"I Am Giant" and Louis' "Artificial Sun"

Quick- head over to the facebook page for "I Am Giant" and vote for "Artificial Sun to open in Tauranga".    You will need to like the page, and then just leave that message on the wall.  If Louis gets the gig, it will be the biggest exposure for the band yet!

Do it.

Please.

I AM GIANT on Facebook

Form newbies 2011

Well, the form class lists are up for 2011.

We are pleased to welcome the following new Year 11's into our formclass:

• Malorie Cadwallader
• Dan Carlisle
• Brooke Davidson
• Marcus Entwistle
• Alysha Harmon-Cardno
• Jade Lane
• Jordan Leveridge
• Liam Nixon
• Trinity Pitiroi

I am sure that we will all make them feel welcome,  and we look forward to bringing the awesome in 2011.

2010 comes to an end. Bring on 2011

Well, we did it.  We completed a whole year of form-time.....

Yay!

And sadly, we farewelled Christina, Louis, Kendall and Bella for the last time, as they head off into the real world.  I am pleased to say that they all have plans!  Christina has been accepted to the Whitireia Polytechnic Journalism programme, and starts early next year.  Louis is off to the Whitireia Polytechnic to study music, as a bass guitar player.  He plans on starting mid-year.  Bella is off to Brazil to finish her schooling there, and Kendall is off on her big OE, expect her in Europe before the year is out!

Last Form Class Photo for 2010. :'(

Just the other day I selected a number of current Year 10 students who I thought would fit in with our formclass.  While I have yet to find out who we shall gain, we will definitely add about 10 people to the class.  So YAY!

As pointed out by Cat...

No, it is no longer the end of Term 3.

Yes, it is term 4.  And a long way into term 4.  Next Thursday we shall farewell Louis, Kendall, Christina and Bella, as they head out into the big wide, real world.

Then the examinations start in earnest on the following Monday.

It is hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly.  It seems like just yesterday that you were all walking through the Drama room doors for the first time, and questioning me about Luau attire.  I'm thrilled to say you have all grown up, and grown together this year, and I am not looking forward to farewelling 4 of our number.

End of term

Well, today is the last day of term, and I shall be posting out a paper blog.  I hope you spend the holidays relaxing, studying and staying safe.  You only have less that 5 weeks of the academic year remaining- and that is all you have left for some of you!

Earlier this week we got into the spirit of "International Talk like a Pirate Day".  We did a pirate scavenger hunt, and competed for treasure chests.  It was good.

All set to scavenge

Bella and Laura

Revisions.... study..... etc..... NARGLEFACE

So, you are all hard at work preparing for the school exams.......... right?

Let's face it, some of you are, and others of you are not.  Yep.  Not.  I am aware of this.

All going according to plan (and that plan is me not spending the day shopping on the internet, browsing Amazon.com or checking my facebook account... and not being hit by a meteor plummetting towards earth.... though, in that case I figure you won't need revision advice anyway)... the point.... ummm....  Well, yes, all going according to plan, I will be giving you a revision pack tomorrow in formtime.  Here you will get the necessities of revision and the preparation tools to get ready for those exams.

THEY MATTER!

Get that through your thick skulls as the first step.  Yep.

And finish those creative mappings of Wally's journey for tomorrow.  There will be snacks.

"Where's Wally? Challenge" Results

Well... after an exhausting few weeks of tracking Wally worldwide, we have the results.
Third place:  Phoenix Churcher
Second place:  Zoe Renor
First place:  Kendall Charles

The results of the creativity challenge will be on Monday!

Form time with the medal issuing "ceremony"

Updating you all

With letters from Robin and Christina lining our walls, we are feeling loved.  And missing those who have left our shores.  It is great to know that we are all still part of a big form-family, even when all the oceans separate us geographically.

