ready to perform. This was the day and the moment we had been waiting for.

Ella’s voice echoed out onto the stage “Oi you two…” as Conner and Amy yanked the remote off each other. The all of a sudden smoke puffed out onto the stage as Cullum strode out from nowhere and ‘Men In Black’ started.

All too soon, ‘Boogie Wonderland’ boomed out over the speakers and it was my turn. I waddled out onto the stage, lights streaming down on us penguins like a torrenting waterfall of colour. “Don’t stand on my flipper Tyla.” I muttered under my breath.

I did my penguin dance in front of everyone shaking and feeling very stupid as giggles from the audience reached my ears. Ewen slowly stepped onto the stage as Darth Vader, and it was time to get off into the dark crowded backstage.

My penguin suit flew off me, and in moments was replaced by a dark cape and shiny green tie. Harry Potter! I hopped onto my blackened scooter, a broom-stick poking out the back of me.
Harry Potter flew out onto the stage. A Mexican wave of: “Oohs” and “ahhs” came from the crowd, as the rest of us flew on, and it was my turn. I flew around the stage like a bird. I went off in a frantic panic. Literally two seconds later I cartwheeled onto the stage like a fast spinning wheel. I met Nicole in the centre and we fought with imaginary swords off stage.

Ella screamed onto the stage once again. Amy and Connor still had not moved it. But wait. What was happening? The music had changed and a black boat was formed it was...The Titanic!

A white figure emerged out from the bow of the ship and sang. I stood there staring straight ahead listening as Ella’s voice echoed over the intrigued audience. As Ella finished, a silence washed over the crowd, then suddenly erupted with loud claps, whistles and stomping of feet. It was finished and it really had been MASSIVE!!

Massive!

2011-09-15T11:13:00.002+12:00

“Ugh Mum, careful with that liquid eyeliner,” I say quickly. Mum, who is generally an expert when it comes to applying make-up, that is, if she does it right-handed. My mum had an accident last week and injured her right wrist…
Looking at myself in the mirror, I notice that the result isn’t that bad; it can be saved with a few wipes and swishes of a cotton bud.
As I slide into our car’s seats, I think to myself: what if I do something wrong? Although I didn’t say anything, Mum gives me an encouraging smile, and squeezes my hand.
I push the door to the girl’s bathroom wide open, and I put my nun’s robe on. I also check my make-up. Now for the final touch to my outfit; a white cross necklace.
Now comes the part that I hate: waiting. All 30 of us are squashed together backstage. As Mya makes her speech, I start to get very nervous!
“I will follow him… ever since …” Us nun’s walk on stage. I see Mr Watson and Miss I giving us the thumbs up from the back of the hall.
Now for the final scene from Titanic. The iceberg comes crashing into us, the boat. We all fall down like dominoes!
We all jump up and get off stage, only to come back on tomorrow. By Vanessa

Lunch With The Boys

2011-09-09T11:07:00.025+12:00

Our numbers were picked 7 and 18 we high fived. "Callum and Milaan you are going to have lunch with two All Blacks". Friday took ages to come, but finally at 11:30 it was time to go. We were supposed to be at the Motueka Recreation Centre by 12:00. Milaan's Dad was meant to pick us up at 11:30. We waited and waited and waited... A blue Honda rounded the bend, John rocked up at ten too. Ali and Ben here we come.

Another bout of waiting. Subway donated biscuits and sandwiches Cocoa Cola also gave us drinks. There were about twenty of us having lunch and a near 600 waiting outside.

"Look at all that food!"

Suddenly a tall figured ducked under the doorway and then a smaller rounder muscly one came through. They went in one door and out the next.

Our first glimpse of the ABs.

We were given half an hour with them to get signatures and photos. By golly we made the most of it, T-shirts, posters, books everything possible was signed even apples. Here are some photos

We were then asked to escort them out the door and onto the field. We were told to box them in so they didn't get mobbed. Luckily we didn't have to fight off any screaming fans instead we got more photos

Imposter's! Look how tall he is! Look how strong he is!

Sadly our awesome day came to a rather abrupt. End after saying goodbye to the helicopter we headed back to school to politely brag to our class mates. Wow that was awesome.

By Milaan and Callum.

American Panckes

2011-07-15T11:37:00.002+12:00

Zac, Burgess, Amanda set off to the hall to make American pancakes. First I slid open the batter box and from there, Burgess poured the batter into the bowl. Creamy white milk splashed around the rims of the bowl as it was poured in. Rose red cranberries scattered into the bowl. We stirred the batter and let it sit for a while. Using the time wisely I went over to the cast iron griddle and sprayed peaks of canola oil onto each pancake circle.

Time passed and I got to fry the pancakes. I carefully placed the mix in. When the bottom turned golden brown it was time to flip. I dug the spatula under each one and gave them a good flip. When both sides were perfect I placed them onto the piled high plate.

They were superior!
By Connie

2011-07-14T11:44:00.003+12:00

Cultures Day

“Wow great dress!” I complimented Ella on her Japanese costume. Suddenly everybody started roaring with laughter and then Zac strode in. He was dressed as a Mexican, on top of his head sat a sombrero. He was clothed in a poncho and under his arm sat a bag of corn chips.

That all happened on Friday and it was pretty awesome. later on in the day Mrs I announced that we would be cooking different things related to our countries! Zac, Amanda and I got the opportunity to make pancakes with cranberries in them. Some People made food at home, I made a pumpkin pie and Connor made Stollen bread which is a kind of German Christmas bread.

I really liked our cultures day and I think we should do it annually. It was really cool how the whole school joined in and we also did other things in the afternoon that incorporated our “what is treasured” part of the topic for the term. I really thought that day was cool and I want to have it again!

By Burgess

2011-07-13T12:40:00.004+12:00

I stumbled out of the car and into the school grounds, a flow of sky

blue and aqua wrapped around me. My twisting gold hoops tingled

against my neck. As I looked around I see I have missed the bell.

The door to our class room was slightly ajar then it fully swung open

with a small budge, I gaped in awe inspecting everyone’s costumes,

I see that I am the only Indian-good!

For the next part of the morning everyone was baking cultural treats

from their countries, Eilish, Ella and I were conjuring up some Swedish

cookies from a recipe we found online. As we measured, mixed, rolled

and cooled by the end of play lunch they were ready to bake. All three

of us slouched down onto chairs waiting for what seemed like an eternity

for the crisp brown cookies. Our noses were buzzing with joy as they

smelt so divine. Finally they were ready although mildly burnt and

coal-like around the brims. Steadily placing them on a plate we next

rushed back to our class room, once empty but now full of luxurious

foods of many kinds.

After a few minutes of sharing it all turned to chaos, everyone was

scampering around the room like little mice eating everything that

they could; Curry, Bratwurst, Pasta and so much more.
By the end of the morning we were all full and happy,

waiting for the rest of the day to come.

By Mya Pope

The Great Rugby Robbery

2011-07-13T12:20:00.001+12:00

Yesterday everybody eagerly shuffled into the hall and sat down. Suddenly a mix of confusion and excitement exploded around the hall as everyone noticed a huge black rug towering overhead. We knew something exciting was about to happen.

As the noise died down a woman dressed as a school girl paraded in from the back of the hall taking everyone by surprise. She was holding a school bag and rugby ball. She was playing a character called Rhianna, a rugby mad All Blacks fan.

