Japan Trip, July Holidays 2018

Japan Trip - 7th to 24th, July 2018


Tuesday 10th July
In the morning on Saturday the 7th, we flew out of Christchurch Airport. We flew for approximately 6 hours, and then arrived at Changi Airport in Singapore. We spent 6 hours exploring there, it was huge! We then got on another plane for around 10 hours. We finally arrived at Narita Airport in Tokyo on Sunday morning. We then got on a bullet train to Sendai, which is where we spent the majority of our time in Japan. Our host families then picked us up from Sendai Station. My host family included a mother, father, grandmother, two sons, and a daughter. The daughter was named Miyabi, and was my buddy. After I was picked up, we went to a sushi restaurant, where I tried tuna for the first time. Surprisingly it wasn't too bad. I had an early night as I was tired from all the travelling. On Monday the 8th, we were shown around the school (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School). It was very big, and instead of bells chiming to indicate the end of a lesson, they used classical music. The students and teachers there were very friendly. We then attended a Japanese lesson where we introduced ourselves in Japanese, and interacted with other students. After spending the morning at school, we then went out on a bus. We spent time at Sendai Castle (which actually was just the site of castle that is no longer there), and Osaki Shrine. The shrine was very beautiful and traditional. We tossed 5 yen coins into a container and tugged a bell, calling gods to watch over us.

Achievements:

• An interesting cultural difference I found was that people in Japan take their shoes off outside the house, and put on clean slippers when entering the house. When using the bathroom, they take off their house slippers and put on bathroom slippers. These cannot be worn outside the bathroom.
• When I was leaving the car in the morning after traveling to the train station, my host mother said "いｔらっしゃい!" I replied with "いってきます!" which means 'see you later', and is a common phrase in Japan.
• An interesting fact about Osaki Shrine is that it was designated a National Treasure of Japan, which means it is one of Japans most precious cultural properties.
• I have began using ええと... instead of umm... when speaking to my host family.

Friday 13th July
On Tuesday the 10th, we had a history lesson on Tsurugajo Castle which we would then visit in a few days. The story behind the castle was very interesting, but very sad. We then attended a cooking class, where we cooked traditional Japanese food with some students. We made noodles, dumplings, and savory jelly. It was delicious! We spent some time as a group practicing the songs we were going to sing on our last day at the school. For the last class of the day, we did P.E with some students. We played volleyball in groups with some younger students. They were all very nice, and good at volleyball. After school, some students threw us a welcome party. We made takoyaki balls with octopus or sausage in them. I didn't really like the octopus, but the party was nice. On Wednesday the 11th, we went on a bus to Matsushima Island. We then got on a ferry, and sailed around the islands. It was very nice there. On Thursday the 12th, we went to Tsurugajo Castle. It was beautiful! We also went to a Samurai Mansion, which had lots of history behind the life of a samurai.

Achievements:

• When buying some gifts at a gift shop at the Samurai Mansion, I paid in exact change. I used 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1 yen coins.
• When eating at a hamburger restaurant, I ordered a chicken meal, rice, and drink in Japanese.

Tuesday 24th July
On Friday the 13th, we went to a huge Buddha statue called Sendai Daikannon. It had many many stairs. We then went to Yagiyama Zoo. A highlight was watching the polar bear get fed. He was very cool. On Saturday the 14th, my buddies friends came over, and we played karaoke and card games. They stayed the night. On Sunday the 15th, we went to the Fox Village. The foxes were very cute. We also went to a cheese factory, where we tried a delicious milk drink. On Monday the 14th, my host family took me to an amusement park. It was extremely hot, and we went on very fast roller coasters. On Tuesday the 17th, we went to Kamaboko Factory. We learned about the history of kamaboko and the processes it goes through to get made. We then made some. I didn't really like it as it was made of mushed together fish. We then went to a class with our buddy. The class I went to was health. We watched a documentary about animal testing. On Wednesday the 18th, we went to a temple in the mountains. We had to walk up 1008 stairs, and it was very hot. The temple was very nice though. On Thursday the 19th, we went to Shogisan Temple. The temple was gorgeous, as was the small castle there. Later that afternoon, we watched the schools inter-class choir competition. One group sang an english song and it was very good. On Friday the 20th, we went to a class with our buddies. The class I went to was Japanese. The students in the class did a test. We spent the rest of the day at Michonoku Park. It was very pretty. After school, some students threw us a goodbye party. We had food and played bingo. It was really sad saying goodbye. On Saturday the 21st, my host family took me shopping, and out for lunch. It was my last day with them. On Sunday the 22nd, our host families dropped us off at the station. It was very sad saying goodbye to them. We then went on a train to Tokyo Disneyland. We spent the day there. It was really cool. We stayed at the hotel airport for the night, then flew out the next morning.