The "Where's Wally" challenge is nearly the end of its run.  The final clue will be on Thursday, and the prizegiving will be on Friday with a breakfast in class.  Show up early for class peoples.  And expect an update on the blog at that point.  So far Kendall is WAY in the lead on 15 points, Zoe is on 10, and Phoenix is on 6.  Louis, Finn, and Ivy are all within a point of Phoenix, so the game is still anyones.

The trophy for most creative presentation of Wally's journey is still up for grabs, and will be selected on Friday.  Get your creativity flowing people.... :D

And congratulations to Kendall for her wonderful job-well-done as Board rep this last year!  She has completed her final meeting, and only has to hand-over control to the new representative next term.  We are pleased that Zoe has joined members of the class as "folks who have run for Board Rep", and we wish her all the best in the election.  Arjun ran in Year 10, though sadly missed out then.

Zoe preparing to give her election speech.

Exams are but a little over a week away!  Eeeep!  Get your study on.... NOW!  Go.  Hassle those teachers.  Harrang and harrass.  Get moving on the revision.

I'm off to Dance NZ Made tomorrow with Zoe and Ivy, it should be a great day- though a long day.  The form class will have to fend for itself.  Sob.  But I will be thinking of you all.

Preparing for the inevitable examinations

Now is the time to really get thinking about revision and being sensible about what you have to do.

Harrang and harrass your teachers for information and advice. And seek advice elsewhere. You all know about studyit.... the website with information about English, Maths and Sciences.

Finding help for other subjects can be more challenging. However, we will try to steer you in the right direction with some advice. Today is a shameless plug, and a financial outlay. But it is worth it. Not all of us have great notes from the year..... let's be honest people! Buy some! You have options- ask for the notes of people who were in the class last year. Shamelessly beg for them. Look for revision guides in bookshops and online...

Shameless plug... check out the author..... ;)

 ESA is a New Zealand company who specialise in revision books.  They have ones for course outlines, and ones focussed on examinations.  You can buy them from their website- or bookshops.

The ESA Website- all of their books.

These range between $20-$30 for each title.  You can always re-sell your book next year to the following class and get back some of the cash.  Or check out Trademe, which always has a range of secondhand titles listed. 

The main thing you should be doing is making sure you have your notes in order, that you know what the exam will be about, and making sure your internal assessment work is up to date.  Soon we will follow this blog with another spouting about what you should be studying.

Currently in the "Where's Wally?" Challenge, we have Kendall in the lead, followed closely by Zoe, and then in really close contention for 3rd are Ivy, Finn, Louis and Phoenix.  With 5 clue results remaining, it is still anyone's game.  And the trophy for "Most Creative Mapping of Wally's Journey" to be announced on Friday.  Special notes have to go to Phoenix, for getting to formtime at 8am to hand in the answer, "Rabat", and to Cat and Christina for there responses from Finland and Switzerland.

Catching up with Wally

Joshy's Cake

Getting stuck straight in, welcome Annika to the class!  She has come from Germany and fittededed right in.  I love the way she has a brilliant accent, and willing to give everything a go.

With all the farewells, it was great to have an arrival.  We all miss Robin, Cat and Nella so much.  Formtime is so quiet without them.  Well.... not exactly quiet... but you know.

The class with Annika... on my birthday

This fortnight we are working on a "Where's Wally" challenge- tracking the journey of Wally across the globe in his private jet-pack.  So far he has left Wellington, arrived in Beijing, landed in Moscow.... and who knows where else!  In the lead currently are Ivy, Zoe and Kendall, with Renae and Finn not far behind.

Thanks to Kendall and Joshy for the wonderful cakes they baked for my birthday- it was very sweet and both tasted great!  I will have to load them up on the blog.

Kendall's Cake

Recapping awesomeness

Well, we had a great showing at the Fun Run, and made the paper!  The most famous form class in the Wairarapa is US!  Yippee.

And the awesome continues with Kendall really!  Now is the chance to help her raise $2000 for Breast Cancer.  Follow the link and help her raise her goal before running a marathon in Christchurch.  Kendall is amazing, and we are all mighty proud of her.

