Motocross by Connor

Motocross Riding

Motocross is a fun but dangerous sport, because it causes accidents.  I know about accidents because two of my friends have had their fair share of injuries from crashes. When you crash it shows that you are getting more confident and if you're tough, you don't feel a thing! Yeah, right!

Dirt bikes come in all shapes, sizes and makes. There's Honda, Yamaha KTM and lots more. They have different cc ratings - some of them are 100cc, 450cc, 150cc, 200cc, 250cc, and even 1000cc. What I always say is bigger the number, the faster the bike will go.

If you're riding a dirt bike you have to wear a helmet.  If you’re are going to do trail rides you should wear all the gear like motocross pants, helmet, goggles, elbow pads, and all the protective gear. If you’re on a dirt bike ride safely and don't go silly places where you can get really badly hurt.

I’m just getting into motocross, because it’s a fun sport to do, and you get to go through mud!  I like the speed and the action, and playing around on motorbikes.  I’m getting used to using the gears and getting much quicker on my 100cc Honda racing bike.

By Connor Hurley Room 8

Surfcasting at the Mole by Harry C

Surfcasting at Castlecliff Mole

On one sunny evening dad and I were going out to the mole but we needed to pick up my Uncle Alex. This took a while because we couldn't find Kowhai Street, after we came off the right road but went the wrong way.  But eventually we found him.

When we arrived at the mole we saw that there were lots of people there.  Dad said, “We'll start down here, the mole should  empty later on.”  We had a look at the water and saw a thick stream of fish which dad thought were tiny herrings.

We got a couple of small bites but didn't hook any. And just as I snapped my line pulling it in dad said that we should move up to the end of the mole. I had just asked dad to get a picture of me and my fish if I caught anything. He told me to go and grab his phone out of the jeep.

Just as I had left I heard Alex calling me back because I had a fish on my rod. I sprinted back to my rod and the fish was nearly in, but the other hook on my line got caught on a rock. Alex had to go and grab my kahawai and got soaked! It was a massive fish!  I turned around and saw mum, grandma and Sophie looking at us. Mum took a picture of me with my fish.

NZ Kahawai

The action was slow after that but Alex got a shark about half an hour later. It was only about 20 centimetres long but it was a greedy fellow for its size. But following this the occasional big one nibbled the hook, but it only bit once and then a few minutes later it would bite again.

Late at night, around about 10:35pm, dad got a massive bite on his big Kahawai fillet.  He said that it was a stingray but it stuck itself to the bottom and wouldn't come off.  Alex and I helped dad as much as we could but the line gave way so we finally packed up and went home to bed.

I still wonder if that same stingray is still there with the line still stuck in its mouth.
By Harry C

Swimming Sports by George L

School Swimming Sports

On the 26th of February most of the senior syndicate students headed to the Hunterville Pools for the swimming sports. My first race was the 50 yards freestyle. I went as quick as I could.  When I got to the end of the first length, I saw that I was coming first so I turned around and swam for my life but I still ended up coming second.

The next race was the two length backstroke. I came third in this race but I was happy as I was coming second overall. The next race was the 4 length freestyle and this was my best event as I managed to win.  About ten minutes later I got called down again as it was 2 lengths breaststroke and in this race I got third again.

The next race was the 25 yard butterfly which was my worst event as I came last.  But we still had one more race to go - the 3 by 1 medley.  In the first length I was coming last but I pushed myself hard in the breaststroke and freestyle, and ended up getting second.

When Mr Smith announced the championship results, I came second behind Ethan so I was pretty surprised and very happy.

By George L

Show Hunter Eventing by Emma V

Show Hunter

Show hunter is an equestrian event, when horse and rider fly over jumps in a small arena! Show hunter jumps are dull colours unlike show jumping. ones.  The jumps are made from bushes, fake grass, brown poles and dark coloured wood. Show hunter is based on style - the horse should have tucked up knees and a curved body.

