Combine a small school full of creative young brains with a talented writer and you’ve got an amazing Seussical Production. This year Mapua School’s production was directed by Leanne Hough and was based on the one and only Dr Seuss and his stories. The show was an amazing and strange insight into the world of Dr Seuss.
Half the time I was laughing and the other half marvelling at how a bunch of schoolkids, a couple of teachers, a few books (Sneetches, The Lorax, Oh the places you'll go, What was I afraid of, One fish, Two fish and Dr Seuss Alphabet) and a lot of hard work could produce such a startling play. It was so brilliant it weaselled it's way onto the front page of the Motueka/Ruby Bay News with the title " To think I saw it at Mapua School!" Which is exactly how I felt about it myself.
The main characters were The Cat in the Hat (Marley), The Mother (Alice), The Children (Sarah and Ellie) and Thing 1 and Thing 2 (Fabian and Rosie). Of course you can't have a production without main characters.
“Screech!” Tom's ear splitting scream echoed around the room ending the dance of the green pants. Frightful music started up again and the pants danced in time to the beat. The green pants were from the “What was I Afraid Of?” story and was directed by Mrs. Hosie. The stars in the pants were Tom S, Lorna S, George R, Nic L, Rueben K, Shaen G and Josh G-M.
The next scene, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish was based on the book by the same name. This astounding performance was brought to you by Room 9. Splashed with many droplets of comedy this show created lots of laughs.
“I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees, which you seem to chopping just as fast as you please.” The scene of the Lorax was the most decorative because the many different props brought the stage to life. They went to a lot of trouble to create a silver-chopping machine controlled by Dan Sutherland. The choir provided the sound track for the chopping and, combined with Dan’s acting, was very effective The act had many different songs and dances to add to the entertainment.
Big A, little a. What begins with A? Aunt Annie's alligator a a a. So began Dr Seuss's ABC, played by the students of Room 2 and 1. The Ohh's and Ahh's rang out from the audience.
The Sneetches, written by Dr Seuss, another of his many wonderful books. Room 4 was given the task of creating a skit out this book. Ben (one of the Sneetches) stole the stage with his amazing acting.
"The money or the bag? "
"The money!"
"No, the bag!" the voices rang out loud and clear before being silenced by a wave from Selwyn TooGood (Henry). Oh the places you'll go was the last scene for the production. The skit was all about going through your life, meeting different challenges, trying new things and always coming out on top.
Tuesday 18 September 2007
New arrival
Hi. Are you new in a school? Are you worried about having to start over again, learn new things like customs, languages and even religions! Well in Mapua I went through this and much more! So listen up for my experiences.
Imagine losing everybody - all of your friends. Yes, that's what happened to me. But don't worry it won't be for long. There are always people who will get along with you even if you don't want them to! I mean when I got into Mapua it was only a matter of a couple of days until I had a load of friends. Everybody was so understanding and helpful it was impossible not to make friends!
One of the major problems for me was that most people had a different accent so it was hard to understand what they were saying. But luckily not everybody had a different accent. I soon learnt that there were a wide variety of accents and languages within the school. (including about 7 British people in my class alone!) I still got asked and still am asked to say some words that others find amusing like majestic for example. Eventually (in my case a week) you get used to it and people stop doing it, but until then just hold on!
Imagine not having a house of your own yet and waiting while your mum and dad are finding "the right one". Well here are some of my experiences about this.
I had to live in a rented house by the beach. Living by the beach has it's advantages like driftwood, sand and interesting wildlife. But the prospect of having to live there for 2 months without any of my stuff wasn't pleasing at all. Nooooooo! How am I going to survive without the x-box, computer or books to keep me going! That's how it felt at the beginning and it still felt the same 2 months later. It nearly made coming to N.Z not worth it. (I said nearly!) But I overcame it and here I am now.
Another major problem at school was having to learn all those difficult new customs and languages but eventually you'll get into the swing of things like I did so don't worry!