Christina has settled into life in Switzerland, and is getting to know more of her girl guide friends from around the world.  She has already been on a sojourn to Italy, and I know more is to follow.  Check out her facebook page for more details.

Examinations!

Exams are coming up REALLY soon people!

You need to make sure that you are revising.  This involves more than SAYING you are revising, listening to your ipod, texting your mates, and updating your facebook status. 

You need to know what is going to be in your exams.  Harass your teachers for this information.  Do you need to know how to write an essay, or to analyse new material, or to use formulas?  What content will be assessed?  What Achievement Standards are being practised?  Have you seen what the questions and/or paper will look like?  Do you need to bring your own paper or will this be provided for you?

Next week there will be an optional study skills seminar with me (on Wednesday).  Sign up for it for advice, tips and basically quality time with me.

Fun Run!

Well, didn't we do well!!!

Very little can be said, other than...... check out the images!

Top:  The whole group of awesome in all our crayony glory
Next:  "Running"
Next:  Enjoying the after-match popsicle
Next:  Well, all except James enjoyed the popsicles....!

Fun Run Funtasticness

The fun run is on Tuesday, and we have been working FURIOUSLY to get sorted out for it.  We have a killer costume idea (which is taking super long to organise).... and will kick some costumed butt.  Below are some images of the costume creations.

However, we have had to say goodbye to Christina who has arrived safely in Switzerland.  She will be in Europe for the next few months volunteering and travelling.  This harks to the fact that we will be loosing others this term.  Daniella is soon to move back to Australia, Robin is about to move to the UK, and Cat will be returning to Finland at the end of the term.  All shall be missed dreadfully, and I hate when people leave!  Grrr.  But I wish them all the happiness in their remaining weeks, and safe voyaging.

The JM Regatta

Well, the first annual JM Sailing Regatta was held recently.  On the first day we built our ships, and later in the week we sailed them.

Sadly a number of ships sank.... despite looking fantastic before the sailing event.

Louis Gray with an innovative "Fish" shaped design won.... and we were all very proud.  He did win because his was the only ship not to sink to the bottom of the bucket!

The ships BEFORE hitting the water.

And the ships at the bottom of the "ocean".

Next week is the Famine Fun Run.  Here we will compete as a formclass for prizes for our costumes.  Our theme is yet to be chosen, but we will go hard!  Bring on a win, people, and we will have fun, raise money for a good cause, and spend some quality time together.

Form update

Well, the FLC's are still running, but mostly done, and the term is almost over.

We have mastered the art of formtiming.

Here are a couple of images to give you more of an idea.....

I'm not sure who took this on my phone, but it gives a good idea of how the class 'hang' in less intense times.  Below is us sitting actually alphabetically in today's fire drill.  Well done for finding #16 people.

Family Learning Conferences

After a successful run of Family Learning Conferences, I am pleased to report the stunning progress of the class as a whole.  Overwhelmingly our class are working hard and achieving good results.  There are always areas for improvement, which is what we focussed our discussion on, and there are always goals to achieve. 

Remember, Year 11's, you can always ask the Year 12's for advice and guidance, and the Year 12's can ask the Year 13's.  I too was once a student, back somewhere just before the extinction of the dinosaurs, and can offer advice and guidance.... sigh.  Mrs Latta is the Careers advisor and can offer specialised information and the Student Health Centre is ready to deal with any other issues you may have over the year.  There is always someone ready to help out.  Sing out and don't worry.  If your classes are stressful or you are having trouble balancing your committments, we can help you sort things out.

Sadly watching the news, it is apparent that students all over this country seem to lack conflict resolution strategies.  Help is always there, and you never need to resort to using your fists people!

On a happier note, it was great to see such an awesome group of people have such an awesome bunch of parental units!

