Farewell Room 8 of 2008

My Darlings,

It was a pleasure having each and every one of you in my class this year. I wish you well in your new class next year and may you continue with the high standard of work you have achieved in Room 8. I have enjoyed watching your transformation from the start to the end of the year. I am proud of you all for taking the virtues we have learned, to heart, and for often striving to be the best that you can be.
This Blog will always be yours as well as all of the other COOL KIDS I have taught. I hope that you will continue to visit this Blog next year and in the future.

My darlings, you have learned how to set and achieve goals and you're now able to make good choices. This had inspired me to set a goal for myself in August. I have learned to make good choices about the foods I eat and to exercise to be healthy. By choosing a healthy lifestyle, I discovered that it is indeed difficult to always make the right choices in life. I now realise that it must have been hard for you to always do the right thing in the classroom, in the playground and when dealing with difficult situations. So THANK YOU for your perseverance - you did not give up when things seemed hard. And even when you made a mistake, you learnt from it and tried to change for the better.

I expect that each one of you will continue with your education to Intermediate School, then to High School and also to University. I hope that I have instilled in you all a love for learning and sharing, loving and caring. I pray that you will all grow up to be model citizens of New Zealand and the world. I am always here for you. Believe in yourselves, like I do, and live by our school's motto "KIA TOA KIA MANAWANUI...BE THE BEST THAT YOU CAN BE!

Love always,
Mrs Raman

COOLKIDS 2008
Rear:- Johnnie, Shar, Joseph, Tyson, Riccardo, Douglas, Eruera
Middle:- Destiny, Makayla, Britelle, Tia, Kelliemay, Iesha
Second row:- Zane, Ariana, Stacy, Cridon, Davyd, Kiani, Page
Front:- Kassidy, Nikita, Lacy, Marino, Victoria, Kennedy




Total number of visits to Mrs Raman's Cool Kids Blog since 29 May 2008: 6,847 on 17 Dec 2008

Season's Greetings 2008

Wednesday 17th December 2008



We have made it safely to the end of the term and school year - woohoo!!!
Reflecting back on 2008, I give thanks to the numerous challenges I faced this year which has made me a stronger and better person. THANKS to all my colleagues and friends who have offered comfort and advice during my difficult times and who have been patient and understanding. I was challenged with ill health from the beginning of the year resulting in three new medical conditions which I am receiving treatment for.

This year, I was inspired by my student’s ability in setting and achieving their goals as well as learning to make good choices. I decided to set a goal for myself which was to make good choices about the foods I eat and to exercise regularly. To date I have lost 18kg! I have a long way to go but I now feel better than I did in 42 years!!

I shall be flying off to South Africa (alone) the day after Christmas especially to spend time with my Mum who has not been well this year.
Whatever you decide to do over the holidays, be safe, be happy and do something special for yourself.
May the love, joy and peace of the festive season remain with you throughout the New Year. Looking forward to another wonderful year at Kelvin Road School in 2009.

Happy holidays :)

Kind Regards,
Kree Raman
Room 8 Teacher
Kelvin Road School
Auckland, NZ

Explanation: The Nativity Story

A long time ago in Nazareth there lived a lady called Mary who was engaged to a carpenter named Joseph. One night Mary was sent an angel from God, called Gabriel, who told Mary she would bear a child and she should name him Jesus.
Soon after that Mary and Joseph were married. Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem, where Joseph came from, to pay a special tax. When they got there a lot of other people had come to pay their taxes. Mary was tired and needed a place to rest. The inn was full but a kind inn-keeper said he had a stable and they were welcome to stay there. Mary took the offer and thanked the inn-keeper and went to the stable. On that dark night Mary gave birth to baby Jesus. They wrapped him in sheets and lay him in a manger.
On a mountain there were two shepherds looking after their sheep. When a bright light shone over them an angel told them that a new king was born and they must call him Jesus. From far away there were three wise men that saw a new star in the sky. They studied it and found out that when a new star is in the sky it means a new king is born. They set off to find the baby. They went to King Herod to ask him if he knew where the new king was born. King Herod was troubled so he told the wise men to find the baby and come back to tell him where he is so that he could worship him.
The wise men found the baby and gave him gifts like gold, frankincense and myrrh. Joseph had a dream that baby Jesus was in danger so they escaped to Egypt. When the three wise men did not return to King Herod’s palace, he ordered that all the baby boys in Bethlehem be killed. Luckily baby Jesus was safe in Egypt. And this is how the saviour of the world was born on Christmas day.


