Flags- Toby M

I think that New Zealand shouldn't change their and some of my reasons are listed below:

1. All of the websites and apps with the current NZ flag would have to change
2. All the books in libraries and on people's bookshelves with the current NZ flag would be out of date
3. It would cost millions for the operation to go ahead

I have been doing some research and I found out that the Union Jack on our current flag symbolizes our relationship with Great Britain. I also found out that once one of the Aussie presidents was greeted with the NZ flag.

This is my favourite flag.

Flags-Max

I think we should definitely change the flag because our current flag is too reminiscent of the colonial days and Britain's reign. Also it is too similar to Australia's flag. The logistical problems would however be huge and I do think that the money spent would be better off going somewhere else such as advances in medical sciences or environmental development. Also, I think that the general public and the general public ONLY should be able to vote and not letting the current parliament have any bigger say than the rest of us. I think that a flag is very important because it defines a nation. And for NZ as a nation I think a flag is VERY important because we aren't often thought of in the larger nations because we are cut off from land and we are thought of small.And my favorite flag would have to be the Sri Lanka.-Max

Flags - Ben

At this current point in time I think that getting a new flag will give New Zealand a fresh start but it isn't badly needed. If someone had to decide upon whether NZ is getting a new flag should come from the top of the chain. But once an agreement has been made (if it ever is made), the citizens should be able to submit designs and a selct group can sort through and pick out the best. Then they should be posted in the paper and left once again to the citizens to decide on the design.

If I had to say what age group would want to keep the flag it would be the elderly. Because it would be great for them to have some change before they kick the bucket. The coolest flag in the world is definitely the flag of Sibya. Here is a picture below. 

Flags-Harry W

I think that a flag has a lot of benefits and consequences. In my opinion the pros out way the con's. For too long our flag has looked a lot like Australia's and it hasn't resembled us Kiwis. I think that a change isn't needed but it is favoured.  There are quite a few logistical challenges that need to be incorporated in changing the flag how the previous flag will be out of date and so all of the suppliers will have to to redo the design and all of the current stock they have will be useless.
There is also a lot of inconvenience like tourists who have come to New Zealand and bought the old flag will be left with a useless flag. I think that it would be nice for the public to vote but there is just so many people. I think that it should decided by Mr John Key as it makes it a lot easier. Our flag isn't really a flag that symbolizes us as a nation we don't need the union jack on our flag we should show the world our independence and be proud of who we are and include our history into the process of making the new flag.

Above: Another great flag to represent New Zealand.

The new Flag/Gus

Recently, there's been a lot of political talk about changing our flag. A lot of this started when Scotland tried to pull out of the comanwealth. This got most of the coutries part of the comanwealth thinking that if they could pull out of the CM they wouldn't need the miniture Union Jack (it was the head of the CM) flag on their flag. So, the rest CM (specifaly the ones with the Union Jack on their flag) might change their flag. New Zealand was one of these countries.

Currently we are cosidering changing our flag to a silver fern in a black background. In my opinion, the should have a silver fern and a nice brown Kiwi in a black background. But overall, it's not my decision, It's not the prime minister's decision, It's the peoples' decision. Us changing our flag will be our last step to total indendentcy, and is key in our country's ability to make decisions on it's own.

Flags-Sam

They should change the flag because the current flags colours are not the colours of New Zealand. Books and websites would have to change. The people of New Zealand should choose. very important. very important. change the flag. The change side. Yes. old people. Sri Lanka, South Africa, Dominica, Nepal, and California.

FLAGS - CALLUM BENFELL

I think NZ should change it's national flag as the current flag doesn't really represent New Zealand as a country, although many older citizens of NZ wouldn't agree. This is probably because they are more used to it, and now more attached to it than younger people.

I prefer the design with the white fern, the southern cross and the colors red and blue (see below).

Flag Change- Nicholas

To be perfectly honest with you I think the idea of the flag change is unnecessary. I think that John Key and other politicians are trying to get the people of New Zealand to shift their minds from other negative issues such as the minimum wage and Ukraine protests. Why change the flag anyway we have achieved so much under our current flag it would be such a shame to change it.

New Zealand is an uprising nation and a flag change is a waste of time and money.

