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Wednesday, 24 January 2018

Summer Learning - 24-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

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

Activity 1: Your Future Self
Image result for universityI'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
Red-Cadillac-750x443.jpg hummer.png flying car (2).jpg

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
Image result for blade runner 2049The new movie Blade Runner 2049 is out now. It is about what the world will be like in the future.

Image result for technologyIf 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
Image result for moana
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.

Image result for country calendar
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

Tuesday, 23 January 2018

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.

Image result for christchurchI 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.

Image result for traditional classroom   ------->   Image result for modern learning environments


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
Image result for richie mccaw
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.


Image result for maria tutaia
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
    Image result for 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.

Monday, 22 January 2018

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
Image result for backyard barbequeMany 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.

Image result for moneyIf 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.

Friday, 19 January 2018

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.

Image result for tongariro crossingOn 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

Image result for jenny shipley

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.
Image result for university
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.

Thursday, 18 January 2018

Summer Learning - 18-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018
Image result for hairy maclary

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'
Image result for eiffel towerIn 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.

Image result for arc de triomphe Image result for notre dame cathedral Image result for louvre


Image result for emma watson quotes if not meBonus 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.

Wednesday, 17 January 2018

Summer Learning - 17-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Image result for ready to rollDay 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.

Image result for clothing in the 1970s 
Image result for men's clothing in the 1970s 
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.

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Summer Learning - 16-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Twelve: Peace Out! (The 1960s)
16-01-18


Image result for the flashActivity 1: The Dawn of Television
The 60's saw a huge change over New Zealand. Technology was evolving, and the television was introduced for the first time. The most popular programs at the time were 'Town and Around' and 'C'mon'.

My favourite T.V show at the moment is 'The Flash'. It is about a man who is struck by lightning and becomes the fastest man alive. The show navigates his life with his friends and family, saving his city from meta-humans (humans affected by an explosion that gave them powers). The show is currently on its fourth season, and airs on Duke.


Activity 2: Rock'n'Roll
Bands starting touring around the world, and in 1964 a very famous band called The Beatles came to New Zealand. The country was really excited to host the young men, and the hype was called Beatle-Mania.

Three facts about The Beatles:
    Image result for the beatles
  • Two members of the band had family in New Zealand that they visited while on tour here. John Lennon had second cousins in Levin, and Ringo Starr had some family in Karori, a suburb in Wellington.
  • The band were extremely popular, especially among teenage girls, who broke down fences and tried to break into the hotel they were staying in.
  • They were nice guys who were respectful to their fans, and when some girls raced into the hotel they were kind to them and stayed to chat.


Bonus Activity: The Three R's (Rugby, Racing, and Running)
In the 60's, sport was very much dominated by rugby, racing, and running. Over the decade, New Zealands national rugby team the All Blacks won 36 out of 40 games. In 1960, Peter Snell won a gold medal in the 800m race at the Rome Olympics. In the next Olympics, he won two golds in 800m and 1500m races.



Monday, 15 January 2018

Summer Learning - 15-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Week Three: The Post War Era (1951-1999)

Day Eleven: White Picket Fences (The 1950s)
15-01-18

Image result for meat and three vegActivity 1: Meat and Three Veg
During the 1950s, women mostly stayed home and looked after the children. Many women cooked dinners with a special 'meat and three veg' rule, where dinner consisted of a piece of meat and three different vegetables.

I think the meat and three veg rule is a good rule, as it would lead to a healthy and balanced diet. A lot of the meals I have with my family consist of one type of meat and a few veggies, so I would enjoy having these meals most of the week, but I also enjoy the occasional less healthy options.


Activity 2: What's in a Name?
Over the 50s, New Zealand's population grew by 400,000 people. This time period is sometimes referred to as the baby bloom, because so many babies were born.
Some popular names at the time were:
Girls
Boys
Christine
Susan
Margaret
Judith
Jennifer
John
David
Peter
Michael
Robert

These names aren't particularly popular at my school, and I don't personally know of anyone at school with any of these names. Some names that are currently popular at my school are: Sophie, Michaela (also spelt Mackayla, and Mickayla), Danielle, Jordan, Jack, and Junior.


Bonus Activity: Snail Mail
In the 50's, the most common method of communication was letter writing. Between 1950 and 1960, over 200 million letters and postcards were sent from New Zealanders.

Here is a postcard I have made:
I have chosen to put Aotearoa instead of New Zealand as it is the Maori name for NZ, and Maori is part of our country's culture. I have included pictures of a pavlova, L&P, and chocolate fish as they are some of New Zealand's own foods and drink. I have included pictures of some scenery as New Zealand is known for its pretty views. Barbecuing is very popular, the kiwi is one of New Zealand's native birds, and our flag is an important part of our history.

