Hello Kangaroos! I have had so many exciting adventures this week, I can hardly decide where to begin. On Tuesday, my Year 4 friends and I went to Lake Pupuke for an outdoor education trip otherwise known as a field trip. In this picture Joshua, Denver (holding me), Thomas, and Ben are enjoying a beautiful day in the sun with Ms. Fred.
My friends learned how to tie knots and built their own rafts out of bamboo rods, inner tubes, and rope. My entire class had to get on the raft, but I didn't want to get my fur wet. The other team's raft sunk but ours floated! We won the race!!
We also learned camp cooking skills. I learned how to make chocolate chip pancakes on a skillet, yum yum!
The next day, my Year 3 friends and I went to the Birkenhead Leisure Center where they learned to rock climb indoors, build "Bush Bivvies" or camping shelters, and kayak in the pool. Jason and Lucy were good kayakers, I couldn't find a life jacket small enough for me so I watched from the side.
I helped my group build a "Bush Bivvy" out of rope, tarp, sticks, leaves, and anything else we could find. King Kong also joined us in our shelter.
My class is being taught by two teachers, just like your class was when Ms. Fred was there. My other teacher is Mrs. Rivett and her husband is in the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army helps people who are in trouble or are involved in a disaster. Mr. Rivett went to Christchurch after the earthquake occurred and handed out clean water, food, blankets, and toys to people who lost their homes. When he got back, he came to talk to my class about his experiences. He is a real life hero!
On Saturday, Ms. Fred and I traveled to Matamata to visit Hobbiton. This is where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed and the upcoming movie the Hobbit is about to start filming. The movies are based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkein and they were all filmed here in New Zealand. I took a picture in front of the Hobbiton sign but no other pictures were allowed because the movie set is Top Secret.
I stopped for some tea and a biscuit, which is what they call a cookie.
I also tried the favorite soda of New Zealand called L&P, it was very lemony-tasting. I did not like it very much.
On Sunday I visited the world-famous Sky Tower, New Zealand's tallest building...
And watched Ms. Fred bungy jump off of it. Twice! She must be very brave. At the observation deck at the top I could see all of Auckland.
I tried to find my school from the top, but it was a little too far away.
As you can see, I've been quite the busy kangaroo. You will love all of the adventures I have planned next. Ms. Fred told me she has sent something your way, Kangaroos, so tell Mrs. Herlihy to check her mailbox sometime soon. I also want to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ashton and send my (and Ms. Fred's) hugs all the way from New Zealand.
-Rooney
Hello Kangaroos! I've been so busy since my last post! I can't wait to tell you about my trip to New Zealand so far. Before I left I had to pack my things in my suitcase. Miley the dog was on hand to help me decide what to bring.
Once I was packed, I hopped on a 6 hour flight to Los Angeles where I had just enough time to find my way through the huge airport and board another 13 hour flight to Auckland. Luckily there were lots of good movies on watch on board. I watched Megamind, Shrek Forever After, and The Wild from my personal TV and was able to order my food and drinks right on the screen!
Finally I arrived in Auckland. My first order of business, being the kangaroo that I am, was to hop on over to the local mall to check out the shopping. I stopped at Subway for lunch and felt very much at home.
I had two days to unwind and get settled before my first day of school. I was very nervous to meet my new friends. They are in a classroom with both third and fourth graders. My friend, Miss Fred, was also anxious to meet them. My new class is located in Room 14 of Point View School.
First, I explored the classroom and checked out the reading corner. You might notice two things about this picture, the mosquito netting and the fan in the corner. This is because Point View School does not have air conditioning. It is very hot this time of year so the windows and doors are always open.
I finally met my new friends from Room 14, a girl named Ella was nice enough to let me borrow her Jovi set to do some coloring.
During reading, my friends Jenna, Janice, Rachel, Latitia, and Delpreet and I did some reader's theater. Do any of these books look familiar to you? I found that in the plays in their books, the Narrator is called a "Reader" instead. How interesting!
Room 14 has also been reading the "How to Train Your Dragon" books, so during art the students painted pictures of their own dragon. In the picture below, I'm helping Victoria and Rachel finish their pictures. Can you spot me? My friends told me that they call this activity "dyeing" instead of painting.
After a day full of fun and learning it was time to take a little break. My friends in NZ like to play with legos as much as my friends at Nottingham. Here I am with Latitia, Jason, Lucy, Delpreet, Dylan, and Ben.
My first day of school was wonderful. I've got some great activities planned for the rest of the week. Check back soon to see more of my adventures!
-Rooney
Hello Mrs. Herlihy's Hopping Kangaroos! My name is Rooney and I can't wait to share my adventures with you. Check my blog from time to time to find out what I'm up to!
My friends learned how to tie knots and built their own rafts out of bamboo rods, inner tubes, and rope. My entire class had to get on the raft, but I didn't want to get my fur wet. The other team's raft sunk but ours floated! We won the race!!
