Bell Block School- Room 10 - 2012

Welcome to Room 10

2012-01-17T14:48:00.001+13:00

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday and have come back motivated and ready to learn. We have new students in our class this year so Year 8's please make them feel welcome.

Just some reminders to make our life at school that much more successful!

Success at school is closely linked to attendance. In short, the more often you come to school the better you will do. We also all function much better when we have had plenty of sleep, drink lots of water and eat a healthy diet.

2011 Overview

2012-01-05T17:02:00.000+13:00

The last day of school for 2011 has come and gone. We have experiencedmany different things this year, including some fantastically memorableextra-curricular activities. During this year the students of Room 10, 2011 havetaken part in many terrific things such as: Outdoor Academy, PrEP, Production,Leadership Conferences, BP Challenge, Interschool Sports, Cross Country,Tryathlon and of course who can forget the end of year camp at Eltham.

This year had many highlights below is a glimpse of the year book for year 8s that was put together by Lani.

Term 3 Begins!

2011-07-28T13:29:00.000+12:00

Term 3 is shaping up to be a very busy term. We have the interschool Netball and Rugby sports competition starting this term with the the first match against Puketapu School on the 19th of August. We also have the BP Challenge, Outdoor Academy Ski Trip and the practices for the production.

Kapa Haka

2011-07-14T11:06:00.006+12:00

This year we have had so many students who have shown an interest in Kapa Haka that we have made two groups! Both groups performed at Taatarakihi and did a wonderful job. It was a great day. Taine and Ruth are the leaders of the older group and they did a great job at Taatarakihi. We watched some of the competition groups to see what we are up against when we enter the competition at Puanga next term. We were very fortunate to have some amazing parents, teachers and students who have put in a lot of time and effort into designing and making enough uniforms for the students of both Kapa Haka groups.

LEADERS CONFERENCE

2011-07-14T11:00:00.002+12:00

Last Friday a group of students went to the leaders conference in New Plymouth. There were heaps of amazing and inspiring speakers. Brett Mcgregor even showed up and showed us how to make a couple of his favourite dishes. There were fun games and there was dance off between some of the high school students. It was an awesome day and we learnt so much on how to be a great leader.

PrEP

2011-06-18T21:04:00.008+12:00

Term 2

2011-06-18T20:58:00.012+12:00

Term 1 Highlights

2011-05-16T10:32:00.001+12:00

Fonterra Science Fair

The intermediate team attend the Fonterra Science fair at Waitara High school. They were given the opportunity to experiment with the way technology works. Below are some photos of time at this event.

Christchurch Fundraiser

2011-03-04T10:10:00.004+13:00

Today down at the Bell Block shopping centre Bell Block school put on a cake stall, Raffle and sold Black and Red Ribbons to help raise money for the people of Canterbury. We also dressed in the Canterbury colours (Red and Black). Thank you to everyone who brought cakes and brought from the stall.

Design and Refine

2011-03-03T22:13:00.000+13:00

Design and Refine is our new Inquiry topic. We will be having our tuning in day on Friday the 4th of March. Room 10 will be doing PrEP as part of this inquiry.

Read about me!

2011-02-19T21:35:00.005+13:00

Lani

Kia Ora, my name is Lani. I am 12 years old. I was born in the Manly Base Hospital in Australia. I am part Maori, part Dutch and part Australian, but the Dutch shows out in me more.I have several shades of blonde in my hair, I have ocean blue eyes and my skin is a light brown.

I love sports! I play netball, basketball, touch rugby, rippa rugby and my favourite sport of all surfing! My dad introduced me to surfing when I was nine. I go surfing whenever I get the chance.

My goal in life is to become a professional surfer! And show that girls can surf as good as boys, maybe even better! I would also like to travel the world after university, if I don’t become a professional surfer before then of course.

Well now you know all about me!

I Can Do It, We Can Do It!

2011-02-17T22:22:00.003+13:00

I Can Do It, We Can Do It is our inquiry for the first part of term 1.

Our Big Question is:
How can I make my classroom a great place to be?

The Deep Understandings are:

• We can all help to make our school a great place to learn
• We all have rights, roles and responsibilities at school
• We all have knowledge and skills to contribute – we are smart in different ways.

As part of this inquiry we have been creating personal shields, writing profiles about ourselves, a mihi and poems that give a description of ourselves. As part of our homework each student has been asked to put together an All about me booklet.

Muru Raupatu Marae Visit

2011-02-17T22:06:00.004+13:00

At our recent visit to Muru Raupatu Marae.
Our Head boy Taine Wilcox was able to demonstrate his orator’s skill by doing a whaikōrero on behalf of the school. We were all very proud of him.

Below is a sample of some of the activities that we were involved in during our day at the marae.