By Shar (Grade 4)

Kelvin Road School’s Third Annual Art Exhibition

On Tuesday 18 November 2008, Kelvin Road School open our annual Art Exhibition. It was our school’s third art exhibition. The whole school exhibited their art work for parents and the community to view. On the Wednesday night we had an evening viewing from 6 pm to 7pm. Room 8’s best work was the variety of self-portraits we had done as well as our papier mache vases and putiputi. There were lots of fantastic art displayed by all the classes. The exhibition ended on Thursday 20th November. Here are a few of my favourite pictures:












By Joseph

Drumming Show by Dylan Elise

On Wednesday 26th November a New Zealand drummer named Dylan Elise came to our school. The whole school went for the show to the hall. First a guy walked onto the stage and introduced himself. His name was Dylan Elise. He told us that he had started playing drums since the age of six. He said he has been in many bands but had not played solo for a long time. First he played a clapping game with the audience. It was fun and then it went kind of silly and everybody laughed. After that Dylan showed us the cow-bells. He named two types of drumsticks, brush and hot-rod. Then Dylan played the drums for us. He played rock, latin, jazz and other types. On the drums he was doing tricks with his drumsticks. He was juggling and flipping them while drumming. He did some cool tricks on the high-hat and also drummed on his legs. While Dylan was playing the drums there was a bigscreen video so we could see Dylan playing upclose. He told us the glass shield that surrounded his drumset were protecting our ears from the loudness of the drums. At the end Dylan mentioned following our dreams. He had achieved his dream of being a drummer. We felt lots of passion and excitement for all the hard work he put into doing the show and achieving his dreams.



Written by: Kelliemay, Johnnie, Stacy and Destiny

Water Games & Activities

1. The Shark and the Mermaids
You need: Large swimming pool
Players: Small to medium groups
How to play:
One person is chosen to be the Shark and the others are Mermaids. The Shark starts on the side of the pool close to the middle while the Mermaids start at one end of the pool. When the Sharks says "go!" the Mermaids must try to get to the other side of the pool and back. Meanwhile the sharks jump in and try to tag the Mermaids. If a Mermaid is tagged, it is frozen and it is up to another Mermaid to unfreeze them. The Mermaids win if they each make it across the pool and back and are all touchung the end of the pool. The Shark wins if everyone is tagged and frozen.

2. Poison Pool Toss
Required:splash water bombs,noodles,soft balls, small hoops
Players: medium to large groups
A great pool game for a big class and a good warm-up activity. Divide the pool in half using a rope or net with players evenly distributed on both sides. If there is a deep end make sure that players on that side are good swimmers. Have two baskets full of an equal number of pool toys and dump them in the water on either side of the line. On whistle blow, all the players will try to throw the items to the other side of the line in order to keep their side of the pool free of items.
Give them 5 - 10 minutes then blow the whistle to stop. The teams with the least amount of items on their side is the winner.

3. Dolphin Relay
Required: swimming pool and one ball per team
Players: small to large groups
Divide class into 3 to 5 teams. The first player from each team will race down and back the length of the pool while pushing the ball with their noses and forehead. If they touch the ball with their hands, feet or body they must go back to where that took place and start again. The next player will do the same until one team is the winner. With good swimmers, this can be done by swimming in the deep end of the pool. For a game with non-swimmers, play in the shallow end.

