Camp at Lakewood Lodge.

This is not me but it is a picture of the 11metres climbing wall.

 Harness on and ready to go. My hands are shaking and my legs feel like jelly. I tell Abby that I was ready and she tugged on the rope. Hand-by-hand and foot-by-foot I made my way to the top. Half-way there I get stuck. I couldn't get all my weight on the small handhold. Then I started to panic and I gave up I told Abby that I wanted to go down but she told me to try again. I admit that I was really scared and I just couldn't hold on any longer. So Abby let me down and I went to sit down. I looked up at the huge wall and I breathed in and out slowly.

 Afterwards I told Abby that I wanted to go on again and she let me. I went on and on planning each foot and handhold with the help of my team calling out to me. Finally I got to the part where I got stuck before. I breathed in slowly and went for it."Believe in yourself!"yelled Abby. With that I made it to the top and for me it literally felt like a heavy burden was lifted off my back. Next stop kayaking!

...Mad Libs...

I found out about this really cool app called mad libs on the school iPod that I was using one day. This app is educational and it is also educational. To play you will have to click on the app and click on one of the series. I clicked on the 'A charming story with a happy ending' game.

In this game you will have to type in plurals, adjectives, noun plural and other types of words. Then at the end the app will base all of the words that you wrote onto a story. My one turned out really funny.

I really liked this app and I hope that you will like it too.

Embaressing Moments...

  Okay, everyone has their embarrassing moments, right? Well, I know I have. It all happened just today. We had Fitness and we did 300 meter sprints. I ran and then about 50m to the finish-line I tripped and fell over. Man, it was a bit of a sore landing but I swear if I was one of those people who can blush, I would have turned to a tomato red colour!
 According to my sister my fall was hilarious (she even wished that she caught it on tape). I think I would have laughed if I saw myself falling too. Most of you might be thinking, "Thats not as embarrassing as mine!" If your one of those people than please comment to me about your moment.
 Other billions of people get their moment too. Here is a link if you are interested to read what some of them wrote. Remember to tell me your embarrassing moment in your comment :)

Photography

Do you like taking pictures of yourself? I can tell you I do, but its not what I call photography.
My name it Sheetal and I am here to tell you about one of my greatest hobbies, it was hard to pick one but with a little thinking I found just the right topic.
Photography.
Some people think that taking photos is pretty simple and it is. Taking a good photo is the tricky part, you want something eye catching, right? Thats why Im  here to help, today I will give you some tips and tricks to help you become a better photographer and tell you my journey around photography.

Firstly I will tell you how photography became one of my greatest hobbies and who inspired me.
To be honest I really dont know how photography became a hobby, but what I do remember is who inspired me to take photos, hes no other then my one and only dad. Dad always used to take photos on family trips (but you dont see that anymore, just me and the camera) and one day I guess he just passed me the camera and asked me to take a photo, and in a flash I was taking photos here and there, I guess I just fell in love with it really. Then I discovered more amazing things a camera can do, that I never even knew about, and slowly my skills grew bigger and bigger with the help of dad of course. Also last year I had the opportunity to learn more skills with our DP Ms F and I thought how could I miss a opportunity like that and I went for it, I learnt lots of new skills that made me a better photographer, I mean I wouldnt have missed it for the world. 

Secondly I will tell you 4 of the skills that I learnt from Ms F or from my dad. By the way there is a lot more tips and tricks you can try but I dont really want to write a novel (like my sharing circle news) 

1. The rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is one of the most useful techniques in photography. The rule of thirds involves 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines going straight across the image as shown below

These lines will go straight through your photo, but why I hear you ask, because these lines will make sure your photo will look amazing, but how? With theses lines your photo will go from okay to fantabulous (thats a word I made up.)

I got this picture off google images.

(Here is a photo with out the rule of thirds)

I got this picture off google images. 

(Here is a photo using the rule of thirds)

Now I will tell you how to use the rule of thirds, firstly imagine the 9 boxes, 3 across and 3 down. Secondly how to make the picture look magical. In my first photo you can see the 9 blocks and red crosses you probably noticed the red crosses helps you. You put the main thing around where the crosses are. For example in my picture the bikes are in the corner that it the forth cross. You can choose one red cross to have your main object of your picture. Remember not to have the main object in the middle, move it to either size left or right. Move it from the middle.