Achievements:

• I used Japanese to ask my host family where we going. On Saturday I said "きょはどこにいきますか" (Where are we going today?)

Science 1.10 - Disinfectants

2018
Science 1.10
Disinfectants (Investigate life processes and environmental factors that affect them)


Aim:
I am going to investigate how different disinfectant (Dettol) concentrations can affect the growth and reproduction of micro-organisms.

Hypothesis:
I predict that the stronger the disinfectant is, the more bacteria it will kill. I predict this because the active ingredient in Dettol (Chloroxylenol) is effectively used to kill off bacteria by "disrupting the cell wall and stopping the function of enzymes." Wikipedia

Independent Variable:
The independent variable in this experiment is the concentration of the disinfectant. We will change the concentration by diluting the Dettol with different amounts of water. There will be four different concentrations that will be used:

• Full strength (100% Dettol)
• Water (0% Dettol)
• Manufacturer's Instructions (1 capful of Dettol in 400mL water)
• Diluted Dettol (1 capful of Dettol in 800mL water)

Dependent Variable:
The dependent variable in this experiment is the amount of bacteria that is killed. We will measure the clear zone with a ruler, measuring the diameter of the filter paper where the bacteria has been killed by the disinfectant.

Other Variables:

• Temperature of environment

This variable will be controlled by putting the agar dish in an incubator and keeping it on the same temperature for the duration of the experiment.

• Size of filter paper

This variable will be controlled by using a hole punch to ensure that all four of the circles of filter paper are exactly the same size.

• Amount of bacterial solution

This variable will be controlled by spreading the bacterial solution evenly over the agar dish by swirling the liquid around, so there is an equal amount in each quarter.

Reliability:
I will ensure that my results are reliable by controlling variables, and by doing the experiment twice, getting data from two other students, and calculating the average.

Equipment:

• Agar plate
• Vivid
• Dropper
• Bacterial solution - peppercorns in water
• Hole punch
• Filter paper
• Tweezers
• Water
• Disinfectant - Dettol
• Beaker
• Cellotape
• Incubator

Method:

1. Get out your equipment.
2. On the jelly side (inside) of the agar plate, using the vivid, split the plate into four sections.
3. Label the sections: full strength, water, manufacturers instructions, and diluted.
4. Write your name on the side of the agar plate.
5. Using the dropper, transfer some of the bacterial solution onto the agar plate.
6. Swirl the agar plate around to cover the whole surface.
7. Drain the excess bacterial solution by tipping it into the sink.
8. Using a hole punch and some filter paper, punch four disks of filter paper, ensuring they are all the same size.
9. Using tweezers, dip one disk into water and shake off the excess, then place it in the middle of one of the four sections on the agar plate. Once it is on the agar plate, don't move it.
10. Using tweezers, dip the next disk into the full strength Dettol and shake off the excess, then place it in the middle of the next of the four sections on the agar plate.
11. Make up a solution with one capful of Dettol in 400mL of water.
12. Using tweezers, dip the next disk into the solution you just made and shake off the excess, then place it in the middle of another one of the four sections on the agar plate.
13. Make up a solution of one capful of Dettol in 800mL of water.
    
    
14. Using tweezers, dip the next disk into this solution and shake off the excess, then place it in the middle of the last of the four sections on the agar plate.
15. Cello tape the lid onto the agar plate.
    
    
16. Place inside the incubator upside down, and leave for two days.
17. Observe the results.
18. Measure the diameter with a ruler, by measuring right across the clear zone.

