Film Festival

Film Festival 

First we all got into two groups to see what films we wanted to do. While we were all deciding what films we were going to do while the others got back to their decks and started finishing their work before break. After deciding what we were going to do, they’re both named (sore losers) and (change of attitude). We were going to start filming but there wasn’t enough time for us to start so we waited till the next day.

After the next day we were just getting started on what we usually do before the second block. During the first block while we were doing math and code it always got boring for the students in matamua to stop concentrating and lose focus. When it was time to go to the first break we had to write all the things that were on the whiteboard before going out to break.

After the first break we were having a talk about the film. After the talk we got to the point where we were going to film and starting with the first film is change of attitude it was good at first but during the film it was kinda funny but then not funny because it’s not nice to laugh at someone during the scene where it could of got real bad but then it was ok. It was a girl named Ella that kept hitting her head and having dreams about them and getting confused because she woke up and acted like it was real. But also she is very pretty unlike other kids. She is the one and only queen of my life and she will always be.

 The films were very good and I was in both of the films ( sore loser) and Change of attitude). The next film that we are going to do is ( sore loser). It was a good film when  I watched it, but I wasn’t in the film for the whole thing because I wasn’t in the film at first  I was in the ( change of attitude) film I was in ( change of attitude) first but got removed and someone else took my spot because I went to the dentist and was in there for a very long time. The films were good and we all did our best to do what we could do and make the good shots we have even though it came out good, very fun to watch and different kinds of other films too.

T3W9 Week Recount

About my week

What did I learn this week?

This week in math, we continued our journey into the world of algebra. Our teacher patiently explained formulas like 2n and 3n plus 5 or 6, helping us understand how to manipulate elements. The concepts were challenging at first, but we practiced with examples until the patterns became clearer. I especially enjoyed it when we worked in small groups to solve complex problems together, sharing different approaches and learning from each other’s methods. By Thursday, I felt more confident applying these formulas to word problems, though I still struggled with translating real-world scenarios into algebraic expressions. I know mastering these algebraic skills will prepare us well for college mathematics in the future.

What was the most fun thing I did this week?

The most fun thing I did this week was spending quality time with my friends during breaks and while working together in class, creating memories that strengthened our bonds and made each day more enjoyable. Our favorite activity was going behind Te whare(the building) with just boys or just the girls, where we could relax and have our own space away from the busy school environment. Sometimes we would take leisurely walks around the area when we needed   a change of scenery or just wanted to stretch our legs and chat, which always left me feeling refreshed and connected to my friends. 

What was the hardest thing to learn this week?

The hardest thing to learn this week was definitely the complex algebraic equations in math , which required me to apply multiple formulas all together while keeping track of all the variables and their relationships to one another. Staying after class to complete unfinished work was particularly challenging because I felt an overwhelming pressure to rush through the problems, which only led to more mistakes and confusion as I attempted to balance speed with accuracy in a quiet classroom where everyone else had already left for the day. What made the experience even more difficult was trying to maintain my concentration despite feeling frustrated and discouraged, especially when I could hear other students outside enjoying their free time while I remained inside struggling with concepts that seemed to grow more complicated.

 

Did something special happen this week?

This week was truly special because I finally reconnected with my friends after nine weeks of being back at school, which felt like an eternity since we had all been so busy with our individual schedules and responsibilities. The moment we all gathered together during lunch break, laughing about old jokes and sharing stories about our summer adventures, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy knowing that despite our upcoming separation next year, our friendship remained as strong and genuine as ever. What made these moments even more precious was the realization that we’re creating our final high school memories together—playing games during free periods, helping each other with difficult assignments, and making plans for weekend activities—all while silently acknowledging that soon we’ll be heading in separate directions to pursue our dreams, which makes every shared smile, every inside joke, and every moment of support infinitely more valuable than before.

 

How did I show school values this week?