Another problem was that I didn't have most of my school stuff. I spent half my time worrying about not having the right stuff. This can be a real downer for some people but all you've got to do is stop worrying and check the night before that you've done everything you needed to. This is a great way to succeed as a new arrival!
Another thing you really need to get on top of is homework. In Mapua all I had to do was a Maths Mate sheet and I was struggling just with doing that so I understand how you feel.
Now you understand about being a new arrival don't be scared. Act just like you would at your old school and you will be fine. Thanks for checking out my story and good luck!
Written by Will Simpson
(One of our new arrivals at the end of Term 2)
Imagine losing everybody - all of your friends. Yes, that's what happened to me. But don't worry it won't be for long. There are always people who will get along with you even if you don't want them to! I mean when I got into Mapua it was only a matter of a couple of days until I had a load of friends. Everybody was so understanding and helpful it was impossible not to make friends!
One of the major problems for me was that most people had a different accent so it was hard to understand what they were saying. But luckily not everybody had a different accent. I soon learnt that there were a wide variety of accents and languages within the school. (including about 7 British people in my class alone!) I still got asked and still am asked to say some words that others find amusing like majestic for example. Eventually (in my case a week) you get used to it and people stop doing it, but until then just hold on!
Imagine not having a house of your own yet and waiting while your mum and dad are finding "the right one". Well here are some of my experiences about this.
I had to live in a rented house by the beach. Living by the beach has it's advantages like driftwood, sand and interesting wildlife. But the prospect of having to live there for 2 months without any of my stuff wasn't pleasing at all. Nooooooo! How am I going to survive without the x-box, computer or books to keep me going! That's how it felt at the beginning and it still felt the same 2 months later. It nearly made coming to N.Z not worth it. (I said nearly!) But I overcame it and here I am now.
Another major problem at school was having to learn all those difficult new customs and languages but eventually you'll get into the swing of things like I did so don't worry!
Another problem was that I didn't have most of my school stuff. I spent half my time worrying about not having the right stuff. This can be a real downer for some people but all you've got to do is stop worrying and check the night before that you've done everything you needed to. This is a great way to succeed as a new arrival!
Another thing you really need to get on top of is homework. In Mapua all I had to do was a Maths Mate sheet and I was struggling just with doing that so I understand how you feel.
Now you understand about being a new arrival don't be scared. Act just like you would at your old school and you will be fine. Thanks for checking out my story and good luck!
Written by Will Simpson
(One of our new arrivals at the end of Term 2)
Leadership Day
The stones crunched beneath our feet, as we wandered over towards frost-coated grass. As we arrived at the grass, children from other schools began to arrive. Quiet murmurs spread through the group ready to start the day’s activities. We were ready and rearing to go. Our instructor came to separate us into the groups we would be working in. We started the day off with a game of Shark (aka Seaweed).
One of the first activities was leaping to a trapeze. The aim of this activity was to trust each other.
We looked up at the trapeze dreading our turn on the top. We got harnessed up one by one. Each of us climbed slowly to the top where we would jump. The trapeze hung in front of the next victim who had to leap to it. As you stood in position to jump you could hear the voices of the students counting down - 5...4...3...2...1...JUMP! As you leapt through mid air, the rush of wind whipped your hair across your face stinging your eyes. Just as you thought you were falling, you suddenly feel the cold but yet comforting feel of the trapeze.
You hung there just holding on to the trapeze waiting to be let down. On the ground a sense of relief washed over you, knowing you have made it safe and sound.
As we moved on to our next activity the grass that was once frost coated is now mud squishing beneath our feet. The next activity was ball transfer and the aim of this activity was to work together as a team. You had to transfer a set of ping pong balls using half pipes. The trick was not to drop them which was difficult as the pipes didn't reach the end and you could not walk with a ball in your pipe. Once a ball reached the end of its frightening journey a sigh of relief passed down the line. For each of the activities you had to work together or you would not succeed.
