Year 8 Dance

Oohh, ooh, ooh, ooh,ooh,oo-ooh

2, zero, 1, 0h

oohh, o-oh ohh yeah

its alright, oh its alright

You know what they say, you cant always stay forever, we’re survivers.

So forget those days, its all about tonight, don’t want to say goodbye, never, we’ll miss you guys

We never ever want to go, we keep it rocking till 3pm
preschool to redcliffs over to high school ,

turn it up, turn it up, mash it up
we’re gonna leave coz
leave coz, coz it’s the end of the year
we’re gonna leave coz, its 2010
you know that it doesn’t matter as long as we got each other,
turn it up, turn it up, mash it up
coz it’s the end of the year

I’m not here for your entertainment , why are you making me leave,
just stop and take a second, I was fine until u walked into my life. Coz u know its over before it began. Stop and think what your doing to me, maybe I don’t wanna leave.
I don’t know why your doing this, having fun why does this have to end. Don’t touch back up don’t want to say buh-bye. Listen up it’s just not happening you cant make me leave my best friend just let me have my fun tonight. Alright

I am walking away from the school I love I’ll never forget you. I guess we cant stay primary school anymore, ill never forget you or forget them to because we have to leave now but we want to stay here. Aint that some shhhhh
Although there’s pain in my chest I still wish you the best. I’ll never forget you.

Rock Band

Last night the Rock Band performed as part of the Bays Cluster Rock Concert. They played three songs including Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N Roses, a personal favourite of mine. Well done boys the extra practices payed off, now look out for the recording contract!

Year 7 Science Competition Winners!

Congratulations to our champion Science team! They completed three challenges in biology, chemistry and physics at Christ College on Wednesday and won. They won a digital microscope and trophy for the school. There task was to use a rubber band to weigh an unknown amount, match the names to five un labelled powders and disect a kidney!

Touch Rugby Champions

Well done to all children who took part in the Summer Tournament; touch teams both boys and girls, tennis and golf. It is great to see so many of you having a go at sports that you might not have played much of before.

A special congratulations to the boys team who won this years competition. Lots of natural talent, teamwork and leadership was on display! This was commented on by several teachers from other schools as well.

Maths Learning Objects

Click on the following links to access some Learning Objects. These are interactive activities to help practice what we have been learning in class.

Powers of 10
http://digistore.tki.org.nz/ec/viewMetadata.action?id=L6548

Integers
http://digistore.tki.org.nz/ec/viewMetadata.action?id=L585

Operation Drop The Rock - The Final Installment

During the holidays an ex student Hamish (HGM Construction) built a bund or barrier of rocks at the bottom of the cliff behind our hall before giving the boulders at the top of the cliff a little nudge.

Bill Hammond - Fall of Icarus

If the world was a village

This video certainly makes you think about and appreciate what we have here, even after the events of a few weeks ago. Room 1 watched a similar video from www.100people.org

Winter Sport

Well done to all those involved in the Canterbury Winter Sports Tournament yesterday. I witnessed some great leadership and teamwork with the rugby team which helped them to 3rd place! Other teachers have commented about the same great attributes being displayed in netball, football and hockey teams. Well done everyone!

All Black Skills

How good are these guys? Something to aspire to.

Operation Bye Bye Rock

Each bucket load contained 600 litres of water, and they dropped 40 bucket loads on and around the precarious rock. Afterwards they brought out a small wrecking ball (it still weighed 200kg) to loosen some more rock.

Check out the TVNZ footage here.

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/canterbury-beaches-clear-but-rivers-off-limits-3785041/video

Some more Operation Drop the Rock

Operation Monsoon Drop

After the earthquake the engineers decided that a large boulder at the top of the cliff was better off being on the ground so they brought in the helicopter to bring it down.

Redcliffs New World Earthquake Video

Earthquake Recount

Thank you to those children who have posted their experiences of the 7.1 Earthquake on our wiki. I have posted a link to the site so that children and teachers from around NZ can enjoy your stories.