2. Frame your picture
I really enjoy framing pictures but I dont use it much. Last year I had lots of fun learning the skill this is really simple. we all know what framming means right? well frame means in photography is a case that goes round a picture. While taking your picture you can make a frame with nature.In this picture the trees is the frame, you dont have to make the whole frame. Here is a picture I took

This picture I took last year with my friend, Shanay.  

In this frame I used my hand to make a circle frame.

Framing the picture is really easy as I said before. Lets move on to the next tip.

This is a bad photo because you can hardly see what it is but
this picture has its own charm.
I got it off google images.

3. Lighting

Here is the same picture with better lighting. 

Here is photo of a good lighting photo

This photo had perfect lighting and a good background 

As you can see lighting is very important because if your picture has no light it turn out black or it might look funny.

4. Be the picture director
Being the picture director is very simple. Your picture can go from this,

I got this picture off google images

To this,

I got this off google images

To be a picture director you need adjust what your picture looks like but obviously you cant move the sky tower or some other building. I suggest you don't touch the nature because it has its own glow and it would look pretty cool anyway, but to be the picture directer you need to experiment, move thing around and make it look unique.

 Lastly I will tell you what types of photographs I like
1. Motion picture like this one here

This is the original picture.

This is the copy we edited.

I also enjoy pictures of the:
Sky
Sunset and sunrise
Shadow photos
Rain
And many other type that will take a long time to write about.
What types of pictures do you enjoy?

Oh and remember to have fun taking the photos.
If you would like to learn more tips and tricks click here.

From: Sheetal
Editors: Vinnie and Bre'dyn

Friends

I found this image on google images .

Friends 

Friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest,it's about who came,and never left your side like for example my friends. Ever since I started school I have been making new friends from 2005 and ever since then I haven't been a third wheel or anything,friends inspire you to do things you can't or are scared of doing,my friends aren't mean or selfish,they stick up for me and are their when I need them to. At times they can go a bit over board but thats's just them,we plan thing's that we all could do in the weekend or school holidays. My friends are my friends and that will never change me for who I am or for who they are to,friends aren't about who you like or not its about who chooses to be your friend and if you do as well. Friends care for you when you need caring,friends chose to be your friend its not about looks or anything either its about you and your personality not about them and what they think.



A good friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself not anyone who bosses you around,A big friend, small friend,old friend,new friend,nice friend,sweet friend,good friend,you friend should have total freedom to be who you are whenever where ever to.Don't let anyone change you for who you are because you are you.


BY BRE'DYN.F

Family...

Friends are like Families, they never let you go.

    "Family is what grounds you,"says Angelina Jolie. Families and Friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches. Families are one of the things that keeps us going and it would always be with us wherever we are. They are what makes us what we are and they will never change. Families are great to have to lean on because they are always there for you through thick and thin. They will never let you go.


    As you have probably guessed my topic is about families. Family is something that is really important. If you are one of those people that think that your alone and you don't have a family because you just don't, well the truth is that you do have a family and that you do have some people that fusses over you for no reason at all (My Mum does that to me) and those people are your friends. I mean, look around you. People do care for you even when you least expect it. It could be your best friend, your teacher or even your next door neighbour!
   

I got this one off google images.

    I have a big family.No seriously, I have 1 brother, 3 sisters (not including me), a Mum, a Dad and 2 loving Grandparents.At home well, I admit we do argue over some things but we always help each other out at the end. We do that because we love each other (though we don't admit it because it feels a bit weird sometimes) even though we argue sometimes. I guess that it's just a family thing. Most siblings fight and argue over things but at the end of the day you can always see them apologising and everything is back to normal.Hopefully...

    I love my family and I always have fun when they are around. Especially my cousins, we always do something fun when they visit.Oh and also if your going to a relatives house this weekend and your thinking,"Oh man, this will be boring!'. Well think again because you never know. It might be the next big thing.Good Luck!


Love,
Vinnie.

An amazing experience

Imagine looking out the window as the sun awakens in the morning, when you look out the window of the hotel you can see the traffic rising and the millions of motorbikes racing down the road, the monorail speeds past.

(Here is a picture of a Monorail)







We get ready early in the morning for the great big day ahead of us. We finally decide what we are going to do...

ELEPHANTS SANCTUARY!!!

