T2 Wrap Up - Ben

To me, Term 2 was a great term for independent study. I finished off my prep stages and got my green light. It was also a good term for my WNB as my confidence is growing. I am most proud of my The Great Debate WNB because it explains two sides of an argument. I have also enjoyed the books we have read in the class because they are all very different and exciting.

In ten years I would view this year so far as the start of proper learning because it was this year that I snapped in into place and started to get some work done. It has also been a big step up as I am with year eights and have to do work that is up to their standard.

I think that there shouldn't be many changes to the way that 7/8T works other than the activity we add every year to independent study. But I do think a sushi train is a good idea.

Overall I think that 7/8T is a great class for getting you ready for college and everything else a good class needs.

Term 2 Wrap Up - Campbell

This term has been going great for me.

My writer's notebook has taken a huge leap from last year.  I have been printing out drafts this year rather than last year when I would finish the peice of writing and just push print.  From my results I can tell which method is better.

My Independent Study is also coming together really well.  I have got it all in one document and have already completed two activities to what bI would consitute a high standard.  With my title page almost done and my study in one document it is easy to invision my Study sitting there on the shelf.

My aheivments do bot end their.  Although in the busy school curriculum the polar plunge and the 20 hour famine may not be considered important but I still found them difficult to complete.  Other I am doing outside of the classroom include the school dance and the 3rd 11 football.

This classroom looking out on the seaa is great.  If I had to change how we operate it would be to make the first four preperation stages for our independent studies take less time.  Also I think that I would like to do few more things like TOM.

It has been a great term and hope I that all the rest are like it.

T2 wrap up - Callum B

Term 2 so far has been awesome, from WNB and Independent Study to Art Extension, 3rd XI and Southport, I've done loads of great stuff and activities. However, I do have a few ideas about how we could make 7/8T even better:

- Have a Sushi Train somewhere in Wellesley.
- Have longer art periods.
- Make Cross Country, Swim Sports and other sporting events optional.
- Have more creative writing in WNB.

There are lots of great people in 7/8T, but if I had to choose a person that  person that I really admire, I would probably choose Harry W or Matthew.

We ave also read many great books this year, from the 'Phantom Tollbooth,' a really funny, quirky book, to Lord of the Flies. I probably enjoyed Lord of the Flies the Most, as it has a great meaning, and it really made me think.

But, anyway, Term Two has been awesome, and I hope that Term 3 is just as great.

By Mr. F.O.B. Foamy,
C.E.O of the Flying Llama Foundation
All rights reserved (whatever that means).

Term 2 in 1 post- Nicholas

Term 2 has been good. The piece of work i'm most proud of this term is my title page because it is colourful and I have done about 5 drafts of it before it was complete. I really need to get onto my solo activities though. The classmates I most admire are Campbell and Callum B as they are really good at getting things done, they are kind, responsible and honest. I picked up a skill from Edward Twomey but it is confidential. The best novel we have read is The Lord of the Flies. In term three I will want the bulk of my independent study done and get a writer's notebook of the week and more highly commended. I did no food for forty hours, the hardest part was when my family went to the cafe when I was doing the famine. Term 2 has been fun but the second eleven hockey have not played another school yet.

Term 2 has been fun.

By: Nicholas

T2 Wrap Up-Theo

This has been a great term for me. I can't believe we're already halfway through the year!

One of the many highlights of this term for me was the choir exchange. I enjoyed the choir exchange because I really liked the songs we sang and I enjoyed practising them. It was then nice to perform them to the whole school. Another highlight is having two of my WNB's getting Highly Commended because it is the first time having one of my WNB's on the wall. Getting a 'Green Light' this term has also been a great achievement. Aswell I have enjoyed doing art with clay and going on the art trip with Mrs. Owen. Performing Arts has also been enjoyable as well as PE and Multisport. 

I don't think anything bad has happened except for the buses being late and having to wait in the cold for them.

The piece of work I am most proud is my two WNB 's getting highly commended. 

I will definitely look back at my experience in this class when I grow older because it has been a good one so far.