Here is the flag that I would prefer if our flag was changed:

Flags - Callum H

Personally I really like our flag but it is very similar to the Aussie one and that is NOT ok. Firstly the other day I was watching triathlon highlights on tv and of course a kiwi took out to spot over to Aussies rounding out the podium. The kiwi in question, Terenzo Bozzone and I can't remember the Aussie's names but anyway the poor results manager confused Ternezo's flag with the Aussie in second spot's flag so it ended up being Ternezo's name with an Aussie flag next to it wich i'm sure he wouldn't be very happy about.
My favourite flag out of the new short list would have to be this one.

But maybe with a different colour scheme.

My favourite flag in the world would have to be the Welsh flag.

Standards-George

Aha! A discussion of the standard of Our venerable country! I think that a change of flag is a very likely option. Many believe that the old flag is too imperialist, which in my opinion is not a real argument.  How would you feel if you put in so much effort into conquering some strategically pointless country and civilize it, give it an army (barely) and  kick-start an economy.  You even bother to make a nice long treaty! Then, 100 years down the track, they try to pretend you were never there! How bleeding ungrateful, It just isn't cricket! So imperialism isn't some big problem. A new flag could be quite nice (after all we don't want to be mistaken fer ozzies eh!) but  it would be barely a nice little ornament. Aussie is probably changing their flag anyway so no big deal deal. If the flag was changed we could just plan for the future and use this...










Or what about this? Anyone know what it is?



And of course the coolest flag in the world is...

Do you know what flag it is? Comment what flag you think it is.

Flags - Josh

I think New Zealand needs a new flag at the moment our flag has a union jack which makes New Zealand look like a British run country more than an independent country. I think that there should be much more Maori relation to the New Zealand flag. I believe that the public should vote for the flag that they like and the flag that the public votes for the most should be New Zealand's flag. I think that a flag is incredibly important because it can define a country's personality. At the moment I think that the flag is very important to New Zealand because it can show lots of characteristics and personality. I think that the coolest flag is the Kenyan flag. The flag that I prefer is the silver fern and the southern cross!!!!!!!

Flag Change - William

In my opinion I would favor a flag change but thanks to all of the legistical costs and costs for the country I would like the country to stick with the good old original flag with four stars. All books and all articles and things that include the flag will be "old" or "out of date" and it must cost a lot to change the flag so I am against the petition even though I like the looks of others more.

Flags Andrew

I  think that a change would be nice and the flag that I prefer I the flag shown below. As shown with telecom changing its name, it will probably become a big hassle changing the flag; this is the down side to all of this. To me, it seems that the older people would prefer to keep it the same,  i think this is because they're used to the current flag.

Flags - Jim

I think that we should change the flag because it resembles nothing about NZ and is too much like Australia's. But then we have to change and update things and that will take time and money. I also think that it should be up to the public to decied because it is our flag and we are a majority. I also think that flags are not too important because if we didn't have flags what would happen? Not much in my veiw and if you can change it just like that is it that important to NZ? Then again it causes a lot of comotion so it must mean something.

Flags-sgalF Tim.miT

Flags - Mr T

Good afternoon boys - it is time to change tack.  A few weeks ago NZ's mainstream media covered the issue of whether or not NZ needed to change their flag.  What do you think (at this exact point in time)?  Is there a need for change and why?  What would be the logistical challenges with a change?  Who should decide?  How important is a flag to a country?  How important is a flag to NZ as a country?  What are some of the arguments from both sides?  Which side seems the most vociferous? Is there a clear difference between the views of 'young' and 'older' New Zealanders?  Which group of people do you think are most likely to want to hold on to the current design?  Which country has the coolest flag in the world today?

I think that there should be a public vote (such as when the president was decided) to decide if we don't change the flag or do and what to.

Also my profile picture is a guy in a boat called S.S FATGUY

At least he's got his country's fla- I dont know WHAT country has that flag but I want it!
THAT is the coolest flag in the world

Flags/Ben S

I seriously thinks this is ridiculous. This whole thing.  Sure, our current flag looks like the Australians, but really? The silver fern is for sporting events only. Look at the military side of things. To me, and many others, black means death. If I was in the military, I would want to die under the current flag, not one that is black and involves sporting. And could you imagine the chaos changing the flag would cause? This will cost billions to update. Billions!! Books would have to be re-written, flags re-placed, websites would have to be updated(even though these would be pretty easy). This isn't like Telecom renaming itself to Sparks, because the NZ flag is worldwide. I think that sometimes politicians are idiots.  

