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.

Surf's Up

Click on the link below to read about two Kiwis riding one of the biggest waves in the world.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/3490903/Kiwis-surfers-conquer-monster-waves

Hanmer Hot Pools

Hi there Year 8's

Hope you've had a chance to sleep in this morning. I'm enjoying the novelty of getting changed standing up. Some photos have been uploaded to the flickr slideshow on the right of our blog. more to follow.

Wiki Tutorial 3 - Pre Camp

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a link to your own pre camp page.

Please remember to change the title of your pre camp page by adding your pseudonym afterwards.

Wiki Tutorial 2 - Create Your Own Page

Welcome to your 2nd wiki tutorial. In this tutorial you will lear how to create your own page using an existing template.

Good Luck

Wiki Tutorial 1 - Logging On

Welcome to the first Wiki Tutorial for 2010. Watch the video above to learn how to log on to our Team One Wiki, and then explore to see what is already there.

http://teamoneredcliffs.wikispaces.com

Media Studies

So what exactly is Media Studies?

The New Zealand Curriculum defines it below.

Media studies is about the active exploration, analysis, creation, and enjoyment of the media and its products.

Media studies examines the dynamic role of the media in society, how the media constructs messages about individuals, communities, and cultures and how media products are produced, controlled, and distributed.

Through media studies students gain the knowledge and skills to conceive, plan, and design media products.

In Team One we are going to spend some time this term analysing some older NZ ads and discuss how they reflect on our identity as New Zealanders. Some of my favourites are below or follow the link to our Wiki to see a bigger collection.

Mark Inglis

Now that's mental toughness! What an inspirational story Mark told us of survival and opportunities. What messages did you take from your time with Mark?

Pablo Picasso

This famous spanish artist is probably the most famous 20th century artist. Visit the link below to see how his style changed over his lifetime.

http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/genres/portraits-by-picasso.htm

Survival Stories

Welcome to Team One 2010!

Our topic this term is Survivor!

The link below has some great and true survival stories including NZ's Mark Inglis.

http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2009/02/26/eight-incredible-survival-stories/

You can also visit his own website here

http://www.markinglis.co.nz/video_gallery.html