Personal Shields

2011-02-17T21:52:00.006+13:00

Jessie

In class we have been creating Personal Shields. They represent our culture, hobbies, family, sport and our future goals. All Personal Shields are completed and are displayed on our wall for all to see. Below are some examples:

Lani

Jessie, Cherkayla ,
Quinten & Liam

Thomas

Hannah

Welcome to 2011

2011-02-01T22:02:00.003+13:00

Today was our first day back at school for the year! It was great to see the excitement in the faces of the students when entering the class this morning.
Reminder:
Hats must be worn out in the playground. Please remember to bring your hat every day or better still leave it in your desk!
The Intermediate school goes swimming on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday so please make sure that you all bring your togs.

Welcome to Room 10 2011

2011-01-20T09:49:00.003+13:00

Term 4 Highlights

2010-12-15T11:07:00.007+13:00

Term 4 was filled with many highlights. The Term started with the camp to Rotorua for the Intermediate team.
Below is a Recount written by Taine Wilcox.

Rotorua Experience

Day 1:

A hot summer’s day. Sitting in the boiling spew infested bus. Hungry and tired we all just wanted to get to Rotorua. After a few hours we finally reached Rotorua, we all scrambled out of the bus for fresh air. But there was more smell to come. The smell of Rotorua lingered through the air. We all raced to our cabins to grabbed the bed that we wanted. We all got to explore camp Keswick. Mark (the camp owner) told us all the boundaries and rules of Keswick. We then unpacked all of our gear and got settled into Rotorua. at about 5 o’clock, Mr Lobban called everyone who wanted to got for a swim in and then we all went to Lake Rotorua, it was just across the road. it was warm because there were natural springs coming from underneath the sand. Everyone who was game enough went out a long way because the lake was real shallow. After a while boundaries were called because people were going out and out and out. Mr Lobban then called us in to go back to the camp. We had showers and got ready for dinner. Dinner was delicious. We then had to do our camp diaries so that we could look back at them when we’re doing our camp recounts. We then had supper and went to bed

Day 2:

We all woke up from a night’s sleep, had a wash and had a scrumptious brekky. We had the normal breakfast cereals, toast, porridge and milo. We had time to make a hand picked roll. We then got ready to go into Rotorua’s town. We split into two groups, the big bus and the small bus. The big bus went on the duck tour which is a tour of Rotorua’s most famous lakes in an amphibious vehicle. We were all given quakers which, are like Kazoo’s. We first went to the Blue Lake it was interesting because it was really naturalistic. We bobbed around the blue lake for a while before heading to the green lake. The driver told us a myth about the lake and how it got it’s name Taputiki. We then drove back to the city and our group went shopping while the other group went for their adventure on the duck.
We ended the day by going to the Aquatic center where we were all in need of a swim after the sweltering sun had been beating down on us.

Day 3:
We woke up to the sun streaming in the cabins and to find that we were going to one of Rotorua’s most visited places the Luge and Gondola’s. Full of anticipation and anxiety we headed up the Gondola. We all had to start on the beginners track. We picked it up straight away but Mrs Gotz was too fast and she caught us and passed us. She had been their before! I had done my first ever luge and my brain was buzzing. We went again and again until we were out of rides.
Next on the agenda for the day was the Rainbow Springs Wildlife Park. At the park their were Kiwi’s that we could not see and other native animals, like ugly but colourful trout. I felt like getting a fishing rod and dropping in a line but of course I couldn’t because they are protected and there for the tourists to see.
We had time to kill before heading back to camp so we made a detour down to the lake front where their was an opportunity to go on the paddle boats but most just played on the playground.

Day 4:

Today was the day we had our cultural experience. We had a few hiccups getting their because our bus had broken down and we were cramped into a small bus but, like all good fairytales their was a happy ending. Another bus came to our rescue half way down the road. At Te Puia we experienced a Powhiri and a performance that was marketed towards the tourists. I think we could have done a better job but of course we didn’t get a chance!. We were shown around the geysers, carving house and we got to see some real life Kiwi’s.
Our next activity for the day was the Museum the highlight there was a simulation of the volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera.

Day 5:
Today was the day we headed for home! We packed and cleaned the cabins and then back on the humid bus for our long ride home. My highlights of the trip was the luge and my awesome group that knew how to hunt for a bargain. Thank you to all the parents and teachers for allowing us this awesome experience.

Term 3 Highlights

2010-10-18T21:47:00.003+13:00

Arts festival

Excitement in the air and the hall begins to fill. The Kapa Haka group stands in the darkness signalling the fantastic night to come.

Music, dance and instruments, lit up by dazzling lights. The smell of lollies making my senses tingle, the flashes of glow sticks sparkling in the darkness. Wave after wave of performances buffet the crowd with spectacular
images that would be set in there mind forever.

With rapping dancing and singing the teachers were a sight to see. Arts festival 2010 was the place to be.