There were two other actors one who acted as Mr. Grant Watson, the French ex rugby player, and the rugby world cup announcer. There also was another actor who acted as the French dude’s helper, Richie McApplecore and the TV.

It was a really amazing how only three people could act as so many characters and the performance could still be captivating and everyone really loved it. Personally I thought it was pretty cool even though I am not a big rugby fan. I really enjoyed the part where Richie McApplecore and the French ex rugby player have an epic moment where they were fighting for the winning point. It was an awesome play!

Zac Chignell

Cultures Day

2011-07-13T12:06:00.004+12:00

Cultures Day
Kimonos, cowboys, Turkish belly dancers, Muslim girls in Burkas, America soldiers, hippies, Morris dancers and much more were at Upper Moutere School last Friday. We had an amazing afternoon! Everyone dressed in different costumes celebrating cultures all around the world.

The morning was spent cooking then Room 6 (year 7&8) had a yummy lunch because luckily we got to bring foods from different countries all around the world. Some of us brought food in and some of us made food at school. Ella, Mya and I made some Swedish cookies and they were very gingery.

There were a variety of foods such as South African Beef jerky, Dutch liquorice and Thai curries. It was a super fun day and I think everyone had learned or tried something NEW!
That afternoon the school got into their houses and did heaps of awesome activities. Each group went to a different class.
Our group first went to Room 1 and made hats out of paper and fabric, my group made an Indian hat and it was pretty cool. Next the bell rang so we all rushed to Room 2 and composed awesome raps, my group’s rap was about a blue kangaroo called Glue!
After that we were sprinting to Room 3 getting our Irish dancing skills up to scratch and then we got our thinking hats on in Room 4 ,we did an icon thinking box. Soon we were trotting to Mr Shand on the court, he knew some games from around the world so we played them.
The lucky last activity was in Room 6 which Miss I taught us some cool Spanish words!
!Excelente! = Excellent , !fantastico! = fantastic!, !Mangnifico! = superb! ! Estupendo! =great!,!Muy bien!=very good!
By the end of the day I was exhausted, my tummy was full and my brain was buzzing with everything I had learnt. I hope we can something like this again because it was a fun way to learn and everyone got involved.
By Eilish O’Neill

Teaching

2011-07-11T13:31:00.003+12:00

I hurriedly skipped up the bumpy steps slowly gaining closer to the inviting open front door. I stepped into the large foyer than through another inviting door. The door opened to a group of loud chattering teachers. A waving hand from Ella reached through the crowd at me. I hurriedly weaved through and reached Ella successfully

Ella, Brodie and I unsuccessfully tuned the brightly coloured ukuleles. Then Callum arrived and it was time to start. The four of us and another group of kids swarmed into the corner up the front were a huddle of chairs waited for us to arrange ourselves comfortably on them.
Two announcers spoke loudly over the large group surrounding them. Then we introduced ourselves and what we would be teaching, my task to teach these professional teachers was i-pods, not just i-pods but an app on this device called: sonic pics.

Sonic pics is an app that allows you to take photos and add a small recorded description for the photo. So that was Callum and my mission. Would it be easy or not? Who would we have to teach? My question was answered almost immediately, as two gossiping women walked in. “Is this i-pods?” they asked to together followed by another four teachers. We all sat down and began our lesson.

The bell rang signalling the end of our lesson. We all trooped out into the main room and it was time to go home. But wait… someone was calling us over with an envelope in her hand. I walked over with a group of others close behind me. Her hand reached into the envelope and pulled out a small piece of navy and white card. A movie pass. “Cool, thanks”, I called out as I ran back down the bumpy stone steps. That was fun I thought to myself as I climbed into Dad's truck ready to go home.

By Saffron

Maggi kitchen showdown!

2011-07-11T12:27:00.003+12:00

Here is a link to a slide show of when we went to Christchurch for the Maggi cook off!
Have a look!
http://www.slide.com/r/ob_rTF617D_bg3jmwbw9fOz2x_nI9yXi

The Great Rugby Robbery

2011-07-11T11:49:00.006+12:00

My excitement built as I weaved through the endless crowd. I jumped to the front and arranged myself into a comfy position just watching, waiting for all the excitement to begin.

It all started at once but “what?" Rhianna was kicking a ball behind us. She slowly staggered to the welcoming stage and to her ‘delight’ found Mr Grant Watson pounding his foot and clenching his fists. A shiver went down my spine at the unbearable thought of our Grant Watson screeching down at me like that.

It then came to light that the Rugby World Cup had disappeared into thin air.
Breaking News –“Richie McApple Core is prepared to lose the World Cup just to save the trophy! So what would you do my fellow children? Thanks, Jim”. “Richie McApple Core," I chuckled to myself.

Seconds later the mischievous French had accidentally exposed the trophy to the prying eyes of Rhianna. Whoops! That was a mistake. Then on TV Richie McApple Core appeared to be passing the ball to Dan Carter much to everyone’s delight and was about to score but what? He was in his new jockeys but anyway, dropped the ball just before the try line and not a soul in sight?

Rhianna saved the day by finding the Rugby World Cup and scoring the winning try for the All Blacks.

By Nicole

Tackle 7's

2011-07-06T12:13:00.006+12:00

I marched onto the crisp damp field like a penguin hobbling onto an iceberg.Our team after a fresh loss to these very same team were ready and waiting to kick off this epic final. Hearts racing , heavy breaths waiting to make that try saving tackle or that line breaking run to set up a try of our own.

The piercing noise of the whistle kicked off this nervous finale to our action packed day, the ball collided with a boot making the drop kick, forcing me to think tactically."MINE" yelled my team mate as he caught the slippery ball.

He charged up the field like a raging bull with its tail on fire. The impact of the tackle sounded like an earthquake that's just hit Christchurch, "Pick and go!", I yelled at our nearest player, he propelled up breaking the first two tackles brought down ten metres before the line. Damn they turn the ball over and break through one of our players but out of nowhere our first five dive tackles and brings him down, he rips the ball off the grounded player and offloads to a back who makes a full field run draws and passes a defender to our supporting player who scores the first try of the match.

We defended like a band of brothers in the middle war. We attacked like a pack of mighty hounds, And our team spirit was as high as cloud nine. As the game progressed their defence weakened. We saw the change in their game and made the most of it running in a second team try.

With three minutes to go a good placing kick made by Parklands put us under pressure they tackled and rucked aggressively gaining possession spreading the ball to their winger who was missed by our winger, they dived over the try line scoring, but it was to late. The screeching horn blew as it came to the end of this awesome sport.

We leaped into the air with pure joy to win the match 2-1 the first ever competitive sevens win our school. Proud to be an Upper Moutere Rugby Player we exchanged stories of our day to each other on our ride home.

By Graham and Callum.

By Graham

Golf Photos

2011-06-22T11:35:00.009+12:00

Golf!

2011-06-22T10:57:00.004+12:00

For the past few weeks we have been having golf lessons with Chris. We have really enjoyed these lessons and learnt a lot. Our class got invited to go to the Tasman golf course, at Kina by the sea, for a couple rounds of golf. In order of height we got put into teams of four, and played against another team. Our team started at green number-2 and slowly progressed to green-3. the par for green 3 was 4, (par meaning the average of strokes used to get the the ball in the hole). Our total of strokes was 17, (oops). Some teams did a bit better scoring 13!! Our golf skills improved remarkably. Overall we had a great day and would love to do it again.

