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

ANZAC Day

Today is a very special day for Australians and New Zealanders. It was originally intended to honour those who fought as ANZAC's in Gollipoli, Turkey. It is now used to honour all those brave kiwis who have fught overseas.

Some historians believe that fighting at Gollipoli was the beginning of New Zealand severing the apron strings from mother England. It is also a very significant event in Turkey's history. There first president Attaturk was an inspirational leader for them on the battlefield.

When I travelled to Gallipoli I realised first hand how senseless those battles were. My grandfather who served in WW2 sums it up when he tells me "There are no winners in war."

Our thoughts are with all the people and families who have lost loved ones in combat. And also to the families and friends of the three air force men who lost their lives flying to commemorations today.

More information related to ANZAC day can be found here;


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

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

http://cclblog.wordpress.com/2010/04/22/anzac-day-for-children/

Distant Shores - Kiwi Mate living in Japan

One of my good mates from school days now lives in Japan. James and I went to primary and high school together and even rowed surfboats for Whiritoa SLSC after we left school. He writes a really interesting blog to keep his family and friends in the loop with his happenings; surfing, snowboarding, food, friends, work, local celebrations and some everyday stuff.

Well worth exploring - especially you Year 8's now that you are learning Japanese.

Arigato James

http://jiminycricketinjapan.blogspot.com/

German Rap and a Gaggle of Geese

Thanks for the laughs over the last two days. I was impressed with your enthusiasm and participation at the leadership camp. Breakfast camp was a great eye opener for me! Your speeches at the prizegiving were very insightful. I'm hoping you will see some opportunities to apply the 'habits' in your everyday lives or remind me when I need to be using them.

Huge thanks to Steve, Joy, Abi and John and the team at the Papanui Youth Development Centre PYD. And also to your parents for visiting us or transporting us.