T2 wrap Up-Luke E

This year is one of the best years I've had at Wellesley, if not the best.

It is very nice to be a Year 8 and enjoy the full benefits of our wonderful school. My Independent Study is going well and 6 or 7 of my activities are already done.  I have received at least 3 Highly Commendeds and some WNBS of the Week, but  I am disappointed that Mr Tait doesn't have  a sense of humour for my 50 Word Stories.

In Art and PA, we have done lots. We saw three plays though if you read my WNB you would see my intense dislike of The Man And The Sea Saw. And in Art, my mutant monster is rather stuffed up. But, the good outweighs the bad(in proper Art at least).

We have read three novels:
The Phantom Tolbooth
This was OK but  a bit too weird for me.
Fahrenheit 451
 A disappointment and more for philosophers.
LOTF
By far my favourite and suited for us.

In sport, I have successfully done the Cross Country and Swimming Sports and have gotten good results.

For 7/8T,  I suggest we restore Golden Palace and have KFC Trains! Also, we could restore Caption of the Week and maybe  a Feast Day once a term. Also, sometimes  I wonder if we give Mr T too much of  a hard time....

Mmm, wontons from Golden Palace...

Drool

I have improved in my social life and recently gained the honour of being voted Citizenship. The annoying people in my life can now be ignored!!!

And I am looking forward to two more great terms! Good day!

T2 wrap up JD

I have really enjoyed this term and all the things we have done. I am probably most proud of my Writers Notebook, or my Independent Study. When I put together the collections of six to take home, I was suprised how thick it was! It was not like the rally driving booklet I feared it was going to be like.

In term three, I really want to get ahead on my I.S, because I still have quite a few things left on my SOLO. I'm proud of my WNB and I.S.

My favourite class novel has to be LOTF. The others weren't very interesting.

I'm not good at predicting the future, but I'm pretty sure I'll remember it fondly. No suggestions apart from maybe ditch spelling! Other than that everything is good, I just need to get organised and find some free time to catch up on my I.S.

Wrap up (mmm wraps) George

This term has been great. The blogging has been a new idea that I think has really taken offand is a great way to make writing fun for those who don't enjoy it (unlike me!) and for those who like to use electronic devices. A suggestion would be to have a sort of free time at the end of each friday so that people do not use their tablets in worktime which is a very common example of counter-productivity that is plaguing our classroom. Another suggestion is that we have a 78T bake-off. Overall this has been a great term (even without the sushi train) and I am interested in what the next will bring.

T2 wrap up - Marcus

I am ending my part in the turn today. It has been a great term. I am particularly happy about WNB. Last year I only got one Highly Commended. In this term alone I got 3 WNB of the Weeks and 2 Highly Commendeds out of 6 WNBs. Last term I got 6 Highly Commendeds and a WNB of the Week out of 7 WNBs. I have been going smoothly with my work except for the last 5 days when I had no power and got no work done.

Lord of the Flies was a very good class novel and the movies weren't bad either. Fahrenheit 451 was also a good book and had a very good storyline.

Overall, this term has been great. I think all terms should be like this.

T2 The wrap up - HarryC

Overall term 2 has been great, it has been one of the most memeroble times at Wellesley. I have enjoyed being year 8 very much with all the extra highlights. I cant wait to see what the last two terms at Wellesley have install for me.

Some of the real highlights for me were:

Changing to rugby, I have enjoyed playing rugby so much it has been such a exciting change from football, but I do think that I still have quite a few things to learn and practice.

Getting my Letter to editor, published in the Dominion Post was really amazing as I never got published last year.

I'm not really sure how we could improve 7/8T but one thing is we could hang more artwork around. We could hang string across the ceiling by the lockers and hang more artwork there.

MCDONALDS TRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wrap Up-Thomas

This year so far, is a very memorable year with some highlights and lowlights. Definitly one of the highlights is being year eight and all of those pivilages. For example, Pavilion and all the other opportunities like Bus Monitor. When I first came to Wellesley in year four I looked up to and admired the year eights. Now finally I am a year 8 and
I am enjoying it more than any other year at Wellesley.