Flags-Luke

I think that we have had this flag for a long time but as they say "an oldie but a goodie." Personally I think that it would effect everyone and cost millions maybe even billions of dollars.

Here are some reasons why they shouldn't change the flag:
All the books will be out of date.
Mr T would have to buy a new flag.
Everything would have to change.

Flags - Hugh

I think a change in flag would be good. Our current flag is old and boring. It needs a makeover! Our current flag is to close too the Australian flag and I don't think we should still be displaying the union jack in our flag given our independence. I think the goverment should decide if we need a change and then the NZ puplic should decide what we change it too. I think the side of changing the flag is stronger, because most of the people I have talked to about it said we need change. Personly I think Grenada's flag is the collest flag in the world because it looks super ligit.

FLAGS-Toby C

No there is no need for a new flag although change is good. Lots of things would have to change new flags mabye even new design for sport teams and everyone would have to go out and buy a new flag. I think the public should decide because it's our choice as well. I think older New Zealanders will want to keep the same flag because they might want to die with the same flag as they were born with. I think Cambodia.'

Flags- Jesse

I believe that a new flag for New Zealand would not benefit the country greatly. In this world, there are many more things that we can spend our money on. When we have no more poverty, then I would be all for a new flag, but to me, national pride and wanting to be independent and different from Australia and Britain, comes second to matters such as good healthcare.

A flag is, in my opinion, important to a country, as it can depict what the country is, it's history, and what it hopes to become. But a change of flag will possibly spark arguments, and to me, the risk outweighs the benefits.

If a country were to change its flag, I would definitely like it to be New Zealand because it is a first world country, which means that although there are still better things to spend our money on, it is not a country like Uganda, where millions spent on changing their flag could cripple the nation. Also, we have a similar flag to other countries, and I think this needs to be changed, as I would like for New
Zealand to become a fully independent nation, and this would be a good step in that direction.

I love the flag of Nepal, because it is unique, it is the only flag in the world that is not a rectangle. This makes it special, and I like the way that they are not giving into to subconscious peer pressure (by this, I mean that I like how they are not having a rectangular flag just because India and China and their other 'peers' have rectangular flags).

New Flags- Will

I don't think that we need a new flag because the New Zealand flag has history behind it such as it flew over our soldiers head and it doesn't even need to be changed because it will make almost all the books flags and t-shirts all around the world will be out of date. Also the goverment isn't can't afford to spend the money on the Christchurch cathedral but they are willing to spend millions of dollars on changing our flag for no aparnt reason I also think that the country with the coolest flag is india because it has different colours and pictures compared to what other countrys have.

Flags - Henry C

Me personally I don't think that we shouldn't change our flag this flag has been the symbol of our nation for the past very long time and I don't think we need a change. I can see where the media and the government are coming from about how we are now an independent country and we don't belong to the UK and we shouldn't have to have the Union Jack on our flag but it will cost so much money just to change a flag that not everyone wants changed.

Flags - Mr T

Good afternoon boys - it is time to change tack.  A few weeks ago NZ's mainstream media covered the issue of whether or not NZ needed to change their flag.  What do you think (at this exact point in time)?  Is there a need for change and why?  What would be the logistical challenges with a change?  Who should decide?  How important is a flag to a country?  How important is a flag to NZ as a country?  What are some of the arguments from both sides?  Which side seems the most vociferous? Is there a clear difference between the views of 'young' and 'older' New Zealanders?  Which group of people do you think are most likely to want to hold on to the current design?  Which country has the coolest flag in the world today?

Camp week-George

Schools have camps. This is an activity that is enjoyed by many. It offers danger, excitement and extracurricular activities. So many people come home from a camp weary eyed and touched forever. Food is important but if it is like the stuff at Kaitoki I'll give it a pass. :) I wasn't at all nervous at the start but after Mr B's speech about the dangers of the reef and lighthouse I am beginning to fear for the worst... Summing up Butterfly Creek in a sentence (well a word really!)... AMAZING!!!! They could do a camp just of it.

Camp Week - Josh

I'm really excited about camp next week. I think school camps are great because you can learn new things outside of the classroom. It helps us grow because we learn new techniques whilst we're outside. My favourite camp that I have been to was Camp Kaitoke because I really enjoyed the massive flying fox. I'm a tiny bit nervous about how Mr. G will react to our dish for the fine dining challenge. I think that the Somes Island tramp sounds like a great idea and I'm excited about maybe going on the tramp next year.