Prudence Lowres ride the 1m show hunter course.

My pony and I have been busy practising show hunter. Together we are aiming to reach HOY/Horse Of The Year and do the 60-70cm

cat A. Cat A means that the striding into jumps should be right. Cat A is for little ponies, Cat B is for ponies and Cat C is for horses. In order to get good results you need to have a good position in the saddle and be able to canter, you are not allowed to trot.

In order to get to Horse of the Year, I will have to beat the top riders in New Zealand.  To qualify, first I have to get into the Manawatu team, and then have some good wins to make the next level of competition.   

By Emma Vennell

Harriers by Eden G

Feilding Harriers and Moas - Running

On an ordinary Saturday a group of keen runners meet at a farm to get motivated and run.  Everyone turns up in a Fielding Harriers singlet and begins to warm up. The adults have different t-shirts from the kids.

The first team to start are the 1.6km kids who are 7 and under. Then the 8 to 13 year olds as they [including me] do a 5km run which is more challenging.

Next are the ladies who run 10km or they can do a 20km.   The men have to do a really long run because they have longer legs.

After the adults are finished we get rewarded by having an afternoon tea.  Every adult who comes brings a item for the food table; there are things like lollipops, carrots, scones, biscuits and any other tummy-filling goods.

I love going to running as I am good at it and I love going long distances and this is a sport that makes me happy and fills the gap in my heart.

By Eden Goodwin Year 7

Hunting by Ben B

Hunting by Ben B

Hunting is a sport that involves running, guns, animals, strength, confidence and guts! You can hunt anywhere you like in the bush, or on a farm, but make sure you are not poaching.

There are many types of guns to use so I have just listed the main rifles.

• .243
• .308
• .223
• 30.30                             
• .270
• 7mm08
• .222
• .22

A .303 Bolt Action Rifle

When you shoot the animal make sure it is lined up on the cross or T looking through the scope (best place to shoot is in the head or lungs/shoulder).

Don't leave the carcass of the animal there to rot, either make use of it or if it is no good, chuck it in a gorge or a hole nearby.  Here are some examples to do with the animals:

• Possums- Pluck them and get some money for their fur.
• Deer: Skin them and dry the skin out for a mat or use their head if the antlers are good for your house/room/shed. Cut the venison off it.

 Any other animals you should turn them into meat or if not JUST GET RID OF THEM!!

Animals to shoot

Well you can shoot every animal but here are the most common ones:

• Sambar Deer
• Sika Deer
• Fallow Deer
• Red Deer
• White-Tailed Deer
• Rusa Deer
• Goats                    
• Rabbits
• Possums
• Hares
• Magpies
• Turkeys
• Pheasants
• Ducks
• Pigs

Pig Hunting

When you are out pig hunting make sure you are quiet but fast if you hear a loud ear-piercing squeal.  It means the dog will have tracked down the pig and will be hanging from its ears. The next thing to do is grab the back leg so it falls on the ground then get out your knife and stab it right in the shoulder - that’ll kill it!!!!

Deer Hunting, get as close to it as possible, then get your gun loaded, get in position, line her up and BANG!!!

Spotlighting

When spotlighting take a spotlight and a gun-.22, .410 or a slug gun\air rifle. The best time to go hunting is around 8:30pm to 10pm. When spotlighting shine the spotlight at the the bottom of the trees and work yourself up the tree and shine it on the branches. If spotlighting for rabbits or hares you should see some red eyes. Make sure you identify these. Never shoot towards a house or road. Overall I love hunting because it involves all the things I like - running, chasing, killing, gutting, confidence and most of all GUNS!! So I think you should have a go at your farm or neighbours farm or even your friend’s place!!!  Just make sure you have an adult with you with a gun licence!