Another one of the activities was purposely designed to make you use your brain. You were placed with a partner who you sat back to back with. You were then both given the same amount of straws in the same colours. One of the buddies would design a shape using the straws. They would try to explain their design without showing it to them while the other buddy tried to make it. To complete this activity you used your brain and tested it in different ways. Being able to think outside the square like this can help us become better leaders.
Throughout the day we learnt to work together as a team and share our ideas to make better ideas. Another thing was to learn new skills to help and direct others and try new activities with students.
We left with mud-clogged shoes and a head filled with new skills and activities and also knowing some of us had overcome fears. Being at Whenua Iti was a really good experience to help us progress as House Leaders.
By Tegan and Amber.
One of the first activities was leaping to a trapeze. The aim of this activity was to trust each other.
We looked up at the trapeze dreading our turn on the top. We got harnessed up one by one. Each of us climbed slowly to the top where we would jump. The trapeze hung in front of the next victim who had to leap to it. As you stood in position to jump you could hear the voices of the students counting down - 5...4...3...2...1...JUMP! As you leapt through mid air, the rush of wind whipped your hair across your face stinging your eyes. Just as you thought you were falling, you suddenly feel the cold but yet comforting feel of the trapeze.
You hung there just holding on to the trapeze waiting to be let down. On the ground a sense of relief washed over you, knowing you have made it safe and sound.
As we moved on to our next activity the grass that was once frost coated is now mud squishing beneath our feet. The next activity was ball transfer and the aim of this activity was to work together as a team. You had to transfer a set of ping pong balls using half pipes. The trick was not to drop them which was difficult as the pipes didn't reach the end and you could not walk with a ball in your pipe. Once a ball reached the end of its frightening journey a sigh of relief passed down the line. For each of the activities you had to work together or you would not succeed.
Another one of the activities was purposely designed to make you use your brain. You were placed with a partner who you sat back to back with. You were then both given the same amount of straws in the same colours. One of the buddies would design a shape using the straws. They would try to explain their design without showing it to them while the other buddy tried to make it. To complete this activity you used your brain and tested it in different ways. Being able to think outside the square like this can help us become better leaders.
Throughout the day we learnt to work together as a team and share our ideas to make better ideas. Another thing was to learn new skills to help and direct others and try new activities with students.
We left with mud-clogged shoes and a head filled with new skills and activities and also knowing some of us had overcome fears. Being at Whenua Iti was a really good experience to help us progress as House Leaders.
By Tegan and Amber.
Sunday 20 May 2007
The Easter Egg Hunt
The annual Easter Egg Hunt was held on the 5th of April. It was a Thursday and by lunchtime everybody was buzzing with excitement.
After lunch the clues were hidden and everyone lined up outside Room 5 and waited for the last of the clues to be placed.
The each house was split in half and everyone raced off to find the hidden clues. When each group had collected all the clues they went back to Room 5 and made a bunny. This bunny gave you the location for your group’s Easter Eggs. Each person got an Easter egg and everybody was happy.
The day was a good one and everyone entered into the spirit of the activity and had a good time and a yummy Easter egg.
Mad Hair Day!
Mad, wacky, wonderful hair. Those are only three words to describe the hair-do’s we saw on Friday 27th April.
Birds’ nests, coloured hair spray and matted frizzballs are some of the styles we saw.
Who would win the mystery prize?
There were three winners for each syndicate: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The winners of the Senior Sydicate were: Alice and Reuben (1st equal) and Rosie (3rd Place). The winners of the Junior Syndicate were: Hannah (1st place), Emily (2nd Place) and Tiana (3rd).
In the end the prize turned out to be something that would please everyone - LOLLIES!!!!!
Friday 30 March 2007
Te Awhina Marae
As part of our topic studies for Term One, the whole school went to Te Awhina Marae to learn more about how the Marae is a store house of taonga (treasures) and of stories of past and present generations.
Gemma wrote this recount of events from that special day.