Results: 

 

Recorded Data (diameter of clear zone):

	Water	Full Strength	Manufacturer's Instructions	Diluted
Me - One	0mm	30mm	9mm	12mm
Me - Two	19mm	27mm	13mm	10mm
Jorja - One	0mm	19mm	8mm	7mm
Jorja - Two	0mm	18mm	1mm	9mm
Te Rama	0mm	18mm	13mm	11mm
AVERAGE	3.8mm	22.4mm	8.8mm	9.8mm

Analysis:

Conclusion:
I conclude that my hypothesis was correct - the higher the concentration of disinfection in the solution, the more bacteria it will kill. This was shown in my results, as the full strength Dettol had the highest concentration and killed the most bacteria, while the water had the lowest concentration and killed the least amount of bacteria. My graphs show an increasing trend line, which also proves that the higher concentration killed a larger diameter. There were a few abnormalities, but they ultimately didn’t affect the results too much.

Discussion:


Bacteria are microscopic, unicellular organisms, different to ordinary cells as they have no nucleus. They have a cellular structure made up of the capsule, cell wall, cell membrane, pili, flagellum, cytoplasm, plasmids, ribosomes, and the nucleoid. The capsule is the outer layer of the bacteria. It protects the cell from drying out, and from phagocytosis (engulfment by other cells). The cell wall lies between the capsule and the cell membrane. It gives the cell its shape, and protects the cell membrane. The cell membrane is the last bit of protection the cell has. Its job is to regulate what comes in and out of the cell. Pili live on the capsule. They are small and hairlike, and help bacteria attach to surfaces and other cells. The flagellum is the tail of the cell, and can be located on either end of the bacterium. It moves like a propeller, and pushes the bacterium towards nutrients or away from chemicals. The cytoplasm is the core of the bacterium, a jelly-like substance made up of water, enzymes, nutrients, wastes, and gases. It holds plasmids, ribosomes, and the nucleoid, and is where reproduction and growth of the cell occur. Plasmids are located inside the cytoplasm. They are circular pieces of DNA which give bacteria a selective advantage. Ribosomes are also located inside the cytoplasm, and are where proteins are made. The nucleoid is a section of the cytoplasm, where DNA strands are found.

In this experiment, we observed the processes of growth, reproduction, and nutrition. Bacteria grows as it is beginning its reproduction process. Bacteria reproduce through a process called binary fission. They do this asexually, and it is done quite quickly. This process creates ‘clones’ of the parent cell. First, the DNA inside the original cell duplicates. Next, the cell begins elongating. Finally, the cell divides in half, and two daughter cells are produced. For bacteria to grow and reproduce, they need nutrients. Bacteria receive nutrients through a process called extracellular digestion. This is where enzymes are let in through the membrane, and are then secreted into food molecules. The enzymes break down the food and are then absorbed by the bacterium. The nutrients are absorbed into the bacterium through diffusion. They diffuse from a high concentration outside the bacterium, through the cell membrane, into a low concentration inside the bacterium. They can also be directly transported into the bacterium, through a pump which acts as a vacuum and sucks the nutrients in.

 

I predicted that the stronger the disinfectant was, the more bacteria it would kill. I predicted this because the active ingredient in our chosen disinfection was chloroxylenol, which effectively kills bacteria. A disinfectant is a chemical used to kill off bacteria. Our chosen disinfectant was Dettol. We use many different Dettol products in our everyday lives. It can be used as a surface cleaner to get rid of bacteria on benches, or as an antiseptic to clean our wounds. Dettol can eradicate bacteria as it contains the chemical chloroxylenol. This chemical disrupts the cell wall, which means that it can enter the cell membrane as the cell wall protects the membrane. This means that the chemical can filter through into the cell. Once it is inside the cell, it stops the function of enzymes. This means the bacterium cannot absorb nutrients, as enzymes are needed to be secreted into food molecules. If no nutrients are absorbed into the bacterium it cannot grow or reproduce, and therefore is killed. In our experiment we can observe this. We see that the bacteria has stopped growing around the disk, because of the chloroxylenol in the Dettol. It has stopped the bacteria from growing, therefore killing it. The full strength Dettol ultimately killed the most bacteria as it contained the highest amount of chloroxylenol. With this experiment, I now know that I can implement this at home when I am using Dettol to clean surfaces. I don't necessarily need to use full strength, I can also use diluted or manufacturers instructions.