My Sport: Gymnastics By Anna

My Sport: Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a very particular sport, and there are three stages until you get into the real stuff. There is recreational then pre-comp and after that there is competitive which is what I am in. The meanings of these words are recreational-starting, pre-comp-almost competitive, then competitive just means well, competitive.

The main places to do gym is outside in summer, indoor in winter or on a trampoline but first you always have to stretch otherwise you could get very badly injured.

Leotards are often worn for gymnastics and there are all sorts of leotards - short sleeved ones for summer and there are also long sleeved ones.  You can make your own leotards but it is best to by one in a shop if you want it right now.

In competition there are all different apparatuses such as: beam, bar, vault, and floor exercises. If you get to a really high level you get to make up your own display but for now I have to do as the book says.

Remember, always have fun when you are doing gymnastics!

By Anna Hughes

School Swimming Sports by Alex

Swimming Sports 2016

One evening recently, during our great, hot summer, I went down to the pools for the Hunterville Swimming sports… I walked in and put my bag by a championship seat.

Before we started we did our whanau chants. After the chants we sat down, while championships sat at their own seats. The senior championship swimmers were Lucy M, Haana K, Tineisha M, Emma H, Latisha R, Ethan W, George L, George S, Orlando R, and I…

First the juniors swam, so all of us Championships had to wait… The junior relay was the last width event, which Totara won. Then the lanes went in and it was time for The Championships to swim. Our first event was 50 yards freestyle. I stood on the block, the clappers went, and I dived in and swam my hardest. I came last but I was one of the youngest swimmers there.

The next event was 50 yards backstroke, again I came last, but I did my best. The next event was 100 freestyle, I lost by quite a bit but I was waiting for breaststroke.

Now for breaststroke. The clappers went then I dived in and avoided gliding, because, well, I don't glide, and finally… I won by half a length.  In butterfly I came fourth, and in the medley I came fourth too, which I was very pleased about.  

In the whanau relay, our group Totara came second, and overall Totara came 1st for the whole swimming sports. The winning senior boy was Ethan Watson, who features below in the breaststroke race.

It was a great day for swimming, the weather was neat, and I really enjoyed the competition.

By Alex L  Year 7

SURFING by Aimee

Surfing by Aimee.

Surfing is one of the many things that interests me because it is a water sport that includes swimming, a board and lots of conversation.

I first got interested in this sport when I went with my brother Alex and his friends Harley and Tony and watched them surf. I started surfing at a place in the Coromandel called Whitianga, at a very quiet beach.

On the second day at Whitianga, Alex, Harley, Harley's little sister Alexis and I went for a surf. Alexis and I decided that we were going to put our wetsuits on and asked the boys to help because that was my first time ever surfing.

I last surfed about two months ago with my friends Roxy and Fox who are very good surfers. Roxy is 13 and Fox is 19. Roxy taught me how to do a tail whip which took me awhile to learn but finally I did it!

I love surfing and I can't wait till next month when Roxy, Fox and their older brother Caleb come and we all go for another surf and maybe learn some more tricks.

I AM DAVID - TRAVELLING THROUGH ITALY

In our class novel, "I Am David", by Anne Holm, David is travelling through southern Italy at the moment, and is near the city of Naples.

YOUR TASKS:

1. On a photocopied map of Italy, label the main cities, and trace David's journey.  Here is the link to a printable map of Italy:                                             

http://d-maps.com/m/europa/italia/italie/italie07.gif

2. Research and write four 'wise facts' about each of the following:

1. Naples
2. Rome  
3. Vatican City
4. Florence
5. Venice

Here is the link to a good website for our learning about Italy, with maps, and facts about Italian geography, music and particularly its art.  

