Wood Tech Evaluation

How well did I do in completing all of the things that I needed to do for this project?
1) The design ideas?
I think that my design ideas are mediocre.

2) The Final Choice?
Out of all my design ideas I think that this was the best idea for me.

3) The working drawing?
I had a few problems with marking the working drawing but once things were sorted it was extremely helpful.

4) The marking out?
I mucked it up the first time by using a normal ruler. Of course, it was fixed and I went onto sawing.

5) The sawing?
I had difficulty with this part. I was struggling to saw it and when I did it was crooked.

6) The chiseling?
Aside from being nervous, this stage went fine.

7) The assembly?
It was fun putting it together.

Looking at what you have produced,
1) Does it work?
It does a perfect job at holding pencils.

2) Does it look good?
I think it does.

[Thank you to Winnie for helping me to take this photo]

3) Is there anything that you would change if you were to make the same project again?
I would make sure that I cut my wood straight and I would drill in the holes before I glued it together.

4) Is there anything else you wish to say about it?
Besides how happy I am with this, no.

The Step Process of My Project

Step 1. I used a ruler and the piece of wood I am going to make my project out of to make a full size working drawing of my pencil holder.

Step. 2 I used a tri-square and a ruler to copy the measurements from my drawing onto the wood.

Step. 3 I marked a square line at 90° across and along the sides using a tri-square.

Step. 4 I cut off the first piece of wood using a backed saw and a bench hook to keep it in place. I didn't have enough wood so Sir gave me a second piece.

Step. 5 Next I marked out two joints using a pencil and a tri-square.

Step. 6 Sir used a marking gauge to mark out where the joints would end.

Step. 7 I then cut along the lines using the saw and a bench hook.

Step. 8 I realised I had cut crookedly so I sandpapered the sides, not helping the problem.

Step. 9 The next week I took my project to Sir and he cut it for me along with gluing in my joint.

Step. 10 After gluing in the joint he cut out a thin piece of wood and nailed it to the bottom.

Step. 11 I waited for half an hour.

Step. 12 The next week I took my project back to Sir and we marked out the holes for the pencils.

Step. 13 He then drilled the holes and gave it back to me.

Step. 14 I sandpapered the fuzzy bits and then marked out small crosses on the side.

Step. 15 I took my project back to Sir and he drilled out holes where the crosses were.

Step. 16 He then smoothed out the edges.

Step. 17 My project was returned to me once again and I sandpapered it for the last time.

5 Day Vacation

On the first week of holiday my family and I went down to Invercargill for a five day vacation. On Thursday we checked into our hotel and relaxed.

On Friday we went out for lunch with my aunt and uncle and had dinner with my mums' best friend.

On Saturday we drove out to Riverton to visit my late nana. We then drove to the beach. The weather was horrible, the clouds were dark grey and it was close to raining. My neice and I hopped out of the car, running straight towards the edge of the beach not yet covered with water. My niece was throwing stones into the water. In doing so she did not see the water rushing towards her.

On Friday we went to Queenspark, having lunch with my mums' high school friends. The weather didn't clear up but that didn't stop my family from playing on the park. We just got a little bit soaked.

On Monday we flew back to Auckland.

Kakapos in Danger

The past few months kakapo's have been affected by a disease named aspergillosis, a fungal disease that affects the respiratory system. Seven kakapo have died with 35 in hospitals around the country.

Those in hospitals are being medicated twice a day and are being fed their favourite native plants. 160 of the birds remain.

This is disheartening to hear seeing that there are not many kakapos left. Hopefully the numbers go up soon.

Rippa Rugby

Yesterday was our last day of rippa rugby. For six weeks, every Tuesday we've been with coach Corey who would try to teach us to use comms, pay attention to our own team, and to not shy away from the ball.

This session we played cat and mouse, over the river, rippa rugby and bullrush. Over the river was a newly added game which nearly everyone loved. There were two teams and a section in the middle, the river. We played with two rugby balls/grenades. If they dropped on the floor, no matter what side or who threw/kicked it, the closest person would be out. If it landed in the river, the person who threw/kicked it would be out. If someone caught the grenade the thrower would be out.

We also had a competition. We had to pass down five balls to the end of our line and beat 19 seconds, Room 8A's score. If we had won, we would have gotten three rugby balls.

This session was the most enjoyable.

First Day With KiwiCan!

Today we had our first lesson with KiwiCan. We were being taught by Miss Tuia and Mrs Mac (who was filling in for Mr Matt).

This term our theme will be based around integrity, meaning doing the right thing even if no one's watching. However, for the next three week's, our topic will be focused on honesty.

To get to know us, Miss Tuia got us into a circle and made us call out our names. After that we played bang. Kotipi won the first round and the second was a tie between Agueer and Leanah.

Our next activity was changes, where we were asked questions and if our answer was a 'yes', we had to swap seats.

Lastly we had a General Knowledge Quiz (GKQ). Then we got to ask our supervisors questions.

Sammy V.

Last week we had a Duffy assembly which starred Sam Verlinden. Like any other Duffy assembly, he came to talk to us about why reading is important, but it came with a twist. He talked about how he wanted to impress a girl, Hannah, but Noah would always one up him. That's when he realised he should sing her a song, so he read books which helped him with lyrics. The way he told the story drew students in and also cracked us up.

Shortly after that he showed us a clip of people dancing to his song, Jumble. Everyone was captivated.

I was surprised to find out that he was majoring in  music. He was our first guest to choose a different career besides being an athlete and author.

Week Seven's Assembly

For every school assembly, one class will have to host it. This has been going on for four weeks. Yesterday's assembly it was Room 6's turn.

Besides the usual, badges were given out to classroom monitors, acknowledgement for the road patrollers and library monitors, and principal awards were handed out.

When it was time for the prefects to give their messages, we were assigned the job of speaking about something that we are grateful for. I am grateful for growing up in a safe, friendly and loving environment.