Be sure to see the photos on the website.
Jacob Keen & Jurnee Kihi

Out door Academy

2010-10-18T21:17:00.007+13:00

It was Tuesday 14th and it was about 5:30 in the morning and I was preparing for the trip I had been preparing for this day a week ahead. I was beaming with excitement when my mum drove me into the car park outside the school. Kia Ora / Talofa Hello my name is Lani and I have been asked to tell you all about the recent Outdoor Academy that I was extremely lucky to attend. We meaning Sarah, Jurnee, Charlotte, Hannah, Samantha, Ethan, Chino, Bradley, Connor B, Taine, Kane A, Mrs Gotz, Tommie, Karen (Bradleyʼs mum) and myself, had to be outside school about 6:15 because we had to leave 6:30 sharp. Everybody turned up eager to hit the road. Most of the girls went in Karenʼs car. Mrs Gotz and Tommie had the pleasure of driving all the boys and Jurnee up in the van.

It was a quiet drive up in Karenʼs car but I bet it was the complete opposite in Tommieʼs van. When we reached Taumaranui we headed for National Park then straight to the mountain. It was pouring down with rain so we had to get dressed under the icy cold rain. But little did I know we were about to find out what icy cold actually is. We were all suited up feeling like Sumo Wrestlers as we waddled up to the rental shop. Our gear was fitted and away we went. Tommy and Mrs Gotz were both experienced skiers and were our ski and snowboard instructors. We got used to the skis, snowboards and the snow down in Happy Valley. Then we were ready to hit the higher slopes. A group of us caught a chairlift up to Rock Garden. We didnʼt spend too long there and we again mounted the lifts to go up to the Waterfall T on the 2nd chair.

This was the most challenging experience and with fear and trembling I conquered the Tbar. We all felt like human icicles so to defrost we went to the Tokannu Hot pools where we put down a hangi and soaked while we waited for it to cook. On Friday the mountain was closed due to bad weather. Mrs Gotz had booked us into the climbing wall in National Park. The rock-climbing instructors strapped us into our harness and thinking that we were monkeys we raced each other to the top of the walls. We all loved this experience. We were so fortunate to be given this opportunity and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Lani Moorhouse.

Term 3

2010-07-20T17:54:00.004+12:00

Term 3 will be a busy term in Room 10 with many students being involved in the up coming BP Challenge and Arts Festival. We also have our Year 7 & 8 Interschool competition. We will be updating our BLOG with photos of the events. This Friday we have Stratford coming to our school to challenge us in Rugby, Netball and Soccer and the induction of the new student council.It will be a busy day.

Report Writing

2010-06-23T16:07:00.003+12:00

A Desert

A desert is a hot place where there is no rain. Very few plants can grow. It is so hot that you can't bear to stay out for long or it is so cold you need warm clothes to survive. A place that receives very little rain or snow during the year is called a desert climate. No matter how cold or hot it will always stay dry.

A desert has many hills of dry sand banks and very few rivers or ponds for drinking water. Very few animals live in the desert. One animal that does is a camel. A camel can last for at least three weeks with out water or food.

There are many types of deserts across the world. There are the hot deserts, which are found in Africa, Asia, Australia and North ad South America. There are also Cold deserts these deserts are found in the Antarctica, Asia and South America and places near the Arctic.

The desert is described as a hard place to live because there is no water and hardly any food. The sand storms make it worse by covering people and their cities and towns up and killing the animals because of the extreme conditions.

The desert is a hard place to live because it has hardly any food or water.

Written by Samantha Boyder
  

Writing in Room 10

2010-05-18T15:08:00.005+12:00

In Room 10 we are continuing with Showing not Telling in our writing. Below are some examples from the students.

AUTUMN

Leaves crunching beneath my feet
The crisp cool air turns to steam as I breathe
Red-orange helicopters float around me
Birds talk of the coming cold
Dewy grass soaking my feet
Spindly fingers branch across the cold grey sky
The fiery red ball sinking towards the horizon, lighting the sky with a pinkish glow
The dirt crunching with frost as I walk
Critters talking of the long white nights ahead
Chimney smoke darkens the sky and the smell of cooking drifts to me on the cool breeze

By Jacob Keen

Autumn

Red, yellow, brown sometimes green coat the trees, making them colourful. Floating down like torpedoes.

Brown leaves spread under the trees and on table tops, sometimes falling on your slippery wet brown leaves making you slip over. Wet sodden ground feels muddy and slippery while the Brown crunchy dried leaves go crackle, crackle, crunch underneath my feet.

A soft breeze trickles through a bush of trees. Autumn rainbows highlight the sky. Days and nights getting colder sends a shiver down my spine as I realise that the freezing cold winter is not to far away.

Grey smoke rises from the chimneys as fires are lit and ovens are turned on to cook a roast. My hot warm stinky breath enters the world like steam.

Hannah Adlam

Literacy

2010-05-17T12:02:00.006+12:00

Over the past 3 weeks for Literacy Room 10 students have been Researching Topics of their choice.
Their task was to choose a topic in which they were interested, find out enough about the topic to become an "expert" so that they could lead a mini-seminar in which to share their expertise with the rest of the class.
Last week students presented their topics to the class. We learnt about The Super Continent, Planets, Animal Cruelty, Pigs in Cages, BMX Freestyling, Samoa, Egypt, The Eiffel Tower,Guns and the Maori Battalion. Below are a sample of the visual presentations that were shared.