The Paper Blog will be out next week with the last of the student profiles.  With 2 weeks left of term, we should be aiming to polish off assessments and make sure our notes are all as perfect as possible.

Farewell to Cat and Robin who will be off on the Geo trip to Tongariro this coming week.

A summary of the main concerns from students from the FLC's are as follows:

• Homework tasks are not overly explicitly given
• Revision needs to be happening now
• Ask for help when floundering
• You would like some Study Skills workshops

St Patrick's Day Mufti-ness

We just had the first mufti day of the year, and tragically, one of the coldest days so far!

However, we are not a class to react badly to weather, and we love a good chance to make a difference.  With proceeds going to fund research and treatment of MS, we got our green on.  And there is never a bad reason for a photo-shoot.

Sea Week

Last week was "Sea Week".  It is important that we think about the future, not just of ourselves but of the planet.  Water is a valuable resource, and one we take for granted.  Given news footage and discussion around scientific whaling, penguin breeding and giant squids, we need to think about our oceans more and more.  We all need to drink, and we need the cooling qualities of the ocean to regulate the temperature of planet earth.

We spent the week thinking of FISH!  Which is far more about OUR future.  Remember to keep being positive, helpful and lighten other peoples lives.  Being happy is not rocket science, and happy people are more productive.

Fish! The other stuff

The last blog recapped 'Being There' and 'Choosing your Attitude'.  This blog will cover the last 2 elements of Fish!

'Make their Day'.  The idea here is that we look for chances to make someone else's day.  This can be simple, like holding a door open, or carrying a bag, or saying 'thanks', or simply talking to a new person in school.  If we all made more of an effort to look out for the feelings of others, the world would be a much nicer place to be.

'Play'.  Everyone loves to play... but this is not just about having games.  It is a state of wonder, like young children have, where they are excited about so many new things.  'Play' is not about just goofing off, but it is serious (remember playing in the sand-pit, or tag, the rules were important!) and it has to be inline with the other elements.  You do not 'play' in a way that is negative, or not making someone elses day etc.  Play is the fun element, but no more or less important than others.

This there week are the Family Learning Conferences.  I look forward to seeing some of you again, and meeting some of you for the first time.

Fish! Update

Kendall's fish
Originally uploaded by trivia_buff101

This week has been Sea Week. So far we have made a lovely sea of fish (which will be uploaded on Friday) and looked at 2 elements of the Fish! Philosophy.


Yesterday was "Being There". To make the most of our opportunities, we need to be present in every respect of the word. This means intently listening, focussing on our friends. Not being distracted in class. Being aware of how the people around you are feeling. Our task was to find at least 3 places in the day where we could "be there" for our learning and our friends.


Today was "Choose your Attitude". No one ever says you have to have a good day or enjoy the classes you take. But it is important that we make the most of what we have by choosing to participate, to try, to be positive and to do our best. The task was to go through the day with a positive and upbuilding attitude.


Neither "being there" nor "choosing our attitude" are easy. It takes effort, honesty and really trying. It is exhausting. But, it improves our interactions with others.


The reason for updating today was Kendall's wonderful gesture. She made us all Fish! cookies, which kept her busy for all hours last night, and decorated lovely fishies. This is a perfect example of what we are doing tomorrow, as well as choosing to have a positive attitude about your class and being there to make people feel better in the morning. Good on you Kendall, you rock!

The Colouring Competition!

Well, after a 3 day Olympic whirlwind effort, we completed the colouring contest.  Mr Tavenor was our celebrity judge who decided on our winners, which was no easy task.  He spent a lot of time contemplating what to do.  In the end he settled on 2 winners.  Daniella won the colouring portion, and Kendall won the description part.  Well done both of you!

Nella's colouring will be posted below, and Kendalls description.  Well done awesome ones.

Remember, Family Learning Conferences are next week.  Contact me if you need to swap your times over.  Try my cell or email, as I am not very good at clearing school phone messages.... I always seem to get thrown out of the programme or directed to call reception?