Tasman golf course is very scenic and we hope you enjoy our photos.

By Saffron & Amanda

Photo Comp!

2011-06-16T08:44:00.007+12:00

Hi I'm Ella and I'm here to tell you about the photo competition that was going on in the Nelson area. We Could take pictures of what ever we wanted on a camera , print it off and bring it into school on the next Friday. Once all the photos were in, the teachers selected 3 photos from each categories( year 1 -year 2, 3-4 ,5-6 ,7-8) And sent them off to Appleby School where they were judged by Professional Photographer, Jerry Shepard. Then about 2 weeks later the winners were announced. Here's the results from our School:

Ben Addison Sape came 1st in Yr 5-6

Ella Doty came first in Yr 7-8

(that's me!)

And the over all winner was Ella Doty!

I won a 4th gen Ipod Touch!

Here is my winning photo..... Thanks to Mya Pope for being my model!

By Ella

Our Hugely Sucessful Scrap Metal Drive

2011-06-13T12:33:00.002+12:00

A few weeks ago Room Six students and their parents met together to collect scrap metal. From one days work we raised a whopping amount of money for our school camp to Wellington. Well done Room 6!

Weekly Sports Report

2011-05-30T12:01:00.020+12:00

Netball...
Our Netball team, Moutere Magic had our closest game yet. We were down in the first half, but picked our game up in the second half with a final score of 14-17 to Nelson Girls Prep. Grace was awarded player of the day for her great play as goal keep(GK).

Basketball...
The Moutere Miracles versed our other team the Moutere See-Goals.It was a tough game between the two teams with the final score as 17-9 to the Miracles. Ella described it 'very intense'. Brodie got the first and only 3-pointer of the match for the miracles.

Rugby...
The Moutere Rangers played the Brightwater Wanderers and had their third win of the season.They had versed them many times before over the last few years but had never managed to beat them until last Saturday.Their defence was strong and they were delighted about their win 34-0!

Cross Country...
We had a fantastic cross country at Rabbit Island on Friday. We all did great and had a fun day.
In the top three from our school years 7 girls :Amanda 2nd Eilish 3rd and we have six girls going onto the interschool X-country.
Then the boys top three boys from year 7: Graham 2nd Josh 3rd
The year 8 boys and girls: Ella 3rd and Millan 2nd, Callum 3rd.

People Savers

2011-05-27T09:19:00.005+12:00

On the 25 of May 2011 Mark Chamberlain, a Red Cross Instructor,
taught Room 6 how to be People Savers. He gave us each a booklet that told us all about safety and injuries. He shared with us his experiences about injuries he had treated and taught us the DR'S ABC,DRSABC that stands for DANGER, RESPONSE, SEND FOR HELP, AIRWAY,BREATHING and CIRCULATION.He demonstrated medical procedures that we then practised in pairs,eg: How to make a sling for broken arms and what to do if someone is unconscious.We then had to move into groups of seven, each group had a us a pack of cue cards that we had to put in the right order of the the actions to take in an emergency.All in all it was a great day.We all passed the course and earned certificates.

By Graham and George

Weekly Sports Report

2011-05-25T10:39:00.005+12:00

Netball...
Last Saturday we had our second netball game loss. Summer did well in this difficult game and did great on attack as GA. She got awarded player of the day. We all played well and had a great game!!

Basketball...
The Moutere Miracles won their game versing Tasman Tornadoes 22-8. They played really well and had a great win.
Also the Moutere See Goals versed Mahana One also having a spectacular win, 20-10!

Rugby...
Moutere Rangers played against Waimea White, winning 52-12. Callum scored a spectacular try in the last 30 seconds.

Soccer...
The sooccer club versed the Richmond Knights, losing 4-0.

Our Cross Country is postponed to tomorrow.

By Nicole, Saffron, Amanda

Weekly Sports Report

2011-05-20T11:28:00.004+12:00

Netball...
Our Moutere Magic Team played the Broadgreen Eagles on Saturday. We were winning at half time,5-4,unfortunately we lost 9-14. Overall it was a great game.Our Goal Defence,(Saffron) got player of the day.

Basketball...
Our class has two teams; The Moutere Miracles had a hard game against the Riwaka Soup-A-Stars, Moutere losing 12-16.
Our second team, Moutere See-Goals lost 10-17. Unfortunately.

Rugby...
Their teams were cancelled due to wet grounds.

Our senior syndicate is currently training for cross counrty. We have our first race next week at Rabbit Island.

Golf...
Our class is also learning how to play golf.Chris comes each week and teaches us different skills. We are all enjoying golf and are looking forward to playing at a golf club.

By Amanda,Nicole & Saffron

M.O.T.E.C

2011-05-19T11:33:00.003+12:00

Every Tuesday our class goes to M.O.T.E.C (Motueka Technology Education Centre) We are split up into 2 groups of year 7s and 1 group of year 8s. One of the year seven groups have been working with Mr Young and have recently completed their illuminate project,and have now started making Campstools.The other group of year 7s has been doing project food and have recently started making cushions.The group of year 8s have been making bags and have been doing choice food.Here are some pictures of the Illuminate group starting their written work for campstools.

By George and Burgess

Reading Rocks comes to Upper Moutere!

2011-05-16T11:24:00.003+12:00

On Thursday 12th of May, Adrian Kirks came to Upper Moutere School to present a show for encouraging reading. We all headed to the hall in a bustle of excitement! When Adrian introduced himself, he explained that Mr Watson had called Adrian to come to our school to bring with him his wonderful show that he had heard about and Adrian gladly accepted.

The show was full of excitement, as the act was filled with comedy, acrobatics and how books can take you anywhere when you just "imagine". He needed several volunteers for his fabulous performance , including Connor,Emily and Nunya. What a great fun filled show. Lets hope he will be back for more in the near future.

By Ella and Mya

Cooking Up A Storm

2011-05-11T11:38:00.006+12:00

Room 6 are entering the Maggi Cook Off yet again. This year we will be represented by Brodie, Callum, Grace and Ella. The dish we are making is Spanakopita (Spinach and feta pie) with a couscous tower and slow roast tomatoes drizzled with a balsamic dressing and Maggi tomato and basil soup! We are also making a greek salad. We are endeavouring to use as many Maggi products as we can
The Maggi Road Show will be at our school in week 6 to film us. We have been selected for the regionals in Christchurch on the 8th of July to compete against 9 other schools from the South Island (including Mahana!). We are trying to make it to the finals and take out the competition to win the five thousand dollars to upgrade our library!
Thanks Callum and Brodie.

The Ocean Goddess Heloise

2011-05-03T14:03:00.002+12:00

A long, long time ago, there was a beautiful goddess named Heloise. Heloise was the goddess of the sea. Her body was made out of azure blue, semi-transparent water. She wore a dress that swept the ground with its long, flowing train.

Her task was to protect children from the dangers of the sea, and help them if they got into trouble.

One hot summer's day, when the sun was high up in the sky, Heloise heard cries of help coming from the surface of the water. She quickly swam past her magenta pet seahorse, Hena, and out through the entrance of her underwater cave. Heloise then transported herself to the beach.

