This week is New Zealand Sign Language Week. During term 1 and 2 we have been learning Sign language.

Here is a video of me signing some emotions, good, tired and excited.

What do you know how to sign?

My monster is little, he is as little as a butterfly…he is so little he can fit in your pocket. He lives in a forest and likes to sleep wherever he can find a safe space. He has a long, stretchy neck which can turn 360 degrees to be able to see all around him.. My monster is a dark, dirty green colour, this helps him to camouflage in the forest so predators can’t see him. He has four long, skinny legs which help him to run as fast as a cheetah. He has big, sharp teeth and likes to eat anything meaty!

I put my story and asked chatgpt to extend it. They came up with this.

In the heart of a dense, whispering forest lived a tiny creature, no larger than a butterfly, who could nestle comfortably in the palm of your hand. His skin, a mottled shade of dark, earthy green, allowed him to blend seamlessly with the foliage, making him nearly invisible to the untrained eye. This camouflage was his shield against the larger, more fearsome inhabitants of the forest.

His most remarkable feature was his long, supple neck, capable of swiveling a full 360 degrees. This unique adaptation enabled him to survey his surroundings for threats and opportunities without moving his body, maintaining his stealth and safety. His four slender legs, each ending in delicate, clawed feet, granted him remarkable speed. When danger approached, he could dart away with the swiftness of a cheetah, his legs a blur beneath him.

Despite his petite size, he possessed a set of sharp, gleaming teeth, perfect for his carnivorous diet. He feasted on the smaller creatures of the forest, such as insects and rodents, using his agility and stealth to catch his prey. His diet was varied, but he had a particular fondness for the plump, juicy beetles that scuttled beneath the forest floor.

At night, he sought refuge in the hollowed trunks of ancient trees or nestled beneath thick ferns, curling into a tight ball to conserve warmth. The forest, alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, became his sanctuary. He was a creature of habit, always returning to the same spots, which he considered his safe havens.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, he ventured farther from his usual haunts, drawn by an unfamiliar scent. Following his keen nose, he discovered a clearing bathed in moonlight, where the air was thick with the aroma of ripe, succulent fruit. Intrigued, he approached cautiously, his neck swiveling to ensure no predators lurked nearby.

In the center of the clearing stood a grove of trees bearing fruits unlike any he had ever seen—glowing orbs that pulsed with a soft, inviting light. Hesitant at first, he tasted one, and the explosion of sweet flavors delighted his senses. Over time, he returned to the grove night after night, indulging in the heavenly fruits.

However, his newfound indulgence began to affect his health. The once-keen edge of his teeth dulled, and his speed diminished. The forest’s predators, sensing his weakness, grew bolder, encroaching upon his territories. Realizing his folly, he returned to his meat-based diet, gradually regaining his strength and agility.

Through this experience, he learned the importance of balance in life, understanding that while indulgence could be pleasurable, it was his natural instincts and diet that ensured his survival in the wild, untamed world of the forest.

This week and last week, we went swimming at QE2 pool. We learnt how to float, and how to freestyle. We also learnt how to get in and out of the pool safely. We learnt how you can use objects to save people, using things that float. You can also save people pulling them on a rope, especially if they are wearing a life jacket.

My favourite part was swimming with the floating objects. My least favourite part was swimming in general. Something I learnt was how to float.

Have you done swimming before?

This year we went on camp to Hanmer Springs. On the first day we got there we ate lunch and went on a big walk.

On the big walk I fell over a big rock and hurt myself. But it was still a lot of fun.

Next we went to the hot pools. I liked the hot pools, first I went into 34 degree pool it quickly got to cold so I went to a hotter pool.

The next morning at 7 am my Mum and I walked to the top of Conical Hill. It started to rain when we got to the top.

Then once back at camp I went Orienteering. We went in a group and had to find markers with numbers and letters. It was still raining. Our group came in fourth place.

Then we had lunch

After lunch we did the tree climbing activity. I climbed to the top and squeaked the squeaker. I like climbing trees and like going up really high. And It was still raining and a bit cold.

The next morning I went for a walk in the forest and saw the cool sculptures. My favourite sculpture was the one with squirrels.

Then I went mountain biking, I was in the fast group. I got muddy and it was still raining and cold. But I enjoyed myself a lot.

Then we went home.

What would your favourite school camp activity be?

Today we had to make a chart about kindness.

I made one with my friend Braxton i found this task a bit hard

Here is my chart

Have you ever made a card for someone

on Friday the Year 8s went a way and the year 7s stayed. We had Miss Holland and learnt about leadership.

who do you think is the best leader?

We have been learning about leaders and I chose Jesus. He is a great leader because he did so many miracles.

This week we have been making a forgiving poster. It’s one of our schools footsteps. I made a poster of two people holding hands and agreeing on sharing the space. I enjoyed the task because it was fun to use pastels. What is your favourite tool to use in art.

We were learning about all the different stories in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

What do you know about the Bible?

I have been learning about volume. I felt confident with this and now I will always remember.

What do you drink the most at home?