Camp Week - Henry C

With camp coming up for both year groups I think everyone has the right to be excited even though the year sevens don't have there main camp Brookfeild is still enjoyable with the fine dining challenge and lots of other activity's. Me personally are really looking forward to Castlepoint and I know I won't be disappointed.  

Camp Week-Toby M

I can't believe camp is next week! In my group the boys are Ben, Gus, Max and I. As Max is a  vegetarian we are having a four course starting with a vegetable curry followed by a salad then steak and finished with ambrosia. We will also have lemonade to drink. We will all be sleeping in Ben's tent because he has a tent that sleeps 6 boys.

Camp Week- Nicholas

It's hard to believe that camps are next week, I'm really looking forward to castle point. I think camps are for independence and responsibility. I am personally looking forward to finally chilling out and boogie boarding and sand duning. (I have never done sand duning before.) Food is pretty easy to access at camps but if you don't have food then you've got a tricky situation.
I've always enjoyed the Wellesley camps and I'm sure castle point will be great.

Butterfly creek as really fun and, even though it was cold, I really enjoyed jumping in. I think that we should do Somes Island this year as well so it is fair on the year eights.

Camp Week - Ben

Camp has always been a highlight in my school year. I still remember my first ever camp (which was actually a sleepover). Since then I have thoroughly enjoyed every camp I have taken part of.

I think schools do camps because it helps boys learn about things that aren't in the classroom and sometimes boys need to get away from school so they can have a break from work while still being with their friends. Camps are great for young boys because it widens your general knowledge outside the classroom.

Food and sleep are the most important thing on camp because without it you will not be very healthy or comfortable. I can honesly say that I am not worried about anything on camp this year.

Yesterday's walk was great. I paticuarly liked swimming in the creek itself but the walk was great as well. Overall I think that it was great idea going on a walk. I personally think the idea of walk around Somes Island is a good idea but I would have prefered to walk Somes Island instead of Butterfly Creek.

Camp Week - Andrew

I am really looking forwards to the year 7 camp as it is my first camp at wellesley. I have heard that part of the reason that we are going there is to meet knew boys and as I am one I'm really looking forward to the opportunity. The last school camp I went to was at forest lakes I really enjoyed it. I hope brookefield can match it! I loved the butterflycreek tramp, and I hope we can do it again!

Camp Week- Theo

I think schools have camps to help children develop and learn about different places around the country. I think they offer fitness and challenges. Food is extremely important as we would starve to death without it. Sleep is also important as we would not be able to do the activities.

One of my fond memories on camp was on the west coast camp and seeing the limestone formations in the caves.

Butterfly Creek was: A fun day out to somewhere I'd never been before. I think the Matiu/Somes idea is good and should go ahead.

Camp Week - #WillPower

I am really looking forward to camp week at Castle Point. It sounds great and very relaxed which I enjoy just as much as having heaps of fun always doing something. This camp is going to be actually quite emotional for me as I have had many enjoyable camps/sleepovers here at Wellesley and this will be my last ever camp at Wellesley College. Camps are for making friends and getting to know people more in my opinion. All are very enjoyable and everyone has fun. I (of course as not being able to go to Somes) am not keen at all on the idea of Somes/Eastbourne idea.

Camp Week - Hugh

I think the main reason for camps is to meet all the new kids and to have fun in the outdoors. I think I might bring good humer to the camp! Get it? Hugh-mer. Hahahahahahahahahah. Food is a important thing as it keeps you going strong and sleep is just as important! Yes I have heaps and heaps of memories from west coast and kaitoke! And I think a trip to somes island is a very good idea, as I haven't been there before (not that I will be here next year) but I think lots of people will be like me and have not gone!

Camp Week-Luke

I can't believe that the first week has gone so fast, where already half way though the second week!!! Camp is finally upon us. This week we will venture off to camp!!! I'm exited for the fine dinning experience. My favourite camp so far has been the year six camp.

Camp Week-Tim H

The weeks have flown by without me noticing and camp week is nearly here. I think that schools have camps to help students make friends and learn how to live with each over. (aka preparing students for college/university) The skill/s that I bring to the table are...

• Humor
• Humor
• Humor

I hope camp is as it Says

Camp Week - Toby C

So at the start of next week is when we go off to camp.I think schools have camps so we can all get to   know each other better. Sleep is the most important thiong when your on camp. Yes I had a great time up on the Old Women Range. I think we should go to Somes island is a great idea.

