Young New Zealander of the Year



17 year old Jamie Fenton is named Young New Zealander of the Year 2011



Wow! Have you heard of Jamie Fenton? In February this year she was named Young New Zealander of the Year in recognition of her amazing achievements. Jamie credits her success not to being  'gifted,' but to being fortunate enough to have had sufficient support to show what she is capable of.

Read about Jamie and her recent success and consider:

• which of her long list of successes do you think is her greatest achievement? Why?
• what are the things Jamie may have found difficult along her path to success?
• what do you think you could be capable of if given the right support?

Discover the Author In You

In class we have been working on writing a short story for the NZ Post Story Writing competition. Editing our work to improve it has been a major focus and some of us have written five or six drafts of the same story. Soon you will be able to read our entries on line. Last years entries were published in the book Leprechaun Icecream available from NZ PostShops.
There are several other writing competitions currently available if you would like to submit a piece of writing. Click on the following links to find out more about the Elsie Locke Writing Prize and the Puffin Short Story Awards. Make sure you read all the rules and conditions to ensure your writing meets the judging criteria.

Safety in the Sky

Today during our current events session we found this hilarious safety video from Air New Zealand. If you need a laugh take a look. As you watch consider these questions;

• Who is Richard Simmons, and does he appeal to any audience in particular?
• Why do you think Air New Zealand have presented such a serious message in this way?
• Does humour help to get the message across? How?

What in the World is Going On?

So much happens in the world every day, but how much do we really know about what is going on nationally and internationally? A group of students are participating in the Kiwi Kids News Challenge for the first time this year. In order to keep abreast of current events we are utilising the Kiwi Kids News website and discussing happenings in our community, our country and around the world. There are loads of news articles on this site written in Kidspeak to keep you up to date. In the Odd Stuff section there are some fascinating articles about some of the crazy stuff that goes on around the globe. Check it out.

Swim Stars

On Friday 18th March the Kimihia Interschool swim team took part in the inter-school competition.  As a spectator it was hugely exciting watching these students demonstrate their talent and experience success.The team were fantastic ambassadors for  Kimihia School both in the way they competed in their events and in the way they supported and encouraged others in the pool. Well done to you all. Take a look at some of the photos taken on the day.

Kids Lit Quiz

We have a group of keen young readers who have been coming to the library once a week to complete a quiz on children's literature. So far their knowledge of nursery rhymes, fairy tales and the fascinating Dr Seuss has been tested. This week we find out how much we know about authors. On the 18th of May one or two teams of four students will enter the regional competition to be held at St Paul's Collegiate. Find out more about the Kids Lit Quiz and have a go at some of the quizzes available through funtrivia .

Leadership in 2011

Over the last week all interested Year 7 and 8 students have compiled Curricula Vitae, prepared speeches and attended interviews to vie for the positions of Head Boy, Head Girl and House Leaders. It has been a daunting experience for many and required courage, confidence and commitment. Well done to all those who put themselves forward to be considered.
Congratulations to the following successful students.

Rimu       Elena and Dylan
Matai      Emma (Head Girl) and Austin
Totara     Caitlyn and Aidan
Kowhai   Courtney and Casey (Head Boy)
You have all shown potential in leadership and will have many opportunities to develop your skills as leaders throughout 2011.