Suddenly, her deep blue eyes spotted a shark circling a child of about nine. Using her powerful magic, she commanded the shark to go away. "About time," the boy said angrily to Heloise.
"I just saved you from your death, and as thanks you get angry at me for not being too early," she replied,a cutting edge in her usually calm voice.
"Yes," the selfish boy said rudely.
"I shall turn you into a seahorse," Heloise said cunningly.
"Go on, if you dare",he said, testing Heloise's patience.
So Heloise turned him into a seahorse, with a lazy flick of her delicate hand. She took him home,so that Hena had a friend, and named him Heno. She soon got many more seahorses, because children kept on getting into trouble near the sea. They still do today.
Vanessa

Our brief was to use show don't tell, different sentence lengths and starters, and use complex punctuation.
I think that I achieved this.

Room 6 Cup Art

2011-04-15T12:30:00.000+12:00

Room 6 Cup Art

pavana journey

2011-04-15T10:00:00.002+12:00

Parvanas Journey is a book from the seris starting with Parvana. After reading Parvana I just got hooked in to Deborah Ellis books. You have a perfect picture in your head as Parvana walks the dry lands of Afghanistan trying to find her loving family that are out there trailing somewhere she has no idea about. Finding children tucked up in huts she makes a small family. Deborah Ellis gets you hooked into reading more! If you are ever struggling to find a good book which is realistic and also adventureous; every page grips you like a vice. I reccomend this book for tweens plus and I rate the whole series from Pavana to Parvanas Journey and Shauzia 10/10!!!! By Connie

Protector of the Great Moa

2011-04-13T12:12:00.002+12:00

A young Maori boy named Gem lived in the scrub covered highlands of Fiordland. He was part of a tribe called Whahunga led by an arogant man called Hongi. Gem was very special and made magic spears that always hit what they were thrown at. This made hunting a success every time. One day Hongi asked Gem for a magic spear to kill a wild dog that kept stealing the ika (fish). Secretly he wanted the magic spear to kill the Great Moa, a rare herbivorous flightless bird. It would make a grand prize. Gem was collecting special wood for his spears when Tane Mahuta, God of the forest, told him that Hongi was going to kill the Great Moa. Gem felt very angry; he didn't want the great moa to be killed. He had to stop his leader. Gem followed hongi trying to be camouflaged and moving as quiet as a mouse. As he approached the moa, he chanted a karakia under his breath. Suddenly, a takahe sprang out fom the undergrowth and the flash of blue, green and red startled Hongi so that he lost his balance and plummeted over the edge of a sheer cliff into the river below. There was silence and Hongi was never found. Tane Mahuta had sent the Takahe to help Gem keep the Moa safe. Gem din't make magic spears anymore. He chopped them up and threw the pieces to Tangaroa, Godof the sea. The Great Moa was safe. Stephen

Year 7/8 Summer Sports

2011-04-13T11:38:00.005+12:00

On Thursday the 7th of April we travelled to Motueka Recreation Centre and we competed in a fun day of Summer Sports. The sports we played were Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Playball. We entered three teams of eleven people per team. Our group started at Playball which was run by Yvette. It was Josh and Brodie's favourite game of all the three. We moved onto Volleyball which was run by Alan Brodie. It was a complicated game but we eventually got used to it. Last up was Ultimate Frisbee which Andy Marr ran. The game itself involved lots of teamwork, catching and throwing to get the frisbee to the semi circle and the end of the court. Overall it was a great day and we all wish to do it again!!

Brodie and Josh

Kid's Lit Quiz 2011

2011-03-24T11:00:00.009+13:00

Last Friday Saffron, Vanessa, Grace and Callum went to the 2011 Kid's Lit Quiz at Nelson Intermediate. The Kid's Lit Quiz is a quiz that has questions about books.

There were different categories: Cars, Who Said, Reptiles, Symbols and Wings. Each team got to choose a category that we wanted to get double points in. Our team chose "Who said". After each category there was a question that was in the world final last year. If you knew the answer, and were the first to put your hand up, you won five dollars!

Each category had ten questions. At the end of the day we found out which team won. Waimea Intermediate and Nelson Boys Prep both had the same amount of points. They got asked special questions, and the team that got three questions right first, won!

Nelson Boys Prep were the team that got into the finals and walked away with $200 prize money.At one stage we were coming third equal, but in the end our team came 8th out of 24 teams. It was a really fun day, and we would love to enter again next year!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-18T12:43:00.003+13:00

Despair

Today we transformed a "telling sentence" into "showing sentences" to create powerful images about the situation in Japan.

The original sentences were:

Yuki was old.
Toyoshi was scared.
The house was damaged.
Kauri was hungry.
The wave was big and fast.

Here is what some people came up with:

Toyoshi's fragile body was shaking with fear as he struggled, trembling as he went. Shock swept over his face as he caught sight of a totally annihilated wreak that he could just make out was once a house. Toyoshi's stomach cramped with starvation. He could hear a moaning sort of sounds that sunk in. Suddenly a huge wave a terror devastated the city moving faster that a Cheetah knocking down houses like a pack of cards, collapsing on top of one an other. By Nicole

Yuki looked at me longingly. I see dripping tears coming from her frightened old eyes. I wish I could help her but of course there are thousand of other people who need help.

By Lukas Lindemann

The massive destructive wave roared in and smashed everything in its way.
By Milaan.

Toyoshi was absolutely petrified. All hell had broken lose in a matter of seconds and now an hour later people were starting to panic, Kauri especially. Here tummy felt like a dark hole and she could not focus on anything.
A massive black wall of water had carried so much debris. Everywhere looked the same. People's home and memories had been destroyed and lives taken away. Nothing could replace that.
By Shawn Pomeroy.

Yuki's wrinkles deeply encrusted her skin. A frail hand sought for her cane. Her eyes were moistened, rain glistening down her pale, shocked face. Cars littered the cracked grey path. This was once her life.
Utter terror tore at Toshi slowly eating away at him. Nothing was the same. His stomach was knotted. He was alone. Toshi tried to scream, yet made no sound. He was trapped inside a body of lead.
By Amanda

The house was rubble. It looked like a giant foot had flattened it. It was not the beautiful brick house they once knew.
By Connor

The giant ten metre Tsunami ambushed from the sea the unsuspecting land. Ripping up rails, road and playing with cruise liners like toy boats. Toyoshi was panicking as he ran through the devastation and rubble. Yuki was a hunched over pale old lady who shuffled along the streets. All was lost she thought...
a truck came by later and lifted her wrinkled old body off the ground to join the other corpses.
-Laurens.

2011-03-18T12:29:00.002+13:00

Despair

Toyoshi was absolutely terrified of the oncoming wave of destruction and death.
He shivered, trying not to think about it as tears of despair kept running down his dirt stained face.

By George

Pertrified

2011-03-18T12:07:00.003+13:00

Toyoshi 's spine quivered with fear as he gazed at his
demolished memories.
Silence filled the air as the great black liquid swallowed up
villages leaving dismantled debris in every direction.
Stomachs growling as traumatised humans struggled
trembling out of the crumbled
ruins.

By Graham

No words could describe the depressing crumbly state of the village. Gritty clumps of what used to be buildings scattered towards the horizon. Wishing I could wake up and it would be fine. But no, tragedy had hit and it all came falling down!
by Connie

2011-02-28T12:11:00.002+13:00

The chatter and bubble of excitement filled the air, as groups for the big day out were sorted. We were journeying to Riwaka, later to Kaiteriteri, to experience and learn about the magical source that kept us alive -Water.