Click here to add yours - http://teamoneredcliffs.wikispaces.com/Earthquake

First Recount Posted Below

The first thing I remember is waking up and hearing a noise like an airplane taking off,at first I thought it was a car, but then the whole house started shaking wildly,doors we swinging and books were falling off shelves.I heard my parents shouting, "earth quake,earth quake!"
When the first quake had died down,we all huddled in doorways, fearfull of what was to come.
Then the after shocks started,large at first, then getting smaller.for almost an hour we sat there and all the time I was thinking about my family in the city,were they ok ? Had their houses stood the strain? Once we felt that it was safe to come out from under the doorways,we dragged all our beding into one room and attempted to get some sleep,but then the after shooks started up again!
At around 6.15, we couldn't stand it any longer, so we went up stairs and attempted to call our family, of course we couldn't get through to them because all the power was out in the city. Thank fully we still had power, but just in case, we brought the torches up from down stairs. The first thing my brother did was run and see if the TV and computer were ok, they were, luckily my books were as well.

Christchurch Quake Map

Click on the title or link below to see a visual represnation of the quake and all the aftershocks. You can also visit GeoNet to get information on the latest aftershocks.

http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz/

Techtonics Investigator

Investigate the internal structure of the Earth using earthquake measurements. Examine the Earth’s outer layer. Fit the Earth's tectonic plates together like a jigsaw puzzle. This learning object is the first in a series of three objects.

http://digistore.tki.org.nz/ec/viewing/L9467/index.html

P M I

Our first experience of the earthquake is to focus on the destruction and trauma that it has caused. Don't get me wrong the earthquake has had a disastrous impact on many people's lives (but thanfully no lives have been lost). Is there a silver lining to this disaster. Complete a Plus / Minus / Interesting chart to record your thoughts and ideas.

More Maths Problem Solving

A chocolate fish for the first person to answer this correctly (post as a comment with your pseudonym)

On Monday, Sam, Sunny and Sylvia shared some lollies that their Mum had given them. Sunny got twice as many lollies as Sam. Sylvia got three times as many lollies as Sam plus two lollies.

Their Mum gave them the same number of lollies each day up to (and including) Friday. Altogether, their Mum gave them 70 lollies. How many lollies did Sam get on Monday?

Questionaut

This game will test your thinking abilities, well it did to me anyway. Click on the link and give it a try but be warned it may become addictive.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/game/questionaut/index.shtml

Good Luck

Richter Scale

Ever wonder what the numbers 7.1 mean, or where the name Richter Scale came from. Visit the links below to find out more information.

http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/ri/Richter_scale

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4892

http://www.fema.gov/kids/quake.htm

http://www.squidoo.com/richter-earthquake-magnitude-scale

Maths Problem Solving

Tina and Tom were twins. Tina saves and Tom spends. Tom found a $20 note on Sunday evening and spent $2 a day starting on Monday. Coincidentally, Tina started work that Monday and gets $2.50 a day. How long would it be before Tina has more money than Tom?

Paul is on the phone to his friend Pesi. He had this nice pattern that he was trying to describe to Pesi but he couldn’t find the words.

If Paul’s pattern was:
3, 7, 11, 15, …
how could he describe to Pesi how to get any member of the number pattern? How could Paul tell Pesi how to get the 50th number in as simple a way as possible?

Mr Morrison and his daughter Rose both have very bad coughs. They go to the pharmacy and they each get a bottle of QwikQure Cough Medicine. Mr Morrison’s bottle has 300ml and he has to take 10ml every 3 hours. On the other hand, Rose is given a smaller bottle with only 90ml and she has to take 5ml every 6 hours. They have to take the medicine between the hours of 7am and 7pm.

Liquefaction

Morning everyone.

I think to say we are over these aftershocks is an understatement. Hope you are all well, and you are being nice to everyone in your house.

One new word that I have heard a lot of in recent days is liquefaction. Read the articles below, list the key words from each and then write your own explanation of what liquefaction is. You might even be able to find some photos of liquefaction in Christchurch or Redcliffs.

http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/liquefaction.htm

http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/ea/Earthquake_liquefaction

http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/liquefaction-becomes-a-reality-129585

School Closed Update

Hi everyone. Thank you to those who have emailed or wiki messaged us. It's great to hear that you are doing well. I've enjoyed reading your experiences of the earthquake and I'll share my own experiences soon.

If you haven't heard yet school is closed until Monday 13th September.