Source:
http://www.cmsport.co.nz/


FLIPPA BALL LESSON 1 – ‘Familiarisation and Passing’
Outline of Rules (basic) – 5 minutes
One may catch the ball with two hands but use one hand to pass or shoot.
One can move up and down the pool by walking, running, or swimming. If in possession of the ball the only way of progressing the ball is by swimming with it doing freestyle.
The ball must stay above the water at all times.
To defend a player with the ball, one may not contact the attacker. The defensive player may only knock the ball out of the attacking player’s hand. (Similar to basketball)
Equipment:
Flippa Ball balls (8)
Four cones or chairs

Warm up (outside of pool) – 5 minutes
Pass in groups of three in a triangle. Children to be about two metres apart. Focus on children having elbow higher than shoulder when passing. (Remember, can catch with two hands, but must pass with one hand)

Warm up (inside of pool) – 10 minutes
(Children still in groups of three)
Organise children into relay groups with two children on one side of pool and third child on other side of pool. In relay fashion swim freestyle (repeating four times) alternating between freestyle and head-up freestyle.

Passing (inside pool) – 5 minutes
Pass in groups of three in a triangle. Children to be about two metres apart. Focus on children having elbow higher than shoulder when passing. (Remember, can catch with two hands, but must pass with one hand)

Game – 20 minutes
(Four teams of six)
Game begins with 1 goalie and 5 field players. Both teams line up against wall. Referee begins game by blowing whistle and dropping ball in middle of pool. Teams swim to ball, trying to score a goal in opposition’s goal. Let game flow ensuring that the basic rules are applied. Rotate after 5 minutes allowing all four teams to play each other.


Source: http://www.waterpolo.org.nz/Content.aspx?ID=FBCoachPlan

Explanation: How cheese is made

Firstly the dairy farmer squeezes milk from the cow. Secondly they put the milk into the milk truck. Next the milk truck goes to the factory and then the milk goes through the hose into the milk tank. When it is in the milk tank they test if it is good or bad.
When it is all right it goes the starter room. Thereafter rennet is added
to curdle the milk. In the pasteurizing room the milk is heated up to get bacteria
out. The whey and curd is separated and the curd goes down the slide and the whey goes to the bakery. The curd is pressed to form cheese. After that they weigh it, then trim it and wrap it. Next it goes to the store room. Then the cheese inspectors check if it is alright before it is shipped to England.

By Joseph

Explanation: Why do Hindus celebrate Diwali

Diwali is known as the festival of lights that Hindus celebrate all around North India, South India even in New Zealand. When Hindus celebrate Diwali they draw rangoli patterns to invite God to their home. My teacher Mrs. Raman baked sweets and cookies. She made plates for 50 people. When you celebrate Diwali you have to buy new clothes like saris - that’s what my teacher wears every time she celebrates Diwali. Hindus cannot celebrate Diwali if there is a death in the family. Hindu people rub oil on their body before having a bath to cleanse themselves. People are very kind and caring because of the food that is given to others. There was once a king called Shree Raam who got sent to the forest for 14 years. After 14 years, Shree Raam and his wife made their way back home. The people of Ayodhya lit up candles and lamps for their most loved lord Shree Raam to welcome him back. Diwali is a very popular Hindu festival. It is important because goodness will always defeat the evil and light will conquer darkness.

By Makayla

Explanation: How to keep safe at the beach

To keep your family safe do not go out too far into the water because you might drown. Before you go into the water, you've got to put sunscreen on and also when you finish swimming. Remember to always swim between the flags. If you're swimming and people are fishing, you need to watch where the rods are because you might get caught. If you are diving and bombing, do it safely with an adult at a deep part but you need to make sure you don't go too far out and don't come too far in or else you will get hurt. If you get into trouble in the water, call out for help by waving your hands and the life-guard will rescue you. The beach is a fun place not only for swimming. You can build sand castles, play dig the person up or just play in the playground. Always be careful and be safe at the beach.

What can we find out about milk?