Evaluation:
I can ensure that my results were reliable as I used five different trial dishes. I repeated it myself, used two of Jorja’s trials, and one of Te Rama’s. I then calculated the average. This means that even though there was an abnormality, my results are still reliable. The abnormality was in my second trial. My water disk killed a diameter of 19mm of the bacteria. This is an abnormality as water contains no chemicals, and so no bacteria should have been killed. This could have happened either because I didn’t clean my tweezers each time, or because the water contained chlorine. Next time, I need to sterilize my tweezers before use, and clean them between each solution. I should also use filtered water, as chlorinated water could have an impact on the experiment.

Sources:
https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/bacteriacell.html
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/NCEA_Level_1_Science/Life_processes#Nutrition
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloroxylenol

Summer Learning - 24-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Twenty: Looking into the Future
24-01-18

Activity 1: Your Future Self
I'm not entirely sure what I will do with my future, but I've got a few ideas of careers I could have and places I would love to go. I am interested in going to university to study either law or teaching. I would enjoy being a family lawyer or an intermediate level teacher. I also interested in going in the tourism direction, as I really want to travel when I'm older and having travelling as an aspect of my job would be cool.


Activity 2: Flying Cars
  

If I had just got my license and I had to choose out of these three cars, I would choose the first one, as I like the old vintage style and the retractable roof. I wouldn't enjoy driving the big black one as it would be hard to drive, and although the flying car is cool, I don't think it would be quite so practical.


Bonus Activity: Blade Runner 2049
The new movie Blade Runner 2049 is out now. It is about what the world will be like in the future.

If I was able to travel back in time and see what New Zealand will be like in 2099, I think I would see more tall glass apartment buildings as opposed to family homes. I would see food being created in personal fabricators (3D printers), and people spending much more time indoors using technology than outdoors. The world would be technology based, with everything you need in the palm of your hand. Robots would take the places of humans in most jobs like waitressing, building machinery, teaching, etc. Everyone's lives would revolve around the world of technology, exercising would be done using technology, as would education. There would be less socializing in person, and many more social media platforms available.

Summer Learning - 24-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Nineteen: Contemporary Entertainment
24-01-18

Activity 1: Moana
The Disney movie Moana was released in late 2016.

The movie is about a young Polynesian girl who has connection to the ocean around her island. She has felt the ocean calling out to her for her whole life, but her family want to keep her on the island and keep her safe. After her strange grandmother tells her some 'myths' about the history of the group of islands, she decides to follow her destiny and save her home. Along the way she meets Maui, a fallen demigod who wants to prove himself as the hero he used to be. On her journey, Moana finds herself and with the help of Maui, saves her island.


Activity 2: Country Calendar
A program called Country Calendar, which started on the 6th of March 1966, is the longest running television show in New Zealand history. This program is about everyday New Zealanders, many of whom are farmers.

I think being a farmer would be really rewarding, but also very challenging. The physical labour would be tough, and the weather majorly affects crops. I wouldn't like to be farmer as I'm more of an inside person, and I'm not really an animal person.


Bonus Activity: Singing a Different Tune
New Zealand has become more popular in the music scene recently. One of our own Lorde, is an amazing singer/songwriter who is now know all around the world.

My two favourite songs are:

Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran   -   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHTEGQbtP1I

You look so wonderful in your dress
I love your hair like that
The way it falls down the side of your neck
Down your shoulders and back

We are surrounded by all these lies
And people who talk too much
You've got that kind of look in your eyes
As if no one knows anything but us

Should this be the last thing I see
I want you to know it's enough for me
Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need

I'm so in love
So in love
So in love
So in love

You look so beautiful in this light
Your silhouette over me
The way it brings out the blue in your eyes
Is the Tenerife Sea

And all of the voices surrounding us here
They just fade out when you take a breath
Just say the word and I will disappear
Into the wilderness

And should this be the last thing I see
I want you to know it's enough for me
Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need

I'm so in love
So in love
So in love
So in love

Lumiere, darling
Lumiere over me
Lumiere, darling
Lumiere over me
Lumiere, darling
Lumiere over me

Should this be the last thing I see
I want you to know it's enough for me
Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need

I'm so in love
So in love
So in love, love, love, love
So in love

You look so wonderful in your dress
I love your hair like that
And in the moment I knew you Beth

Knocking On Your Heart by Maggie Lindemann   -   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKd-4N9jIvo

