Home at Last!!

Well I am home in Reporoa again.. :) Boy, am I happy to be here! It still smells like flemented fruit or something along those lines, and it doesn't help that cows live just across the stoney path toward the river, but with all that gross.... smelly... cow like soroundings .... It feels good to be home.

I am making some friends here, and I am invied to a birthday sleepover. When I got the invitation I was shocked... Yet I felt really good about getting this :) I have had so much fun along the way with these girls, and they have helped me to get used to all of this crazieness here!! I love it though.

My dad isn't the easiest person to get around...There is no beating around the bush with him. Once I got home I went for a LONG run.... It was honestly nearly 5 MILES!! 7.9 KM WOW I have never EVER ran that far in my life at once!

I am quite tired tonight, but I hope that you all sleep well... Goodnight

Old....New....Choices......LIFE #2

Hello again.. As I listen to songs of my heritage, I think about how different my life would've been if things had of changed. This morning I looked through my school email address, and boy was it full! I had a read of all the important emails, and it took me a while. There was this one email, that really attracted my attention. It was from my little sister... Well my younger aunty that I call my sister,  (If you wanted to get technical) but that doesn't matter...... She had talked about how much she misses me, and how she wants me to come back to hangout for a bit. My eyes swelled up with tears and as much as I tried to hold it in, I had to let it out. I felt so guilty, like .... Was moving only for me? Was I being selfish not staying? or was I simply protecting myself from the harm, and arguing that was happening around me? Those are questions that are running through my head constantly at the moment, and they are questions that are yet to be answered......

I had to grow up faster then most young girls, and that may be why I made such a life changing decision so quick, but people  tell me not to grow up so fast, though they weren't there when I was 7 years old.... Watching my mum go through such an abusive relationship, with 3 young girls in the house, was so painful. No one really understood how I felt, and they still don't really understand. The  tings that I did to take my mind off the fact that I was basically all I had, and I never let anyone in to help me, hurt everyone around me.... But I was so wrapped up in looking after my sisters, and school, and what we might eat the next day that I didn't see how I was hurting people with the decisions I made, and to be honest... now that hurts me. My sisters meant the world to me and when they were taken to live with their dad when I was 8 until now.. I only saw them about 4 times in the 4 years they weren't there. One day I hope to see them soon and in  breaks my little heart to see that I was the one they looked up to, and then I wasn't even there anymore. I can't imagine what it feels like for them.

I now know to let people in to help me.... But I guess I'll try to post something else another day...xx

Old...New....Choices...LIFE #1

Wow... I actually didn't notice how long it has been.... I have not been on my blog since last year and it has really made everything weird. As you probably all know I have moved schools and house... and city, that's why I haven't posted in a while, a really long time. I haven't really thought much of my blog, and I don't know if that is good or not. Moving house, switching parents, and schools has made things so hard for me words cannot explain how my mood changes so quick, especially becoming a teenager!! My new school? Reporoa College.... Yes I know, a big change.... a good change though. I have moved from a school of 600 or so students to a school that has at least 400.... WOAH from the big city Auckland, to a small farming town in between Rotorua and Taupo, Reporoa.... Is a life changing yet awkward switch, and often people ask me 'Why leave Auckland?' Well ... to answer your question, My dad lives in Reporoa, and all my life dad hasn't been the closest to me, and I really thought that living with him would be the thing I needed, and honestly we have tried so many times but I would be so emotionally unstable that being with my mum would be all I knew, then school was my happy place. I would go there everyday, not only to learn, but to see friends, meet visitors, introduce people to where we live and show an insight through a students mind of Pt England and our school and the area that we all are growing up in, and occasionally we would get the odd, "really"," Is that it" and so on comments about school, but really I never saw how that could ever fit in to peoples minds because, although we live in a lower income rate community, its what people give to the children of our school, and how we choose to use them thats all that matters, right? Then I realised that I had to grow up and fill the NEW shoes that had been put to rest for me with my dad. It was a hard decision to make but I eventually made the choice to stay with my dad. I had learnt so much at PT England, and I wanted to show other people, not only those that come to our school,but those that I could go to.... I really wanted to show them how much I had taken on bored in the seven and a half years that I attended. I really think that people are starting to like the  new me.... and that is a good thing... I think? :)Well  that's enough for tonight, hopefully there is enough signal for me to post in the next few days. :)

