Travel Blog Post - Day #1 (Hawaii)

Hey bloggers! Today is Day #1 in Hawaii! I am so excited to tell you about what we did! Let's begin. So yesterday : me, my aunty, my cousin, my nana, and my great grandparents flew from Auckland Airport to Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii, USA! It was an 8 hour flight and it was pretty boring. Well the plane was really cool because their was a screen behind each seat you could watch movies on, play music, play games and heaps more!

Me and my family waiting at an restaurant!

I also listened to music on the way to Honolulu too! When we arrived to the Airport in Honolulu I was so happy! We got off the plane and lined up into Immigration Services and waited until we could be checked! We then put our carry-on luggage onto a machiene where the security could see what is in your bag!

They stopped my bag because it had a small pair of scissors in my pencil case! Haha but they let us through anyway! We then waited for an whole 3 hours until our flight to Hilo, Hawaii on an other island would come by. I had some American Pocket Money and decided to spend some!

Arriving at Hilo Airport

I bought my self a wallet and a mini souvenir for my school bag! It is a small surfboard that says "Hawaii"! Anyways 3 hours passed and then our plane had arrived. I was really excited. We went on a smaller one than usual and flew to the Big Island Hawaii. We arrived in Hilo, Hawaii where my uncle stays.

Getting a flower lei!

By the way if you didn't know we are going to Hawaii for a wedding! Anyways we went through the gates and got welcomed by his partner! I got my own lei as well with real tropical flowers.

From there we went into the car and drove to his house. I was so hot when we arrived because the weather here is very humid and Honolulu just had a heatwave which was really hot, but they do have air conditioning! Even at night time it is really hot!

Well that's it for now bloggers! See you later and I will update you on more!

Thanks for reading!
By Mitchell.M
01/09/17

More waiting!

GEGNZ Student Summit @ Ormiston Junior College

Hey bloggers! 2 weeks ago me and the Year 7 and 8 Extension Group had the opportunity to attend the GEGNZ Student Summit @ Ormiston Junior College! We just arrived back! At 8:00 am - 8:30 am we left in the vans to attend the Summit in Botany! There were over 400 students attending the programme! When we arrived at 9:00 am we registered our school and got given some name tags with a mini timetable at the back of it.

We then had been told to go inside their personal school theatre. We had been introduced by some special people and we had viewed a couple of their presentations they had made to show us! They welcomed us with some videos too!

After the welcoming it was time to go explore more activities! Our first thing my group did was to present to other schools about PENN. We simply got the recording camera out with a green screen background, then we gave some students scripts to practice while we were setting up!

We went to different workshops and it was so fun! Thanks heaps to Ormiston Junior College and Mrs Lagitupu, Miss Vaafusuaga, and Tyson for the help!

#gegnz
#ormistonjuniorcollege

Thanks for reading!
By Mitchell.M
30/08/17

The Big 2017 Polynesian Celebration!

Chehuuuuu! Guess what? Yesterday Team 5 got the opportunity to experience the 2nd day of Polyfest along with some other schools! The trip was for us to experience and learn more about our Polynesian culture. The stages that had cultural groups performing on were the Maori stage, Cook Island stage and the Diversity Stage! I really wanted to watch the Samoan and Tongan stages but they start on Friday and Saturday! We arrived on a bus and waited in line for about 5-10 minutes then we got to go inside well actually outside.

My 1st highlight happened when we arrived and got to attend some of the workshops. Some workshops were finding out about the ancient culture and traditions about our people.  Plus we saw a lot of stalls selling Island related stuff you could wear and eat. My group also got to go to a workshop called “Te Wananga o Aotearoa where they, had a 360 degree camera and record us with some cool moves!

ASB Polyfest 2017 Logo.

After participating in all of these fun workshops we had the opportunity to get into groups and spread wild! We got to go to different stages to watch people perform, do fun activities and heaps more! Even some of my family was there cheering on my cousin, as she was performing on Diversity Stage in the Fijian group. Also today, my aunty will be performing in a Tongan group for AGGS. After watching a few performances we were hot and dying to jump into a pool. We were so exhausted we went to buy some drinks to cool us down. Finally we got to watch some real action go on with the hard pukana’s and the hard poi movements, but I was really dying to go watch some Tongan and Samoan stages.

Us in the bus going back to school.