Camp week - Jim

I am really excited about going on camp next week with year 7. I think that schools do camps because It gets people outside into the world and it gives you a outdoor education which is really helpful. It also gets the year 7's to get to know each other and calaberate.
Usally I get about 7 hours of sleep in a tent so hopefully I am not too tired when I wake up at camp.

Camp Week-Harry W

Schools have camps because it is a great chance to meet new friends and create good memories. They are good fun and some of the exercises are challenging which makes it even more fun. There are quite a few skills that are involved in camps and one of the major ones is teamwork. Without teamwork the teams fall apart and I know from experience that you have to work as a group in the activities. Dinner time is one of the best parts of the day because you get to talk to other and ask them about what activities they did and if they were any fun. Camp food is not amazing but you get the odd good meal from time to time and it is vital to eat well. The amount of sleep you get varies as some nights you go to bed really late and don't get to sleep for ages but as I learnt from the West Coast Camp you need to get a good sleep if you have a big activities the next day. I have loads of good memories from other camps and you always remember them. Yesterdays walk to Butterfly Creek was really fun and I think a walk around Somes Island would be really fun as I have done it before.

Camp Week- Jesse

I am really looking forward to Castlepoint; I wonder whether it will be as amazing as the West Coast Trip. I think camps help you learn survival skills and stepping out of your comfort zone. They can also help you make new friends.I have great memories of the West Coast, and I hope I'll never forget them. My favourite parts of it would have to be the Fox Glacier and going to Denniston. Food and sleep I think are very important to camps as they won't be as enjoyable if you are very hungry or exhausted. I really enjoyed Butterfly Creek, it was not too long or short and the picnic area was fun. I think going to Somes Island would be get a great idea, it's a shame I won't get to do it.

Camp Week/ Ben S

I think schools have camps so the students can get to know each other better and bond, and just to get away from school for a while, because everyone needs a break eventually. Camp gives you "growth" in knowledge. But I mean, if you just sit there and try and get a high-score of 20 on Flappy Bird, you won't learn anything. So to learn something, you must do something HELPFUL, and pay attention to others, if you don't know how to set up a tent. Sleep is important. Yes, SLEEP. If you stay up all night chatting (or playing Flappy Bird) you will be SO tired, you won't be able to do the fun activities tomorrow. Plus, if you sleep through the day, you might get packed int the tent.

Camp Week - Callum H

I am really looking forward to Castle Point. Although I enjoyed the West Coast I think that CP will suit me a little bit more because of the layed back style and being out and about a bit more. I think that the food will be really good on CP because of  what the teachers are saying. Also I expecting the food on the West Coast to be average but it was actually really good. #Mcnortanburgers 
Although I hate walking a lot the walk yesterday wasn't too bad I really enjoyed the ice block and the warf jump.

CAMP WEEK - CALLUM B

I am really looking forward to year 8 Castlepoint camp. Apparently it's more laid back than some of Wellesley's other camps which will be welcome!
I think that schools hold school camps at the start of the years so new and of students can bond and socialize as well as develop an awareness of the world. It good for personal development and children learn to live life without their parents.
So over all, camps are very important!

Camp Week - Mr T

Good morning boys - next week is camp week and year groups will be splitting up and going their separate ways.  Why do you think schools have camps?  What do they offer you in terms of 'growth' or personal development?  What sort of skills do you think you bring to a camp situation?  How important is food to survival on camp?  Sleep? Have you any good memories from previous camps?  Is there anything you are nervous or worried about?  While we are here...how would you sum up yesterday's walk to Butterfly Creek in one sentence?  Was it something worthwhile?  Is a trip to Somes/Matiu Island a good idea for 2015? (sorry Yr 8 boys...)

Week 2-Toby M

Week 1 went so quickly and we are already halfway through week 2. The tramp to butterfly creek was so much fun. My favourite part of it was when we were down to the last ten minutes and the sun was shining and there was an amazing view and well, it was just so lovely. I really want to get into the senior choir because the year 6 choir was so much fun. I have organised a tent group with Ben, Max and Gus. the tramp on Tuesday with Mr Owen was so much fun for me especially the downhill
part because it was fun and challenging. I have finished my crossword so here's a hint for boys who are struggling, seven across is mature (whispering).