LIT Quiz

2010-05-12T12:36:00.005+12:00

Last Friday Jacob Keen, Charlotte Bone, Hannah Adlam and Jaz Nathan went to the kids lit quiz
at Devon Intermediate where they competed in 10 categories, and won a round called Mythical
Creatures.... Overall we came 15th out of 23 schools.

2010-04-26T12:20:00.006+12:00

The Taranaki Land Wars

For our current Inquiry topic we are learning about the Taranaki Land Wars. We have visited local sites in Waitara to learn about the events that took place in 1860. We have also been to Puke Ariki to look at the Taranaki Land War exbition.

2010-04-26T09:26:00.009+12:00

The highlights Room 10 had in TERM 1

The Marae Visit
Room 10 had the job of making the steam puddings and serving in the kitchen for the Hakari. A few students stayed behind at school to help prepare the puddings.

Swimming Sports
Well done to Jimmie Ratahi, Chino Reihana and Taine Wilcox for your outstanding swimming and the results you achieved in the Inter School swimming sports!!

The Tryathlon

The students from Rm 10 enjoyed the challenge of swimming, biking and running. Jimmie, Jesse, Hannah, Ryan and Kane competed individually and the other Rm 10 students entered in the team event doing one leg of the event. A great day was had by all!

Students of the week

2010-02-15T16:04:00.007+13:00

This term we have decided to have a student of the week where students vote for who they think has worked well and been on task displaying our class expectations. The students who are chosen are recognised as being a role model for others in the class to follow and receive a certificate. This weeks students of the week are. Jacob Keen, and Hannah Adlam. These to students have displayed great work ethics this week. Well done.

2010-02-11T14:13:00.004+13:00

Term 1 2010

2010-02-09T14:01:00.008+13:00

Room 10 has had a great start to the year. We are busy completing our booklets "All about me". Our value this Term is Respect and we are seeing this value demonstrated in our classroom, which is great! Jurnee has taken on the challenge of keeping our BLOG updated, along with others in the class contributing their ideas.

The last word from the year 8's

2010-01-08T15:13:00.002+13:00

Okay, Mrs Gotz, I'm sorry I hacked the blog from home but I had to write in here.

Room 10 has been an amazing class for all of us year 8's, we had an amazing teacher and an amazing year 7's. Hopefully Mrs Gotz finds this and lets everyone read it, because I would just like to say thank you. Thank you to Mrs Gotz, thank you to the year 7's, thank you to Toni and Brenda. You were all so awesome last year, it's hard to let go. By the time you read this your've probably forgotten all about us year 8's, and if so, we forgive you, but only because you were in our class and so you were nearly as awesome as us :P We all had a great time in 2009, our class had some awesome moments, like when we played chinese whispers when Mrs Gotz was about to rant at us, or when we played silent ball and nearly took each others arms off. To those of you who weren't there on the last assembuly, you suck for not letting us say goodbye, so we'll just come stalk you on teacher only days, don't worry. For the student council for this year, you guys are going to do great, your all great people, although being shy won't help. So be outgoing, and remember not everyone is out there to make you look stupid! Only most of them! You now year 8's will do awesome this year, you guys are the big kids now, you guys have to be the rolemodels, you guys have to get the shouts from Mr Read when you do something wrong, that I don't envy. Make the most of this year, your last year, as it will pass very quickly, it did for us, it will for you. I guess I'd better shut up and go now, yet it's hard to say goodbye even though I know you guys won't read this until Mrs Gotz actually remembers we have a blog. And for trying to do it weekly and stuff, don't even try, it's useless, it'll work for a few weeks but then your'll have more important stuff to do. This is me so I do go on forever, so if you can't be bothered reading this all then I don't blame you, not a lot of you read. So again, goodbye. Good luck for this year. Your'll do great. Stay in school. Don't do drugs, and your'll be fine. So bye!

Casey Russell

- Former Room 10 student.

NIE Quiz

2009-10-14T14:10:00.002+13:00

On Thursday night at Devon Intermediate, Jacob, Casey and William will take part in the NIE Quiz, in teams of 4, Jaz and Angel (Rm 14) and Casey and William in one team, with Jacob, Dayna and Victoria (Rm 9) and Brendon (Rm 14), as well as a group of year 5 & 6's. They have been using the past two days to study general knowledge and the newspapers, as well as atlas's, to get ready for the quiz on Thursday Night. Good Luck to all teams!

Poems

2009-10-14T14:01:00.005+13:00

This week we have been working on poems, using hyperbole, similies, metaphors and personification! A year 8 student, Nikolao has written some amazing poems that we want to share with you today!

Me, Myself and I

I'm so thirsty I can drink a whole pond,

As well as the ocean,

But more wider and long.

