Our Trip to Tiritiri Matangi

Everyone had to be at school by 7.30am.  We had to go on the bus and the ferry to get there.  We all had to have three to a chair on the bus, so we were all squashed together.  We had to be in Auckland City by 9 o’clock, so the teachers looked a bit worried about making it in time for the ferry.  It was a quick walk to board the ferry, but we made it just in time. Before we got on the ferry we had to scrub our shoes on the brushes so there was no dirt on them just in case there were bugs or diseases on our shoes that could harm the wildlife on the island.  We hopped on the ferry, sat down and had something to eat.  We spent the time talking, playing and taking photos.  On our way we saw Rangitoto Island.  When we got to Tiritiri Matangi we had to walk down the rail and hold on to something so we didn't slip.  We all sat down and the man in charge introduced everyone to the group and told us where the toilets were.  We were going on a long hike so we needed to go to the toilet before the walk.  When my group and our leaders got to Tiritiri Matangi we went with Jeremiah’s brother and Izzy’s mum.  Our guide took us up a steep hill and we looked at some plants.  There were lots of patterns, flowers and birds.  My group saw a stitch bird, or as the guide says ‘Hihi’, that’s the Maori name.  We saw a cheeky looking fantail jumping around in the grass.  There were long water trays in different parts of the trail where the tui birds drank and played as we stood quiet as a mouse staring at them.  The pukeko bobbed up and down near the water looking for worms and insects to eat.    Just before we got to the top we saw pretend insects hiding in the plants. We had to see how observant we could be.  We found them all. Once we got to the main building at the top of the island we grabbed our bags and sat down in the courtyard for lunch.  After lunch we worked in our groups on a scavenger hunt to find information about some of the wildlife on the island.  We looked around the courtyard and inside the main building.  There was an interactive screen and a microscope with lots of different slides.  Our group went up the long stairs to look at the lighthouse.  We saw fat looking pukeko called takahe running around by the lighthouse.  They are related to the pukeko.  We could see all around the island and across the ocean.  It was really beautiful.  It was a little sad to know that eventually we would have to leave, but it was nice to know that all the birds and wildlife were well looked after.

Medieval Visit

On Wednesday the 17th of June, Leabank Senior School got a visit from a special guest Steve Heke.
He showed us some of his armour and talked to us about what the tournaments are all about.  He is part of a club that practises throughout the week and anyone can go along and join.  His armour is handmade and the helmet was really heavy.  It has to be strong enough to protect his head.  He knew a lot about knights in the olden days and battles.  It was really informative and we got to see some olden day weapons and armour that they would have used in the Middle Ages.

Lessons from High Wire

At High Wire we did activities that built trust and brainstormed what we could do as role models. Our tutors Carli and Rachael are nice people and have been teaching us about 'selflessness' - not being selfish, sharing with others.  For example if someone doesn't have lunch you give them some of yours, that's what selflessness means.  The Young Leaders are lucky to go out of the school grounds and represent our school in such a fun place.

Written By Brooke

Highwire Recount

Yesterday I went with some of my peers to High Wire. Angela is the lady who drove us there. While we were there Carli and Rachel our tutors explained what selflessness means. Part of it is don’t judge a book by it’s cover, honesty is the best policy.  We all got to introduce ourselves and learn to work as a team to get past the lava. We also learnt how to make pizza, it was so delicious! Young leaders are lucky to have the opportunity to take part in the activities and lessons at High Wire.

Written by Marnika

Going to High Wire

On Monday the 18th of May 2015, nine Young Leaders were selected to go to High Wire where there are awesome activities and games to play and enjoy.  The activities help us to practise working as a team by cooperating to finish team challenges.  One of the most important things that you need to do is listen to the instructors.  High Wire is about trying our best, working together and having fun!

By Eden

Home Learning Links

skoolbo

studyladder

mathplayground

Useful sites we have been using in writing:

lexipedia

instagrok

visual thesaurus

Young Leader Petesa

Talofa  lava, Aloha and greetings.

My name is Petesa. I have 3 sisters and 3 brothers.

This year I am a Young Leader. I would like to thank all my loving dedicated teachers that have helped me become the leader I am today.

My favourite food is shepherds pie. I enjoy going to church with my wonderful family .

My goal this year is to be a successful leader and to keep my head held high. I will be a respectful and responsible student.
When I grow up I want to be a lawyer, but don't worry I will never ever forget

where I come from.

Young Leader Marnika

Kia Ora my name is Marnika.

I like to learn other languages like Cook Island, Maori and  many more. I like playing with my friends on sunny days. I have 5 sisters and 1 brother, but I have over 50 loving people in my family. My hobbies are playing sports and singing. My favourite colour is magenta and my favourite food is macaroni and cheese.

My goal this year is to be an awesome Young Leader and I want to encourage other students to follow their dreams. As a Young Leader I hope to set a good example for other kids.

Young Leader Jeremiah

Talofa lava, my name is Jeremiah.

I have four sisters and three brothers. My Mum’s name is Nou and my Dad’s name is Steve.

This year I am a Young Leader. My favourite subjects at school are art and writing. My favourite sports are rugby, touch, soccer and T-ball.

I enjoy going fishing with my family and helping mum bake yummy cakes in the kitchen. When I grow up I would like to join the Royal New Zealand Army so I can defend our country.

My goal is to be an awesome happy and caring leader to everyone, so they can look up to me and they might want to become an awesome Young Leader one day too.

Young Leader Eden

Kia ora, my name is Eden. I am 10 years old. I have four sisters and three brothers. My Dad’s name is Harry and my Mum’s name is Sonya. My favourite food is chicken fried rice.

My goal as a Young Leader is to be a very good leader by being responsible, helping others and doing the right thing. As a leader I enjoy showing new people around the school and making awesome friends.

My hobbies are netball and running. At school I like handwriting and Maths.

I wish I could stay at this school forever.

Young Leader Brooke

Talofa lava my name is Brooke. I am one of the Young Leaders for 2015.

My favourite sports are volleyball and netball and my hobbies are swimming, painting, writing and reading chapter books. I have a brother named Lee Michael and a sister named Tyra.

My goal for this year is to be a responsible leader and be a good role model to younger students.

I have a good attitude towards my work.  I want to finish high school and go to university to get a teaching degree.

When I’m older I want to be a good teacher and also be strict because I think strict teachers are the best teachers.