http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/italy.html

The following links are to art pictures to motivate you to create your own Italian themed artworks:

http://ciaobambino.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ponte-vecchio-florence-italy.jpg

http://www.hcpl.net/sites/default/files/tuscany%20edited.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EOFbWKurapRan5e7NW3HdDlX2rId7TqUeN_Km586p1EX7zwkDat855fqbUgfWs0q63p4TLZ-w7ogQ7m-O__N7DyRmXZuiYMT2C1XPQmpujlauRMHx4ZcOwGN4cwg6djgxwtDBK1isQU/s1600/rural-italian-landscape-i-leigh-banks-001.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSMus07C4QhDiX6m9jnvT2mmZu5gsqV4aGe0Zd2nrI96nQJM6a58w

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/6f/73/6a/6f736a33ee1dec1e907d8c4f42abbd49.jpg

http://cdnlava360.saturn.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Brett-Campbell-starry-night-mosaic-art-mural.jpg

http://trinitycountrystudy.weebly.com/uploads/2/7/8/7/27874649/1097056_orig.jpg

If you wish to try a mosaic, you can use paper, or card bits on heavy card.  If you get really good at it, you could move on to tile mosaics on wood later on!

Enjoy!   Mrs Dalley 

Room 8's Real Live Pet!

Thanks to Emma, we have a real, live Room 8 pet mascot!  He pretty little and rather shy, unlike most other Room 8 residents, but he is really cute!

 Meet Buster Bunny! 

Hopefully he will grow and survive long enough to visit us every week!   Good luck, Buster.

LET'S GET WRITING!

Here is a link to some posters to help you get going with writing some short, but really top quality paragraphs!

http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/sites/default/files/englishwritinginspirations.pdf

You will know you are successful when your writing has:

1. a great interest level for a 12 year old reader
2. a range of different sentences and starters
3. one main idea in each paragraph and at least three paragraphs
4. two or three supporting sentences for the main idea
5. very few errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar

WRITE YOUR DRAFT IN ROOM 8 GOOGLE DRIVE DOCS AND THEN WE CAN PUBLISH IT HERE.

If you can't find any poster that interests you in the above link, here are some more images to motivate you:

If you still don't know what to write, just copy the following starter and WRITE on with your own ideas:

As I ran into the forest after the foxy puppy, I suddenly had the feeling that something was watching me.  I peered all around ...

We are looking forward to reading your great ideas.  Enjoy.  Mrs Dalley

The 2016 Room Eight Pix - And Some Families!

First up, we finally got a class photo with almost everybody facing forwards!  Bit of a trial, that was!

We have been using our creative skills to design family portraits.  We had to think like a photographer to pose our families with some background features, and initially drew in pencil.

Then, when we had the shape of the people and the backgrounds balanced, we coloured using pencils or jovi crayons using point and side of lead shading.  

We designed a frame and presented our work in a neat display on our walls.

Here are some photos of our family art work...

LATISHA'S FAMILY

HAANA'S FAMILY

ANNA'S FAMILY

JOSH H'S FAMILY

EDEN'S FAMILY

BEN B'S FAMILY

 There are lots more family portraits in Room 8, and you are all welcome to come and visit us!

Please leave a comment to support or guide us, too!

Perfect class photo- not!

We'll be doing this again tomorrow! It's like trying to get cats in a bath! Twenty shots and some one looking away in every one! Pretty good looking bunch, though!

Welcome to Room 8 for 2016

We have made a great start to the term, with all twenty eight year seven and eight students looking keen and enthusiastic!
Our swimming is underway, everyone is bringing their togs daily, and the pool is lovely and warm!  

We will post our class photo on Tuesday, so be on the look out for the best looking class in the region, and of course, the highest average of class intelligence level!!

Our class book this term is 'I Am David' by Anne Holm.  

It's a great book about a boy escaping from a prisoner of war camp, probably in Bulgaria, around the second world war time.  He is trying to get to Denmark, and we re-live his incredible journey of fear and hope. 

Our first piece of artwork is a family portrait hand drawn, with a personalised border on the backing card.  Next we are going to work on an ANZAC research, with a piece of artwork to be completed which will be sent away for the New Zealand Defence Force ANZAC Art Competition.