How can 78T improve?
Honestly, this class is very lucky to have so much space and very nice people in it but it isn't perfect. I am tempted to ask for a sushi train again but I know Mr Tait has specifically asked otherwise so I won't. One way we could improve is more of our artwork on displayed because in art there is a lot of great work just not realy shown off. This may be a problem as there is a limit of space but if it was possible it would be nice.

My Highlights
Making 1st XI Hockey, not only making the team but also having the fortunate opportunity to captain it. This year our team is quite good in some areas but still need to work on some aspects of the game.

Winning Swimming Sports is definitly one of the highlights. Although people think I was definitly going to win I was honestly scared that Callum could beat me.

T2 Wrap Up - Jin

Term two has been great and I have really enjoyed it. So far this year my best piece of work was my interview with microbiologist Mark Jones who works at Aotea Pathology. I got a lot out of the interview and then ... I got tour a microbiology lab. I looked at lots of really cool bacteria - my favourite part was when I got to look at a bacteria up close using a micro telescope. It was so COOL! The only bad part was when he talked to me about some ... yucky stuff.

In term three I will look to really get into my independent study more - especially my presentation.

I admire lots of people in this class. I wish that I was as sporty as Harry C and as smart as Mathew S.

Also, my favourite class novel was definitely Lord of the Flies. I didn't particularly enjoy either of the others.

Term two wrap up Matthew

What is the piece of work of which you are MOST proud? My art piece from the holidays. What will you demand from yourself in T3? Work. What skills are you picking up and treasuring? Working traits. Which class novel did you rate the highest? Fahrenheit 451. How do you think you will view this year (2013) when it is 2023? 2033? Good and cool. What suggestions do you have for this class of 7/8T that do not involve sushi trains?  A couple.
Matthew Sutcliffe

T2 Wrap Up-Harry DoubleU

This term has been a great term for me in terms of, WNB, sport and my independent study. I am most proud of my WNB when I got two WNB's of the week ( The Great Debate and Five most Pivotal Moments of F451). I am also really proud of getting my green light and making seconds for soccer. In term three I am looking forward to getting really stuck into my independent study and learning a lot more about the Spitfire. My favourite class novel would have to be F451. I just really liked the idea of no books allowed and the characters. When I am older I think that I will definitely remember this year as my first year in 7/8T.

T2 wrap up Robd

term 2 was a good term apart from my broken arm which brought the whole lot of happiness that had built up through the year right down to the bottom. I have loved everything that has happened through this term. I have loved wnb including the debating prospect and book reveiws. My writing i think has got a whole lot better so i feel like i am actually doing well. My drawing has got a whole lot better too. I think my poster is doing better than last year and so it is my favourite piece of work. I will want to get my activity list done so i can relax and start to do my presentation. It is better if i have a quiet space so i am not distracted the whole time. I would probably rate lord of the flies the highest because it is my kind of book that i like. Next would be fahrenheit 451 because it was really well set out and i quite liked the book itself and the characters. Last would be phantom tollbooth because it was a really weird book and i didn't get where it was heading. Our class just needs to make the most of our time and get stuck into it.

Term 2 Wrap Up Jesse

Term 2 has gone really quickly and I am astounded that it is almost over already. This term I have been really proud of my WNB as a whole, especially last week's 50 word stories. In Term 3 I plan to really crack down and get a lot of my Independent Study done and I hope to get at least one WNB of the week.

I think that I am starting to pick up some prioritising skills and I am using my P-List time much more efficiently than I did in Term 1. I would say that so far, my favourite novel we have read was Lord of the Flies but Phantom Tollbooth came in as a close second. I didn't really connect with Fahrenheit 451 in the same way that I did with the other two.

I think that in the later years of my life I will look back on this time as the golden days, because these days I am living right now are probably some of the best days of my life. I don't really have any suggestions for 7/8T at the moment.

