Girls Cricket 2009

In Term 1, sixteen year 7 & 8 girls were selected to play girls cricket for the school. It started with two trials during lunchtime on Monday and Tuesday in week 6. Mrs Garrett assessed each individual player on their skill and ability. From there, she chose the team who in week 7 versed the School Milo Boys Cricket Team. Then on Tuesday 7th April, the girls cricket team travelled to Weymouth Intermediate to compete against 7 other schools in a Zone competition. Here are the scores and the other schools we played against:

Game 1: 30/17 vs. North Counties - WIN
Game 2: 23/21 vs. Central - LOSS
Game 3:35/20 vs Rosehill - LOSS
Game 4:18/14 vs. Mansell - WIN
Game 5:19/? vs. Weymouth - LOSS
Game 6:37/22 vs. Manurewa - WIN

All the girls in the team enjoyed the day out and played to the best of our abilities. We had a great time and had a awesome treat at the end of the day, with Jorgia's dad buying all the team players a Cheeseburger, and with Mrs Garrett buying a Soft Serve aswell.

What a great way to end the day!

Mathletics Success!

As apart of Maths, we have had the opportunity to be able to use Mathletics, a Maths site that can help to improve your ability. The many catergories to choose from, this site can definately help you. Above, are some of the awards I have achieved, while using Mathletics.

Mathleics helps you, to improve your ability in Maths!

Speech Assessment 2009

My Speech 2009

Do you brush your teeth morning and night? Or do you just sneak past mum before you walk to school, hoping she won’t check. We’ll if you’re like most people, you don’t exactly look forward to facing the dentist’s drill. So wouldn’t it be better to prevent cavities before they begin.

Brushing your teeth is a daily essential for all children and adults. You must brush twice everyday to avoid cavities and gum diseases. No matter the colour, shape or size, there is no scientific evidence existing, to show the best toothbrush design for a whole mouth clean.

To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, which is the layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps them to keep healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are most important things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

It is a fact, that most people in New Zealand spend less than a minute brushing their teeth. To make sure you are doing a thorough job, brush for at least 3 minutes. Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, as bristles appear worn, and can not give a more healthier clean.

Toothpastes contain abrasives, detergents and foaming agents. Fluoride, the most common active ingredient in toothpaste, is what prevents cavities. So you should always be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. Many people brush their teeth but consider these tips for a healthier clean.

Do not share toothbrushes as the body fluids sharing could effect in your mouth. After brushing, thoroughly rinse with tap water to remove all the remaining toothpaste. Do not store toothbrushes in a closed container on a daily basis. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria that causes bad breath.

Never use medium or hard brushes because they can damage your gums. Brush all around every tooth carefully, making sure you can feel the brush on your gums. Replace your toothbrush after every illness, as bacteria may still live in the bristles.

Approximately 20% of New Zealander’s avoid brushing their teeth as they think it is a waste of time. WRONG! If you are the type who doesn’t brush before bed? You might want to consider. Mutans (strep.to.cocci) streptococci, the bacteria involved in causing tooth decay, multiplies 30 times overnight if you haven’t brushed your teeth before going to bed.

Always brush and floss your teeth, morning and night, everyday for at least three minutes. And just remember, if you brush your teeth twice a day, you’ll keep the dentist wide away!

In Term 2, Room 23 students began writing and presenting speeches. Throughout the week, we had Mr Wadhams as our teacher, while Mrs Pearson was in Melbourne, on a Teachers Conference, accompanied by Ms Guise and Mrs Marks. All students in Room 23 completed thier speeches for 2009, and most of the speeches were very informative and persuasive. We enjoyed having Mr Wadhams as our teacher for the week and the great speeches that were presented from Room 23 students!

Dziah 2.0 Performance

On Wednesday 27 May 2009, Pukekohe Intermediate had the pleasure of enjoying the entertainment of Dziah 2.0, who are the current New Zealand Hip Hop Champions. Before they took the stage, Billie Paterson, Danelle Cox and Christian Nepia had the chance to interview and chat with the dance crew.

P.I.S: So how long have you guys been together as a crew?
Dziah: Just over a year.
P.I.S: So you guys haven’t been together long. What inspires your dances/routines?
Dziah: Our mum’s! Oh and the pies from Pukekohe! They're nice!
P.I.S: Did you guys come from other crews or is this your first?
Dziah: Most of us are from other crews but for some, this is their first crew, and were already a big success.
P.I.S: Did you go to Dance Studio's as kids?
Dziah: Not really.
P.I.S:What about at school?
Dziah: Yes, we moon walked in the technology atrium.
P.I.S: Have you been in any recent competitions?
Dziah: We won the title of the New Zealand National Hip Hop Championship, and we will represent New Zealand at the World Championship. We also won the Stomp Competition.
P.I.S: So do you have anything to say to your fans who are wanting to become big Hip Hop stars in the future?
Dziah: Just to practice and give it your all.