Kendall's description of the class:
"The background shows that we are all bright, happy students full of sunshine and rainbows.  The bold dark letters represent the fact that we can conquer all and that we have a secret dark side....

"Every coloured ring has a meaning.  Together they represent us JM students as a class, a class that can dominate the world!

"Red:  This gives us action and confidence to go after our dreams.  It protects us from our fears and anxieties.  It symbolises life and vitality, and Mars, the God of War.

"Blue:  This is the calming colour, so soothing that it is a good choice for pjamas.  Dark blue is the colour of truth and moderation.  It symbolises our youth, providing protection and confidence.

"Green:  This represents our learning, harmony and growth.  Green gemstones are used to attract money, prosperity and wealth.  This symbolises the master healer and life force.

"Purple:  This symbolises magic and mystery, long associated with imagination and inspiration.  It removes obstacles and helps you to use your imagination.

"Orange:  This is POWER!  A healing colour.  Orange people are thoughtful and sincere.  Orange shows curiosity and the exploration of new things.  This spices things up, increases creativity and promotes personal power."

All about the learning

So far we have had a fun start to the year, and some spectacular results.  Kylie has been a star on the track, while Louis has been juggling sprinting success with the title role in MacBeth.  A number of students have already gained credits in some classes, which is a great start for the year.

Family Learning Conferences are not far off, next week I believe, and then the end of the term will roll about awfully quickly.  Time is certainly of the essence.

This week is SEA WEEK.  Not only will our focus be on water and conservation, but also on sealife.  With this, we will be making fish in class on Monday, and discussing the Fish! philosophy during the rest of the week.  The aim is to create effective workers with a good balance in life.  We are all under pressure at the moment, and it is a good time to reflect on how we can balance this all out.

 

The girls in action during a form hacky-sack competition

Athletics and Swimming Sports

The School Sports days are over, and other than a little sunburn, all was peachy.  The following people do need to be acknowledged for their efforts with sports days:

Kendall, Louis and Cat are all House Leaders, (For Ruamahanga, Aorangi and Tararua respectively) and put in a mammoth effort in getting the events set up as well as organising their houses for relays, banners and costumes, well done guys.

Josh ran the PA and sound system all day, and will be doing the same with the intercoll event.

Zoe was the first swimmer from the class to register for the swimming sports and did really well.

Renae was 2nd in Discus, Finn was 3rd in Shot Put, Kylie ran like wildfire, and Louis was a legend on the track.  Arjun, Robin, Christina, Nella and Laura were all costumed all day, Arjun and Robin surpassed everyone with their efforts!

Nella did a fantastic job with Laura on the signage, creating 2 awesome banners.

Basically, we got in there and did really well considering the heat, and the fact that we had to be organised ahead of time.  You all rock!

 

Kendall

 

Christina and Cat

 

Arjun and Robin (with their fanclub)

 

Most of us at the end of the day

Valentines

It may be a couple of days early, but the love is following in this class.  This is a stunning bunch of people, and very very awesome to each other.

Formclass homework

Here is the task (for those of you who just cannot wait to find out)

You will get a sheet.  On said sheet there will be a list of all the people in our class.  You will have until formtime on Friday to complete the sheet, filling in things that are positive about your classmates.

I do not want to read, "is nice" or "has nice hair".

What I am looking for are comments like;
"Has a great sense of humour"
"Really helpful to me when looking for my classes"
"A talented musician"

Something that tells me that you have taken the opportunity to get to know your class a bit better.  Who would be someone who would help you carry heavy bags?  Who could you ask for a hand with maths?  Who made you laugh?  Who was the talented performer in the show?  Who always has a smile for you across the quad?

There shall be a prize for all people who hand it in on time, and a surprise on Monday.

I know this will be tough for some of you who are new, and it will be challenging for the shy people in the class.  But you are a caring bunch of people who I know can do this if you put your mind to it.