Recording Sheet

Type of Milk	What colour is it?	How does it look?	How does it pour?	How does it taste?
Skim milk	white, milky	white liquid like regular milk	pours very easily like water	like regular milk but not as creamy because it has less fat
Flavoured milk	chocolate colour	like chocolate coloured milk	pours quite easily	like melted chocolate poured into whole milk
Evaporated milk	cream colour	like fresh cream but thin consistency	easy to pour	like unsweetened and runny fresh cream but with less fat
Condensed milk	pale custard colour	like custard but lighter colour	pours slowly like golden syrup	extremely sweet like golden syrup but nice and creamy

 

We chose four types of milk for testing i.e. skim milk, flavoured milk, evaporated milk and condensed milk. We poured about three quarters of each type of milk into separate cups. We looked carefully at the appearance of the milk samples. We noticed that they were of different colours, some poured out easily like water while others poured slowly like golden syrup.

We tasted the samples of milk. Some tasted creamy and some tasted sweet. After recording our observations we mixed all the samples together and enjoyed our own creation of a delicious new milky creamy shake.

How to make Cheese (Paneer)

Firstly bring 2 litres of whole milk to the boil.



Next add about half a cup of lemon juice to curdle the milk.



Leave milk on stove to curdle for five minutes.



Check to see if the milk is properly curdled.



Strain out the curds through a muslin or cheese cloth into a sieve or colander. Pour cold water over the curds to remove any taste of lemon.



Put some weight (like a pot of water) on top of the curds and leave it to drain and firm up for about half an hour. Save the whey to be used as stock in soups or to bake bread.



Add a pinch of salt or herbs to spice up your cheese. Lastly slice up the cheese into cubes and add to your favourite vege dish such as spinach, butter chicken gravy or tomato chutney. Enjoy your homemade cheese (paneer).

Excellent Link: http://www.vahrehvah.com/

Jump Jam at Massey Park Stadium

Kelvin Road School wins third place at the Jump Jam Competition at Massey Park stadium on Friday 31st October. A fabulous effort and achievement by our students and teacher Mrs. Smith.

**Deepavali… from Darkness to light**

DEEPAVALI, commonly known as DIWALI, is a major Indian festival spread over 5 days that is very significant in Hinduism known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolizes the VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL and lamps (diyas) are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind.

"Regardless of the explanations one prefers, what the festival of lights really stands for today is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple — and some not so simple — joys of life."
This year (2008) Deepavali is celebrated over a period of 5 days beginning from the 26th October to the 30th October.

Diwali is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited Hindu festivals around the world. Hindus regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Hindus it is one of the most important festivals, and it is a New Year in some Hindu calendars.

The Deepavali lights represent the time when Shree Raam came back from the forest, and all in Ayodyhya lit lamps to welcome their most beloved Lord back home after fourteen years of exile in the forest. Many do believe that when the lamps are lit this helps Mother Lakshmi find her way into people's homes. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional dipa or deeya (earthen lamp).



Diwali is a colloquial name used in North India, while the festival is formally called Deepavali in South India. The Sanskrit word Deepavali means an 'array of lights' that stands for victory of brightness over darkness. As the knowledge of Sanskrit diminished, the name was popularly modified to Diwali, especially in northern India. In South India, Diwali does not coincide with the beginning of a new year as South Indian Hindus follow a different calendar, where it falls on the night of the new moon in the month of Kartik (this year this day falls on the 28th October 2008).


Hindus find cause to celebrate this festival for different reasons:
• It commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon who created havoc and
was killed by Lord Krishna Himself. Before Narakasura's death, he requested a boon
from his mother (Mother Earth), that everyone should celebrate his death with
colorful light.
• According to the Skanda Purana, Mother Parvati observed 21 days of austerity
starting from ashtami of shukla paksha (eighth day of the waxing period of moon) to
get half of the body of her dear husband Lord Shiva. This vrat (austerity) is known
as Kedhara Vrata. Deepavali is the completion day of this austerity. This is the day
Lord Shiva accepted Mother Parvati into the left half of his form and appeared as
Ardharishvara.
• Diwali also celebrates the return of Shree Ramachandra, King of Ayodhya, with his
wife Sita and brother Shree Lakshmanji to Ayodhya from a war in which He killed
the demon king Ravana. People light oil lamps along the way to light their path in the
darkness.
• In Bhavishyottara and Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Diwali is associated with Bali
Maharaja, who is allowed to return to earth once a year.