The Journey Begins-Toby M

I can't believe I am in 7/8T, we haven't even begun to talk about independent study.
The wharf jumping is so much better than it was in year six because we don't have to line up, and on Tuesday I jumped seventeen times at least!
I really look forward to doing my independent study and I have already picked a topic but It's top secret so I'm not telling you. I have finished my WNB so if you want a new family it's only 900K.

The journey begins.....-Max

I feel interested and excited about 7/8T and the new year. I would like to create a very good and very polished independent study and also a successful science fair project that would be both interesting and good. I hope I will come up against few barriers this year and the ones I do will be easy to break through.

camp week/Gus

Week one has come and gone, and week two is going by really fast as well. This week was also pretty fun, for exsample today (wendsday) both 7/8 classes went on a walk up to butterfly creek and we were there for more than five hours! To pass the time Ben, Max and I had a mature scientific descusion. Soming it all up in one sentence i'd say 'it was so amazing and I can't wait to go again.Something else thats exsiting is that there is a muffti day on Friday and a picnic at 6 pm! Besides all that there isn't that much happening this week...

Except next week will be camp week! I think the reason they have these camps is to bond with your class mates and push the term "teamwork", or "many hands make light work"? Something I'm looking forward to that week is fine dining, and I know a quick dish to make. By the way I think a trip to Somes island would be a great idea for a camp trip.

The Journey Begins - Henry C

For me the journey began one year ago not now. As Mr Tait says time and time again 7/8T is definitely a two year program with the year seven just mucking around in P-List time and not doing any work. But this year when it comes to term four for me it will be a bit easier for me because I know that I will have done a lot more work earlier in the year so it lightens the load at the end.

The journey begins-Gus

I'm in  the legandary 7/8T at last, and the week has started out quite good with waitangi day on thursday. And above all, i've gotten on to the ANZAC essay wich I did last year. But one thing I'm really looking forward to is starting my independant studywhich something I work on all year,wich is on time travel when I will be talking about General and special relativity.

Something else that I'll be working on all year is a bunch of fundraisers that will fund my trip to the West coast at the end of the term.

The journey begins

I was so nervous when I first found out that I was in 7/8T I started to freak out about what I was going to do for my independent inquiry (I still don't know) and I knew that almost none of my friends were going to be in the class with me, but the first week in 7/8T has been so much fun I have started to make new friends and I am also enjoying the homework that we do in this class because it is a new experience and lots of fun.

The Journey Begins- Nicholas

This year I plan on getting the bulk of my I.S. done in terms 1,2 and 3. I think week one has gone reasonably well but I didn't do so well in the cricket trial. Being a year eight feels different, it still feels like year seven but more superior being at the top of the school. The book we are reading, the curious incident of the dog in the night time is really odd. I mean I'm really enjoying it, it is just rather oddly written. I'm currently reading the "Biggles" series. It is about this guy called Biggles who is in the royal air force. I aim to get a highly commended and WNB of the week more often than last year. So to conclude I'm really enjoying 2014.

The Journey Begins - Andrew

My Main goal this year is probably to do well on my independent study (although still have fun). And, maybe get a few writers notebook of the weeks. For sports I would like to get into the first eleven for football.
Christopher Boone has just started his jouney to find out who killed Wellington. I am highly enjoying the book but I can't really compare it to my current novel because they are different genres as I am reading harry potter, (mystery, crime and action, adventure, magic)

THE JOURNEY BEGINS by CALLUM B

I am really looking forward to my second year in 78T, but now I really know the ropes. I know what it's like being new to the class, and it is just so much different than the other classes so I'll try to really look after the year sevens.
My goals are to improve on my spelling, be house captain of Croydon, do well in WNB and make a football team.

The journey begins...-Theo

The journey has begun again! I was pleased with myself last year so my goals are the same as last year but just enhanced a bit. I will definitely offer my help to the year 7's if they need it. I will probably come up against barriers when I don't have work with me.

I think one of Christopher Boone's goals is to solve who killed Wellington. I think he'll come against barriers where people get in his way with his detective work, e.g. when his dad told him to mind his own business. I am really enjoying the book and I think it is probably better than my current novel.

Great Time-Luke

My aims/goals for this year are to...

• Get through my reading log.
• Improve on my spelling

And have a good year all round. I'm loving the book we are reading and are setting in well.