Quick little notelet....

Hi all,

Hopefully the form newsletter made it home with information about contacting me.  If not, well................ there is a solution.  I can send more home, or ring the school and I will send one out.  It looks a little like this (only, it has a reverse side).

The class is choice.  Students will be bringing home a named picture tomorrow of the class members.

It's all business now.....

So, day 1 is a distant memory, and the juniors have all started.  If you see lost little-people around the place, I would recommend giving them a hand.  Some of the Year 9's were a little awestruck to say the least and will need help settling into our whanau.

School is back to usual now.... sans luau.

It was wonderful to see the 21 of you all hanging out and chatting prior to the first class- what a terrific bunch of people to have in one class.  Sigh.

Hopefully all of you Year 11 students will take the chance to ask the help and guidance of the Year 13's about how school runs, that the Year 12's will step up to find a leadership role within the school, and you all take a chance to get to know Cat and Isabela.  Cat is from Finland, and Isabela from Brazil, so potentially you can make friends from 2 different continents to go and stay with!

 

Top:  The short people- Zoe, Ivy and Christina.            

Bottom: the tall people, Finn and Arjun

I will be posting a couple of images from the luau on Facebook if you want to steal them, and so that you can see how awesome you all are.  Who knew that you could force a formclass to dress in costume 'just for the fun of it!'.  Legendary.  You all rock the party.  Below is Louis and Barney.  Louis is in our class..... Barney just thinks he is.

Day 1

Well, Day 1 is over, and you all have tomorrow off to chillax.  Sort of- unless you are a Buddy to a junior class.  Use this time to sort out your stationery requirements, and your gear for school.  A couple of reminders:

You need a school bag.  In here you will have a pen.  And paper.  And your lunch.  And a water bottle.  Even though Summer has been CRAZY this year, you will be dehydrating quickly as your brain does all that thinking!  Make sure you are drinking enough and hydrating during the day.

You should also read over your course outlines (the ones you have at least!).  Be prepared for what is to come.  Start thinking about the time commitments and the financial commitments of your course choices.  You only have a couple of weeks to change classes if you wish, and some courses are already over-flowing, so get your timetable sorted asap.

Some of the Year 12's and 13's in our class do need more credits to pass L1 or 2.  Let's try to get this sorted out in February.  Ask your teachers if there is anything you can do in the first few weeks before the workload gets crazy.

Now, welcome to Isabela, Kylie and Robin who join us from other schools.  I was pleased to see how you all made them welcome, and I hope you continue to do so as time rolls by.

Have a great day off tomorrow, and I shall see you all on Thursday.  (I will post Luau pictures tomorrow afternoon).

Form Notes!

Okay, so the stationery sales are in full swing post Xmas, start thinking about your requirements.  Remember to double check the lists on the school website for what you need for each class.

I want you to focus on ORGANISATION!  Be ready for learning from day 1.  Make sure you have a pen, paper and you will get a diary.  These are our basic organisational tools.  Get used to the idea of having your diary out to write down stuff, without having to rummage through your bags to find it.  Make sure you have a pen, and a spare, as even the best pens dry up or run out of ink.  Boys- get more than 1 colour!  Girls always tend to have notes in pretty colours, with bits underlined.  My notes have pictures, cartoons and coloured in bits.  If you colour in your notes from day one they will be more appealing to you, and you will be more likely to take care of them, AND to not loose the buggers.

If you plan to use refil, get some of those old school reinforcer thingies- you know, the circle stickers that you put over the holes so that the pages don't rip out.  Nothing is worse than getting to November with pages lost from your folder because they ripped out in August!  Actually, one thing is worse, that Britney Spears movie where the girls go on a roadtrip, and Britney sings about not being a Woman..... Tragic.

On a lighter note, Luau plans are in full swing.  Stuff arrived this morning, Rosie tried to take out the courier, and ended up licking him instead of attacking.  Silly dog.