The school trip was the first of the year, which automatically made it all the merrier. I was travelling with my mother, brother and classmates. The car gently halted, and the six of us fell out. We were here! Doors slammed and we scurried off to our meeting places, plonking ourselves onto the damp, mossy grass.

Before long it was all under way, rules established, and activities and tasks well enjoyable. My group was now onto our 5th activity-the bush walk.

The gravel crunched beneath us, our footsteps a blurry cluster, a mad jumble that had all decided to be at the front. The bush scent soon took over; and the dampness and untouched beauty was within itself. The trickling, soon to be gushing, added to the picture. A glossy paintbrush had tipped the tops of the trees, and the forest bathed itself in sparkling sunlight.

Soon enough we had reached our destination of the pool. The crystal clear, sparkling water was perfectly still, and a single raindrop sent the water fluttering. The hand felt the icy, yet crisp, cold water. Extaordinary.

Our day wasn't over yet though. We still had our expedition to Kaiteriteri ahead.

No matter how many times Kaiteriteri is described, words can never harness the natural, divine beuaty. The golden sand stretched out beneath me, the majestic water filled the bay. It was unreal.

Of course the beach favourite had soon begun. Sand castles. I'm sure we all had a blast.

Very much all too soon, car doors slammed and the journey home began. Our first school trip of 2011-88 students-Surely not our last?

Amanda

2011-02-23T09:34:00.002+13:00

Matheletics

Matheletics is a fun educational site that motivates your brain. I enjoy this site because i can go against my friends and it challenges me. It has a great chart that tells you where you are in new zealand or the world. Its a brilliant website and is fun for all school age's

By George

Triathlon

2011-02-21T14:27:00.003+13:00

It was scorching - no, it was like living in a frying pan.My only motivation was that after my running and biking, I'd dive into the refreshing, picturesque liquid.Just the thought of it made my skin tingle."Take your marks, GO!"Our principal let out the two-lettered word that made all three of the year eight girls burst off in a flurry of helmets and goggles round necks.

By Grace

The air was tense. The excitement and nervousness could be felt; even though no effort was made to show so. Races were set off time and time again, but it was my race that mattered most. Everything before my race was a blur, and all too soon I had begun. My run was swift and fast like everybody wanted it over and out of the way.

Because it was the 18th of February, Upper Moutere's School Triathlon.

By Amanda

My heart was pounding with excitment as I dashed out of the starting line.I was hanging in second place as I dodged around the cones.I galloped down the steps at full speed just like a horse and only just finding my feet.I stumble a little but picked myself up.I stumble to reach my bike.

By Nicole

Mathletics...

Maths has never been so much fun when you can play mathletics. Mathletics is an online maths website. With great games for all ages . With your very own character which you can style and shop with. You can also play live! By competing with players all across the globe! Choose your level and compete by answering questions at the speed of lightning.

By Connie

My warm fuzzy brain shuts down as I start up Mathletics.My animation pops up on the screen, searching for a competitor. I freeze in despair as the first basic facts question comes up for the first time. I rapidly type in the answer only to find that another extreme question comes,but this time they are harder. Questions, questions and more questions. Beep! Time's up.

"What, was that all ?" I scream as sweat pours off my face. What a race. I cheerfully squeeze out two words." I won!"

BY GRAHAM

Masquerade School Production

2010-12-13T09:53:00.008+13:00

On Wednesday and Thursday our school performed 'Masquerade' to a large appreciative audience. We had been practicing for over 3 weeks and performing was GREAT fun! The storyline was based on a prince who wanted to know what life was like for a pauper, and a pauper who looked almost identical, who wanted to be queen for a day. They traded places and things go wrong in a humorous way. Backstage we all felt excited and nervous while getting our costumes and makeup on, but onstage we felt pumped and our characters took over. The lights were bright and hot, the deafening applause lifted our performances and we loved the whole experience.

Our sounds and light man, Mark spent hours putting it all together and we would like to thank you very much!

Brodie and Ewen

Skyping with Japan

2010-11-24T11:25:00.002+13:00

On the 17th of November Room 6 skyped with a class in Yokohama Japan. We did this because in class we have been learning Japanese with Yuko, she lives in the area and has generously given up her time to come every Monday.

We tried to get through to the class several times but seeing as we are trying to communicate with people on the other side of the world, it was slightly faulty! Finally getting through we swiftly realised that the video connection did not work and that the Japanese children on the screen constantly froze like statues!

We conversed with them in halted English and equally halted Japanese.

All-in-all it was great seeing the class and knowing that other classes (especially in Japan) can become out of hand just like us!!!

Leela Ryan

2010-11-15T11:19:00.014+13:00

On Saturday 13 November 6 schools came to Upper Moutere Domain to compete against other schools for athletics day. There were kids aged from 5-13 trying their best in activities ranging

from long jump to high jump, target throw to distance throw and sprints to distance run etc.

It was very humid day Our favourite activite was high jump it was pretty easy! During play time there was a wreath laying which we have been doing since World War 1 finished. This sports day has been happening on the Saturday nearest to Armistice Day which is 11th day of the 11th month.

We had a great time and at the end of the day there was a Peace Shield and RSA race which we came 3rd in both of them, these races are for the fastest and second fastest runners in the school. We also came 2nd in Neudorf, which is a shield that is given to the faster year 5, 6, 7 and 8 students, senior baton and senior ball relays. The Juniors also got 2nd in ball and baton. Over-all we won no shields/cups for our school which was a shame but altogether it was AWESOME!!

by Milaan and Brodie

Pet Day

2010-10-28T11:23:00.023+13:00

On Friday 20th October Upper Moutere School were preparing for their annual pet day.
At 11 oclock students began creating their sand saucers, miniature gardens, aqua jars and a few more cool inventions. The point in making all of these things is to have a good time and display to your classmates.

Lots of students put alot of time and effort into their creations.

At 12 oclock students walked around classrooms to observe the cool things that had been made. Room 6's favourites were the vegetable novelty beacause they had been so well done.

Finally the time came when the pets arrived at school. From chickens to horses, the school was buzzing with creatures. it started with the big animals which were introduced by two students from Room 6. A few girls showed off their skills on their powerful horses, jumping over obstacles and just riding round. Eventually the time came where students showed off there there fluffy little criters. they ranged from guinea pigs, rabits and even chickens.

One by one each student introduced their animal and listened to others. Last but not least the dogs were paraded around a makeshfit circle. Some even jumped.

Once all the fun was over the kids headed back to their classroms and started leaving for home. All in all every one had a great day!

Top Team 2010

2010-10-28T09:41:00.005+13:00

On Saturday the 16th of October 4 teams from Upper Moutere School took part in an event called Top Team. We were expecting a day of fun packed activities. There were twelve challenges, 6 before lunch and 6 after. Each challenge went for 5 minutes. The first was a huge Egg and Spoon race, in that we had to walk over obstacles holding a huge tennis racket and had to put it in a bucket at the end. After that we had to do a buggy pull around cones which we found really hard! Then we were challenged with the Toppling Towers there we had to make a tower made of wooden cards, ours was 1.49m!!!

One with a bouncy castle was called Krypton Corner there we had to pick up a rubber band and wear it on our wrist while running through a small bouncy obstacle course then we ran over a plank and then crawled under a massive net! After the lunch break we were challenged to another six water events there we had to hold full buckets of water with holes in them over our head and carry them to a bigger drum of water and had to try and fill it as high as we could to get more points. Others we had to pull each other around in chariots to fill the drum up with water once again.