In the meantime what a great opportunity to achieve some RED Challenges. We are having an extended morning tea one day for those students who are on track to achieve their RED challenge (7 or 8 complete so far).

There are some activities posted below that you could complete, especially the SPEECH post. More learning activities will be posted tomorrow.

Good Luck.

Ski Trip Recount

If anyone would like to write a recount of our fantastic ski trip last month I will post it on our blog (along with some photos). You could email it to me at bruce.ellison@redcliffs.school.nz

More Fun Theory

Number Puzzles

A. I think of a number. I multiply by 4, then subtract 3. The result is 25. What is the number?

B. I think of a number. I add 18 to this number. The result is 30. What is the number?

C. I think of a number. I multiply by 5. The result is 30. What is the number?

D. I think of a number. I divide this number by 3, then subtract 3. The result is 30. What is the number?

E. I think of a number. I subtract 6 from this number. The result is 30. What is the number?

F. I think of a number. When I multiply by 4, then add 1 the result is 29. What is the number?

G. I think of a number. I divide by 2, then add 3.The result is 8. What is the number?

H. I think of a number. I add 5, then double the answer. The result is 22. What is the number?

I. I think of a number. I subtract 2, then multiply the answer by 3. The result is 54. What is the number?

Finding Rules for Sequences

Find a rule for these sequences. Test your rule, then write down the next two terms.

A. 6,8,10,12...
B. o,3,6,9...
C. 10,1,0.1,0.01...
D. 36,32,28...
E. 1,6,11...
F. 2,6,18...
G. 16,8,4,2...
H. 3,7,11...
I. 1,3,9,27...

Beyonce Tribute Perormance

Remember to read, read and read some more. I've heard the Beyonce Tribute Performers are well worth it!

Algebra Games

The websites below have some algebra games. I've tried playing a few of them but would appreciate a comment or three if you find them helpful or not. Let other peole know which ones they should try. So far I can't sink a basket:(

http://www.math-play.com/Algebra-Math-Games.html

Don't forget to use the Algebra section on Mathletics. This will give you some great learning points.

www.mathletics.co.nz

Speeches

As you know we have our class peech competitions coming up soon (week 9). You will have chosen a topic in class (How to survive .... or How I survived ...) All a bit real now! Spending some time over the next few days on your speech will help you immensely. Remember to follow the following process; brainstorm ideas, sequence ideas in a flow chart, research for interesting facts and information and then drafting your speech. Three minutes is the target time.

Mind Map Example

The assessment rubric has been uploaded to our wiki, click on the link below. There are also some videos of previous speeches.

Assessment Rubric (link to wiki)

Earthquake Experience

What do you remember of the 7.1 Earthquake on Saturday morning. Recount your experience on our Team One Wiki http://teamoneredcliffs.wikispaces.com/Earthquake It would be very interesting to hear about each other's experiences in what will hopefully be a once in a lifetime event for us.

School Closed

I hope everyone is safe and well after Saturday morning. What an unreal experience, one that I hope we or others don't have to experience again.

You will be aware by now that school is closed for Monday and Tuesday. We probably won't know until Tuesday if school will open on Wednesday. Just so you don't have major withdrawl symptoms I am going to post some learning activities over the day. If you need help you can post a comment (quickest response) or email me at school bruce.ellison@redcliffs.school.nz (slower response).

Good Luck & Be kind to each other.
Mr E

Tidy Your Room Up Now!

Sound familiar? What about this idea?

Ski Trip 2010 - Porter Heights

Not long now! Wohoo. Snow overnight too!

http://vaac.metservice.com/default/index.php?alias=porterheights
This link takes you to the met services lang range forecast for Porter Heights - It's looking pretty good:)

http://snow.co.nz/porters/snowreport/
Another good link for updates and webcam photos.

Radio Redcliffs

Good Moooorning Redcliffs!

If you are keen to be part of a lead team of students who will be responsible for getting our very own radio station operational then let me know at school or send me an email or leave me a comment. These photos are from Selwyn Ridge School in Tauranga. I was extremely impressed with how easily they controlled the studio and how clearly and articulately they communicated with us.

Theme Song

We need a Team One theme song. Which of the choices below do you like the best.

Cast Your Vote. Have Your Say! Be Heard! Make It Count!