As dark as the night,

As green as the leaves,

Sometimes I wonder,

Where should I be.

So when I grow old and wrinkly and dry,

That will be the place,

Where I'll live my last life.

Though when the time comes for me to go,

I will watch over those people,

Who are lonely and old.

Beach

As I walk on the beach,

With my feet so bare,

I suddenly see seagulls dashing through the air.

I feel so excited,

I'm going to drop,

But the swish and the crash keeps telling me not.

The sand dunes so high,

And the rocks are so low,

I'm begging you sand,

Can you please let me go?

I feel like I'm trapped in this wonderful beach,

because my excitements so strong,

That it won't let me screech.

But I really cannot stay here for long,

because home sweet home is where I belong.

Both poems by Nikolao!

Well done Nikolao, your poems are great!

Welcome To Term 4!

2009-10-14T13:58:00.002+13:00

Welcome back! Yes we're back at school for the last term of 2009, for some the last term for Bell Block School, as all of our year 8 students say goodbye at the end of the year. This term is packed with a lot of exciting things, with our annual camp to Vertical Horizon's next week, and speech competitions, and a lot more. We also welcome Brenda McCarthy who has taken on the role of helping some students in our class, after the sad goodbye to Toni Parkes last term. We will be updating this blog again this term with all the exciting things we want to share with you!

Room 10

Class Speeches

2009-09-16T18:34:00.003+12:00

In Room 10 we have been working on writing and presenting speeches this term. This week we have been listening and giving feedback as the students present their speeches orally. The topics have been informative and entertaining. We have learnt about Adolf Hitler, Wayne Runi, Michel Jackson and Jane Goodall's lives. Then we have been entertained with topics such as Clicks, Boy Racers, Guns, Skateboards, Free Running, Horses, Lions and Animals.

Next term 2 of these speeches will be chosen to represent our class.

Our School Cross country

2009-09-16T18:26:00.006+12:00

On Tuesday we had our school cross country down at the Mangati Walkway. Room 10 all participated and we were so proud of the students in our class that are going on to represent our school
at the Puketapu Cross country on Friday. Photos will be put up soon.

Jack and the Beanstalk- Our Production

2009-09-15T10:11:00.004+12:00

This term our Inquiry has been on how to put on a production. Our class has been involved in this with students being in the background with prop construction,Sound, Choir and with the performance on stage. Below is a photo of our class with our buddy class performing our part in the production.

Omata Cross Country

2009-09-07T14:21:00.002+12:00

Last Thursday, Mrs Gotz and 31 other students headed down to Omata School, for the interschool cross country. Bell Block won 4 out of 6 races, the winners coming first place were Angel (Rm 10), Stevie, Paul and Byron ( All Rm 10). Above are photo's of the whole team and the winners.

Assembly

2009-08-24T10:49:00.003+12:00

Last assembly, on Friday the 21st of August, a lot of people in our class recieved awards, one boy got a very special award. An Honours Badge. The head boy for the first half of 2009, William Adlam (A year 8 in our class) recieved his Honours Badge last week, after getting all 4 Excellence awards, Academic, Sport, Cultural and Citizen. Then Casey, got her Academic Excellence award, Stevie and Chino also got the classes Principals awards. Well done to those students.

Another Student Bio

2009-08-24T10:46:00.003+12:00

This weeks bio is for Deanna...

Hi! My name is Deanna, people call me Dee Dee for short. My hobbies are playing netball, listening to hip hop music and playing on the computer. I am a year 7 student, and I love being in this class!

Next weeks bio....William Adlam

Quote of the week

2009-08-17T14:45:00.003+12:00

This is the quote of the week:

Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go

- T.S Eliot

Found by Tenisha Baker

Biography

2009-08-13T09:42:00.010+12:00

Hi my name is Shayden Worthington I am a year seven, my hobbies are playing guitar playing hockey fishing and also I like listening to AC/DC.This year I have been involved with being in the Interschool rugby team. My favourite subjects at school are Music in the Whare with Mrs Thompson and sometimes I like other subjects like Art.I don't really like singing on Friday in Assembly.

BY SHAYDEN

Biography

2009-08-11T13:34:00.006+12:00

Hi I'm Jurnee Kihi and a year 7 student. I enjoy being in Room 10 because I have the company of a fun teacher Mrs Gotz also many other different things. The subjects I love doing are math, art and a few other things. This year I have recieved 3 different Principal's awards . This year so far I've been involved in helping with the BBK Arts Festival and at the moment I'm involved with props for our production at the end of Term 3. (MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A FREE NIGHT TO COME) If you see me don't be afraid to say hello.

By Jurnee Kihi

Biography

2009-08-11T12:32:00.010+12:00

Hi my name is Lucy and I'm a year eight student in Room Ten. I am a Takehe Whanau Leader,my favourite things are Twilight, chocolate, swimming, running and hanging out with my friends.I'm a giggly hyper-active person, so I waste my energy annoying my sisters. If you see me around the school don't be scared to say hi.