At the end of the day we came in at 4th place and just got a spot in the finals. We are competing at the Moutere hills domain on the 12th of December.

Wish us luck!!!!!

Mask Parade 2010

2010-10-15T11:20:00.008+13:00

At Upper Moutere School we have been making masks for the 2010 Mask Parade. First we got a milk carton and cut out the shape and ears of our mask. After sticking on the ears and adding 3-4 layers of paper mache we shaped out our head and fitted it into the bottom of our white dogs. Using more paper mache we covered that too; until it was almost ready to paint.

We used a variety of colours to bring our dogs to life, then we put on the final touch with some glossy paint and added our dogs pointy whiskers, colourful collars, googly eyes and bright red tongues.

With the dogs ready to pounce, farmers ready to shout and 100 sheep ready to baa, we were ready to start practicing. After a few laps in the scorching sun we retired for water and lunch. And with that we were off to the parade!

The theme for this years parade is MOVEMENT so we cant stop moving about it. Our arrival time is the 15th of October 5:00 pm outside Rebel Sport and is planned to kick off at 5:30pm. There will be a best mask award and a best performance award. Last year we won both so...

Wish us luck!

Year 7and8 Interschool Speech Competition

2010-09-22T11:02:00.003+12:00

On Thursday 9th September, Brodie our class mate stood up in front of people from all over the Motueka district and shared his amazingly funny speech about 'What things have power over me'. After 2 weeks of planning,writing and editing our speeches, we shared them to our class with the teachers marking us on expression, content, guestures and our learning lights(Active, Confident, Creative, Thinker, Literate) Then, if they were chosen to, read their speeches at assembly and that left the teachers to decide who would go through to the competition to compete against other 7&8 students. He came fourth by only one point!

By Brodie and Grace

Tuxpi

2010-09-15T14:41:00.002+12:00

Here's another Tuxpi photo of the shuttles to Rainbow Skifield. By Brad and Brodie.

2010-09-15T14:38:00.003+12:00

At ICT enrichment this week we had to teach another person from our class to make a picture on http://www.tuxpi.com/ here is Callum's picture.

Maggi Cookoff Finals

2010-09-15T11:29:00.011+12:00

Week 6

The MAGGI cook off finals were held in Christchurch, two days before the big earthquake hit.

Skye, Ella, Matt and Jacob Flew down on Tuesday Evening with Ms I and Lisa. We got to Nelson airport and had a snack and had a play on the playground until our flight left. The flight took 40 minutes with complimentary water and sweeties. We got to Christchurch and got a shuttle to our motel.

We settled into our motel room and had a hot drink about half an hour later the film crew came to film us. Skye introduced our team. We got to act out our hobbies like singing on stage, tackling classmates, playing soccer and pretending to ride a motorbike. They brought us some dinner which was pizza, chips, garlic bread and fizzy drinks.

Once we finished eating we got ready for bed. In the morning we had yummy breakfast of milo cereal, porridge and English muffins washed down with some fresh up orange juice. Two hours after breakfast the shuttle came and picked us up, and took us to Whitebait Studios.

MAGGI people took us to the greenroom were we waited for the director of the ERIN SIMPSON SHOW to tell us what will be happening in the day. She came and said we needed to go in to go into makeup. Once we had done that we went into the studio to setup. Skye and Jacob went to get there Microphones attached to them.

We had an hour waiting around,until we started cooking. After the hour had passed we went in and got ready for cooking. We started cooking and we only had 50 minutes to prepare and cook our dish. When we were cooking; camaras were zooming in on our faces, very distracting! As well as Erin and the Judges (Tamati, Claire and Richard) interviewing us halfway through. We finished just in time and our dish looked fab!

Stay tuned to find out who was the Winner of the MAGGI KITCHEN SHOWDOWN 2010!!!!!!!!

For Media reasons we canot tell you who the winner was. Find out who the winner was on the 23rd-24th of September on the ERIN SIMPSON SHOW 4:30 TV2.

Years 4-8 Ski Day

2010-09-13T11:14:00.005+12:00

On the Friday the 20th of August 2010 Upper Moutere School went to Rainbow Ski Field. We hired a Motueka bus to the base of the mountain and then caught a shuttle to the top, all together the trip took 2.30-3 hours.

About 45 people went on the bus and the rest of the students went in parents cars. At the top of the mountain the ski field was almost deserted and there was only just enough snow on the slopes to ski on. Matt and I were the only students that went snowboarding while everyone else went skiing.

We had lessons at 12.30pm so that gave us a few hours to remember how to ski before it. The beginners had a lesson first thing before the more advanced skiers. The T-bar was open all the way to the top which gave the students teh chance to explore the whole of Rainbow.

After a long day of hard skiing the students began to head back to the little hut we were staying in and started boarding the bus for our descent back down to the base of the mountain. Once there we switched buses to begin our long journey home. We arrived around 5 pm. It was a Great day of skiing!

Wanted poster

2010-09-01T14:48:00.002+12:00

This is another picture we made

2010-09-01T14:41:00.008+12:00

Here's another picture made on Tuxpi.

By Brad

Computer Course at Upper Moutere School

2010-09-01T14:03:00.003+12:00

Every Wednesday after lunch 2 people from rooms 4,5 and 6 go to the staff room to do a computer course to learn how to post things on our blog, and to learn to edit photos. Here is a picture that I edited from a site called Tuxpi, it is a photo editing site where you can do all sorts of awesome effects to your photos.

By Brad

ICT Enrichment

2010-09-01T14:00:00.002+12:00

At the moment our school is running and ICT enrichment course for two students from each senior syndicate class, Room 6 ,Room 5 and Room 4 Bradly and Josh got selected from room six here is somthing they have been doing so far.

This a picture that has been added using a site called http://www.tuxpi.com

This is a photo of the otters from Wellington Zoo and has been edited by using the blueprint tool at tuxpi.com .

Maggi Cook Off

2010-08-19T12:27:00.000+12:00

Four year7&8 students from our class entered in the Maggi Intermediate Cooking Show Down. Skye, Matt, Ella and Jacob were selected, after all of the students were asked to fill out a job application. Finally the Moutere Maggics were selected. We were choosing between four dishes: a chicken casserole , chicken flilo pastry pies , chicken and vege wraps and broccoli and brie lattice on a kumara and carrot mash drizzled with a basil and parsley pesto. We cooked all of them and then had a team vote we choose the lattice!!
We practiced it over and over until we had perfected it.
Three maggi people called Simon, Richie and Ash, came and filmed us cooking our dish and put it on the Erin Simpson show web site. We had an assembly and they told us we would be going down to Christchurch to cook in the Regional Finals. We were so excited!
On the 13th of August we went down to Christchurch; our flight left at 6:50 am, we arrived in Christchurch at 7:35 am and we got a shuttle to the Polytech.
We were shown to a room where we were given our maggi aprons and chefs hat. Next a photo was taken of us in front of a massive maggi logo banner.
Once the other schools arrived the four schools were taken to our huge commercial kitchen, ahd we were given 15 minutes to set up our area. Next we were introduced to the judges who were Tamati Coffey, Claire Gourley, who is a young chef who has a cook book published and a Maggi Judge.
They started the clock!! We had 50 minutes to complete our dish and present it. We were off to a roaring start and completed it well within the time giving us lots of time to clean up relax.
We were the fourth one to be judged so our dish was a bit cold but that didn't matter. One of the judges said he would buy it. After we finished cooking we got Maggi Goody Bags and our aprons and chefs' hats signed by Erin Simpson.
We headed down to Dennys and got an USA size meal. The shuttle picked us up from outside Dennys.
We went to the airport to catch our flight. Matt got busted in security for having a magnet in his bag and some mouldy lunch!!! We arrived at Nelson at 3:30 pm. All in all we had a great day. On Saturday we found out we had won the South Island Regionals and are in the finals. We are so excited and also slightly nervous! Watch this space.
When we came to school on Monday there were banners up saying "Congratulations" It was awesome!