The Five days of Diwali:
Diwali is celebrated over five days in most of India. All the days except Diwali are named using the designation in the Indian calendar. A lunar half-month is 15 days. Diwali as a newmoon day marks the last day of a 15-day period. Diwali being festival of lights, across India people celebrate it via symbolic diyas or kandils (colorful paper lanterns) as an integral part of Diwali decorations.

1) Dhan-trayodashi or dhan teras (26th October): Dhan means "wealth" and
Trayodashi means "13th day". Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping. This day is of special importance for traders and business people.
2) Naraka Chaturdasi (27th October): Chaturdasi is the fourteenth day on which
demon Narakasura was killed. (The katha is given below). It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In South India, this is the actual day of festivities.
3) Diwali-Amavasya (28th October): The actual day of Diwali, is celebrated on the
third day of the festival, when the moon completely wanes and total darkness sets in the night sky. Hindus wake up way before dawn as early as 4h00 in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate rangoli (patterns) outside their homes. They perform pujas (prayer) with offerings to Shree Sita-Raam/Radha-Krishna/Lakshmi-Narayana, as He liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. Taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the Ganga River. Hence, when people greet each other in the morning, they ask "Have you performed your Ganga Snaanam?” (Well most of us are not in India so what you can do in this case purchase Ganga Water from your nearest puja shop and in a bucket pour a cap of Ganga water from the bottle and fill the bucket with
normal water and have a bath… it’s the same thing as bathing in Mother Ganga herself). As this is a day of rejoicement, many will have very elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends. In the evening, lamps are again lit and Mother Lakshmi is worshipped and offered special dishes. This being a no moon day (New moon/Amavasya), many will offer tarpana (offerings of water and sesame seeds) to their ancestors. This is from the Garuda Purana. Like Christmas in the West, Diwali is very much a time for buying and exchanging gifts.
4) Govardhan Puja or also called Annakut (29th October), is celebrated as the day
Shree Krishna defeated Lord Indradev. For Annakut a mountain of food (normally halva) is decorated symbolizing Govardhan Mountain lifted by Lord Krishna. On this day men present gifts to their wives.
5) Bhayiduj (30th October) — on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their
love and affection for each other. Most Indian festivals bring together families; Bhaiduj brings together sisters and brothers, and is a significant festive day for them. This festival is ancient, and pre-dates 'Raksha Bandhan' another brother-sister festival being celebrated today.


The celebrations vary in different regions:• In South India, Naraka Chaturdashi is the main day.
• The main festival in North India is on Amavasya evening with Lakshmi Puja which is
followed by lighting of oil lamps around the house.


Three Diwali Kathas…
Three of the Kathas (stories) of Diwali show the triumph of Good over Evil, and tell of the destruction of two monsters that preyed on humanity.

The killing of Narakasura: - Narakasura was the evil king of Pragjyotishpur, near Nepal. He ruled with a reign of terror, abducted 16,000 daughters of the deva, and stole the earrings of Aditi, mother of the devas. The devas asked Lord Krishna for help, and after a mighty battle He killed the demon, freed the girls, and recovered the earrings. The rescue of the 16,000 girls is the origin of the story that Shree Krishna had 16,000 wives. After His victory Lord Krishna returned very early in the morning and was bathed and massaged with scented oils. Taking an early morning bath with oil is still a Diwali tradition. To read the full katha of the Killing of Narakaasura.

The killing of the demon Ravana: - Ravana, who had ten arms and ten heads, was the wicked king of the island of Shree Lanka, who kidnapped the wife of Shree Raam. Shree Raam had been in exile for 14 years because of a disagreement as to whether He or His brother should be the next king in Ayodhya. After a great battle Shree Raam killed Ravana demon and recovered Mother Sita. Shree Raam's return with Mother Sita to Ayodhya and His subsequent coronation as king is celebrated at Diwali. When Shree Raam and Mother Sita first returned to Ayodhya it was a dark moonless night and they couldn't see where they were going. Their people put little lamps outside their houses so that the new king and queen could find Their way, thus beginning the tradition of the festival of lights.