The journey begins - Jim

I'm extreamly happy to be in 7/8T and everyone has been very welcomeing so far. This year
I'm going to be focusing on completeing my work inside the deadline and making sure it's good quality. I'm looking forward to independent inquiry and have got a few topics in mind.

Christopher Boone seems to be obbsesed with this murder case no matter what the people around him tell him. He is sad about his mum dying but is not sure how to express his emotions. The way the book is written is incredibly clever and I think that Mark Haddon is a great author.

The Journey Begins... - Toby C

For my main class goal this year I really want to produce a great independent study! I don't really know yet what I'm here to offer but I will help out around the class. I think the barriers I will come up against this year is time for everything. I was worried about this year but having a nice teacher and great classmates makes it a whole lot easier.

The Journey Begins...-Sam

Time for the Term 1 I wonder what will happen in 7/8T and what I will achieve
this year.

The Journey Begins - Josh

I'm so excited about getting started with 2014. It's been a great first week in 7/8T, we've gone wharf jumping, we've started our writer's note book and we've done a couple of maths tests. I'm really excited about starting my independent study. My goals this year are to work really hard on my independent study, I want to write very detailed pieces of writing in my WNB and I want to make it in the first 11 for hockey!! I am really enjoying the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and I think I like the Curious Incident than the book I'm reading at the moment.

The Journey Begins... - Ben

I am very excited about the new year. I have been told that in Year 8 you have a very different year then if you're in Year 7.  I am looking forward to a fresh start in 7/8T.

This year I am aiming to do more work on my Independent Study and I especially want to sort out my time manegment. I think the only barrier I will collide with is time barrier. I will be very busy with after school activities and various other things.

I think that Christopher Boone has set one main goal and that is to find out who killed Washington the dog. If I were him I would set mini goals for myself that will help me solve the mystrey. So far I am enjoying the book because the writer has made Christopher Boone a very interesting character. At the moment I am reading The Book Theif. There aren't many similarities at all between the two books.

The Journey begins #7842 -Tim

The journey begins... - Mr T

Good morning boys.  You have come to the end of your first school week of 2014.  It is a time of change and transition.  You (hopefully) feel fresh and highly interested in advancing yourself.  What goals have you concocted for yourself this year, specifically in this classroom?  What do you think you are going to offer to your classmates, your classroom, your house, and your school in 2014?  What barriers do you think you will come up against?  Speaking of goals and barriers... Christopher Boone from our current novel, Curious Incident..., is a boy who is just setting out on a journey.  What goal(s) is he formulating?  What barriers do you think he will come up against?  Are you enjoying the book so far?  How do you compare it to your current novel?

I have decided that the only requirement for this to be considered a successful year to me, is a successful independent study. ( success criteria: enjoyable to me and others)

The journey begins...-Harry

Already completing a year in 7/8T gives me quite a lot of knowledge of how the system works. I think that it will help me a lot in the terms to come. I think I will offer this year, focus as I lacked that a bit last and I know what to do and when to do it. I think that the only barriers that I will come up against this year will be trying to fit work in around sports and activities and making more time at home to work. I have read the book The Curious incident of the dog in the night-time and I really enjoyed it. It is just a really well written book that has captured a very wide audience. Currently I am reading a fiction book about the best sports journalist in the world who interviews an amazing goalkeeper, who tells him is amazing life story about how he was trained by an apparition in a clearing in the forest. It is called The Keeper by Mal Peet and I am really enjoying them.

The journey begins/ Ben S

I must admit, when the year started, I was worried about everything. What if  I couldn't keep up with my work? What if homework cluttered up my after school activities? But, after my first day, I felt fine, especially since we don't get homework, unless you really do get cluttered up with work. But with the independent study this year, I feel a bit nervous about that. Apparently we have to do some prep stages? None of the other years seven have done them though, so I'm not sure how it will play out.

The Journey Begins... - William

Ahhh, it's nice to be back on the blogspot. This year is going to be an amazing year for me, as a pupil right back to year 1. I have really enjoyed Wellesley and am very keen to get back into the spirit. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime seems like a great book so far, the murder mystery is great and the fact that it is actually a dog is quite different and I like that! The novel (well book) I am reading at the moment is called The Puppy Listener by Jan Fennel, it is about how to raise a puppy and how the dog's body works. Our family is getting our first dog in mid-late March so we thought this would be good to read.