Quote of the Week

2009-08-11T10:56:00.003+12:00

"Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."

This week Jurnee Kihi has found an inspirational quote by the famous Willliam Shakespeare, his quote can inspire us to achieve.

Sports Review

2009-08-11T10:34:00.008+12:00

Lisa Tamati's Hell on Earth Journey

It is a 217 km race across Death Valley with temperatures up to

57 degrees celcius running over the mountain passes. Extreme training goes into such a race. Later in the year Lisa is going to do the biggest challenge of her life, running the length of New Zealand which is 2200 km or equivalent to 52 marathons in 33 days.

Written by Ethan Tate

Book Reveiw

2009-08-11T10:23:00.007+12:00

The Wind Singer

Hi the book I'm reviewing for the blog this week is called The Wind Singer. This book follows the adventure of the Bowman and Kestrel Hath and Mumpo. They set off on a journey to bring back part of the wind singer that was stolen by Morah. They encounter wolves, mud people, and more. I would recommend this book to people who like spine tingling adventure.

By Jacob Keen

Bill English rips off tax payers!

2009-08-06T08:42:00.005+12:00

Bill English our Finance Minister, He paid back the money he ripped of the tax payers so he is setting a great example as a Finance Minister.

By Stevie Stenner.

Gym class Killer

2009-08-06T08:31:00.004+12:00

In Bridgeville, Pennslyvania , a gun man walked in to a public gym and opened fire on people.

Reported by: Stevie Stenner

Biography

2009-08-04T14:37:00.005+12:00

This week we are starting our class bio's and we are beginning with Alicia!

Hi my name is Alicia, I'm 11 and I'm a year 7. I like drawing, sports and swimming. I have recieved one Principals Award this year and I enjoy being in Room 10!

... Next week we have Lucy placing her bio in here!

2009-08-04T10:10:00.005+12:00

Quote Of The Week

2009-08-04T09:41:00.002+12:00

This is our first weekly quote of the week, that was found by Kane A and Chino

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it

- Michael Jordan

Weekly Book Review

2009-08-04T09:35:00.004+12:00

For the weekly book reviews we have made a book review team that will bring book reviews to you every week, to ensure no weekend boredom! This week's book review is by a girl called Tenisha Baker.

New Moon

By Stephenie Meyer

New Moon is the second book in a series of vampire/ human love stories with a lot of modern twists. New Moon is a love story between a vampire and a human. Edward leaves, Bella breaks down and won't talk to anyone for months. Then one day she goes to see her bestfriend Jacob, if you want to know more read the book.

Tenisha Baker

Weekly Music Reviews

2009-08-04T09:23:00.003+12:00

This week we are starting a weekly roster of new things to make the blog more interesting, like weekly music and book reports, as well as student bios, quotes of the weeks and news articles we find interesting. Here is the first music review by a year 7 student in the class, Ethan Tate.

AC/DC Black Ice Tour

Black Ice is the fifteenth studio album by an Australian rock band, AC/DC. It was released on October 17 2008. Black Ice was also named the 3rd best album in 2008 by Metal Hammer. A ticket for the show in Auckland cost over $150 each! They have sold over 200 million records worldwide. It will be the bands first New Zealand tour since November 1996 without any question, it will be the most spectacular rock show ever staged in this country.

Ethan Tate

Welcome To Term 3!

2009-07-30T10:31:00.001+12:00

Welcome to Term 3 at Bell Block School!

Here in Room 10 we have a busy term with everything from Kapa Haka competitions to Interschool and Speeches. We have had our first interschool competition when we hosted Oakura, and tomorrow (Friday) we are going to Puketapu school, just down the road a bit from ours to go and play netball, soccer and rugby. Yesterday (Wednesday) the Kapa Haka group, lead by Whaia Raewyn and went to the TSB Stadium to compete in the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival 2009. We all had a great time. We are also working on our speeches, using the hamburger format, and practicing with informative speeches, persuasive speeches and entertaining speeches. We are also broadening our literacy skills by working with poetry. We will be updating this through-out the term on all the exciting things happening in Room 10!

The B.P Challenge Part 2

2009-06-12T10:31:00.000+12:00

Yesterday morning 4 teams from Bell Block School went to the T.S.B Stadium for the B.P Challenge! Students from our class competed in the B.P Challenge. They were at the Stadium all day, going in the morning and coming back in the afternoon. They participated in lots of challenges, from lifting a 2.5 litre Coke bottle from the 2nd story in the stadium from making a huge hat and a giant wind wand.

All teams also made a crank for the hand crank challenge, Angel, William, Ethan, Shasta and Jazz's power bike scored 2nd place! (See a picture of the bike below) This team also won the medical supplies challenge!! Others from our class to be involved were Casey, Lucy, Tenisha, Jacob and the photographers for the day were Jurnee and Charlotte.

Above is a photo of Angel's team participating in the 'Marge's Hat' Challenge!