Rocky Theme Song


A Team Theme Song



Mission Impossible



Great Escape Theme Song

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Term 3!

A special welcome to Allie McDonald who is teaching in Room 3.

Congratulations to the Orienteering team on your results in Auckland. National Champions!

Tagxedo

Prefixes and Suffixes

We are often talking about prefixes and suffixes in our reading groups. Test your knowledge with this activity.

You Have to Watch This!

The next dance sensations to grace the internet! Look out for them in 'Reality Bites' a show coming to Redcliffs School Hall soon!

World Cup

World Cup fever has gripped the nation and Team One! Can NZ cause an upset tonight? I'm expecting some late arrivals tomorrow. Click on the links below to find out more about the World Cup and the All Whites.

http://www.fifa.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/world_cup_for_kids.htm

http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/

Genetic Engineering

This website is a great place to learn the basics about genes, DNA, cloning and genetic manipulation.

Liverpool Reading Group Task

Watch the 'What is a Gene?' video. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Make notes of new words and concepts.
Clarify your understanding with diagrams or graphic organisers.
Write an answer to the question 'What is a Gene?' in your own words. This will probably be about a paragraph in length and will use similes and explanations to help clarify your understandings.

World Cup

The World Cup has arrived. Here are the best goals from 2006. How cool will it be if NZ makes the best goals of 2010. Go the All Whites!

Conspiracy 365

Conspiracy 365

By gabrielle lord

Conspiracy 365 is a gripping book that hooks you in from the first page. This is a mystery and thriller book telling the story of callum ormond, a 16 year old boy who after being approached by a crazy old man is told he only has 365 days to live, unless he can outsmart it. Then accused of a murderous attack on his family, chased by not only the police, but two ruthless gangs. Thrown into a life on the run, Callum has only 365 days to try and stay alive, with only his best friend to trust.

From being in a shipwreck surrounded by bloodthrisy sharks, to being chucked in the boot of an evil gangs car, this book is packed with adrenaline and suspense.

I thought this was a fantastic book that I would recommend to anyone from the age of 9 and up. Brilliantly wrtitten by Gabriele Lord, this book contains supensive paragraphs and a gripping story to it.

This book has some blood, violence and swearing, so not for people under eight, but for people 9 and up I personally guarantee a great read, if you liked the CHERUB or HB series you will love this book. There iare 12 books in the series, 5 have been realeased so far,(January, February, March, April and May) each book talks about one month througout Callums year on the run, I am reviewing January (the first book).

csuper

Rat Catcher by Chris Ryan

Rat Catcher

by Chris Ryan

When I picked up this book I had high expectations for it , after reading another book in the ‘Alpha Force ‘ sereis. And I wasn’t dissapointed. Alpha Force is a team of young people who fight crime and injustice around the globe. It consists of Amber, Leo, Paulo, Hex and Alex - they are about 13 to14 years old. The book is an action/fiction, but it’s surprisingly realistic.

The start of the story is set in Quito (Ecuador’s capital) where Alpha Force try to gather information about a mysterious drug lord who has apparently been using street children to smuggle drugs throughout the country. They think that this is also linked to the disappearances of street children. Whilst Paulo is on the streets gathering information, he encounters a little girl called Eliza who is being blackmailed and tries to help her. But then things go badly wrong. The drug lord they have been trying to find captures Paulo and Eliza. The story continues with Alpha Team following Paulo into the mountains where they have to rescue Paulo and pursue the evil drug baron.

The story is a lot about survival. It showed how wealth and greed can compel people to do horrible things, eg. shoot people. Teamwork and friendship also play a large part in this story.

This book was a generally enjoyable read. I could see how Chris Ryan’s experience in the SAS influenced the book. The events in the book, although exciting and action-packed were still realistic and believable. The book was easy to read and not over complicated. I found some parts of the book brutal, eg when Eliza’s brother was shot, but it was necessary to the story.

I would recommend this book mainly to boys. If you enjoyed Alex Ryder books and Young Bond books, then you will probably enjoy this one. The vocabulary is probably best suited for 10 years and over. Rat Catcher is one in a series of several Alpha Force books, so if you enjoy this there’s plenty more to read.