This week, I demonstrated our important school values in various ways, particularly during Friday’s cultural and physical activities where I showed respect by fully participating in kapahaka after the first break, embracing the opportunity to learn more te reo Māori with passion and appreciation for our cultural legacy. My resilience was evident throughout the hour-long kapahaka session as I went on with learning new movements and phrases, even when it became challenging, set on to continue practicing until I mastered all the elements while encouraging my classmates to do the same. During taha tinana multi-sports activities, I displayed responsibility by following the rules fairly and showing respect for others’ right to participate, which stood in sharp set off to Eiad’s behavior when he repeatedly pushed to the front of the line and prevented others from having their turn—a situation that tested my patience but soon or later strengthened my commitment to upholding our school values of fairness and inclusion even when others weren’t doing the same.

 

Overall, did you have a good week? Why?

Overall, I had a weirdly good week because reconnecting with my friends after our drama resolved itself was not only a relief but also an answer to my prayers, as I had been genuinely hoping we could move past our disagreements and return to the strong friendship we once shared. The joy of being able to spend time with them during breaks, regardless of our different class , has completely transformed my school experience from one of tightness and doubt to one filled with laughter, support, and the comfort that comes from knowing you have people who truly care about you. What makes this reunion particularly meaningful is how we’ve managed to put our past disagreements behind us and focus instead on creating new memories together—sharing stories during lunch, helping each other with work between classes, and making weekend plans—all while appreciating our friendship even more deeply because we now understand that relationships require effort, forgiveness, and the willingness to see past temporary bad blood to preserve the bonds that matter most to us.

 

What would I like to do next week for school?

Next week at school, I am hoping for a positive and productive experience where I can focus on my learning without the distraction of Eiad’s disruptive behavior, which has previously made activities like taha tinana challenging for everyone involved. Maintaining and strengthening my newly reset friendships is also a top priority for me, as I deeply value these connections and understand how important it is to take care of them through in line of communication, respect, and quality time together during breaks and after school when possible. I’m particularly excited about boost my understanding of te reo Maori and perfecting my waiata movements during kapahaka sessions, which will require true practice, careful attention to the instructor’s guidance, and the patience to repeat each movement until it becomes natural and fluid—a process that I find both challenging and deeply rewarding as it connects me more meaningfully to cultural traditions while also helping me develop greater teamwork, rhythm, and appreciation for the beautiful expressions within Maori performings.

My Entertaining Story

On the weekends there is a girl named Sapphire(me). Sapphire was on call with her enemy ( Mia) then she called her cousin ( Georgia) on her dads phone and they all played to grow a garden. They joined the server then played, we got fruits to build up our gardens so we can be the best. While Sapphire was getting the best fruits to upgrade her garden,there were others that tried to steal her fruits while she was getting more special fruits like ( Burning bud, Dragon fruits, Ahper fruit seed, Rainbow sunflower and different kinds of other fruits and pets. To make Sapphire’s garden adventure more thrilling, introduce magical elements! When Sapphire plants the Dragon fruit, it could summon a tiny dragon pet that breathes fire to protect her garden from thieves. 

 

The Rainbow Sunflower might create a colorful force field when fully grown. Add unexpected alliances – perhaps Mia, despite being Sapphire’s enemy, discovers a mutual rival stealing from both their gardens, forcing them to team up temporarily. Georgia could discover ancient gardening secrets from her grandmother, sharing special knowledge only with Sapphire. Create timed challenges – a rare cosmic rain shower appears for only five minutes, supercharging any seeds planted during that time. Or introduce mystery seeds that grow into unpredictable plants with unique powers.

 

 Develop a plot twist where someone’s garden opens a portal to a magical dimension! Sapphire could find herself navigating this new world, collecting even rarer fruits while racing against time to return home. Add trading opportunities between players, but with tricks and traps. Some trades might be beneficial, while others could be sabotage disguised as generosity. Finally, introduce garden competitions with spectacular prizes that change the game dynamics entirely!

T3W8 Week Recount

Weekly Recount

What did I learn this week?

This week in math class, I was introduced to the fascinating world of algebra, which uses letters to represent unknown values in equations. My teacher showed us how to solve for variables like x and  by regionize them on one side of the equation. I practiced different techniques such as combining like terms and using inverse operations to find the value of unknown factors.

Working with buddies in math class made learning algebra much more enjoyable and helped me understand difficult concepts more easily. My partner and I took turns explaining how to solve problems to each other, which toughen what we had learned. We collaborated on challenging word problems that required us to translate real-world situations into algebraic expressions.

The most interesting part of algebra was learning how numbers and letters work together to create mathematical relationships. I discovered that letters can stand for changing quantities while numbers represent fixed values in equations. By the end of the week, I felt comfortable manipulating expressions that contained both numerical values and variables to find elegant solutions.

What was the most fun thing I did this week?

This week was absolutely incredible as I spent countless hours with my friends engaging in many activities that made our days memorable and exciting. Piki, who goes to Wanganui City School, and decided to join us for our after-school adventures where we explored hidden spots in the neighborhood and discovered an abandoned treehouse that instantly became our secret hideout. Jhizel from my school brought her new scooter, which we all took turns riding down hills near the park, resulting in numerous falls but even laughter as we cheered each other on regardless of our skills.

The highlight of the week was definitely when Saedyz, for all not going to school, organized an unstudied picnic at the local park where we shared snacks, played loud music, and attracted disapproving looks from elderly passersby who clearly didn’t appreciate our active showing. After school hours ,Jhizel and I couldn’t help but cause a bit when we tried to start a fight because there were kids that were trying to be tough and others just standing there like they didn’t know anything. Kahgu, who attends Kokohiua , joined us after school and introduced us to a bad game that involved ringing doorbells in the neighborhood and running away before anyone could answer, a classic prank that had us sprinting through backyards and hiding behind bushes to avoid being caught.

Our parents eventually discovered our naughty games when Mrs Karen from three houses down called to complain about the “troublemakers” disrupting the peace, which resulted in a lengthy lecture about respecting community rules and appropriate behavior. Even with facing consequences for our actions, the bonds of friendship grew stronger as we sat together in my living room, grounded but still exchanging rebounds and fine smiles that acknowledged the unforgettable memories we had created throughout the week. Piki suggested we channel our energy into something more productive next week, perhaps volunteering at animal shelters where his cousin works, while Saedyz and Kahu agreed but with bad grins that suggested our troublemaking days weren’t entirely behind us . 

What was the hardest thing to learn this week?

Finding answers in our textbooks in math while working with buddies proved to be the most challenging aspect of my learning this week. The process required careful reading and reading of complex information, all while trying to maintain a productive conversation with my study partners. Navigating these academic discussions often led to unexpected tangents about our personal lives, including what we had for dinner or other daily activities.

Maintaining focus during these combined sessions was particularly difficult because we needed to balance socializing with completing our assigned tasks. Our teacher expected us to engage meaningfully with the material while also developing our teamwork skills through active listening and respectful chit chat. The constant switching between academic discussion and casual conversation made it challenging to track our progress and ensure we were thoroughly understanding the material.

The experience taught me valuable lessons about time management and the importance of setting clear boundaries during study sessions. I learned that while personal connections with study buddies are important for creating a comfortable learning environment, we must be intentional about keeping our discussions relevant to the academic task at hand. These combined learning experiences, though challenging, ultimately helped me develop better communication skills and a deeper understanding of both the subject matter and the swing of effective group work.

Did something special happen this week?

Yes, something incredibly special happened this week: I got a new boyfriend! He’s not only handsome, but also very sporty, which is a nice change from my usual routine. He often hangs out wiith his friends after school, and then he comes over to my place and we spend time together- it feels like a real dream comes true. It’s exciting to be in a relationship with someone who makes me feel happy and comfortable, and I can’t wait to see what more adventures we’ll have together.

 

He’s definitely got a great personality too, and he makes people laugh a lot. I’m a little bit nervous about encouraging myself to try new things. We’ve already planned a few dates this weekend, and I’m already looking forward to them. Overall, this week has been amazing. I’ve started dating someone wonderful, and it’s brought a lot of joy into my life. I’m feeling very lucky and hopeful for the future with him.

 

How did I show school values this week?

This week, I demonstrated the school values of respect by showing a strong bond to learning from my mistakes. In a difficult moment with one of my classmates, my decision to apologize, even after disagreement, showed respect for them and the positive relationships in my classroom. This was a powerful display of good manners and consideration, proving that it is possible to handle a challenging situation in a way that aligns with my school’s values. By taking responsibility for my part in the conflict, I was also able to model appropriate behavior and help maintain a positive classroom environment for everyone.

 

My ability to address this difficult encounter also highlighted my resilience. Showing resilience is about recovering quickly from setbacks and learning from poor choices, and my honest apology showed that I was able to “ bounce back” and grow from the experience, rather than letting it discourage me. This willingness to self-reflect and change my actions is an essential part of becoming a more resilient and self-aware individual. By making the conscious choice to apologize. I proved that I can adapt to challenging social situations and learn from them in a mature way.

 

Finally, my actions displayed a strong sense of responsibility, particularly for my own behavior and for others. Taking responsibility for a mistake is difficult but a step in personal growth, and by apologizing to my classmates, I owned my actions and worked to fix the situation. This demonstrates a high level of self-management and shows that I take accountability seriously, even when it’s challenging. My commitment to making things right after a difficult moment proves that I am committed to being a positive force in my classroom, actively working to ensure the well-being of others and showing that I care about the impact of my actions.

 

Overall, did you have a good week? Why?

Of course, it was a good week because me and my friends hung out and went places, creating memorable experiences and connections that raised my life. Spending quality time with the people I care about most, whether I am simply exploring my city or embarking on new adventures, can be an incredibly uplifting experience, reminding me of the strength and importance of my social bonds. Those shared moments of laughter, conversation, and discovery are what truly make week feel complete and fulfilling, strengthening my friendships in ways that last long after the outing has ended.

 

This week was particularly wonderful because it was filled with the easy  joy of just being together, an effortless camaraderie that makes any destination feel like an  exciting event. Exploring different locations and trying new things can be a great way to break up the boredom of a typical routine, introducing a sense of casualness and excitement in my days. When I’m with my friends, even a trip to a familiar place can feel like a new journey, and the shared journey of getting there and exploring a new place becomes a cherished part of the experience.

 

The week culminates perfectly as me and my friends bond together, toughen my connections and celebrate my friendship in a meaningful way. The collective experience of having a good time together creates a powerful positive energy that can carry me through the challenges of the coming weeks, serving as a reminder of the good things in life. It is this deep-seated feeling of connection and shared happiness that cements a week as truly great, making it an experience that I will all look back on with fondness.

 

What would I like to do next week for school?

for next week is to reconnect with Ella, focusing on reaffirming my dedication to her and rebuilding trust in my friendship, despite her disapproval of my partner. I can accomplish this by scheduling dedicated one-on-one time with her, genuinely listening to her feelings without getting defensive, and respectfully reassuring her that my romantic relationship does not diminish my commitment to my long-standing friendship. By being a consistent and supportive presence in her life, I can show Ella that I can value her companionship and are committed to keeping my bond strong for the long run.

Persuasive Writing

Why Schools Should Provide Free Pimple Patches

“Kia ora”

My name is Sapphire, I’m a 12 year old and a year 8 student at Rutherford Intermediate School. I believe schools should provide pimple patches because many students begin experiencing acne during intermediate years, which can meanly impact their self-confidence and focus on learning. Offering these patches would support students’ wellbeing, reduce appearance -related anxiety, and create a more inclusive environment where everyone can concentrate on their education without feeling self-conscious about their skin.

Every student deserves access to pimple patches schools can provide for better confidence. When you’re twelve or thirteen, getting pimples feels like the end of the world. I’ve seen kids miss school or hide in the bathroom during other times because they’re so embarrassed about their skin. This isn’t fair, and schools can do something about it.

 

Schools should stock the best pimple patch options for all students because these little stickers can make a huge difference in how we feel about ourselves. When I use a pimple patch, it doesn’t just help my skin heal faster – it makes me feel like I’m taking care of myself. The patch absorbs all the gross stuff from the pimple and prevents me from picking at it, which my mom always tells me not to do anyway.

My old friend that I went to go and hang out with told me that when she uses pimple patches, she actually feels kind of cool. She said they make her pimples look like little stars on her face, and some of the older kids even think they’re fashionable. Research shows that 89.3% of students with severe acne feel embarrassed about their skin, but pimple patches can help change that negative feeling into something more positive.

The patches work by soaking up fluid and reducing swelling, which means pimples heal faster and look less red and angry. They also prevent bacterial spread, so you don’t get more pimples around the same area. Most importantly, they stop us from picking at our faces, which can cause scars that last forever.

 

Providing pimple patches for teenagers helps create a supportive school environment where everyone feels accepted. When schools give us access to these patches, it shows they understand what we’re going through and want to help. It’s like when they started providing free period products in the office – it just makes sense to help students with normal body stuff that happens to all girls.

.If schools can do that, why can’t they provide pimple patches too? Both are about helping students feel comfortable and confident during the school day. When I have a bad breakout, I spend so much time worrying about what other people think that I can’t focus on my math test or reading and writing.

Studies show that students with moderate to severe acne are more likely to have trouble. That’s really serious! If something as simple as providing free pimple patches can help prevent students from feeling depressed, shouldn’t schools want to do that? When I feel good about how I look, I participate more in class discussions and feel more confident.

Schools need pimple patches for sensitive skin to favor all students because not everyone’s skin is the same. My little brother has really sensitive skin, and some products make him break out even worse. If schools are going to provide these patches, they need to make sure they’re safe for everyone to use.

The good news is that most pimple patches are made with gentle materials that work well on sensitive skin. They’re usually made with comparable , which is the same stuff they use in medical bandages. This means they’re safe and tested, not like some weird internet trend that might hurt your skin.

Having access to safe, tested products at school would also prevent students from trying dangerous home treatments or using products that might make their acne worse. I’ve heard kids talk about putting toothpaste or lemon juice on their pimples, which sounds terrible and probably doesn’t work anyway.

 

Some adults might worry about the cost, but providing pimple patches would actually save money in the long run. When students feel confident and comfortable at school, they attend more regularly and perform better academically. Schools already spend money on counseling and support services for students dealing with self-respect issues – preventing those problems with something simple like pimple patches seems much smarter.

Unlike forbidding  pimple patch dress code policies that some schools have, free access promotes inclusion and shows students that the school cares about their wellbeing. The patches are also really affordable when bought in bulk, probably costing less than many other supplies schools already provide.

 

Some people might say that pimple patches are just a beautiful thing and schools shouldn’t worry about that. But that’s not true at all. Having acne affects how students feel about themselves, how they interact with others, and how well they do in school. It’s not just about looking good – it’s about mental health and academic success.

Others might worry that providing pimple patches would be too much work or create problems. But schools already manage way more complex health programs. Putting some patches in the office and maybe in the bathroom wouldn’t be that hard to organize.

 

I think schools should start by putting pimple patches in the office and in the bathroom, just like they do with other health products. They could partner with local health organizations or even ask parent groups to help fund the program at   first. Once everyone sees how much it helps students, I bet the program would get more support.

Schools could also teach students how to use the patches properly and explain why taking care of your skin is important for overall health. This would be way more helpful than just telling us not to pick at our faces without giving us better choices.

 

Providing free pimple patches schools can offer would show students that their school cares about their confidence, mental health, and success. It’s a simple solution that could make a huge difference in how students feel about coming to school every day. When students feel good about themselves, they learn better, participate more, and create a more positive environment for everyone.

I hope the school principal, teachers, and parents will consider this idea seriously. Every student deserves to feel confident and comfortable at school, and something as simple as providing free pimple patches could help make that happen. Let’s work together to create schools where every student can focus on learning instead of worrying about their appearance, and this is why schools should provide pimple patches. Thanks for listening to the speechdf2wqer and have a great rest of your day.

 

“Nga mihi” 

Sapphire

Year 8

 

T3W7 Week Recount

About My Week

What did I learn about this week? 

This week in math, I learned all about perimeter and areas which was super cool because you just add up all the sides of a shape to the perimeter. We also did lots of practice with adding numbers together which I’m getting really good at now. The most interesting part was learning about circles where we found out that if you multiply the diameter by 3.14 ( which is called pi), you get the circumference, so a circle with a diameter of 2cm would have a circumference  of about 6.28cm.