Nothing makes it hard to breathe
Like being in your company
When you've got someone new around your arms
I thought I'd be over it
To see you lock with other lips
I guess I'm just no good at moving on

I always tried to tell myself
That I'd fall in love with someone else
But oh my stubborn heart is set on you
And every night I fall asleep
Just so I can see you in my dreams
And I think you ought to know the truth

Are you listening
I'm knocking on your heart won't you let me in
Tell me I'm the one and I've always been
Cause I don't want to wonder if we'll ever meet again
I'm knocking on your heart would you let me in

When you left I made you swear
Our love would last no matter where
And we would call each other every night
But nights turning into weeks, turned into months
We didn't speak and so
We lost our sense of love over time

I always tried to tell myself
That I'd fall in love with someone else
But oh my stubborn heart is set on you
And every night I fall asleep
Just so I can see you in my dreams
And I think you ought to know the truth

Are you listening
I'm knocking on your heart won't you let me in
Tell me I'm the one and I've always been
Cause I don't want to wonder if we'll ever meet again
I'm knocking on your heart would you let me in

I'm knocking on your heart would you let me in

Are you listening
I'm knocking on your heart won't you let me in
Tell me I'm the one and I've always been
Cause I don't want to wonder if we'll ever meet again
I'm knocking on your heart would you let me in

Summer Learning - 23-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Eighteen: Social Systems
23-01-18

Activity 1: Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP)
The MMP voting system began in New Zealand in 1996. Last years election was in September, and everyone over the age of 18 was allowed to vote. Three different parties were chosen to form the new coalition government (Labour, New Zealand First, and the Green Party). It's called the coalition government because people from different governments come together to form one.

If I had to form a coalition government with two people, I would choose:

• My best friend Jorja because she is super smart, good at communicating and talking to new people, and good at problem solving.
• My mum because she is also smart, and is very organised, good at making decisions, thoughtful and kind.

Activity 2: Migration

Over the past decade or so, many many families have started moving to New Zealand to live.

I live in Rolleston, Selwyn, which is about 15 minutes out of Christchurch, but I grew up in Hornby, Christchurch. The city of Christchurch is lovely, and there are many tourist attractions, including the International Antarctic Centre, the Canterbury Museum, the Botanic Gardens, the Christchurch Gondola, the Orana Park Zoo, and much more.

Bonus Activity: Modern Learning Environment

MLE has become more and more common in schools all around New Zealand. Instead of the traditional style of teaching with one teacher working in a classroom with a group of students, the Modern Learning Environment leads a new approach to teaching with a group of teachers working together to teach many groups of students.

   ------->   

My classroom is brightly coloured to appeal to the students. There are many different types of seating for students with different preferences. There is a quiet space with beanbags for reading and relaxation. There is a bag container with sections for bags. There is a teaching space for a teacher to work with a small group if they are having trouble, etc.

Summer Learning - 23-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Seventeen: A Decade of Sport
23-01-18

Activity 1: Chasing Great
New Zealand have had some amazing sporting moments over the past 17 years, one of the biggest being our national rugby team, the All Blacks, back to back Rugby World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015. In both victories, our side was captained by one of the greatest rugby players of all time: Richie McCaw. A movie called Chasing Great was recently released, which is all about his life during his rugby career.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In67DiC-U4E

Here are some facts about Richie that I didn't know before researching him:

• In 2009 he was made an honorary squadron leader of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
• He is the most capped All Black ever at 103 caps.
• He grew up in North Otago, and attended Otago Boys High.

Activity 2: Sporting Heroes

In 2015, New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko, 17 at the time, became the youngest ever woman to reach number one. She is a hero for many people in New Zealand, and all around the world.

My sporting hero is Maria Folau (nee Tutaia). She is the vice captain of the Silver Ferns, our national netball team. She plays Goal Attack, and occasionally Goal Shoot. She is one of, if not the best shooter in the world. She's played for the Silver Ferns since 2011, where she debuted against Jamaica. She was the fourth Silver Fern ever to reach 100 test caps.

Bonus Activity: Shake it Off

Many New Zealanders have recently gotten into a new form of exercise called Zumba. It was created by Colombian Alberto Perez. Zumba is a mix of many different dance styles, including cumbia, mambo, hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, tango, and merengue.