I rate this book 4 out of 5.

MWhippo

Angles in a Triangle = 180 Degrees

This interactive website allows you to change the angles in a triangle and see what they add to as you do.

http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mejhm/index.html?l=0&ID1=AB.MATH.JR.SHAP&ID2=AB.MATH.JR.SHAP.ANG&lesson=html/video_interactives/angles/anglesInteractive.html

Doodle 4 Google - I Love Football

If you like Caleb's doodle help him out by voting for it. Click on the link below. Well Done on making the top 10! Great Achievement!

http://www.google.com/intl/en_nz/lovefootball/doodle4google/vote/index.html#1

Year 8 vs Staff Netball Game

What a GAME! There were some pretty impressive skills shown on the court. Very slick passing from the Year 8's and some ordinary shooting from the staff. I was most impressed by the organisers, you did an outstanding job; getting the sound system up and running, MC's, entertainment, and of course the teamwork shown on court.

Looking forward to the next challenge.

Popcorn History

To help you with your popcorn explanations I have included some interesting information about popcorn.

http://www.tooter4kids.com/Popcorn/history.htm

http://www.popcorn.org/EncyclopediaPopcornica/WelcometoPopcornica/HistoryofPopcorn/tabid/106/Default.aspx

Passive Voice

When we are writing our explanations we need to be using the passive voice. These activities below will help you understand the difference between active and passive voice.

Passive Voice

Writing our names in Katakana

Below are the links to the websites we were using today to translate our names into Katakana. Remember to click on calligraphy link when using the second website.
http://www.sljfaq.org/html/english_to_japanese.html

http://www.japanesetranslator.co.uk/your-name-in-japanese/

North Island Schools

As fantastic as it was to visit four exceptional schools, it was great to be working with Room 1 again today. I am impressed with how quickly some of you are picking up the new geometry concepts. I'll look for some websites that could help you soon. In the meantime I have included links to the four schools that I visited. Thank you to these schools for allowing us to interrupt your day, I have learnt so much from you all!

Mission Heights School

Rototuna Primary School

Te Akau ki Papamoa School

Selwyn Ridge Primary School

Popcorn Popping

How cool is this. We'll be using these videos to help us in our explanation writing unit. Good Luck!






How Stuff Works Video

20/40 Hr Famine

Best of luck to all the participants doing the famine this weekend. I think that it's fantastic that so many people in Team One are willing to go without something in order to help other people in need. Good Luck, Kia Kaha.

Watch the video to see who you are helping.

Lit Quiz Challenge

1st Place

A huge congratulations to both Lit Quiz teams on their performance at the recent competition. We are proud of you all!

What an amazing result for yourselves and Recliffs School! Well Done!

Reality Bites Challenge

Our fantastic production needs a logo. This logo would be used on all production notices, tickets, posters and programmes. The prestige for the talented designer will open up doors that even winning the Apprentice won't be able to.

Think Survivor meets Beuty and the Geek meets the Apprentice. Go WILD!

All entries recieved before the 12th May will be considered. They could be designed electronically or on paper and passed on to Miss Huston.

Good Luck!

Leadership Training

I was impressed with your focus during the adventure based learning challenges today. I witnessed a lot of discussion and communication, listening to each other:), and problem solving. How did your instructors get you to work so well together and help you develop your leadership?

Aussie Rules (not literally)

I've seen some highlights of aussie rules on the sports news but I've never known too much about the game. I must say I am really enjoying learning all about it and seeing how enthusiastic and skillful you boys are. Looking forward to playing a genuine game of Aussie Rules, not far away I think.

Some websites about the game

http://www.afl.com.au/

http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/au/Australian_rules_football

Doodle 4 Google - I Love Football

I recieved a postcard in my pigeon hole today from Google. Thry're promoting their doodle competition for 2010.

Design your own Google doodle, and your artwork could be shown on Google homepages worldwide, and seen by millions of people!

Visit google.co.nz/doodle4google to find out more information.

Flanders Fields

Flanders Fields id considered one of the most famous war time poems. It was written during WW1 by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae of Canada. Poppies grow prolifically in Flanders, France. Both on the battlefields and cemeteries alike and have become a symbol of remembrance.

Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Flanders_Fields

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCrae