War
Blood splatters the trench red.
Someone’s heart explodes with sorrow and tears of pain roll down cheeks.
A merciless sniper makes his 98th kill,
98 families are heart broken, distraught.
Bombs fall like rain exploding when they hit the ground.
Grenades fly. Land. Shatter into a million pieces penetrating skin and flesh.
Ripping through someone’s soul.
Lifeless bodies fall to the ground.
- Resting in heavens hands
Nicholas Brabyn
Aborigines
Curious brave
Hunting for food
Harmony with the land
Dancing around the fire happily.
Chloe Cakau
Waterfall
Flowing gracefully
Clear water glistening
Sharp rocks pointing upwards Birds singing in the background
Chloe Cakau
Haiku
Thundering grey waves
Foamy manes of sea horses
Upon the white spray
Greta Lund
Autumn
Golden dancers pass
The beauty is breathtaking
Hide from the soft chill
Jessica McFelin
Diamante
Hot
Warm dehydrated
Burning steaming heating
Fire sun ice glacier
Chilling shivering numbing
Bitter freezing
Cold
Julia Musgrave
Diamante
Honesty
Loyal faithful
Caring sharing understanding
Truthfully blissfully guilty heart-rending
Suffering hurting distressing
Cruel nasty
Lies
Maloti Maama
Diamante
Sea
Freezing wet
Splashes swirls engulfs
Salty spray sterile isolated
Shrivels cooks heats
Sweltering waterless
Desert
Georgia Shepherd
The Haunted House
Howls and moans
From inside
Rattle the windows
Tap on the panes.
Vines draped over the slanted roof
Whip the air
Aimlessly.
Broken down doors, smashed beer bottles
Add to the gloom of this rickety, forgotten mansion.
Overgrown weeds
Peep over the cracks on the pavement
Tiles caked with dirt and mud
Forgotten, unopened letters lie on the doorstep
Ancient, soggy papers rustle in the light breeze, advertisements flap on the garden path
Their once bright colours
Faded into near nothingness
Old empty soda cans and chip cartons
Peep out from under dustbin lids
Hopefully
As if someone might use them again.
And blood,
Blood is everywhere!
Leaking from cracks in the bricks
Flowing from shattered windows
Melancholy organ music plays sullenly, darkly
A wolf howls in the distance
This house looks as if
Someone’s taken a nightmare and left it there.
And I,
I am
I am only a ghost
Here
At this
Old
Haunted
House.
Sophie van Waardenberg
Fog
Silent, heavenly
Enveloping the land
In a tight embrace
Like mother to a child
Sophie van Waardenberg
Autumn
Bent, twisted branches
Scraping aimlessly at sky
In search of lost leaves
Sophie van Waardenberg
The Haunted House
Hesitantly inching across the mossy surface of an overgrown path,
Behind, a forest; thick with wild weeds and viny tendrils,
In front lies and old, remote forgotten house.
A house so ancient that it looks like a house no more.
Climbing up rickety stairs to find a pair of big, black eyes staring.
Screams fill the air and the owl hoots loudly as it flies off into the distant.
Recovering,
Opening the door as a damp, musty smell wafts by.
Stepping timidly through a long, dark corridor,
Floorboards creaking, creaking.
Suddenly, from the corner of my eyes,
Spying several misty forms, all coming towards me.
Quaking in terror as the ghosts circle me,
Trying to grip my soul and make it their own.
Screeching in anguish, felling cruel, heartless, bony hands grapping with my sprit.
Trying to run but it’s too late- they’ve got me.
“Your ours now” they shrieked with a bloodcurdling cackle
“We’ve got you and we’ll never let you go”.
Falling in an endless pit,
Coming out.
Knowing.
Different.
One of them now.
Waiting……………..Waiting.
Livne' Ore
The Olympics!!!
Olympics where all countries will meet
Long distance runners, walkers and swimmers compete
Yachting, windsurfing, rowing and all water sports
Marching to glory and medal and sorts
People casting aside all their hatred and fears
In a time of courage and honour and tears
China hosted the Olympics 2008
Sports is the pathway to peace over hate
Afi Jenkinson
Spooky, slithering, snared
slippery, slashed, sneaky,
slaughtering, striped,
stretched, snake
Omar Khan
Call from You
There I was,
All alone,
Waiting silently,
By the phone,
Expecting nothing,
Nothing at all,
But secretly hoping,
You would call.
Sonnyeo Htay
Beauty
Beauty is not your face,
In this Human Race,
It’s the love that’s shared with others,
What children get from their mothers,
It shall not be harmful or become a disgrace,
It shall be the sun shining in the morning, hitting your soft sweet face.
Maria Yoon
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Royal Oak Primary and Royal Oak Intermediate Cultural Exchange
On Friday 28 November our two schools had an exchange of cultures in the Royal Oak Intermediate School Hall. First the intermediate Tongan Girls group performed - the Taulunga, followed by the intermediate boys group who performed the Taufakaniua. Both performances were awesome! Then it was Royal Oak Primary School's turn. The boys (only 11 of them!) blew the roof off the hall with their haka! This was followed by the primary girls who performed a Tongan dance and the Samoan sasa. After sharing the perfomances, it was the Year 7 & 8's turn to have a go at teaching the primary students a little piece of their dances. There was a lot of fun and laughter and new friendships were formed. Special thanks to all the adults and tutors involved - it was an awesome afternoon all round!
Malo aupito!
Malo aupito!
Central Zone Athletics
This year a large group of students were selected to represent our school at the Central Zone Athletics competition. Our pupils competed against students from all over Auckland. Central Zone results:
Junior Girls Discus - Anne Loa - 3rd
Junior Girls Shotput - Anne Loa - 3rd
Junior Boys Long Jump - Mika Steinmetz - 2nd
Junior Boys Discus - Karl Ofanoa - 2nd
Intermediate Girls High Jump - Sarah Hofmann - 3rd
Intermediate Girls Long Jump - Sarah Hofmann - 1st
Intermediate Boys Discus - Jarred Curtis - 1st
Senior Boys Discus - William Tonorio - 1st
Senior Boys Shotput - William Tonorio - 2nd
Senior Boys Shotput - Chris Sagaga - 3rd
Senior Boys Relay Team -Elia Fata, Tommy Rees, William Tonorio, and Baxter Pepe - 1st
The students displayed excellent behaviour and enjoyed their day. Thanks must go to Mr Oakley and Ms Davids for supporting the students so enthusiastically.
Eleni Lokotui
Junior Girls Discus - Anne Loa - 3rd
Junior Girls Shotput - Anne Loa - 3rd
Junior Boys Long Jump - Mika Steinmetz - 2nd
Junior Boys Discus - Karl Ofanoa - 2nd
Intermediate Girls High Jump - Sarah Hofmann - 3rd
Intermediate Girls Long Jump - Sarah Hofmann - 1st
Intermediate Boys Discus - Jarred Curtis - 1st
Senior Boys Discus - William Tonorio - 1st
Senior Boys Shotput - William Tonorio - 2nd
Senior Boys Shotput - Chris Sagaga - 3rd
Senior Boys Relay Team -Elia Fata, Tommy Rees, William Tonorio, and Baxter Pepe - 1st
The students displayed excellent behaviour and enjoyed their day. Thanks must go to Mr Oakley and Ms Davids for supporting the students so enthusiastically.
Eleni Lokotui
REC Group
In 2008 the Salvation Army staff offered their time and expertise to work with selected Year 7 and Year 8 students. REC was both fun and educational. Students learnt a lot about supporting each other, risk taking and working as a team. Students were also encouraged to develop their leadership skills. Although there were a lot of ups and downs, everyone had a great time. We would like to give a special thanks to the Salvation Army staff for all of their hard work.
Shanelle Poa and Martha Laufoi.
Shanelle Poa and Martha Laufoi.
Central Zone Touch
On November 19 three strong teams went to the Central Zone Touch tournament. The three teams scored lots of tries and played hard. The students were exhausted after the tournament because all the players did their very best. The girls’ team played well but were not placed, the boys came second and the mixed team won their competition. The mixed team went on to compete at the Interzone Competition. Royal Oak Intermediate was proud of all the teams and hope they continue playing touch.
Girls Team:
Fiona Taupau, Manako Nemaia, Elena Tou (tapuosi), Summer Rolfe, Joanna Tova, Michelle Folaumoetui, Ofeira Vaomua, Angel Ashby, Amrita Dewan, Montana Taogaga.
Boys Team:
William Tonorio, Fred Taupau, Jordan Fonokalafi, Kereti Fa’aea, Vincent Faitau, Elia Fata, Hira-Lee Jensen, Wade Coe, Jay Ratu, Hamuera Nathan, Sione Tuifua, Sam Tuifua, Frank Fonokalafi, Hapate Cope.
Mixed Team:
Jury Ryan, Hayleigh Niao, Baxter Pepe, Sam Lulia, Elkan Faasavala, William Tutuila, Tua Faleafaga, Xanthe Vaimalu, Mary Taupau, Maria Tova.
Girls Team:
Fiona Taupau, Manako Nemaia, Elena Tou (tapuosi), Summer Rolfe, Joanna Tova, Michelle Folaumoetui, Ofeira Vaomua, Angel Ashby, Amrita Dewan, Montana Taogaga.
Boys Team:
William Tonorio, Fred Taupau, Jordan Fonokalafi, Kereti Fa’aea, Vincent Faitau, Elia Fata, Hira-Lee Jensen, Wade Coe, Jay Ratu, Hamuera Nathan, Sione Tuifua, Sam Tuifua, Frank Fonokalafi, Hapate Cope.
Mixed Team:
Jury Ryan, Hayleigh Niao, Baxter Pepe, Sam Lulia, Elkan Faasavala, William Tutuila, Tua Faleafaga, Xanthe Vaimalu, Mary Taupau, Maria Tova.
Yearbook Team
This year Yearbook has been very stressful but enjoyable. The year has been full of surprises and lots of hard work. We all had to pitch in and go way back to get information. I enjoyed being part of the yearbook team and had alot of fun.
Staane Rowe
Yearbook this year has been successful once again. It was difficult, but we finally made it in the end. It was really enjoyable, learning how to type school articles for the Yearbook. It was an excellent experience this year and it has been a blast!
Mark Garcia
Being in the Yearbook team meant being committed and responsible for our own actions. It was a great experience working with other students and teachers. Thank you Mrs Campbell for giving me the opportunity of being on the Yearbook committee.
Asinate Waqa
Yearbook has been great this year!
I’ve enjoyed so many experiences in writing.
I’ve learnt a lot this year being in the Yearbook team.
I have made a lot of new friends during my time in the team.
It has been an honour to be in the YEARBOOK TEAM!
Eleni Lokotui
Being in the Yearbook team was a great experience for me and several others. I had an awesome time writing reports about school events that happened during the year. It was good to see everyone working on something and rushing around panicking, trying to get reports finished. I really enjoyed being part of the Yearbook committee. It was a great experience and I liked it.
Maxine Makavilitogia
The Yearbook this year looks great. I struggled at times, but in the end the team and I helped to produced a high quality Yearbook. A lot of hard work and time was spent on this year's Yearbook. I learnt so much, including how to edit the school articles and taking photos on different angles. I enjoyed my time here this year.
Campbell Rolfe
I loved being in the yearbook team because I have learnt so much through the year by doing articles and sorting out photos for every subject in the school. It has been a privilege being in the Yearbook team and I’ve made a lot of friends during the year.
I will be missing Mrs Campbell dearly and Mr Spadoni, they put hours of great work and responsibility throughout the whole year!
Osovale Leulu
Working in the ROI Yearbook Team was a fun and rewarding experience!! It was cool going out of the school and taking photos of all the different events happening around and outside of the school. I had a lot of fun!! Thanks!
Alex Forsyth
Staane Rowe
Yearbook this year has been successful once again. It was difficult, but we finally made it in the end. It was really enjoyable, learning how to type school articles for the Yearbook. It was an excellent experience this year and it has been a blast!
Mark Garcia
Being in the Yearbook team meant being committed and responsible for our own actions. It was a great experience working with other students and teachers. Thank you Mrs Campbell for giving me the opportunity of being on the Yearbook committee.
Asinate Waqa
Yearbook has been great this year!
I’ve enjoyed so many experiences in writing.
I’ve learnt a lot this year being in the Yearbook team.
I have made a lot of new friends during my time in the team.
It has been an honour to be in the YEARBOOK TEAM!
Eleni Lokotui
Being in the Yearbook team was a great experience for me and several others. I had an awesome time writing reports about school events that happened during the year. It was good to see everyone working on something and rushing around panicking, trying to get reports finished. I really enjoyed being part of the Yearbook committee. It was a great experience and I liked it.
Maxine Makavilitogia
The Yearbook this year looks great. I struggled at times, but in the end the team and I helped to produced a high quality Yearbook. A lot of hard work and time was spent on this year's Yearbook. I learnt so much, including how to edit the school articles and taking photos on different angles. I enjoyed my time here this year.
Campbell Rolfe
I loved being in the yearbook team because I have learnt so much through the year by doing articles and sorting out photos for every subject in the school. It has been a privilege being in the Yearbook team and I’ve made a lot of friends during the year.
I will be missing Mrs Campbell dearly and Mr Spadoni, they put hours of great work and responsibility throughout the whole year!
Osovale Leulu
Working in the ROI Yearbook Team was a fun and rewarding experience!! It was cool going out of the school and taking photos of all the different events happening around and outside of the school. I had a lot of fun!! Thanks!
Alex Forsyth
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Board Chair Report
Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Kia Orana, Le Hou, Namaste, Ni Hao, Shalom, Guten Tag, Bonjour, Chou ncl. Dohbro-ye-ootra, Ha Luo, Zdravo, Helot, Merhaba, Ni Sa Bula, Gocte vlo'ere, Saalam, Tang, Chao, Kon-nichiwa, As-salam-alai-kum, Tena Koutou Katoa, Greetings.
At a conference for School Trustees this year, one of the most inspiring presentations was given by Ron Rice from the Iowa Association of School Boards in the USA. It was titled “School Boards Matter!” It was a talk on how successful board leadership can make a huge impact on improving student achievement. As a board this is our number one goal at Royal Oak Intermediate.
For many people what the Board does and why it exists is a bit of a mystery! Very simply our job is to ensure the school is doing what it’s supposed to do, within the regulations and framework set by the government. By the way, if you’re keen on finding out more about the board, all our meetings are open to the public and you are more than welcome to attend.
It is also the Board’s role to set a visionary direction of where we want our school to be in a few years time. How will it feel? What will it look like? How successful will it be at developing young people who are outstanding and well-educated citizens?
And how well will Royal Oak Intermediate succeed at reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the school’s wider community?
To achieve this, the Board has begun a review of our Strategic Plan and Vision. This will ensure that the school will continue to grow and improve over the next 3 – 5 years.
An important part of this review is making sure that we hear from you, our school community. So while we have started to talk with the community, we are very keen to encourage our entire whanau to let us know what your dreams are for Royal Oak Intermediate. Our dream is that one day in the near future this school will be considered the very best intermediate in the country!
To help us on our way are some exciting new improvements in the buildings and grounds starting with an inter-challenge confidence course that will be up and running for the new school year. There will be more news next year as our property plans are finalized.
The heart of our school though is the children, and the Board is very proud of the Academic, Sporting and Cultural success that has been achieved this year: the International Exams and Otago Problem Solving; the many sports teams that made it through to the Auckland Championship Competitions; and a fantastic Cultural Show that was created by and showcased the talents of our students.
As well, the Board continues to be delighted with the contributions of students in the everyday running of the school especially the school council and the student health team. It shows a real awareness of their role as part of a community.
To all our whanau who continue to support the school, thank you. We so very much appreciate your passion and loyalty! Also, I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their commitment and hard work. There is a lot of work to be done, with limited time and they do a great job.
Finally, to our wonderful staff – a huge thank you! The tremendous effort they put in lies at the heart of our children’s education. They demonstrate incredible dedication not only in the classroom, but by providing extra curricula opportunities, while continuing their professional development. And on top of that, there is the exciting challenge of implementing a new New Zealand Curriculum!
By all working together we can and do make a real difference for our students!
Best wishes to you all for a safe and happy festive season. Ka kite ano.
Mr Steve Murray
Board Of Trustees:
Steve Murray (Chairperson), Kirsty Hardie Boys, Alona Ben-Tal, Renate Hofmann, Adle Geradts, Darryl Connelly, Merrill Ridgley, Richard Harris, Mariana Faasavala.
At a conference for School Trustees this year, one of the most inspiring presentations was given by Ron Rice from the Iowa Association of School Boards in the USA. It was titled “School Boards Matter!” It was a talk on how successful board leadership can make a huge impact on improving student achievement. As a board this is our number one goal at Royal Oak Intermediate.
For many people what the Board does and why it exists is a bit of a mystery! Very simply our job is to ensure the school is doing what it’s supposed to do, within the regulations and framework set by the government. By the way, if you’re keen on finding out more about the board, all our meetings are open to the public and you are more than welcome to attend.
It is also the Board’s role to set a visionary direction of where we want our school to be in a few years time. How will it feel? What will it look like? How successful will it be at developing young people who are outstanding and well-educated citizens?
And how well will Royal Oak Intermediate succeed at reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the school’s wider community?
To achieve this, the Board has begun a review of our Strategic Plan and Vision. This will ensure that the school will continue to grow and improve over the next 3 – 5 years.
An important part of this review is making sure that we hear from you, our school community. So while we have started to talk with the community, we are very keen to encourage our entire whanau to let us know what your dreams are for Royal Oak Intermediate. Our dream is that one day in the near future this school will be considered the very best intermediate in the country!
To help us on our way are some exciting new improvements in the buildings and grounds starting with an inter-challenge confidence course that will be up and running for the new school year. There will be more news next year as our property plans are finalized.
The heart of our school though is the children, and the Board is very proud of the Academic, Sporting and Cultural success that has been achieved this year: the International Exams and Otago Problem Solving; the many sports teams that made it through to the Auckland Championship Competitions; and a fantastic Cultural Show that was created by and showcased the talents of our students.
As well, the Board continues to be delighted with the contributions of students in the everyday running of the school especially the school council and the student health team. It shows a real awareness of their role as part of a community.
To all our whanau who continue to support the school, thank you. We so very much appreciate your passion and loyalty! Also, I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their commitment and hard work. There is a lot of work to be done, with limited time and they do a great job.
Finally, to our wonderful staff – a huge thank you! The tremendous effort they put in lies at the heart of our children’s education. They demonstrate incredible dedication not only in the classroom, but by providing extra curricula opportunities, while continuing their professional development. And on top of that, there is the exciting challenge of implementing a new New Zealand Curriculum!
By all working together we can and do make a real difference for our students!
Best wishes to you all for a safe and happy festive season. Ka kite ano.
Mr Steve Murray
Board Of Trustees:
Steve Murray (Chairperson), Kirsty Hardie Boys, Alona Ben-Tal, Renate Hofmann, Adle Geradts, Darryl Connelly, Merrill Ridgley, Richard Harris, Mariana Faasavala.
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