It was very tough to pick but we are all happy with our answer.
We jumped in the taxi and half and hour flew by without even noticing I started to get sleepy and dozed off in seconds.

I woke up after 4 hours and saw that mum and my sister was fast asleep and dad was talking to the taxi driver. I decided to sit back, flick on my ipod and enjoy the view.
Finally we reached our destination, 5 whole hours of traveling by car, but it was worth it. When we got out of the car a big fire ball almost tumbled me over, it felt like I just got hit by a hot water tsunami. We got the taxi driver escorted us to the main office/entry.We paid for our entry and we were off. Walking through the long hallway and entered a wooden gazebo.
In the gazebo we read about elephants and than about 25 minutes later, a lady took us into a dark room and made us sit down. The projector turned on and showed us a short video (which was 5 minutes long).
The video told us about how the wild elephants came to the sanctuary. Finally when the video ended, we walked out of the room and entered the elephant park. In there we saw baby elephants and teenage elephants but they were behind cages. I put my hand over the wooden bar and the elephant truck came and sniffed it.It felt really prickly.
I grabbed some money out of my Dad's pocket and bought some peanuts for us and the elephants. We feed the elephants and it was an amazing feeling to get an elephant to pick up the peanuts with its trunk and put it in its mouth.

Then we watched the elephant show, thats the instructors show us how to get on and off an elephant and all these other tips and tricks.
Now finally for one of the moment we were waiting for...
Elephant riding
I was so amazed that I was going to jump on to one really big elephant and go for a ride. We stood in the line waiting for our turn. Then after the long wait we finally got a ride, as I tried to hop on the elephant the prickly hair rubbed against my legs, I rubbed the leather like skin, and off we went. As the elephant put its foot forward I could feel the bones in its body, because I am afraid of heights it felt pretty scary.

When our ride was over we had a whole hour to get ready to go swimming, we got changed and had lunch. Then we decided to go for a walk and see the wonderful animals. As we walked a light breeze flowed through the air, the cold breeze touched my skin as we walked round in a big circle. Two laps of the circle and the 15 minutes was up, we walked back, we were all excited, I couldn't wait to get in the water, the cold water because it was such a hot day.

Finally the moment I was waiting for... to bath with the elephants we slowly walked into the water behind the elephants, its tail swinging behind it. The instructor asked for someone to sit on one of the elephants first I didnt go first neither did my mum or my sister,  finally a person decided to go on the instuctor showed us how to get on and off the elephant in the water. Then my sister pushed me by the elephant and before I knew it I was siting on the elephant getting splashed in the face with water, the elephant seem to enjoy it. When I got off my sister wanted a turn she couldn't get on because it was to slippery and she couldn't reach. It so funny.

I think you should go on a trip to malaysia and ride an elephant because it is and amazing experience and you will really enjoy it. There are many more fantastic thing to do in malaysia just click here.

By: Sheetal
Editor: Vinnie

...Unwanted...

...Child Abuse...

   Tears keep coming. I can't help it. My body is bruised and sore. Pus is coming out of my ear from the blow Father gave me. All I wanted was food. Instead I got another beating. My stomach rumbles.

   I huddle in the corner. The attic is really cold, but  I have to survive. My siblings can't live without me. My heart yearns for them. I have to be strong. I am all that they have. I curl up and try to sleep. I can't. The pain is unbearable, but I am used to it.

   I feel weak. I close my eyes and think about the happier days. Then slowly I fall asleep. Dreaming about a better place.

By: Vinnie

Fiji,The best place in the world.

Hi Guys,

              Today I'm going to write about Fiji.So, if you don't know yet, I am from Fiji and I have lived there for a pretty long time until I moved to New Zealand.In Fiji it feels like it's Summer all year long. (well that's if a hurricane decides to come.Then that's another story) Anyway,if you haven't been to Fiji yet or if you are planning a holiday then you must continue reading this.

              While I was in Fiji I went to a lot of marvelous places.One of them was Pacific Harbour.In Pacific Harbour they have a really cool pool with a really cool hydra slide.They also have a cafe,a bar and they also hold performances of fire walking, How Amazing Is That!

              I also go to the beaches there and the water is really warm.Sometimes I even wish that I could stay in the water forever!That is how amazing it is there.The beaches are clean there and the sand is almost white like snow.So as you can imagine Fiji sounds like it is a really good place to go to.
              So...are you thinking about changing your holiday plan around and go to Fiji? If you are than you must click here for flight bookings and here for some pictures...Good Luck!!!

