Speech: Our Cool School by Te Kawehau

What do you think of Kelvin Road School? I think our school is the best school in Papakura. We have the best school because we have awesome teachers. They teach us exciting topics such as Space and Trains. At Kelvin Road School there are about 450 pupils and 47 staff.

Our school is fantastic because unlike other schools we have lots of equipment and resources. There are four fields and three adventure playgrounds and we have many computers in every class room. Soon we shall be building a climbing gear train. This year the school might be getting some more drinking fountains.

At our school there is a radio station that you can listen to if you live nearby in Papakura. Our radio station is called KRS FM 107.1. Every day we present the news and ongoing events. I think we are the only school with a radio station so we are very lucky.

Every year we have wonderful visitors, musicians and authors that come to our school to talk to us. During book week we had a visit from the author Chris Gurney, Lindy Davis and others. Even TV 3 presenters came to read to the juniors. We celebrated by having a book parade with the entire school.

Each term there is an inter-school sports day and a lot of children participate to have fun. This year we have had the summer sports, winter sports and gymnastics and I have participated in all three events. This term we have been learning about trains and in week 5 the seniors went to Britomart. When we go out of the school we are expected to listen and do well and to show that we are responsible ambassadors of Kelvin Road School.

Our principal Mr. Robertson has really got to be thanked for buying some of the sports equipment, books, computers and other cool things we have in our school. When my bag got stolen with my expensive rain jacket Mr. Robertson gave me a brand new Adidas rain jacket. Those kids whose lunches got stolen all got free morning tea and lunch from the school.

Our deputy principal Mr. Mc Millan is the second in charge. He is the one who mostly deals with all the problems in the senior school. He will make sure that if something gets stolen he will find someone that knows what happened and then he will catch the person.

In Room 8 we have been doing heaps of cool and exciting things, for example we had a class trip to the Sir Edmund Hillary library. Most of us became members of the library and borrowed books and Play-aways. We also went to the art gallery which was fantastic. Room 8 has also competed in poetry recital. We had to practice hard to make Mrs Raman proud and we did. I came first because I listened to Mrs Raman’s advice. The thing that I enjoyed doing was making the space question video for astronaut Mark Polansky. My question got chosen and was answered by the astronaut from space. This year my teacher helped us create networking accounts such as gmail, twitter and a blog. She did that so we could interact and stay in touch with each other when we are at home or overseas and also to communicate with our global gateway buddies. I have a blog and I have already written something about the book parade on my blog. Our teacher told us never to share our important information on the Internet. Every Tuesday we are lucky to have one hour of Taha Maori with Whaea Erena which is really fun. On Wednesday during lunch times our whole class learns Kapahaka with Whaea Davene. On Friday afternoons my mum and Whaea Emma come to Room 8 to teach us how to make different kinds of putiputi using harekeke. We are so lucky to have all these awesome opportunities at our cool school. That's why I think Kelvin Road School is the best school in Papakura. Don't you agree?

Recount: Swimming Sports

A few weeks ago in week four the teachers planned for us to have swimming sports. When we were all ready to leave our classrooms we had to sit outside in the hot sun. A few minutes later all classes came outside. Mr. McMillan talked to us about what the rules were for walking and when we got to the pool. Finally we left. We were the first class to lead the whole senior syndicate. We all went to the pools to practice swimming for the people that were competing for the school and to have fun. I was sure that when we got there a lot of kids were getting excited. Everyone was exhausted from walking a long way to the pools. That was a pretty long walk. We were all happy because we knew that we could sit down. Finally when most of the classes were there Room 8 got changed in the changing rooms first. A few minutes later Mr. Oakey said that we could all have a free swim to get used to the water. Then we all had to hop out. Then Mrs. Smith called out the year 5 boys to have races and so on. A lot of the races were won. Some children came 1st other children came 2nd and some other children came 3rd. I felt happy that I won those races and that gave me a chance to practice competing for the inter school swimming sports. I was really proud of myself after the swimming sports. I also felt proud of my school for all the hard work they had done even though we came 4th.
By Te Kawehau




In week four this term the whole of Kelvin Road went to Massey Park Pools. First we all had a free swim for five minutes. Everyone was having a good time. After the teachers blew the whistles everyone had to jump out. Later on we started with year 4s races. They had free style then back stroke. Then it was year 4 girls turn. They also did free style back stroke and breast stroke too. Next we did free style lengths that took a lot of time but we got through it. Later on it was year 5s turn. We did all that but it was harder. We were so exhausted when all of our races were done. Then it was year 6s which was even harder. I bet they were tired. Then we had another free swim. Next the teacher did a just for fun race. I came 3rd in mostly every race but that’s ok. Later in the day I went home with my mother and nana. I felt excited and exhausted too. I also felt happy that it was over. But it was a very good day. That was one of my best days at the pools. I was very tired.
By Ben

Recount: A Visit to the Dentist

During the holidays my mum and I went to the dentist. We went there to put fillings in the holes in my teeth. It was pouring down with rain when we set off in the car.

When we arrived at the dentist I felt scared because of the drill that was put in my mouth. Then I was told it was my turn. When we went in I had to lay on a bed. I also put a pair of sunglasses on so I didn't get the light in my eyes. Next I opened my mouth wide so she could have a look in my mouth. First she told me she was going to get my tooth to go to sleep. She also got some buds and blue liquid stuff. She put the buds in my mouth and told me to squeeze it with my teeth and so I did.
After that I looked in the mirror to see my fillings.

Finally we were home and my little cousin was desperate to see my filling. My tooth felt much better after the dentist. My mum was proud that I was brave. Also I did not cry when it came to the drill. Now I am relieved that it's over and done with.

Written by Te Kawehau