Tango

• The tango originated in the 1880's, in Argentina, Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires.
• It is a ballroom dance that is often described as a passionate dance because of the connection between the two dancers and the type of music used.
• Throughout the dance there is a leader and a follower. They must remain in harmony, so that sensitivity, clarity, trust and respect can develop.

Summer Learning - 22-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Week Four: Contempary Kiwis (2000's)

Day Sixteen: Turn of the Century (2000-2010)
22-01-18

Activity 1: Celebrating A Win
Many families in New Zealand were celebrating the victory of Russell Coutts and his sailing team when they won their second consecutive America's Cup in 2000.

When there is a special event in my family, we usually have a barbeque in the backyard and invite lots of family. If it's a birthday we'll have cake and party food, and play party games, which my cousins really like. In the winter we gather at either our house or a family members house. The food is cooked inside not on the bbq.


Activity 2: Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings, one of the most famous movie trilogy's ever, was filmed right here in New Zealand. All three of the movies in the trilogy were directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson. The first movie was released in 2001, the second in 2002, and the third in 2003. The movies costed an estimate of $300 million to make.

If I had $300 million dollars I would...

• Save some for my university fees and travel funds for the future.
• Give some to my parents for the mortgage, bills, travel, etc.
• Buy my brother some gifts.
• Give some to my other family members, e.g: my Nana, Grandma, uncles and aunties.
• Donate the rest to charities like the Ronald MacDonald House, Make A Wish, Unicef, etc.

Summer Learning - 19-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Fifteen: Maintaining the Status Quo (The 1990's)
19-01-18

Activity 1: Hiking Tongariro
One of New Zealand's most popular national parks, Tongariro, was listed as a world heritage site in 1990. Thousands of people hike the Tongariro Crossing every year.

On the hike you would need to bring:

• Food and plenty of water
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Sturdy boots
• Warm clothing; thermals and fleece
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Map
• Cellphone

Before the trip you need to:

• Plan the route you'll take
• Tell someone where you're going and approximately how long you'll be
• Know what the weather is supposed to do
• Make sure you have enough supplies
• Know your limits

Activity 2: Leading New Zealand
In the 1990's, there were four different prime ministers: Geoffrey Palmer, Mike Moore, Jim Bolger and Jenny Shipley.

Leading New Zealand

Name of Prime Minister: Jenny Shipley

Date of Birth: February 4, 1952

Political Party: National Party

Number of Years as Prime Minister: 2

Three interesting facts about my chosen Prime Minister: 

• Jenny was the first female prime minister in New Zealand.
• She became a dame in 2009.
• She was born in Gore, Southland, and graduated from Christchurch Teachers College in 1972.

Bonus Activity: You Have to Pay to Play
For the first time ever in 1990, universities and polytechnics starting charging students to study with them. Students now have to pay thousands to attend post secondary schools. The new Labour government have promised students the first three years of their education free by 2020.

I think it makes sense that there are fees to attend university, but it would be great for many people if there weren't. Staff need to be payed, and resources need to be paid for. Most uni students have a student loan for many years after they finish studying, which takes up a lot of their time and money. I hope by the time I go to uni, the government have put in place their policy for three years free.

Summer Learning - 18-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018


Day Fourteen: Perms and Lyrca (The 1980's)
18-01-18

Activity 1: Hairy Maclary
Published in 1983, Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy written by Lynley Dodd was one of the most famous childrens books to come from New Zealand ever. It is now sold all over the world.

Finishing the story:
“Out of the gate and off for a walk went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy…”
He called out a greeting to his friends Hercules Morse and Bottomley Potts, who happily hopped along down the hot sidewalk. "Oh hello Mr Maclary!" They called back, smiling from ear to ear. "Have you seen Slinky Malinki around? I hear he's causing some trouble with Scarface Claw!" Hercules whispered, shakily. "I'm right on it!" Hairy bravely replied, rushing off to where he knew Slinky would be. He turned the corner into the dark alley, shivering as a sharp wind blew right through him. "Just as I thought." Muttered Hairy to himself, spying Slinky Malinki slinking around his hideout with Hairy's biggest enemy Scarface Claw. They were surrounded by piles of sparkly jewelry and more, obviously stolen. He didn't know Slinky had a new partner in crime, and he was worried he wouldn't be able to convert the two baddest cats in town back onto the good side. He noticed the two cats glaring at him, their sharp yellow eyes piercing through his own blue eyes. "Well look what the cat dragged in Malinki." Scarface hissed, sauntered over to him. "Hello Scarface." Hairy said calmly, showing no fear. "Give back the stuff." "Why should we?" Slinky replied, coming over to support his friend. "Nothing good will come from this thievery. Remember when we all used to be friends? What happened to that?" Hairy argued, desperately wanting to get through to his friends. They looked visibly shaken, and looked at each other remembering the past. After many attempts to help them, Hairy Maclary was finally successful, and the three friends strolled out back to Donaldson's Dairy together, living happily ever after.