My Friend Jay'lee

My friend Jay’lee is a very unique person. She has many talents that include, singing, she can harmonise really well!! She is a really good dancer, and she is amazing at sports, rugby is her favourite, well from what I see, and she plays for the Auckland Netball Rep. Team. Jay’lee has got many different qualities about her, and that is one reason why I am friends with her, apart from her very friendly and outgoing personality.

Thanks Jay’lee for being a great friend, you are like a sister to me :)

2012 Reflection

This year 2012, was one of the best yet hard years for me at Pt England School. It was the year where responsibility had fallen upon me. I hadn’t really thought much about it , and discovering everything an intermediate student goes through made it difficult for me to (A) Understand everything that is going on around me. (B) Take responsibility for my actions, and (C) Keep my head in the right spaces. I admit that some of my thoughts and actions weren’t the best that  they could have been, but I have really worked hard to make up for my mistakes. There were many many things that helped me through my hardships in this year of full responsibility, for myself, and my actions, such as sports outings, even though I am not good at it. My school softball team came first in the eastern zone tournament, so that was a good accomplishment. My favourite thing of all that happened this year, was greeting visitors. I absolutely love being able to communicate with people through my school, it makes me so happy, and to think that it helps my school, fellow students, and teachers, makes me feel even happier, and gives myself a sense of achievement and nothing could ever beat that feeling. Though sometimes I thought that everything was getting a bit too much for me, and I lash out, but having so much support and friends around me, it makes everything that little bit easier to cope with everything, and I never want to leave Pt England School..... !!! :)

Blue Light Disco

“WOOHOO” My brother and sister exclaimed as they ran through the door. My sister was really really excited to go to the blue light disco, run by the police. It was only 5 o’clock, and I was still in my towel, because I had just spent 2 hours on my hair!!! Though I was really excited anyway! :) I was waiting for the clock to hit 5:50 so that we could go to the disco already!

Once I was finally ready, I was literally pushed into the door, so that my brother could get out. Thats the hard part of having younger siblings.

When we got to school, all my friends were there. I was super happy! Jay’lee and I went to pay for our tickets to get into the disco.

Fist pumping into the hall, there was very loud music, and fluorescent lights everywhere I looked, I knew that tonight would be a great night!!!

All was smoothly, and I was having a great night with my friends. But then one of my favourite song came on, and that was when it got even better. I was dancing away to cat daddy, even though I wasn't very good at it.

Well there was much more to say about this, but I really don't think I have the words to say it all. But I thank PES and all of the prefects for one of the best nights ever. :)

Poem Ko Tokelau

............Ko Tokelau........

Where I am from, I can hear the birds rustling in the trees.

Where I am from, I feel the rough sand rubbing in between my toes.

Where I am from, I hear the sound of the waves crashing against the sand.

Where I am from, the sound of water lapping against the vaka, soothing.

Where I am from, I feel the warmth of the sun against my skin.

Where I am from, as I swim, I feel the slime of the fish as they swiftly swim past me.

Where I am from, the sweet smell of my aunt's famous foods fill each nostril, the best smells ever.

Where I am, I taste freshly cooked taro and chopsuey.

Where I am from, I hear the sweet sound of the laughter and song from the elders.

Where I am from, I smell my aunty as I hug her.

Memories now of the old perfume she poured onto herself daily.

Where I am from, I see the games played by children, and hear the laughter that follows.

Where I am from, I feel the sting of the volleyball as I serve in a ‘friendly’ game.

Where I am from, I see the families daily prayers, a sign of faith and respect.

Where I am from, I feel Love, and only love.

Where I am from, is Tokelau.....

-- Chante Filipo --

Chia Pet

Two weeks ago, in Extension, we had the challenge of re-searching about a toy. In order to do this, we had to pick a number, from 1-20 and what ever toy we got, we had to re-search and present it to the class. I had the Chia pet. 

This is what I had said in my presentation.

The Chia pet is basically a gardening pot shaped into an animal, with the back front or side open for soil and chia seeds. The chia seeds grow in a few weeks and form the hair or fur of the shaped animal/ cartoon character. It is usually made of clay, stone, or wood.

It got its name because of the Chia seeds, which originated from America. They grow in the northern regions of Mexico. They were made in Mexico but now are a produce of China.

Goldie

Last Term the extension class had the opportunity to recreate a Charles Goldie Painting, this is the painting that I copied.

This Artwork was my inspiration by the famous New Zealand artist Charles Frederick Goldie. He was very famous for painting the Maori back in the 1900’s. His artwork was motivated by the thought of the Maori being extinct, though later on the numbers of  Maori had skyrocketed. He also painted the Maori because of their taonga, like their Moko

The actual painting is called ‘ A Noble Relic, Of a Noble Race’, by Charles Frederick Goldie. It was painted in the year 1910, and today would be 102 years old. Charles Goldie has painted this oil on canvas and has set his painting in a Maori Whare. Te Wharekauri Tahuna was the subject of Goldies painting as he was the Chief of Ngati Manawa.

In the reproduction of this artwork, I had struggled with the moko and the shading. The Moko was very hard to draw, as there was a lot of detail to put towards my final product. This also made me want to research more about the Moko and why people get it.

I hope you enjoy my artwork! Chante-Aria Filipo

Barn

Drip drop, drip drop. Amy shivered at the thought of having to spend the night in a house like this. Cold, damp and frightening at every single look. She was starting to regret her decision, to spend the night in the derelict barn, “Stupid Dare” she mumbled, mind you, isn’t halloween supposed to be scary? Well she didn’t have time to procrastinate, it was time to get settled in.

As soon as she had finished she walked around glaring at her watch, stepping to the beat of the seconds hand. “C’mon c’mon c’mon” she whispered to herself, “ they need to see me here” Amy sighed “Hurry up Sophia” a few minutes later she heard a man shouting outside, she looked out of the shafts in the wall, and she could see a silhouette of a man in a coat, holding a young boy by his collar. The boy looked pretty tall, and quite thin. “ Oh I hope he’s alright “ Amy said as she lay down on the squab, but then, the shouting grew louder, and louder, and louder, until....

The door flew open, and with it a gust of wind. Soon the old man was clearly angry, still holding the young boy by his collar. Amy leaped off the old mattress and pounced on her bag, packing it rapidly. As she was packing, she could hear shouting, and then a loud thud, with a clutter straight afterwards. The young girl, was confused by things she had been told to do in this kind of situation, but everything changed at that moment, when she saw the shadow creeping up towards the door of the little room she had just managed to crawl into. Now there was nowhere to go, and she couldn’t get any help. Her heart was thumping like a loud snare drum...... boom boom boom.......

The door flew open, and with a huge gasp, Amy was picked up by her arm. “LET ME GO” She shouted, but the end of her high pitched voice, was muffled by the old mans humongous hand. Throwing her legs about, and trying to remove the hand that was now blocking her nose Amy was determined to get free.

It was too late, Amy was now on her knees, in a dark room trying to get her hands free. They were really tight and she didn’t know if there was really any point in trying to untie herself, so she shuffled to the back of the room, she sat underneath the window, that she had not long before thought of jumping out of, though she learnt the hard way, that it is pretty hard to get out of when your legs are tied. So with that she pressed her face against her knees, and cried. “Don’t worry” she heard a voice, a boys one. Amy looked around the room, and saw the boy she had seen just before she hide away in fright. “Hi” She said not to sure on how to reply to a confidence booster that had failed to do its job in this time of a near death experience.

Suddenly I heard the faint sound of police sirens in the distance, getting closer and closer. Thank goodness this ordeal is nearly over.













  
              
          

BUSH

“Ahh the sweet smell of summer. Its great. Don’t you think Bradley?” Amy exclaimed, she had created a little bit of crush towards Bradley, though he didn’t catch on very well. Though But being a 12 year old boy, I don’t think he really knew what to do except play, and annoy people. Bradley hadn’t been listening, he was too busy playing with little Tommy singing Twinkle Twinkle, because that was the only song Tommy knew. The only other boy on this camping trip.

Tommy was only seven years old, and was the youngest boy in the family, he had quite liked hanging out with my best friend Amy whose only 11, and insisted that I let him come with us. I was the eldest. I turned 12 a month before bradley did, so it was my responsibility to keep everyone safe, as well as Bradley, even though I didn’t like to admit that he was much stronger than I was, but I was deffinately the most mature out of us.

My thoughts on how to beat Bradley at things were interrupted by little Tommy. He was talking to a tree. “ Hello there Mr tree, have I seen you before?” he asked poking at the tree like my cat Fluffy when she doesn’t want to eat. “Tommy come on” I grabbed him by the hand and led him to the river where the others were.

“Chante” Bradley called out to me. “Here we go again” I sighed.  is probably going to show me something ‘amazing’ that I have to see, because its just too good to miss, but to my surprise he was looking at the river very cautiously, he made it seem like it was going to gobble him up or something. “Yeah, what's up” I asked him anxiously, “ Haven't we past this already?” Hmm I hadn’t remembered passing this before, but it could just be me. “umm, I am not too sure, but its getting dark, maybe we should just set camp up over here, just until the morning.”

Beach Narrative

“Its soo hot!!” I exclaimed, wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead. “Come into the water then” Sammy called out “Its not that cold” I sat up looking at her with a sarcastic look on my  I face “Suure it isn’t” I was the only girl not in the water, I’m not much of a fan of sea-water swimming, I don’t know why, I just shrugged and closed my eyes again.

“FOUL” I was woken by the sound of boys calling “Ref, thats a foul” followed by a splash. One of the holiday programme leaders had kicked the ball so far away and it landed in the water. “I will get it” My brother Lee said, “No your not its too deep for you!!” I replied, But of course my little brothers ego wasn’t going to be broken by his big sister telling him off in front of all his friends. Surprisingly he was doing pretty well and so I let him do what he wanted to do.

Again this relaxing nap was being interfered by BOYS!!! Though this time it wasn’t over a stupid kick, it was my brother! He was calling out for help because he was drowning!!! At first I couldn’t find him, but once I had heard his girly screech it was easy to find him.
I threw my towel onto the grass and ran to go and help my brother. I called out to all of the leaders to help me, but by the time they had come my head was submerging and emerging out of the water. My brother had floated quite far away in such a short time, but I finally got to him. I lifted him above the water, and let him gulp in some air. I was struggling to keep his head above the water. Eventually we were close enough to the shore that I could let him walk by himself.

I was really tired from carrying Lee back to shore, everyone was happy that Lee was safe, except for Lee. He wanted to get the ball, but it was long gone, and I told him to listen to me next time.

Well we all had a very exciting day, I know I did. As for Lee, he promised that he will listen when I tell him not to do things around water. He also said that he wasn’t going to swim in the sea again, but we all know that won’t last long. It will only be until next time!!!

Narrative

My feet were sinking as I stood motionless, trying not to reveal myself, even though I was already surrounded by bush. The pounding of my heart, was thankfully muffled by the sound of the howling wind, sweeping the tops of the trees. Drenched to the bone. I shivered at each march the Red Coats made, as they approached the only land left, that was not under their control.

A visit from Inspiration

Inspiration. It comes in many forms, words, people, films, books, but today, my thoughts on inspiration have changed drastically. All it took was a visit from a young man, standing up to all those who create and believe in stereotypes. Joshua Iosefo. A young polynesian boy who has changed my thoughts, and prospect of the world that we live in. It made me think twice about how my family, friends and I are judged. Though I am not a brown Samoan, it still hits hard.


‘Brown Brother’ The poem that would change the way we think and feel. It deffinately changed me. My prospect of the world, was that there were good guys, and bad guys, and I did understand that, but I always thought that if it happened to me, it would always be someone elses fault. That all changed a few weeks ago.


My class had been watching a movie of Joshua speaking at his school, Mt Roskill Grammar. He was doing his prefect speech. We observed and then had to write a bit about our thoughts on his speech. A few days later, there were comments on our blogs from Joshua’s Mum. She had read some of the students blogs from our class. We exchanged a few messages, and eventually we asked if Joshua would be able to come and visit us. A message was sent back to us. The answer was YES. We were so happy with this reply that we had to organise a date.


That is how this day came about. Questions were asked, and excellent answers were given. I asked one question, and I think that the answer that was given, was better then any explanation I have heard in my life. I am so appreciative of what Joshua and his whanau have done for us. We have all been very privileged with this visit and I have had a very thoughtful message sent to me. I have learnt a lot. For example If want to be a lawyer, then I can be a lawyer, all I have to do is to keep going even if no one thinks that I can. There is nothing that I can’t do.

A big thanks to Joshua and his Family, I have learnt a lot and I can’t wait to hear more from you. Joshua, you have been very inspirational, and you have an amazing gift, I can't wait to see more of your gift. Now I know that I can follow my dreams, and I will use my gift.

Olympic Day

A surge of excitement flowed through my body, as I waltzed out the door with a piece of toast in my hand. Today was the day, that I try my best at sports........ for the entire day!!! I was kind of looking forward to this Olympic rotation day, but the thought of running around the WHOLE time.......... now that was crazy. Despite this I was keen to see how well I would take it.

Once I was at school, I wasn’t really nervous until I had to go to class and get ready to line up for our procession of countries. I was in Uganda and I had never ever heard of this country until I it was written on my hand. Even though I had never heard of this country I, like many others who hadn’t heard of their countries, still cheered and chanted as we were showing the other teams/countries what we were made of. The sound of laughter and calling, and sportsmanship echoed in the empty halls of the school. This was when I knew that the day would get a whole lot better.

Though I had never heard of my country I was happy to be a part of it. My team was very energetic and we had a very cool leader, Pesi. I was very glad to have a female leader, and the best part of it was that we only had one leader, so it I wasn’t getting confused. She was a great leader and the first place she led us to was the street. We were going to play Hand Ball against Kenya. (That was my favorite activity)

“GO UGANDA” My team was shouting out. We were trying to rally out the Kenyans with the chanting. They were winning so far with the chants, we were ahead in the real game, the one that counts. Uganda won the first, out of many rounds, and when it was my turn, my stomach turned and I wasn’t as ready as I had hoped. The ball was served. My sweaty palm went to hit the ball, it all felt slow like I was in slow motion. I felt like I was going to miss, but to my relief, I had hit it back to the opposition. I let out a sigh, and nodded to my partner, and just then, a load of confidence pumped through my body. But then I saw the the tiny, bright yellow ball bounce towards my partner...................... ‘Slap’ She had hit the ball and our opponents had missed it causing them to make it out. “YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHH” We had won!!!!!! “Go Uganda”, my words were jumbled from the bouncing of my feet. I had made my team proud and I was very happy with my partner. This was my highlight of the day.

After a long time of winning, tying, and losing the rest of our games, the end of the day had come. It was a very weird day, I had actually enjoyed doing sports even though my legs were aching like crazy, and I wanted to do it again. If we do I would really enjoy it, but I would like to be in a country that I have heard of......... :) But overall I loved this activity and I can’t wait to do it again........... GO UGANDA!!!

Tommy Kapai Wilson

This is a presentation I wrote with my two buddies. Tommy Wilson had come to our school to talk to us about his journey to becoming an author. My class was assigned a new project. This was to create a presentation of Mr Wilson's Childhood and steps to fame. I have created this with Jarna and Ashleigh, my two classmates. I hop that you enjoy.

Pt England Social

“YAY”  I said to my friend Tanisha. I was going to my first ever Pt England Social. I was jumping all over the place, because I knew that soon

I could dance and everything. Tanisha was going to drop me off to the social because I was all ready to go. But once we got there I felt really underdressed. So I untied my hair and put it to the side. There....... Now I was ready.