Friday, 12 January 2018

Summer Learning - 12-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Ten: Coming to an End
12-01-18

Activity 1: VE Day!
World War Two had finally come to its conclusion in 1945, after six years of violence. In Europe, and especially New Zealand, huge parties were thrown to celebrate VE Day (Victory in Europe).

Image result for kiwiana barbecueIf I were to throw a VE Party, it would include:

  • A big backyard barbecue with my family and friends
  • As well as traditional bbq food, we would also have Kiwiana food including: sausage rolls, fish'n'chips, lamb, paua, crayfish, and oysters.
  • Some kiwi sweet treats including pavlova, chocolate fish, pineapple lumps, and hokey pokey ice cream.
  • Playing some backyard cricket and shooting some hoops.
  • Swimming in the pool.


Activity 2: Making a Fashion Statement
After the war was over, thing starting returning to normal in New Zealand. When soldiers had come home and settled back in, regular life had returned and national sports teams starting playing again, including the cricket team. Men and woman would dress up and go to watch these games.

The clothing worn back then was quite different to the clothing we wear now. Back in the 40's, fashion was quite formal with bland colours, and woman wore dresses, hats, and gloves, while men wore suits and hats. Now, there is much more of a variety in clothing choice, with ranges from comfy sweatpants, jeans, and hoodies, to fancy gowns and suits. Clothing is much more colourful and vibrant now. Although I like the vintage, fancy clothes from the past, I like being able to be comfortable in today's clothes.

   Image result for womens fashion 2017

   Image result for childrens fashion 2017


Bonus Activity: Sweet Tooth
When the war ended, many families from Europe moved to New Zealand for a calmer and safer environment. They brought with them many new foods and recipes, including pizza, hamburgers, and many more.

My favourite sweet treats are orange chocolate chip muffins.
Here is a recipe:

Makes: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Orange chocolate chip muffinsBake Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 3/4 cup mini-chocolate chips
Directions

1. Heat oven to 200 degrees C. Coat the bottoms of 12 muffin cups or line with muffin-cup liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a medium sized bowl, whisk eggs, milk, juice, sugar, oil and zest, and stir in 1/2 cup of the chips. Make a well in the flour mixture, then pour in egg mixture. Stir until dry ingredients are just moistened.
4. Spoon 1/4 cup of batter into each muffin cup. Sprinkle the remaining chips on top. Bake in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove pans to wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and cool completely on wire rack.

Thursday, 11 January 2018

Summer Learning - 11-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Nine: Another World War (1939 - 1945)
11-01-18

Activity 1: An Eventful Experience
There was a long timeline of events during WWII.

Two major events were:
  • The 'Allies' (New Zealand, Australia, France, and Britain) gave Germany a deadline, asking them to retreat from Poland after days of killing and injuring the Polish. They didn't meet the deadline, so British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain officially announced on September 3rd, 1939 that Britain and the Allies were now at war with Germany.
    Image result for nazis surrender
  • In the Spring of 1945, the Allies and the Soviets were closing in on Berlin. Hitler, knowing that he was close to defeat, comitted suicide, leaving Karl Donitz to surrender on behalf of the Nazi's in Reims, France. May the 2nd was the day the Soviets invaded and conquered Berlin. As Berlin was conquered, the Nazi's would have no leaverage in their surrender. On May the 7th, Donitz unconditionally surrendered to the Allies, and on the 8th, the formalities were completed. May the 8th is a public holidays in some countries in Europe, known as V-E Day (Victory In Europe).

Activity 2: A Call to Arms
During WWII, over 140,000 soldiers from New Zealand were sent to fight overseas. 22 New Zealanders have been awarded a Victoria's Cross, which is a special honor presented by the New Zealand government for bravery.

Image result for charles upham vc
Charles Upham, is one of only three soldiers in New Zealand to win the Victoria's Cross twice. The first was awarded on October 14th 1941 in Crete, Greece, and the second on September 26th 1945 in Ruweisat Bridge, Egypt. He was wounded numerous times, and captured by the Nazi's. In his many escape attempts, he was New Zealand's only combat solider sent to the infamous Colditz camp in 1944.


Bonus Activity: Women at Work
Image result for nurses on ships in wwIIWomen also went overseas to work during the war, most commonly as nurses. Many nurses were stationed on large ships near countries at war.