Lastly it is really important for students to participate in a polyfest group because it is priority to learn about your traditions in your culture and learn the dances of the ancestors that were there before you! Join a polyfest group even if you're Chinese or Indian, find out if there is a Diversity stage group in your school, but it is really important to join a polyfest group to follow the footsteps and the ways your ancestors shared.

It hit 2:00 and it was time to travel back to school! No… I didn’t want to leave, well at least I was coming back on Saturday where the Tongan and Samoan stages were on. Yay! Anyways we lined back up and hopped back into the bus and we went away! Also we got to take back some awesome gifts from the polyfest workshops such as: Mobile phone fans, Calendars, Posters, Temporary tattos and heaps more to explore and have fun with!

Thanks for reading and I hope this makes you want to go to Polyfest and learn about polynesian culture!

By Mitchell.M

Mitchell's movie review - Hidden Figures || 2017

Hello bloggers! Yesterday the Year 7 & 8 extension group had the opportunity to attend the Sylvia Park movie cinemas to watch the new 2017 movie Hidden Figures. The movie is about 3 African - American women who work with NASA, they are part of a group who are behind one of the greatest operations in history! So on Wednesday morning we went off to the movies!

At the movies we bought some popcorn,lollies and drinks. While we were waiting we were watching the movie trailers that were playing on the big screen that everyone could see when the walked into the movies. Finally it hit 10:40 and the doors to go inside the theatre were open. We slowly walked in, well we weren't allowed to run. Woohoo! It was only the extension group and a elderly couple who were watching the movie!

A few ads played while we were waiting for the movie. They were really funny! After a few minutes it was 11:00 and the movie started playing. Everyone was so excited and ready to view the spectacular movie Hidden Figures.

It would have been my 2nd time I would have watched the movie Hidden Figure so I wasnt really surprised. Plus I got the seat that was right in the middle which was awesome! It took about 2 hours from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. In the movie theatre it was really quiet, all you could hear was the movie and eating sounds from people eating popcorn.

Review - Hidden Figures : This is my review from the Hidden figure movie. Likes: What I liked about the movie was that it told the racism stories about what happened back in the old days so people these days know that it is wrong and disrespectful and they do not copy what was done like in the 1900s. Dislikes: What I didn't like about the movie was that the movie was set in the same places. It could have been set in a few other settings/backrounds. What they should improve on: The movie makers should improve on making the movie more entertaining for all age groups.

Thanks for reading
By Mitchell. M
9/03/17

P.S : Thanks to Mr Vogt's sister for the money to buy the movie tickets and the helping teachers who provided transport from school to Sylvia Park. 

Mitchell - Summer learning journey # Day 6

Good morning bloggers. Today well yesterday was Day 6 of the Summer learning journey. Lets go!

English Canada, United Kingdom, Australia	Spanish Chile, Mexico	German Germany	Malay Malaysia	Japanese Japan	Arabic United Arab Emirates	Afrikaans South Africa
Hello	Hola	Hallo	Hello	Kon'nichiwa	Marhabaan	Hallo
Thank You	Gracias	Danke	Terima kasih	Arigatogozaimas	Shukraan	Dankie
Do you speak English?	¿Habla usted Inglés?	Sprechen sie Englisch?	Adakah anda bercakap Bahasa Inggeris?	Eigo o hanasemasu ka?	Hal tatahaddath alanjlyzy?	Praat jy Engels?

Welcome to the beautiful country of your choice. Before you leave the airport and go to your hotel, you will want to learn how to say hello in the language of your country. Look at the table below to learn basic words and phrases that you may need when you are travelling around the country.

Activity 1 - Culture,Customs and Climate

I read the phrases and I am ready to leave the airport to go to my hotel. If I was in a foreign country in a airport I would be quite nervous but happy at the same time. 

Here is a short poem describing how I would feel at a foreign country:

I step out the plane in heavy rain,running inside with heaps of time. Really nervous and scared too,why don't I go back to go undo. Standing in a airport don't know what to do,why don't I go learn some Japanese Kung - Fu. Running to a taxi,a taxi to pack in a hurry so I need a tic - tac. My mind is busy and also very dizzy,what do I do I need to eat Food. Arrive at the hotel It was just the road down,check in my room and put on a tune. I am all alright I was just having a fight.