The B.P Challenge Part 1

2009-06-03T09:16:00.001+12:00

A lot of people in our class have been placed in a team for the B.P Technology Challenge on the 11 June. William Adlam (Current Head Boy) and Ethan Tate came into school this morning with a bike-like thing, that they have called 'Power Bike '. The half bike contraption is something you pedal on to make power, from the little box they have attached to the bike. They are going to use it for the B.P Challenge's 'Crank' Challenge. Mrs Miller found it fascinating when she came in to greet us this morning and couldn't resist having a go on it herself!

The Arts Festival

2009-06-03T09:07:00.000+12:00

Our Head Girl, Angel Gotz had an idea this term about organising an arts festival for the school to show off their talents, from singing to being on the keyboard. The first half of the Intermediate Auditions happened yesterday at lunchtime when Ethan, Lucy, Casey, Samantha, Charlotte, Pricze Gold, Tenisha, Shayden, Kane, Chino and Ashley all performed in groups or solo's in the performance. They all did brilliantly! Today Stevie, Nikolao, Lucy and Byron will all also take part. The auditions go towards the Arts Festival (25 June, Bell Block School Hall 6 - 8 p.m). The best 5 or so from each category (Junior, Middle, Senior and Intermediate) will be placed into the show. Entry is 50c for any audition at lunchtime and at the actual show.

Welcome Back!

2009-05-01T10:26:00.000+12:00

We have began Term 2 with a bang in Room 10. We have been continuing with our disaster projects and have been making our writing come to life by using personification, metaphor's and similes. In Term 2 we are continuing with our topic Let It Grow. We are planning a trip to a local garden center in the next few weeks of which we will keep you updated. Our Term 2 school value is 'Taking Responsibility'. We have lots of cool things happening in Term 2, including the basketball, netball, soccer and hockey season starting. So welcome back to Term 2 everyone!

At big welcome to Toni Parkes who will be working with us in Room 10 this term.

The Kids Lit Quiz

2009-04-29T14:52:00.003+12:00

On Tuesday the Kids Lit Quiz was held at Devon Intermediate. Mrs Gotz coached the BBK Team, (Casey, Tenisha (Both R10), Kimberley and Molly). Out of about 21 teams there the BBK team came 16th with a score of 54. 1st place went to Highlands 2 , 2nd to Wanganui 2 and 3rd to Wanganui 1. Well done girls!

Showing not Telling

2009-04-29T12:21:00.000+12:00

As we continue with Term 2 we have been learning more about personification, here is William Adlam's (Head Boy) personification.

The tarmac shivers with fear

Nerves begin to boil like a jug

The petrol fumes lure me to my seat

The engine roared like a tornado

The tires heat up like a oven

The lights go out like a flash of lightning

The crowd roars like a tiger

Can you guess what he is showing not telling?

Planting The Baskets

2009-04-08T10:50:00.000+12:00

Groups of senior students have been involved in planting flowers in some hanging baskets to help our school look more decorative. Mr Rutherford helped the children plant the flowers, this fitted in well with our 'Let It Grow' inquiry work that will continue on into next term. Below are some photo's of the students working on the baskets.

Weetbix Triathlon

2009-04-08T10:45:00.000+12:00

The Weetbix Triathlon was held in new Plymouth last Friday and 60 students from our school participated. The Triathlon included a swim, bike and then the run. Each participant got a pack which included a Weetbix Triathlon T - Shirt and then at the end they all got a medal.

Room 10's Personification

2009-04-08T10:20:00.000+12:00

We've been learning to use personification and to 'Show Not Tell' in our writing. Here are some examples of our work. Titled 'The Beach'.

The waves were calling me and the waves were calling me, and the hands of the sand were dragging me towards the rolling waves. The pink bellied dolphins were flying through the air, and the blue-black muscle covered whales were spraying jets of mist into the air . The wind howled in my ears and the sand bit into my flesh but I took no notice as I was pulled into the ocean.

- Jacob Keen

The window wipers walking on the window, as the engine screams down the road, fading until the street goes silent.

- Lucy Clarke

The bright gold sand pushes me towards the howling waves as the wind echoes across the sea.

- Alicia Elliot

The golden sand scorched my feet, screaming caution at the dangerous waters below. The feet of the crab scurried it away from the mouth of the hungry seagull. The waves crashed, in a war of dominance, each crash growing louder and louder. Shells crunched under my feet, crying out in pain.

- Casey Russell

Rugby League Competition

2009-04-02T16:41:00.000+13:00

Today the Year 7 and 8 League Team played in the Intermediate HardCore competition. They didn't win a game but they put their bodies on the line trying. Some impressive tackling was seen by the girls. Well done on Jakaeya and Ethan for scoring our tries. Below are a few photos of today.

Rugby League Cup

2009-03-27T12:56:00.000+13:00

Today we had a special visit from the Rugby League World Cup. Our Year 7 & 8 league team got to have a photo and pretend that it was theirs. Our team is playing in the tournament at Bell Block Marist on the 2nd of April. Please come and watch us!