One day you are walking along the deck of the ship when you hear a loud bang. You start to run as you see smoke coming from the far end of the ship. You run towards the room where your patients are waiting to receive treatment from the doctor. Just as you arrive at the door to their room you hear another loud bang and you...
are greeted with a room full of panicked patients. "We're going to die!" Screams one young man. "They're coming for us!" Cries another. One of the other nurses and my close friend, Josie, rushes towards me, her face a picture of fear. "They're bombing us!" She informs me, bursting into tears. We had been very lucky with the placement of our ship, well until now... All around us were soldiers with their game faces on. They were going to do all they could to protect us, that's why they are here. We just needed to stay calm. I raced around the room, personally having a chat with and calming all my patients. When I was sure they were all secure, I gave Josie a hug and whispered "Thank you", and diligently dashed out the door. I wasn't going to hide away in a room, just because I am a woman doesn't mean I can't fight for my freedom. Nazi's were everywhere, shooting men, smashing supplies, and grabbing and taking away nurses and patients. I ran to the back of the ship and started pulling away the captured nurses and patients into the back room. After a long and vicious battle between us Allies and the Nazi's, the Nazi's left with a few prisoners that I couldn't save. Most of our soldiers had fallen, and the ones remaining were critically injured. "We're off to France!" Called the captain, pulling the ship out into the ocean. There was going to be a long night ahead...

Wednesday, 10 January 2018

Summer Learning - 10-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018
Image result for music
Day Eight: The Great Depression (The 1930's)
10-01-18

Activity 1: Dealing with Stress
Image result for booksThe 30's is when the Great Depression hit America and the world. In New Zealand many people lost their jobs, and predictions have been made that 30% of the population was unemployed. Stress was a big part of most families lives.

I like to relax by reading a book I've either read before and enjoyed, or a new book I find that looks interesting. I also like to go for a quick run to clear my head and de-stress. Listening to happy or calming music can make me feel better, as can watching one of my favourite movies.


Activity 2: Offering a Helping Hand
During the Great Depression it was really hard for people to find work. For families living in the Great Plains of America, farmers didn't have enough money to buy life's necessities as there was a huge drought that lasted the whole period and destroyed most crops.
Image result for fundraising
Some ways I would've helped fund raise for those families:

  • Bake sales, sausage sizzles, chocolate wheel
  • Skipathon, danceathon, sponsered walk/run
  • Car boot sale, fair, book sale


Bonus Activity: Paying it Forward
Image result for pineapple lumps
Near the end of the decade, things were looking up. Jobs were becoming easier to find, and money problems were less of an issue. Though there was now enough to buy necessities, there still wasn't enough for treats and gifts.

If I could travel back in time to the struggling families of the 30's, I would bring back with me:
  • Toys for the children
  • Clothes
  • Fancy soaps and shower gels
  • Kiwi themed chocolate: pineapple lumps, chocolate fish, Whittakers L&P

Tuesday, 9 January 2018

Summer Learning - 09-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Day Seven: The Roaring 20's (The 1920's)
09-01-18

Activity 1: Popular Culture - The Silent Movie
In the 20's, going to the movies became a much more popular activity. The Civic Theater in Auckland and the Empire De Luxe in Dunedin were two huge theaters built. The most popular types of movies in New Zealand at the time were silent movies.
Image result for charlie chaplin the lions cage
One iconic silent movie is 'The Lion's Cage'.
Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpjEyBKSfJQ
By watching this scene,  I think this movie is about a man in a circus. In this scene, he is trapped in a cage with a lion, and he tries to get the attention of a woman walking past, and when she sees him and the lion she faints. In the end she wakes up and lets him out of the cage.
Because there are no spoken words, actors rely on facial expressions and body language to tell the story. This makes silent films more exciting in that aspect. I think I would enjoy watching a few silent movies as they are a part of history and are pretty cool, but I would prefer going back to normal movies, as I have grown up watching them and they tell the story a bit better.


Activity 2: Art Deco
In the 20's in New Zealand and around the world, 'Art Deco' emerged.

Here is an example: 'Self Portrait', by Tamara de Lempicka.

I give this painting a rating of 3.5 out of 5 (an okay to good painting).
I have given it this rating as I think it is a nice painting, a mix between modern and vintage. It isn't exactly to my taste, but it is a good painting none the less.


Bonus Activity: Crossing the Tasman
In 1928, four men flew from Australia to New Zealand across the Tasman. This was the first time the trip had ever been made. One of the men was a New Zealander named T.H. McWilliams, who operated the radio. The radio stopped working after take off, then rain and ice completely covered the front windscreen, making it impossible for the pilot to see. Fortunately, they landed safely in Christchurch after flying for four hours.

Acrostic poem about finally getting home and seeing my family:
Home is a haven in the shape of a house,
Only my will to get home made my bravery a lion not a mouse,
My heart soared when I saw that big blue door,
Experiencing your love, I know I could never be poor.