I met up with a few of my friends and I saw how different they looked. They were so pretty....... But I decided to go to see my cousin Crusader to see if he looked 'Skuxx' (what they say when they think they are cool). On the way inside I noticed that no one had come according to the theme and also that I was in a line FULL of boys and it was no surprise that the teachers said "finally a girl" I did feel a bit uncomfortable but I knew that they were all my friends.

When I walked in the hall I could see the fluorescent lights complimented nicely with the decoration around the room...... and everyones colourful hats. Plus the balloons and streamers added a very party-like feel. This was a very nice moodsetter.

I was sitting for a while, but then finally Shoal and Rita came through. When I saw Shoal I hadn't even noticed that it was her. She was so pretty, and looked very nice. I knew that by the time I had said that she would be dancing already and sure enough she was. She was so hyped up it made me feel hyped up...... and that contagious feeling went around the room and everyone was happy.

There was so many things going on. There was dougie comps, catdaddy comps, and circles. I was a part of the circle. When we started our circle it was a bit small but gradually grew bigger. Everyone was showing off their dance moves but some people got a bit scared........ I knew I was, until I finally got in and did my best move I had...... (That I could think of) And I think that that was what made my night even better......

I had so much fun jumping around until my feet ached, laughing until my tummy hurt, and dancing till I could dance no more. This what I think the social should be like, and I hope its even better next time.

Neil Armstrong

August 25th 2012, a day of tragedy as american citizens mourn the loss of their American Hero. Neil Armstrong, one of the greats in astronomy passed away at the age of 82, due to complications after heart surgery. Even though he was reluctant to be a public celebrity, America still thought of him as a hero. He  helped in the ‘Cold War Era’ to win the race against the Soviets, in being the first to land on the Moon.

Neil Armstrong did exactly that. Not only was he the first to land on the moon, but three years before that, he had his first space mission with NASA. He was the commander of the Gemini 8 and was one of the first American civilians in space. I think that this was a life changing decision for him, that would turn out to be a HISTORY change for mankind, as his next space mission wasn’t very far.

Animation Workshop Part 1

Just an ordinary Thursday I thought, but I had forgotten that I had an Animation Apprentice Workshop. Everyone else in extension remembered apart from me, and I was very confused. Though once my confusion had worn, I remembered and knew that I would have a great afternoon.

I was waiting and waiting in class, and then the clock struck 12............ ”FINALLY”! I said happily. I was so excited about this class as I wanted to know a little bit more about animating. So I was off to the Tusitala and as soon as I got into my seat, with my pencil and rubber ready to get drawing.

Smoking

Smoking is very addictive, and has thousands of harmful chemicals, that can lead to many illnesses. Some of these include Cancer, Obstructive lung diseases like emphysema which causes people to have a short amount of breath. There is also Coronary heart disease which is the leading death problem in the United States. This is such a disgusting habit and a lot of people die every year from it.

This addiction can not only kill you but it also consumes a LOT of your pay. A person who is addicted to cigarettes, goes through 1-1 and a half packs of smokes a DAY which are $14- $15. This means that you spend up to $105 a WEEK. Don’t you think that this is a huge waste of money?

Smoking is not only addictive, a waste of money or a leading cause to death, it also deteriorates your body. It has such a disgusting smell causing smelly breath, and no one wants to be around someone that has smelly breath. Not only does it make you smell, but your teeth go all rotten and yellow, and so does your fingers. This habit really makes you sick and a LOT of New Zealanders die every year because of smoking.

A lot of smokers start when they are in their teens. Some people would think that they smoke because of family problems, bullying, and many more reasons that are not true. But the main reason teenagers start is to look cool. Many teenagers always think of the moment, not the future. They have got no idea about what can happen when they smoke. Wanting to be cool doesn’t mean you have to start slowly killing yourself to impress people?


Smoking is so disgusting and is a really big problem for New Zealanders and people need to think about the consequence of this. Yes not all smokers will die from heart disease or cancer, but it definitely increases your chances. I am very aware that I too could start smoking but I promised myself that I would do everything in my will to never start smoking.