Activity 2: The Big 'OE'
In the 80's it was becoming more common for students who had just finished high school to go on an OE (Overseas Experience) for a year to travel the world, then return home to study.

If I was a student back in the 80's about to go on an OE, I would love to visit Paris, France. I have wanted to go there since I was really little, and hope that I get to one day. I would love to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe, as they are super pretty and full of history. I would also like to interact and engage in conversations with locals, as I have been practicing a bit of French at home and really like speaking it. Trying French delicacies like Escargots de Bourgogne (snails baked in shells with parsley butter) and Bœuf bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine) would be really cool too.

  


Bonus Activity: The 4 O'Clock News
Te Karere, a Maori news television show premiered in 1982. It still airs on TV One at 3.55pm on weekdays. Most of the time the show is hosted by Scotty Morrison.

If I was Scotty Morrison and I could interview anyone I wanted, I would love to interview Emma Watson. On top of starring in some pretty cool movies and being an awesome actress, she is also a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women. She does a lot of work on gender equality rights, and has also launched an initiative called HeForShe, encouraging boys and men to fight for women's rights too. She would have a lot of amazing stories to tell, and I would love to hear her talk about what she is passionate about.

Summer Learning - 17-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Thirteen: Groovy Man (The 1970's)
17-01-18

Activity 1: Ready to Roll
During the 70's, one of the most popular T.V shows was 'Ready To Roll', hosted by Roger Gascoigne. It aired on Saturday afternoons, and it showed new music videos and occasionally, some famous singers would come on the show to sing their current hits.


#1 - Ray Columbus and the Invaders - She's A Mod, 1964
I chose this clip as number one because I've known this song for a really long time, and I like it. The clip was interesting as the band were very passionate about their song, dancing with some crazy moves.

#2 - Sittin' In The Rain 1967
This was number two because I thought the camera angles were the most evolved out of the three. The forest setting was nice, and the band looked like they were having fun.

#3 - The Film Archive Ready To Roll Golden Harvest
I chose this as number three because I found it the most boring. Even though I didn't like it, the clip was still colourful and fun, but I didn't like the song quite as much as She's A Mod. The lead singer was really into the song, dancing all around the stage excitedly.


Activity 2: Bell Bottom Pants
The fashion of the 70's was quite unique and strange. There were bright colours, and a popular item of clothing: bell bottom pants.

 
 
I like the nice colours in the fashion of the 70's. Nowdays, a lot of clothing worn are quite bland in colour.
The different types of shirts, blouses, and skirts worn were quite nice, and I like the vibe they have.
I don't really like the bell bottom pants on the men, but they looked okay on the women.
I don't like the patterned pants some men wore back then, they're a bit too much.


Bonus Activity: A Bilingual Schooling System
For most of the 1900's, English was the only language taught at New Zealand schools. One woman from Nga Tamatoa: Mrs Hana Jackson wanted a change, so in 1972 she submitted a petition to the government proposed that Maori language and culture became a part of the curriculum.

One thing I would like to change at my school is to have more language classes available. This is my letter to the principal:

Dear Mr Sutton,
My name is Crystal Edminstin and I am a year 11 student here at Hornby High School.
I am writing to propose the inclusion of more language classes into our curriculum.
I believe that the students of Hornby High should have the option of taking different language classes, other than just Maori and Japanese.
I currently take Japanese and I enjoy it, but I also would've loved to have taken French, Spanish, or Chinese.
I hope that one day Hornby makes those classes an option.
Thank you for reading and considering,
Crystal.