Swimming Sports!

2009-03-26T09:51:00.000+13:00

Swimming Sports!

Yesterday, Wednesday 25 of March our school had the Swimming Sports!

This year we had a few differences in Swimming Sports, we held the Whanau swimming event in the morning with the elite races being held in the afternoon.

We had a generation race this year, which was a relay of teams with a teacher, a parent and 2 students at the school. Participating in Swimming Sports gives us year 7 and 8's a chance to get another point for our all important Excellence Awards which go towards getting our Honour's Badge!

All in all everyone had an awesome day at the Swimming Sports, either supporting the others or swimming a great day was had by all.

-Casey Russell, Room 10 Student

Inquiry Learning

2009-03-24T12:31:00.000+13:00

LET IT GROW!

For our Term 1 Inquiry Project Room 10 have been working on our topic Let It Grow.

Here is an update on one of our groups, William, Ashley and Ethan have been working on their question "What ingredients do you need to make a good compost?".

"So far it's been going great apart from in the weekend when we left it in the classroom, it stunk the classroom out. Our ingredients include, grass clippings, vegetable waste, leaves and other foliage."Says William Adlam.

Other groups are doing questions like; How long does it take for mud to harden? and Can man influence plant colour? We have been working on our Inquiry questions. Below are some pictures of William, Ashley and Ethan at work with their decomposing compost.

- Casey Russell, Room 10 Student

Tryathlon

2009-03-23T17:30:00.001+13:00

BELL BLOCK SCHOOL TRYATHLON!

On Friday, Week 8 of Term 1 Bell Block

School participated in the annual Tryathlon!

They had an amazing Tri - Athlete named Clark Ellyce come and talk to us about Tryathlon's and the Weetbix Tryathlon. He had some awesome gear that was passed around the crowd while he talked of his experiences and answered questions.

Just a few days later it was time for Bell Block School to have their own Tryathlon. Bikes were lined up, Togs were put on and runners were putting on their running shoes. Energy was in the air and all of Bell Block School was ready to race.

The swimmers went first, running to the back entrance of the pools from the goal post. By then the bikers were already on their bikes and ready to go. Soon enough the swimmers tagged their team mates and some of them jumped on their bikes themselves, continuing on the fun Tryathlon circuit.

The bikers raced around Bell Block, heading down Kingsford Street to Cassia Place. They zoomed around the track and then headed back to school, to tag their runners or do the three laps of the school themselves.

Room 10 got a variety of 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, they were all very proud of each others achievements. Then they headed home for a well deserved break in the weekend.

Room 10 Winners

Stevie Stenner - 2nd in the over 12's girls Individual

William Adlam - 2nd in the over 12's boys Individual

Ethan Tate - 1st in the over 11's boys Individual

Ashley Lyford , Byron De Villers and Jacob Keen - 1st in the boys over 11's Teams

Room 9 Winners

Victoria Stanford - 1st in the over 12's girls Individual

Room 14 Winners

Angel Gotz - 1st in the over 11's girls Individual

Kieran Hinz - 1st in the over 12's boys Individual

(Photo's of Stevie Stenner, Ethan Tate, William Adlam and Victoria Stanford. Compliments of the Bell Block Primary School website)

- Casey Russell, Room 10 Student

Week 6 Inquiry Learning: Tuning in day

2009-03-23T16:17:00.000+13:00

ROOM 10's TUNING IN DAY!

On Thursday of Week 6 our class and our buddy class Room 7 walked down to Mangati Walkway for our awesome tuning in day. William, Ashley, Tenisha and Casey all worked together to make a scavenger hunt for the buddies that would help them learn more about the plant environment.

First of all Mrs Gotz and Miss Pickering showed the buddies around Mangati Walkway while William, Ashley ,Tenisha and Casey finished off the clues and making sure they were in the right place.

The first clue they found was around the Doggie Doo
bin. Then they shot off down the walkway for their next clue.It

was just a few minutes later when a yell was heard, confirming that they had found the next clue. Everyone surrounded the clue site and straight after they shot off again at rapid speed to find the next clue. The same routine happened about 6 times until finally the last clue lead them to Mrs Gotz house next door.

They didn't have first place or any placings at all, they did it to have fun and learn more about the environment. They then had their lunch in Mrs Gotz huge garden. While the others played happily a few boys found the most exciting project ever.

Fixing a broken seat that had been damaged by the Agapantha's. Soon enough they found some tools and nails and started hammering at the seat until it came off. Then they got rid of all of the roots of the destructive Agapantha's and re-built the seat. William, Sam, Ethan and Ashley (Below and Above) were all really proud of their achievement.

After a fun morning and awesome afternoon they headed back to school to discuss what they had learnt on that trip. All in all they had a great time and learnt a lot about the environment for their new topic Let It Grow too!

(Photo's of Ethan, William, Ashley and Sam at work with the seat in Mrs Gotz's garden)

- Casey Russell, Room 10 Student