By Ella and Jacob.

Welcome Mrs Ewers

2010-07-30T12:30:00.001+12:00

In Room 6 we have a student teacher called Mrs Ewers, she is working us untill the end of week 5! We welcome Christine Ewers to our class! Mrs Ewers is studying to be a teacher. This is her last teaching practice; next year she will have her own class. We are really enjoying having her with us.

Book Week

2010-07-30T12:00:00.000+12:00

This week has been Book Week at Upper Moutere school. We have also had a book fair where we sell books from Scholastic and get 30% of the sales. Geronimo Stilton came to our school and greeted students as they entered. Students and parents have bought all sorts of books and rubbers etc and have also kindly donated books to the school!

All through out the week we have had lots of parents come and read all sorts of books to us. We have also done lots of work to do with Books, like posters and quizzes about books. We are making a book about the things we have done this year.

On Thursday night we had a book night where parents and teachers read books to the students of Upper Moutere school. Students had an option to come in their P.J's and bring pillows. This took place from 6:30-7:30. there were different books being read and acted out in different classes. Afterwards we had a hot Milo and a small Cookie Time each, YUM!

On Friday we all came dressed as our favourite book characters. Before morning tea we had a parade where we got to show each other our costumes. There were lots of amazing costumes; Harry Potters, The Cat in the Hat and even some characters from Fantastic Mr Fox! All together it was a GREAT Book Week!

2010-06-30T11:30:00.002+12:00

Bag making at MOTEC

2010-06-30T11:07:00.000+12:00

Each Tuesday Room 6 go on the bus to Motueka for technology classes. We do cooking, sewing, woodwork, computer animations and much more. We have a good time.
This term our group has been making bags. First we chose which kind of bag we would make and what we would use it for. We designed the bag, cut out a pattern and chose fabric and trims that would suit.
Some kids created backpacks, duffel bags, flap bags, overnighters and or gym bags. We could also embroider our own design using the special sewing machine to help identify our bags. I sewed a big red spider on the flap of my bag. At the end we evaluated our work to rate our project.

Everyone's bags turned out great. Don't they look impressive.

Governer General's Visit to Upper Moutere

2010-05-21T11:34:00.019+12:00

On Friday 14 May we had a visit from the His Excellency Sir Anand Satynand.

The School Council hosted His Excellency and his wife Lady Susan Satyanand.
We took Their Excellencies on a brief tour around the school.

Callum and Brad took them around the back of the school grounds and to Room 1. After fifteen minutes Georgia, Jacob, Jack and Skye took their Excellency's to the different classrooms

where they were able to talk to the children and see them at work.

Lady Susan got given some maths and beat the class record in Room 4 and Sir Anand got fired some problem solving in Room 5. We showed him the work we were doing on poetry and talked about Japanese, which is our second language this year.

After they had been to our room we introduced them to the rest of the school, where he gave a speech, he told us we had to read a lot. The School gave their Excellencys some jam and honey which were made in Upper Moutere.

We invited them to morning tea with the School Council, Board of Trustees and the staff.

By Jacob and Skye

Narrative Writing

2010-05-13T10:03:00.003+12:00

Last term we mainly focussed on narrative writing. We started with taking a key to school that looked interesting and we drew the key, drew the lock that the key opened, the door that the lock was in, the house and what you saw when you opened the door, secondly we wrote what we could smell, see, hear and feel in that front room. After a lot of planning and brainstorming we could finally start the story. Here are some of them

The Key

I squeal as a little field mouse, hundreds of spiders and a whole lot of slaters scuttled everywhere. Grabbing the broom mum had thrust into my hand several hours earlier I start to sweep away all the dead leaves and grass from under the old flower pot. Suddenly I see a shiny glint of light. Just as I have placed my hands around the glinting object, my mum yells “Kelly it’s lunch!”

Later after I’ve helped mum wash the dishes and have said goodnight, I pull out the rusty silver object, and lay it on my bed. Only after I’d blown all the dust and spider webs off do I realise what it is… a large old-fashioned key I gently roll over the key it looks identical to the other side except for a tiny inscription on the far corner! I take a closer look Westside manor, I was puzzled where was Westside manor I wondered. The following day I asked my teacher at school where Westside Manor was, she said that the old Westing Manor on North Hill used to be called Westside Manor before the Countess married Sir Arthur Westside “but why are you suddenly so interested Kelly?” she had asked me in a suspicious tone.
“Oh ah nothing” I reply a little too quickly. Now I know which house my key unlocks I decide that I was going to escape to the old creepy house on the hill once school had finished.

I am facing the old oak front door of Westside manor now I feel cold and clammy reaching into my pocket I pull out the old key it feels icy cold in my trembling hand I slide it into the cobweb adorned lock it squeaks and creaks as I turn it, when it has turned a half circle I push open the door with a loud grating sound. I am now standing in a large room a huge round wooden table stands in the middle of the room a big dusty white sheet covers it, a massive grimy crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling casting glimmers of light around the room, the floor is a sea of black, white, silver, gold, red, blue and green tiles. I take another few steps into the room my footsteps echo around the large echoing hall a little mouse scuttles into a corner, I walk across the room I wonder if this is actually a good idea.
Oh I’ll go home after I’ve seen what’s behind the door, I’ve reached it now I push it open this door doesn’t squeak as much as the first one beyond it there is an enormous staircase. I can’t wait to see what’s upstairs I eagerly run up the staircase, I’m at the top now to my right there is corridor with doors leading on to my left there are even more doors. The first one looks appealing to me I open the heavy oak door stepping in, it hits me, it’s a library I gasp as I see all the old leather bound books that line the shelves! I carefully tiptoe across the old creaking floor my heart is beating like a hammer inside of me I pull out the nearest book it has beautiful leather bindings “Alice in Wonderland” I read slowly as the print is swirly and spirally and hard to decipher I look at several more books, wishing I could stay longer I take one last glance at the beautifully vast room and hastily walk put of the library. The next room is a huge ball room, portraits and paintings line the walls, the ceiling is gold with a painting of Greek gods and angels playing harps and flutes.
Suddenly I heard a loud “slam!” “oh no the door,” I sprint down the staircase that only minutes before had been one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen, now all I could think was the closed and maybe locked door. Coming to a panting halt I realised that to my amazement the door still stood ajar just as I had left it, shaking my head I stepped out into the evening sun.

By Leela Ryan

The key

I’m standing in the middle of an old rustic building. It looks like it’s been standing for centuries! But I have no clue how I got here, all I know is I’m holding an old copper key.

The room is old, smelly and cracked. There is one small window in the corner surrounded by chipped mud walls. There is a bed under the pale window and a small Indian rug on the old oak floor. A rotting loaf of bread lies on a wooden carved bench. Strong smells glide around the room, mossy smells.

