Rounding to the nearest whole number

Winter Learning Journey- Day 7

Keep New Zealand Beautiful

Activity one:

Ways I can make my neighbourhood unblemished:

• One way would be to volunteer to plant beautiful flowers and plants in front of each house’s sidewalk lawn, this way it would not only turn your neighbourhood happy and beautiful but can also take in the carbon dioxide and make a more breathable atmosphere. You could also ask the council to create a community garden.
• Mow all lawns to look neat and tidy.
• Especially picking up all the rubbish, this way there would be less pollution in the air.

Activity two:

I find reading books relaxing as it puts my mind in one place and puts all the distractions away from my mind.

Bonus Activity:

During my past weeks of learning about the beautiful wonders of New Zealand has been inspiring, as it has developed my understanding of New Zealand. I have mostly enjoyed travelling to different places and exploring the alluring landscapes. I have only disliked the amount of driving there has been, as sitting in the same spot for a long period of time is very boring and sometimes drives me to be car sick.

Traveling through New Zealand had been an amazing experience. It has increased my knowledge, not only about the beautiful scenery, but about the culture and the history behind New Zealand. I have especially learnt that us New Zealanders are very lucky to have special native plants and animals, and if we are not cautious to maintain New Zealand; a clean green country, these plants and animals may not be here in the future generation.

Winter Learning Journey- Day 6

Native Aotearoa

Activity one:

The breeze drifted my hair, amongst the air.

I watch the water flow amongst the path of the waka.

I had never felt butterflies before,

A number of trees caught my eye as was in galore.

The tone of the waves made feel at home.

Activity two:
Three events I would like to go to in the Matariki Festival are…

• e Oro o ngā Whetū: The Echo of the Stars, as I would want to experience the music of the stars
• Star Weave Jame, as I would love to learn how to weave in many designs.
• Matariki Dawn: Special Opening Weekend at Space Place, as I would want to see what the Matariki stars would look like in the naked eye.

Bonus Activity:
Rugby World Cup 2011 - All Blacks vs France

1. World Cup 2015 - All Blacks vs Argentina
2. All Blacks vs South Africa 2016

Winter Learning Journey- Day 5

One Step at a Time

Activity one

The structure of the tree caught me in a moment where I was dazed and drawn to attention. Then I realised what was wrong. The sound of the children in my group has faded amongst the air I had last breathed. With no anticipation, I turned my head and there was nothing but the sight of trees and nature. My limbs were unable to move, this was the first time I had been left behind, let alone forgotten. I examined the whole park but no sign of children in green pants.  Moments passed, and I soon had blurred vision from the sun directing in my eye. Then in a far distance, the group passed me wearing green pants, yelling and shouting my name. I could never be so happy in my life I stood up so relieved and ran to them like I had never run before.

Activity two:

Bonus Activity

I would love to cycle in the Otago rail trail, as cycling in new paths would sound like an adventure and adventure is something of my likings.

Winter Learning Journey- Day 4

Swimming with the Sharks

Activity one:

The locals tried their very best to save and recover 300 lives that have been beached. Pouring a numerous amount of buckets of water over them to stay hydrated and blankets to keep them warm. They also tried to dig big holes underneath the whales in order to give them time to be pushed back to shore, but it was too late.

Activity two:
The whale rider is an empowering movie that drives you to your limits. It is about a young girl who turns out to be the leader of her tribe, as leaders were only traditioned to be grown, men.

I would rate this movie a 5- for an excellent movie.

Bonus activity:
In my interpretation, fishing in Farewell Spit should be turned into an illegal act, as these fishermen may have no care continuously killing our native Hectare Dolphins considering that these dolphins may turn out to be endangered or even extinct because of the risk they, or should I say we take.

Winter Learning Journey- Day 3

Wild eyes

Activity One:
I chose to adopt the Morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae), also known as the Tasmanian spotted owl.
Habitat:

Moreporks mostly occurs in habitats with trees as well as ranging deep tropical forests.

Diet:
They have a diet of insects; weta, huhu beetles, moths and cicadas. They also prey on small mammals such as mice and young rats.