By:Vinnie 
Editor: Sheetal

...Vinnie's Free Writing Piece...

                                                              ...Nightmares...


    After basketball practice I walked home.I live in a house in Lonely Street.It's called that because there's only two houses in there.My house and Old-Man-Nutter's house.That house has been empty for years but sometimes before I sleep I take a glance at that house and a really dim light is on.
    Every time I pass that house a shiver runs down my spine and it always feels as though someone is watching me.But like always,no-ones there.But tonight was different.I passed his house and at the corner of my eye I saw a small movement.My heart was pounding as I turned to look.
    I froze when I saw it.A dark hooded figure facing me.Even though I can't see its eyes , I know it's watching me.With my heart pounding I ran home.I have never run faster in my life.I barged into my house and ran to my room.I had a cold shower, put on my PJ's and closed my eyes.
    I'm falling into a dark hole and when I hit the bottom I see him again coming closer.He turns the air as cold as ice.I tried to scream but I couldn't.My legs failed to move either.I feel a cold hand on my shoulder and a shiver goes down my spine.Before I turn to see who he was my dream ended and I woke up.My bed was wet with sweat.Phew!I was dreaming I thought.But as I looked up...the dark hooded figure was still there.......


Written By :Vinnie

Soda and Mentos

We had all heard or seen what happens when you mix mentos and diet coke.
We wondered if this would happen with any other sodas.

This was also a good way for us to learn how to link research and background information to our science experiments.

First we did this by looking at the information on this wikipedia page.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_Coke_and_Mentos_eruption

Then we made our hypothesis and made sure it had some of the background info that we learnt from our research or from looking at the ingredients in the bottles.  Here are our hypothesis.

We tested Schwepps Raspberry, lime and lemon, Sprite Zero, Diet Coke and Regular Coke. Here's what happened;

After thinking about our results we linked our research and background information with these and came up with our analysis and conclusion.  These ones below were some of our more effective ones.
They were more effective because they;

• included the results
• talked about their feelings on the matter and the science involved
• linked it back to the hypothesis
• used the science they learnt from their research to comment
• put in ideas for further experimentation and wonderings.

When writing your analysis and conclusion in your science fair it would be a good idea to include these things.

Latham;
Sprite zero came first, diet coke second, regular coke third and the schwepps flavours last equal. I wonder if it was because the sprite was mixed after the other drinks? I wonder if it would make a difference if we used a whole pack of mentos for each drink.

Vinnie:
I was very disappointed because I was looking forward to the big explosion but it was pretty small.  I think this had to do with the kind of bottle or because the drinks were not that cold. Also, I was wrong about my hypothesis and was pretty surprised when the sprite had a big explosion.

Mathew:
When we did the experiment I was quite shocked that the sodas didn't go as high as I would've imagined. I was expecting the diet or regular coke to win from what I have researched. The schwepps drinks did not go extremely high because I think the amount of Co2 which the mentos pores had did not have enough to catalyze. I was kind of expecting the sprite to go high because of the lack of sugar in it and the amount of carbon dioxide. I thought the schwepps wouldn't make an effective explosion because the have more flavour than fizz.

Caitlyn;
The sprite zero was the biggest to explode, 2nd was the diet coke and they were the drinks with the least sugar. So to conclude I think the less the amount of sugar the bigger the explosion.

Rubana;
The diet coke came second and the sprite came 1st. I think it was something to do with the amount of sugar in the drink.  Next time we should try a different variety of drink or putting it in different temperature, making it hot or cold. Also, maybe the amount of fizziness that came out of the schwepps was different from the coke brands and sprite. The schwepps ones also had different bottle shapes.
 

The end of the World. By Vinny

I am standing outside my house.  Waiting...waiting....
Then there it was. The wave.  I tried to run but I couldn't. My legs felt like lead. I closed my eyes as I waited for contact. People screaming and crying.I was washed over and I tumbled underwater. Then everything went black. One thought came to me, "goodbye".

Good Morning Show #2

Chalk Art Portraits

Another busy week, meet the teacher evening, orienteering, chalk art and almost a Wheelay. Phew.  Just to tide you over until we get some proper, juicy student writing on here.  Here are some of the wonderful chalk art portrait creations we've completed this week.