Activity 2 - Face
Here is my look I would have if I was in a foreign country and I did not understand anything. I would be confused.

Bonus - Translate

I have been asked to translate 5 basic phrases into any of these 6 languages : Spanish, German, Malaysian, Japanese, Arabic or Afrikaans. I choose Japanese because it is the country I have chosen to learn about these holidays.

Good morning = おはようございます (Ohayōgozaimasu)

Good bye =  さようなら(Sayonara)

How much does this cost? = この費用はいくらですか？(Kono hiyō wa ikuradesu ka?)

When is the next bus ? = 次のバスはいつですか？(Tsugi no basu wa itsudesu ka?)

Where is the nearest hospital ? 一番近い病院はどこですか？(Ichiban chikai byōin wa dokodesu ka?)

  
Thanks for reading
By Mitchell M.
23/12/2016

Mitchell - Summer learning journey Day # 5

Hello welcome to my blog. It is Day 5 of the Summer learning journey. Enjoy!

Activity 1 - Books
I have read heaps of books over the years. The one I would recommend would be very good.

Title of Book = The Trap door
Author of Book = Lisa McMANN
3 best friends go back into time to the United States in Year 1850. Slavery in these days were very bad. The 3 friends go back to time to go stop the Slave owners but get trapped. Will you help them? - Description.

Activity 2 - Popular Canadian Books
If I had to choose between the 3 books that were provided I would choose Matilda. I have chosen Matilda because it is about a very clever girl who is inspiring to others. In the book she stands up for her and her knowledge. Don't ever be called a nuisance!

Bonus - Short Story

There is 3 Story beginnings to choose from to continue the story in order to get points. The story beginner I choose was number 1. Here is the complete sentence: I looked around the room. Nothing seemed unusual, but then…

Lets start : I looked around the room. Nothing seemed unusual, but then… I saw a fierce tiger roar straight through the door. "Ahhhhh" I yelled. I had a bamboo stick right next to me. I gripped on it and barged through the door and stabbed the Tiger. But that was not enough to keep the tiger down for good. I ran past my hut and dashed through the palm trees. I held tight on some vines and used it to swing across the other side of the cliff. "Whohhhhhhhhhhhhhh" the vine went. I jumped onto the other side and puffed out my mouth "Please don't" The tiger had a monkey friend Ape who knew just what to do to get to the other side. The tiger held onto Ape's leg and did the same thing as me. I ran as fast as I could to get to Civilization. I stepped trees,I jumped over bushes,I climbed hills then there I was. Town finally. I ran the Animal Control before those animals attacked me.

Never to be seen again. By Mitchell.

Thanks for reading.
By Mitchell.M
21/12/16

Mitchell - Summer learning journey Day # 3

Good morning blog viewers. Today is Day 3 of the Summer learning journey. Lets begin this fun adventure!

Activity 1 : Buying a ticket

I just finished watching the 2 Air New Zealand videos on how to stay safe on a plane. If you would like to view them click her on the links. Men in Black and Safety in Hollywood. 

Here are my list of 3 things to do on a plane to keep safe.

1. Seatbelt - Always buckle your seatbelt in first thing when you get in your seat.

3. Smoking - No smoking on the plane because people around you may breath it in and get sick.

3. Items - Any loose items you have on hold go under your chair or on the overhead locker.

Activity 2 : I have been asked to create my very own airline. What shall I call it? Here is a logo for my airline company I created on Design Mantic. 

Description - The name of the airlines is PeopleATW. It stands for People Around the World. In my picture there is a airplane flying with the sun rusing under it. There are a few birds too with some palm trees on the right of the image. There is also a sandy base where the palm trees have grown from. 

Bonus - Here are the prices of return plane tickets from Auckland to the blogging countries.

Australia = 864.810 dollars

Japan = 1,788.36 dollars

Malaysia =  2,300.30 dollars

United Arab Emirates  = 2,817.32 dollars
South Africa = 2,787.52 dollars
Germany = 3,262.97 dollars
England = 2,579.69 dollars
Chile = 3,364.476 dollars 
Mexico = 6,358.40 dollars
Canada = 2,217.30 dollars

The most expensive flight would be Chile with 3,364.476 dollars. The least most expensive flight would be Australia as it is right next door to New Zealand with 864.810 dollars.