Year 8 An Unexpected Journey- Jesse

I am very excited to begin a new year here at 7/8T as a veteran of the classroom. I feel I have a lot more to offer this year, as I know how to do everything. I look forward to making an I.S. of a much higher quality this year.

 I want to try and get my iPad taken away at lunchtimes/morning teas less than three times this year, although I'm already at Strike One. I won't be running for House Captain, but I will still support Marlborough avidly.

I really like our new class novel, even reading it a second time round, and it is a really interesting book. Mark Haddon is a great writer it give us an insight into the world of a boy with Aspergers. I am  enjoying it a lot more than my current novel, but one cannot really compare them, because my current novel is a thriller based around an evil company trying to use a biological weapon to kill everyone in the world except 2000 genetic candidates specially selected, whereas The Curious Incident is a book simply about a boy and the way he lives his life. I find it interesting, how he comes up against different barriers to other people, due to his disorder.

The Journey begins (to reclaim a bookshelf and slay a classroom)= George

The journey begins! (Insert dramatic music.) Sadly  it is not a quest to reclaim a homeland and slay a dragon but I digress, it will be just as thrilling (if not life threatening!) and exciting as Bilbo's one. My goals are simple, get a good independent study, survive the mines of Mathia, (similar to moria but a lot more deadly.)   Win writers notebook and make seconds hockey. What I will offer to my fellow students is advice and help. The enlightening text that we are reading is one I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. It is loaded with information and more twists and turns than a Gretchin's  spine. They say the more books you read the easier it gets, and by Jove they are right!

The journeys begins... - Noah A

The journey begins... - Mr T

Good morning boys.  You have come to the end of your first school week of 2014.  It is a time of change and transition.  You (hopefully) feel fresh and highly interested in advancing yourself.  What goals have you concocted for yourself this year, specifically in this classroom?  What do you think you are going to offer to your classmates, your classroom, your house, and your school in 2014?  What barriers do you think you will come up against?  Speaking of goals and barriers... Christopher Boone from our current novel, Curious Incident..., is a boy who is just setting out on a journey.  What goal(s) is he formulating?  What barriers do you think he will come up against?  Are you enjoying the book so far?  How do you compare it to your current novel?

The first week as gone really fast, as a year 8 I have experienced this before in the last weeks of the year. The start of the year has gone well... 20/20 in spelling hopefully doing well in tests, being bus monitor, getting a pavilion, and countless other great things still to come in the year ahead. The novel is interesting and I think it will grow on me. It's nice how the book changes from 1st person to tellin what's happening, what has happened, and what will happen. Compared to the book I'm reading (The book thief) it is very bright and inviting and it draws you in. The book thief is very dark (in the beginning) and very mysterious, and not very inviting. The independent study is looming over me right now... It's hard to choose a topic in year 8, I wish I could spend the next five years in here, and do all the topics you can do! It's either Gilipoli or D-Day (comment down below to have your say!( whatever you comment will NOT be a valid vote towards the choosing of my study.)) Anyway I'll eventually choose... Or not...  

The Journey Begins... - Callum H

I am in many ways feeling good and bad about this year. My goals will probably be do more independent study in term 1 and 2. At the moment I am really enjoying the novel 'curious incident' and I can't wait to see what happens. I will probably try for house captain but I highly doubt I will become HC. I think that the barrier of time will be one of my main problems for independent study.

The Jouney Begins... - Hugh

Um... My main class goal is propabley to have an amazing independent study!! I dunno what im going to offer to the class room yet but I am definitly going to try and really help the 8's this year, to replay the deed! I think the biggest barrier in terms of independent study is having lots of time to make a good independent study, because my time is limited! I am actually really enjoying this terms novel, because I like the way it puts you into Christoper's shoes.

The journey begins... - Mr T

Good morning boys.  You have come to the end of your first school week of 2014.  It is a time of change and transition.  You (hopefully) feel fresh and highly interested in advancing yourself.  What goals have you concocted for yourself this year, specifically in this classroom?  What do you think you are going to offer to your classmates, your classroom, your house, and your school in 2014?  What barriers do you think you will come up against?  Speaking of goals and barriers... Christopher Boone from our current novel, Curious Incident..., is a boy who is just setting out on a journey.  What goal(s) is he formulating?  What barriers do you think he will come up against?  Are you enjoying the book so far?  How do you compare it to your current novel?