The Katha of Bali Maharaj: - In the Srimad Bhagavatam 8th canto chapters 15-23 narrates the katha of Bali Maharaj and Lord Vamanadeva. Bali Maharaj was born in a demon family and due to his penance he ruled over material creation including Mother Lakshmi. In the absence of Lakshmi Mata the world was deprived of their basic needs and suffered immensely. The devas approached Lord Vishnu who didn’t need much coaxing to incarnate to save the world… the Lord incarnated as the son of Aditi-devi and the great sage Kashyapa Muni. Then the Lord known as Vamana (dwarf) deva approached Bali maharaja for three steps of land which Bali Maharaja immediately agreed despite being asked not to do so by his Guru. The Lord first step covered the entire surface of the world, and by extending His body He covered the entire sky. With His hands He covered all directions, and with His second footstep He covered the entire upper planetary system. Therefore there was no vacant place where He could take His third footstep. The Lord accepted Bali Maharaja’s defeat because he couldn’t deliver on his promise and was sent to planet Sutala. When this
happened Mother Lakshmi and all the Devi's and Deva's were released and order restored. This happened on Diwali day.

A bit of controversy to end. ..many will worry that they cannot take 5 days off from work...you can choose any of the 5 days. Many will choose the 28th but we got to look at the bigger picture and that this is a time for joy and celebrations. We should be proud other religions have one main day while we have 5 main days to celebrate Diwali. It makes you feel great to be a Hindu now.

How to observe this extremely auspicious day:
After you have taken a bath early in the morning and wearing clean clothes go to your prayer place and offer incense, lamp and flowers (all seven times in a clockwise around the picture of Shree Sita-Raam. After that all the food that has been prepared should be offered first to Shree Sita-Raam. Leave the unoffered food before Their Lordships to bless and after about 10 minutes remove from the prayer place and offer that prashad (blessed food) for all to eat.

Many perform Lakshmi Puja on this day. If one likes to perform this puja visit out website and in the ARTILCES block under Vara Lakshmi Puja we have the full puja method explained. But most importantly enjoy these 5 days. During these five days of Deepavali one should not consume any meat.

Thank you for taking time to read this article. We are trying to reach out not only to Hindus but to others of other faiths as well. By compiling and publishing these articles we hope that others will understand what a beautiful and diversified way of life Hinduism (Sanathan Dharma) really is.

Please do visit our Website to receive more free information about our beautiful culture www.h4all.org
Compiled (for the upliftment of Sanatan Dharma – the Eternal Religion)
Narottam Das (South Africa)
Phone (+27) 32 9444 108 or (+27) 82 714 1504
E-mail nd@h4all.org

Mrs Raman's Diwali Pics:



Here are some of the yummy treats our teacher baked for Diwali this year - Recipes coming soon:

Explanation: How to ride your bike safely

First it is so important to wear a helmet while riding your bike. Be sure to check that your helmet fits perfectly and wear it correctly. If you're not sure ask a professional at the bike store. Secondly you have to wear good shoes so your feet are protected and are resting nicely on the peddle. Adjust your seat so that your knees are slightly bent and your feet can touch the ground. The next most important thing is to make sure your brakes are working properly. Next check other parts of your bike like your lights, reflectors and chain. Make sure the chain is properly oiled and spinning freely. Check that your tyres are properly inflated. You should carry a portable pump and spanner to repair your bike if it breaks down. When you are on the road be sure to ride with the flow of traffic so that cars do not crash into you. Wear brightly coloured clothing so that other road-users can see you. When you come to a pedestrian crossing, get off your bike and walk across with your bike. When you're riding with your friends, ride in a single file not side by side. Do not carry passengers on your bike as it is made only for one person. Do not wear headphones while riding because you should be listening out for warnings on the road. Wear your backpack on your shoulders instead of hanging it on the handle bars. Never hitch a ride on a passing by truck as you could be in trouble at the slightest bump. Remember to make hand signals when turning or stopping. Be alert while riding and obey all traffic signs and rules of the road. Now you are ready to have a safe ride on your bike without getting run over.