Thanks for reading
By Mitchell M.
19/12/16

Mitchell - Summer learning journey Day # 2

Hello blog viewers. Today is day 2 of the Summer learning journey. Enjoy and let the adventure begin!

Activity 1
Capital city facts :
1. The name of the capital city is Tokyo
2. The population of the capital city is 13.62 million
3. In January the weather in the capital city is usually Cold with 5°C and 41°F
4. The capital city is located in the Eastern part of the country
5. The languages most commonly spoken in the capital city are Tokyo dialect and Standard Japanese

Activity 2
Bullfighting in Madrid : 
I think bullfighting should be banned. Here are 2 reasons why I think it should be banned.
1. It is very sad and not fair for the bulls. The bulls who are chosen to fight with the matadors should be free. All of the bulls should have the right to be a animal and have freedom.
2. It should also be banned because if you keep killing bulls the population may die out and the bulls will become endangered animals or may even be extinct.

Bonus:
Wellington - I have never been to Wellington but If I went for a visit her are 2 things I would do. The first thing I would do would be to ride the Wellington Cable Car's to see the amazing view of Wellington. The second thing I would do would be to visit the Wellington Zoo. I would really love to see the animals. 

Thanks for reading
By Mitchell M.
18/12/16

A wild adventure

The sun shone on her bedside as her eyes opened up like an new blossom.

She put her silk blankets aside,stood up and felt the cold of her feet on the wooden floorboards. Ally took a few steps until she was at the door. Her hand gripped on the handle as she walked out. Her eyes took a glimpse at her mum making spongy pancakes with syrup and whipped cream.

“Yummmm” she said to herself. “Morning mum” she said. “ Good morning dear” Her mum gave her a big kiss on the cheek. Ally sat on the table,ate breakfast and did her morning routine before she headed of to college. Her dad has been missing since she could say her first words.

At 5 the only memory she could remember of him was her dad laughing with her at the beach. Ally stepped into the school gate thinking of a plan. After school Ally walked along the pathway to home. “Ally” a voice whispered.

Her body stopped instantly. She turned around and whispered back “Who is it” she said with shivers coming up her back.  No one replied. “Probably those little voices saying I forgot my homework sheets at school. Hmmm never mind” The voice popped up again. “Ally” Ok I am not falling for these jokes anymore.

She turned her head around and saw and door between the bushes of the abandoned land that no one ever visits.

“She ran across the road as her caramel hair swished in the air. Her black shoes met the wet mud. “Who cares I'm up for an adventure. She skipped towards the door. But it was not and door it was an reflection from the other side of the road.

How is that happening. Her fingernail touched the reflection it was a bubble.

Skiiiiiiiiid. Her shoes slipped “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh” she screamt. She fell into a cave. “I thought I was gonna hurt myself” She landed on a big pile of slimy moss. “Gross” Mum just washed this last night nevermind. She took a big footstep onto the hard rock that was placed when this cave was made.

“A light” she echoed. This cave is really big. She walked up and down for 10 minutes until she made it. “Yassssss” Her shoes gripped and she climbed,climbed and climbed to the top. “Wow” She could not believe it.

It was Regor Hospital. Her dad went their one day and poof disappeared. He was never to be seen after that. She took a pic and sent it to mum “Is this the hospital dad was lost in” She immediately answered the call her mum dialled. “Where are you.  “ I made my way here from across the road. Reca road. I'm coming now,“ Don't you finish at 7:00 today ?” “I finish early today okay byeeee.”

Her mum rushed to Reca road walked into the cave,landed on the moss,climbed up and down,climbed up the rocks and made it to the top.

Ally and her mother walked to the main door and twisted the handle. “It’s opened” I am surprised the lights are still on. “10 years Ally” They closed the main door and crept up the crusty stairs.

The end

Mitchell - Sleepover

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Guess What ??? On Monday my friend Ajani invited me to go have a sleepover at his house with my other friend Simon.

When we got there we played on his Playstaion 3 and we were playing Mortal Kombat and Minecraft. We also played FIFA 14. On tuesday the next day we went to go check out Break and Escape. You are locked in a room and you have to find the clues in the room to get to the next room. We were trapped in an room named the Evil Hospital. Our result we made was 60 %. After Break and Escape we went to go eat dinner at Sal's pizza. 

On Wednesday morning I left and I had a very good time.

Thanks for Reading
By Mitchell
6/10/2016