T2 wrap up - Mr T

Good morning boys.  We are at the 'business end' of the second term and close to halfway through the year. It is time to reflect.  That seems simple enough.  I believe reflective thinking is very important as you get to 'rewind the tape' and get another view on the good, the bad, (and maybe the ugly).  We have now all successfully navigated the prep stages for our Independent Studies.  We have completed 15 separate pieces for WNB.  We have read three very different novels (and 'drilled down' a wee bit more than usual for the last two).  You have seen a few performances, been on a few trips.  Some of you have been active in sports teams and a myriad of other extra-curricular activities.  We have all blogged magnificently and successfully installed more good writing by stealth!  You have done a little science and played those ukuleles.  Some of you have raised money for good causes by plunging into the sea or starving yourself for a little while.  We have watched a couple of films, had some juicy class debates, ripped into the regular 'Kiwi Kwiz', enjoyed the Poems of the Week, had a crack at the Caption of the Week, and had fun doing those smartboard games (Check your Concentration, Map of Europe...).  Some questions for you: What is the piece of work of which you are MOST proud?  What will you demand from yourself in T3?  Which classmate do you most admire and why?  What skills are you picking up and treasuring?  Which class novel did you rate the highest?  How do you think you will view this year (2013) when it is 2023?  2033? What suggestions do you have for this class of 7/8T that do not involve sushi trains?

Picture Books - Marcus

My favorite picture book is The Witch in the Cherry Tree By Margaret Mahy. It is about a little boy called David who is baking cupcakes with his mother. A witch smells them while flying and wants to try and eat them. David, who is very cunning, manages to keep the cakes safe. However, in the end, everyone is happy, including the witch. This book has always keeped me entertained ever since I was little. Below is a picture of the book:

 

 

I think that everyone loves picture books and that it is great ti see that people of all ages still enjoy them.

The Legand of Picture Books -ET

For some people, picture books represent the peak of childhood. To me that speculation seems preposterous. Just because children can't read other types of books as 'childish'. I guess most people understand this as many people love picture books.

I like quite a few picture books. When I was very little I loved my first ABC book. When I grew a bit older, I used to like having the picture book version of Winnie the Pooh read to me at night. I've always like some of the classics like Dr Suess and also New Zealand ones like Margrett Mahey stories.

I have heard people say that picture books are dying stories. I don't believe this. I know that in the next century, many things will be replaced or disposed of, but I don't  think picture books are one of these. People have always loved them and I think people will always continue to do so. I know I will anyway.

Picture Books- The Green Goat

I have always loved any books especially picture books with animals. Even before I could talk I would just sit there and point at all of the different animals. And one of my favorite animals were dogs. My first word was dog and my first sentence was "It's a dog!". So my second favorite picture book of all time is Harry The Dirty Dog.

 My first favorite picture book of all is a classic by Dr. Seuss who everybody should know. It is called If I Ran The Zoo.

 I also think that you're never too old read picture because picture books are lots of fun and they remind you of when you used to read them.
 
   

Picture books from our childhood - Campbell

Most picture books are for children.  Of course there are picture books that sre aimed at older readers but obviously because children are the biggest market then authors need to focus their writin on that
audience.  A good book for choldren is one that they can understand.  Most  picture books have a very easy atoryline that even a child could understand.

Picture books can beeaseir to write than novels so there are some bad ones out there.  Thisointmalso means that everyone has different favourites.  One of my oldest favourites is the Lion Who Wanted to Love.


This book was my favourite for a long time and I think I know why.  This book has a simple plot that anyone can follow and as a child when I couldn't read and unravel plots so well it was enjoyable book that I could love.

Picture books are an enjoyable form of literature that people from all ages can enjoy.

Picture books-George

Picture books are awesome. There is no denying that. Some are better than others but they are overall pretty good. They are funny, sad cute and some have a moral to them. No other books are this diverse or have captured the hearts of four year olds and adults at the same time. They are a perfect blend of beautiful art and creative writing. My all time favourite has to be Melu, which was in the picture book finals for the NZ post book awards. Another of my favourites is The Pout Pout Fish. Picture books should never be limited to juniors because this will deprive the older kids of a literature masterpiece.

images-Nicholas