After the interview, we watched an incredible performance by the Dziah 2.0 dance crew. The crowd went wild throughout the performance as the crew displayed amazing talent in our school hall. They were also a laugh and a half, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Zone and Inter-Zone Orienteering 2009

Zone Orienteering 2009

The sun beamed like lightning as students from Pukekohe Intermediate ran around the Bledisloe field, to trial for the 2009 orienteering squads. Many students trialled, but only a handful of students continued through to the map reading trial. All students competed to the best of their abilities, the first 6 out of each gender and year groups made the orienteering squads, that will represent Pukekohe Intermediate at the Zone Competition, in Manurewa, Totara Park. The competition will take place on Friday the 1st of May and will be a great opportunity for children to participate in.

"I think we have strong teams that have a high chance of winning, with students that are excellent at map reading and their fitness levels", Sarah Guise and Rebekah Pearson, teachers in charge of Pukekohe Intermediates Orienteering squads for 2009. "It's a great sport and enjoyable to participate in!", Billie Paterson, who is in the year 8 girls orienteering squad. "It's really fun but in some parts it's challenging", Steven Lacey and Dylan Robinson, both in the year 8 boys orienteering squad.

Counties Manukau Orienteering Club are also running extra sessions, for students and parents who would like to give orienteering a go. Contact Val and John Robinson if you are interested. Phone 09 2386911.

Pukekohe Intermediate students will compete at the Zone Orienteering Competition in Manurewa, with support from parents and teachers.

GO FOR GOLD PUKEKOHE INTERMEDIATE!


Inter-Zone Orienteering 2009

Teams had just arrived at Reeves Farm, and the rain was slowly falling. We were one of the first schools to take the chute, so we all ran to the best of our abilities. Pukekohe Intermediate students ran well at both of the competitive days. The results for the Zone and Inter-Zone Orienteering Competitions were:

Zone Orienteering

Year 7 Girls: 2nd Place
Year 7 Boys: 1st Place
Year 8A Girls: 1st Place
Year 8B Girls: 2nd Place
Year 8 Boys: 2nd PLace

Inter-Zone Orienteering


Year 7 Girls: 9th Place
Year 7 Boys: 3rd Place
Year 8A Girls: 2nd Place (By only 0.05 seconds)
Year 8B Girls: 4th Place
Year 8 Boys: 6th Place

We also had some fast times at Zone, as Kathleen Griffin and Grace Gill, had times within the 12 minute mark, having one of the fastest times at the Zone Competition. Also at Inter-Zone with Billie Paterson having the fastest time on her course for the Year 8 Girls section. Each individual that represented Pukekohe Intermediate at Orienteering, had an awesome time and would like to thank all of the Teachers and Parents who helped to transport and cheer on the students!

"Run like the wind!!!"

Pink Cowboy Day

BubbleShare: Share photos - Easy Photo Sharing

Throughout lunchtime, all students in Room 23 were rushing to get changed in time for Pukekohe Intermediate's Year 8 Swimming Carnival. We had chosen the theme Pink Cowboy Day. Everyone in our classroom contributed and the day was a huge success. Thrilling races and games were held at the Jubilee Pools, with several classrooms in the stand, cheering each other on. But at the end of the day, our classroom, Room 23, were given best outfits throughout the school. I know our classroom enjoyed the day and will wait for the next challenge from the remaining Year 8 classes at Pukekohe Intermediate...


YEEHA!

Matariki

Room 23 students have been learning about Matariki, as our main concept for this term. Throughout the term, our classroom will complete a number of activities including:

Week 2-10
Year 8 Matariki Enrichment

Week 10
Ki O Rahi Tournament ( school wide tournament)
Activities: Tititorea/waiata/hangi/poi/moko/taniko patterns
Kapa Haka Performance at Franklin: The Centre
Dawn Ceremony ( Pukekohe Hill )
Maori Art and Crafts Exhibition

Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades, Star Cluster or the Seven Sisters, and what is referred to as the traditional Maori New Year.
The Maori new year is marked by the rise of Matariki and the sighting of the next new moon. The pre-dawn rise of Matariki can be seen in the last few days of May every year and the new year is marked at the sighting of the next new moon which occurs during June. Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars: mata riki (Tiny Eyes) and mata ariki (Eyes of God).

Traditionally, depending on the visibility of Matariki, the coming season's crop was thought to be determined. The brighter the stars indicated the warmer the season would be and thus a more productive crop. It was also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future. Today Matariki means celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land we live on.

Matariki is celebrated with education, remembrance and the planting of new trees and crops, signalling new beginnings. Matariki was the optimum time for new harvests, and ceremonial offerings to the land-based gods Rongo, Uenuku and Whiro to ensure good crops for the coming year. It was also seen as a perfect time to learn about the land we live on and to remember whakapapa who have passed from this world to the next and the legacy they left behind.

Matariki - Beginning of the new cycle of life!