Explanation: How to wear your bike helmet

Always wear a bike helmet, even if you are going for a short ride. Your bike helmet should fit you properly because you don't want it too small or too big. Never wear a hat under your bike helmet.

Once you have the right helmet, you need to wear it the right way so it will protect you. It should be worn level and cover your forehead but don't tip it back so your forehead is showing. The straps should always be fastened. If the straps are flying, it's likely to fall off your head when you need it most. Make sure the straps are adjusted so they're snug enough that you can't pull or twist the helmet around on your head.

Take care of your bike helmet and don't throw it around. That could damage the helmet and it won't protect you as well when you really need it. If you do fall down and put your helmet to the test, be sure to get a new one. They don't work as well after a major crash.

Many bike helmets today are lightweight and come in cool colors. If you don't love yours as it is, personalize it with some of your favorite stickers. Reflective stickers are a great choice because they look cool and make you more visible to people driving cars.
Always wear a bike helmet, even if you are going for a short ride.

[Source: http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/bike_safety.html]

Explanation: How to make Putiputi (Flowers) with Harekeke (Flax)

First split the flax into six or eight equal strips using your thumb nail and fingers. Then weave the strips over and under starting from the right. Next turn the flower around and weave again from right to left. After that continue to do this until you reach the end of the strips. Next tie a knot with the left-over strips and cut off the excess if you want to. Lastly leave your flax in your vase to dry up and watch it turn from green to brown.


Making of Putiputi demonstrated by Johnnie

Cooking: Mackerel with Potatoes

*Happy Holidays*

Yippee… we have made it to the end of term 3… I’m sure a happy day for all!

Just taking a minute to remember our late secretary Melissa…I know you’re smiling down on us from heaven…rest in peace.

I’m looking forward to a lovely spring holiday, having fun with my beautiful new puppy, Duke (2 months old), working in the garden, renovating our pool, spring-cleaning, walks on the beach, shopping, and yeah term 4 planning and report writing too.

Whatever you’re planning on doing have fun, be safe and be happy.

Below are some of my favourite poems in appreciation of TEACHERS – thank you for the great job you do!


Partners
I dreamed I stood in a studio,
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a child's mind,
And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher; the tools used,
Were books and music and art.
One, a parent with guiding hands,
A gentle and loving heart.

Day after day the teacher toiled,
With a touch both deft and skilled.
The parent labored side by side,
And all the values filled.

And when at last their task was done,
They looked at what they'd wrought.
The beautiful shape of the precious child,
Could neither be sold nor bought.

And each agreed it would have failed,
If one had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher, home.







Wonderful Teacher

With a special gift for learning
And with a heart that deeply cares,
You add a lot of love
To everything you share,
And even though
You mean a lot,
You'll never know how much,
For you helped
To change the world
Through every life you touched.
You sparked the creativity
In the students whom you taught,
And helped them strive for goals
That could not be bought,
You are such a special teacher
That no words can truly tell
However much you're valued
For the work you do so well.
[Author Unknown]





A Teacher for All Seasons

A teacher is like Spring,
Who nurtures new green sprouts,
Encourages and leads them,
Whenever they have doubts.

A teacher is like Summer,
Whose sunny temperament
Makes studying a pleasure,
Preventing discontent.

A teacher is like Fall,
With methods crisp and clear,
Lessons of bright colors
And a happy atmosphere.

A teacher is like Winter,
While it’s snowing hard outside,
Keeping students comfortable,
As a warm and helpful guide.

Teacher, you do all these things,
With a pleasant attitude;
You’re a teacher for all seasons,
And you have my gratitude!

[By Joanna Fuchs]







2 teach is



+ 2 touch lives

---------------

4 ever

Mosaic Leaves & Mosaic Fish

Self-portrait in White