Activity 2:
In my understanding, New Zealand has called the right decision to kill all non-native predators.
If we haven't made a decision, most native plants may be consumed due to the predators. I also conduct that the population of these predators may grow and oversize our native animals. As they would also kill our native birds.

Bonus Activity:
 Fake a Giant Moa Discovery- Wild Eyes (website)

Winter Learning Journey- Day 2

New Zealand by Land and Sea

Activity one:
Three places I most enjoyed and why:

• I enjoyed exploring the Rangitoto island especially the Pohutukawa forest as I love discovering Native New Zealand plants.
• I also enjoyed the Tane Mahuta Walk as glazing at the Biggest Tree of New Zealand is Mesmerising.
• I mostly enjoyed the KareKare Beach as it offers excellent waves to bodyboard through.

10.07.17

Dear Diary,

Today has been an extraordinary day driving around New Zealand’s jaw-dropping sightings. As I would recall hiking through and around Rangitoto Island has been by far the best experience I have ever had as the scenery glazed me in awe.

Activity two:

5 questions I have for Laura Dekker:

• What inspired you to sail around the world?
• What was the number one challenge you faced?
• Which island was your favourite to reach?
• Has doubt ever hit you?
• Out of all the countries and islands you have experienced, which would be the place you would want to live in?

Bonus Activity:
Interview with a family member:

• Swimming in the Beach
• Viewing the Beautiful Sceneries
• Walking around
• Going to Amusement Parks
• Going to water parks

Winter Learning Journey- Day One

100%  Pure New Zealand

Activity one:

Facts about the people of New Zealand:

• There are approximately 69% are of European descent, 14.6% are indigenous Māori, 9.2% Asian and 6.9% non-Māori Pacific Islanders.
• Maori people voyaged thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean on ocean-going canoes, making them the first inhabitants of New Zealand.
• Outdoor adventures are well-known activities to Kiwis as they love to travel across the country or even; Hiking, camping, fishing, bush and beach walks are other popular outdoor pursuits.

Activity two:

My five favourite things in Auckland:

• Bush walk in the Waitakere ranges
• Swimming in Piha Beach
• Discovering the History of Aotearoa in the Auckland Museum
• Looking down to the City View from the Sky Tower
• Exploring the city’s attractions.

Bonus Activity:

I have chosen New Zealand's endemic animal as it represents New Zealand's, family and Loyalty.

Facing challenges

My heart was racing, sweat dribbling down my cheek, I was not ready. The car dragged closer and closer towards the college I was applying to. Minutes felt like seconds, we entered the car park and still, I felt apprehensive. Having a flood of thoughts overflowing my mind, ‘What if I won’t get accepted, what if I say the wrong thing, what if I don’t make it in, what if everything falls apart’, I thought constantly. The car was parked.

Each step I took the more I hesitated on taking this interview. The sun’s pressure, pushing against my chest as if there was no air to bare. The moment my parents and I entered the office there was complete silence, we sat ourselves down onto fancy and elegant seats. Then, a student just like me, walked past in silence, she looked agitated and by the look on her face, this is the point where I hit Rock Bottom.  

Moments later, a woman dressed in a high defined suit with bright sharp red (with the prediction) of 10-inch heels came into the waiting room. A straight and firm voice called out travelling in my ear my full exact name. We followed her into a hall, dark and narrowed, an eerie feeling seeped into my mind. The principal or should I say the dean, opened a door to us, as we entered the room I was in complete awe. Every word that came out of my mind has been forgotten. Sunshine gleamed throughout the room, displays of various confident quotes and of course an apple on a desk, this made me have a warm feeling and content.

The first few questions ran past my mind as if there was nothing to worry about, as I thought. Then, the last question …. at this point my heart started skipping beats and intense pressure tightened in my chest … the words met my ears the tension-filled me. “Why should we accept you as a St. Mary’s student?’.

I had no choice but to say what my heart wanted to express.

“I know that this College is the place where I belong, I am a  confident, committed, trustworthy and reliable student, being here will help me to continue to be a successful student and a role model for others ” I was ready.