At Te Awhina Marae we started with the Powhiri. The men from the Marae came out to check whether we were friendly or not. This is a traditional part of inviting people onto the Marae. After the men sat down the Wahine sat behind them, then the children. Men from Te Awhina started to talk and after they had finished talking they sang to us. We did the same but gave them a gift as well.
After the Powhiri we went to the Wharekai (dining hall). At the back of the Wharekai there is a mural. The mural is of things important to the Motueka people. It has lots of native birds that are alive and also some that are extinct. Then there is the ocean. In the ocean there is a colossal whale’s tale holding up food from under the ocean with a school of snapper going past. There is Talley's boat heading towards Nelson city.
Finally we went into the Wharenui (meeting house). In the Wharenui, it wasn’t like any ordinary house you would just walk into, you had to take care and take your shoes off. The Wharenui use to be part of the Nelson hospital but it was moved to Te Awhina in 1987. Traditionally the rooves of wharenuis are sloped with rafters that represent ribs of the ancestors. At Te Awhina, the roof was as flat as the carpet in there.
The Tekoteko on top of the Wharenui is of Turanga Apeka. Turanga Apeka was the first Maori man to go to Antarctica. He holds a mere to shade his eyes from the glare of the sun and the ice.
The visit to Te Awhina was very inspirational because of the ceremony we took part in. The activities were special and interesting too. I was glad that I went and took part in the activities that the Parkland students and Te Awhina people set up for us.
By Gemma.
Gemma wrote this recount of events from that special day.
At Te Awhina Marae we started with the Powhiri. The men from the Marae came out to check whether we were friendly or not. This is a traditional part of inviting people onto the Marae. After the men sat down the Wahine sat behind them, then the children. Men from Te Awhina started to talk and after they had finished talking they sang to us. We did the same but gave them a gift as well.
After the Powhiri we went to the Wharekai (dining hall). At the back of the Wharekai there is a mural. The mural is of things important to the Motueka people. It has lots of native birds that are alive and also some that are extinct. Then there is the ocean. In the ocean there is a colossal whale’s tale holding up food from under the ocean with a school of snapper going past. There is Talley's boat heading towards Nelson city.
Finally we went into the Wharenui (meeting house). In the Wharenui, it wasn’t like any ordinary house you would just walk into, you had to take care and take your shoes off. The Wharenui use to be part of the Nelson hospital but it was moved to Te Awhina in 1987. Traditionally the rooves of wharenuis are sloped with rafters that represent ribs of the ancestors. At Te Awhina, the roof was as flat as the carpet in there.
The Tekoteko on top of the Wharenui is of Turanga Apeka. Turanga Apeka was the first Maori man to go to Antarctica. He holds a mere to shade his eyes from the glare of the sun and the ice.
The visit to Te Awhina was very inspirational because of the ceremony we took part in. The activities were special and interesting too. I was glad that I went and took part in the activities that the Parkland students and Te Awhina people set up for us.
By Gemma.
Tuesday 27 February 2007
Swim of the year!
The Swimming Sports
At the swimming sports each house competed in a variety of swimming activities. Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke, Flutter board and carrying a teacher on a chair from one end of the swimming pool to the other end. The first race was Freestyle. The pool area was shaking with the sound of cheering. The pool was warm and the swimmers zipped down the pool like a fish in a pond. The swimmers that came 1st and 2nd got into a final and if they won they would go to the Motueka swimming sports. In Backstroke there was more than one person who crashed into something or somebody.
By now Yellow house was in the lead followed closely by Green house. A Butterfly demonstration was performed by a few people from each house. Breaststroke was the next on the list. The we had to have a demonstration done for the younger students. There were many people who entered the Flutter board races. There were no finals in the Flutter board races but you still got a point for entering. The last and final race was the teacher on a chair race.
Blue house won, closely followed by Red house and Yellow house. At the end of the day the points were counted and the winner of the swimming sports was... Yellow House!!!
We had a awesome day and everybody had fun. The Motueka swimming sports will take place on the 6th of March.By Hamish, Bryn and Marls.
Thursday 15 February 2007
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