I suddenly think whose is this house? Looking outside I see a small letterbox with the initials of J.H “WHAT!” That’s my initials. I’m starting to panic now what’s happening? Wait! there’s something in the letterbox. The sharp white paper slides through my fingers. Dear John Hark you have been sent here to explore this other world if you ever wish to return just point the key to the sun. I just want one more look inside.

Clumsily strolling over to the block of stone house I hear a faint howl.
“What was that?” I quiver.
Running inside I notice a crack in the floor under the bed. A trapdoor! Crack it opens, a short drop into darkness. I jump down and thump to the ground “OUCH!” Click, a sudden light flickers to life. “Wow” creatures in cages surround me. Pigs, sheep, birds, cows and lots more.
“But why?” I whisper.
Somehow I must get them out of here. In the corner there is a small ladder maybe I can climb out the pit with it. Nervously I tip toe over to the sheep cage. The only food it has is a flimsy hay bale. Shunk click the key fits the lock. Slowly the sheep lifelessly drowns out the cage. There’s a small harness lying on the stone floor. I could lift the animals up with it. I grab the sheep and lash the harness around it.

Shoving the ladder off the ground I realise how heavy it is, I shuffle it over to the gap. I heave the harness up the ladder.
“Wait the beds in the way.”
Pushing the bed out the way I feel the sheep moving on the end of the harness.
“Arhhhh” I’m using all my strength to lift this sheep. Finally clunk the sheep hits the floor. “Go” the sheep runs off outside.

But wait how did the cows get down there?
Maybe there’s a door down there. Bang I hit the floor; suddenly I notice a wide heavy oak door. It’s enormous, clink the key fits. Rrrrr it rolls over revealing a massive passage way leading to the garden. All the animals’ cages are unlocked and the animals run and fly to freedom.
“Job Done” I whisper.

I guess I should go now, I hop upstairs. My grasp of the oak door releases for the last time as I walk outside. The sun gleams on the old copper key and ZAP. I’m gone.

Hal Sellers

The Key

As I stand next to this tall, stone building, many things go through my head, should I go in, should I throw away the key and run? The biggest thing was to go and investigate this Victorian looking building. Any way I’ll tell you how I got this key.

Well I was walking back to my house from the shop when I came across this an old, normal looking sized key, lying on the ground. So I started to wonder why had it been there, who’d had it before and what door does it open? So I investigated for weeks and I finally cracked it, it was the old Victorian Watchout which was supposed to be knocked down over 100 years ago, but they decided to leave and abandon it completely. The thing I couldn’t figure out was how someone had got the key after all that time. I mean unless the owner had given someone the key, and then this person had passed on this key to his son or grandson. But why it was on the floor, I will never know.

So after a few days I decided to go to the Watchout to see what lurked inside. When I eventually arrived after a long 3 hour walk, I sat down next to the building and then I started to get these strange feelings whether or not I should go inside.

The next few minutes was just silence and stillness but then I realised if I didn’t go inside then my three hour walk would have a complete waste of my time, so I walked up to the door, inserted the key into the door and twisted it.

After a couple of minutes of looking around in the doorway into darkness, I stepped inside to see what actually had been in here all this time. But to my surprise nothing was there, except a staircase in the corner which I approached with caution because maybe someone was upstairs, but there wasn’t and when I reached the top of the staircase, the sight changed from rotting stone to gold?...

I was so excited but yet again wondering why it was here of all places, but then the penny dropped, a few weeks before I had discovered the key, I read a book at school about a Victorian times, and their was a page about a mine full of gold. And I think the owner didn’t want any one but himself to have the gold, so he asked some of his workers to gather as much of the gold as they could, and take it to a unknown building. There was meant to be over 1000 pounds worth of gold which then was lot money. I had found the jackpot and that was all that I thought about and how was I going to carry the gold. So I then decided to go back home to secretly get my school bag, then bike back to the watch out to take the loot.
After a daunting 1 hour bike ride back to the watch out, I decided to eat my sandwich and down my bottle of water in one, then a less exciting version of the Italian Job, I unlocked the big wooden door, to find a different sight to my first, rubble…

Confusion, the best word to describe my feelings at the time, it was the staircase that had been affected, which told me a lot, someone had followed me here, hid in a large bush, then as soon as I left, pick locked the door, walked upstairs and knocked down the stairs and now possibly could be anywhere, even upstairs. Even if he was upstairs, he couldn’t get out unless he brought down the wall and ran but I would have caught him. So then I started to use my brain and start moving the stone so I could get up there. Eventually all of the stones were moved so I could see who or what had broke in to the watch out that I had found.
Nothing was there, no gold, no one, nothing, I was so angry with myself for being so stupid I mean come on gold, GET A GRIP!

THE END
By Chris Port

Year 7&8 Summer Sports Day

2010-03-25T11:28:00.002+13:00

On Tuesday the 23 of March we participated in the Inter schools Summer Sports Day Competition. This is an annual year seven and eight event that is held at the Motueka Recreation Centre. Schools from all over the area come together, its a great enjoyable event. We played three sports volleyball, playball and ultimate frisbee.Play ball is basically soft ball but you pitch to your own team. Ultimate frisbee is slightly more difficult two teams of five play on a whole netball court the object of the game is to throw the frisbee to one of your players in the half circle at either end of the court. The majority of students enjoyed ultimate frisbee the most. It certainly was a hot summers day!

Variety Bash

2010-03-11T11:40:00.008+13:00

On Wednesday we were lucky enough to have the Variety Bash come to our school to raise money for under privileged children.There were about three old fire engines 2 old police cars a Scooby-Doo van, two NZ Air force vans and a cupcake car.

We were given lots of goodies including a MacDonald's hat, a pedometer, a pen and pad plus lots of sweets. After we were squirted with several hoses from one of the fire engines.

In the morning some students and our Principal welcomed everyone into school, they offered to paint a smile on our faces. Children were asked to bring a donation, we raised $120

Variety Bash people let us explore the fire engines and they gave us two lolly scrambles. All in all we had heaps of fun.

World Maths Day 2010! We are Stars!

2010-03-05T11:14:00.009+13:00

Over the last four weeks our class has been participating in the Fourth Annual World Maths Day; we practised daily. The on 3rd of March was the official World Maths Day. Some of us started the day at 6:00am and we all played until midnight and the next day as well,Even though we are a small class of 27 we ended up 47th in the WORLD!!!

We got to 16th on the leader board before the last night; we only dropped thirty one places over night. There were over four and a half million students taking part. In our class Leela has the record of fifty nine answers in a minute.We even got write ups in two newspapers the Nelson Mail and the Guardian.
At about 6:30pm we had our BBQ dinner of sausages and burgers YUM!

We then returned to World Maths Day and played until 10:00pm.

To keep us on task Ms I gave us lots of treats as incentives and we had exercise breaks; we even went swimming at 9 pm. We got in the nelson mail here is the link click on the article below.
We played human space invaders with Tim (Skye's dad) which was really fun!
We made up our made beds in the hall and had some yummy hot chocolate and we continued playing. It hit midnight and we all went to bed.
We woke up and got the news that World Maths Day carried on another for 12 hours! so we kept on playing!

On the 7th March we all printed off our gold award certificates,many of us got.
Overall World Maths was awesome and everyone did really well! Many of us scored over 10000 points, we had to score 4000pts to get a gold certificate an we all did that.