What was the most fun thing I did this week? Why?

 Because the fun thing I did this week is that I threw a container of  yogurt at my ex boyfriend before school started. But it was by accident and I didn’t mean to but I didn’t laugh because it doesn’t make someone laugh after what they did, so I apologize but then went back into class. But until then I got pulled out of the class by the principal ( which is my koro.

What was the hardest thing to learn this week?

At first I didn’t understand how to do perimeter and areas until I got help with the first example from my WONDERFUL MATH TEACHER Sergio Joel. Math was really hard sometimes until you get it and we weren’t allowed to go out to break time till we finish 10 question, it was that hard most of my class had to get help with the 10 questions which it was really easy and there was an only one teacher that teaches the whole class, helped like half of the class and got all done before break was over.

Did something special happen this week that I would like to share?

This week something happened and that was special when I was working with one of the teacher aides and I had to write all the students names that are all in the school and write it in three classrooms and houses. When I had to go somewhere with one of my teacher aides, we went to all classrooms for medication for people that have to take and when we went to the last class which is my original classroom called Rangahaua. But until then  I got moved because it would be better if I would start fresh so I left it in the past and focused on the class that I am in now. (Matamua)

How did I show the school values this week?

This week I showed some school values which are ( respect, responsibility and resilience),  but throughout the week I didn’t show some of the values because what I have done to a little boy who was the innocent one when I threw yogurt at him wasn’t good. That shows I didn’t show some respect and responsibility for my actions and didn’t help my behavior which caused me in trouble and got his dad to come to the school in a very angry face and didn’t like how I treat his son with no respect. I apologize to him and give a good apology for the innocent little boy that keeps being cheeky and does 24/7 and likes to not show respect either.

Overall did I have a good week?

Yes I’ve had a good week learning about different things that make it interesting and hanging out with friends and whanau, which are very helpful sometimes when they want to and when to do something that doesn’t involve bad things. Which was the most good things this week was seeing my teacher wife’s dog and his name is (tucks), he a wonderful dog even though my teacher admitted that it was ugly and brings him in because at home he feels lonely and doesn’t wanna leave him out on the fun around other people.

What do I want to do next week at school? ( realistically )

Next week I want to make sure everybody does all the work that they’re meant to do for the class to go to castlecliff park and splash in three weeks, because I really want to go so bad and everybody else. But until then me and my classroom need to make sure all our work from each of those weeks from now on. If matamua don’t finish all the work we all have to do to go then we all lose it and have to stay at school for the rest of that time to do more school work.

Recap about weekend

My weekend

I was really looking forward to spending time with a boy name Piki, my brother’s friend from Whanganui City College, but when  Saturday finally arrived, he messaged me saying he couldn’t make it because he had already made plans to hang out with his other friends, which left me feeling a bit disappointing since I’ve been planning this hangout all week. Despite  the initial letdown, I decided to make the most of my Saturday by catching up on my favorite shows and helping my mom with some chores around the house, all while wondering what Piki and his friends were up to on their adventure across town.

 

The next day turned out much better when Piki finally showed up at our doorstep with a bright smile, suggesting we should visit some mutual friends who lived on the other side of town, which instantly lifted my spirits. We spent hours at our friends’ house, talking, laughing, and playing video games until the night sky was filled with stars and streetlights began illuminating the path home. After what felt like six hours of non-stop fun and conversation, we finally decided to head home, walking slowly through the quiet streets while Piki told me all about his day with his other friends yesterday, making me realize that sometimes waiting an extra day for something good is totally worth it. 

T3W6 Week Recount

My Week at School Reflection

What I Learned This Week

This week in math class, we focused on percentages. Our teacher showed us how to convert fractions and decimals into percentages, and how to calculate percentage increases and decreases. We learned that “percent” means “per hundred,” which helped me understand why we move the decimal point when converting. We also practiced finding percentages of numbers, like figuring out what 15% of 80 is. I found it interesting how percentages are used in real life, like for sales discounts and interest rates.

The Most Fun Thing I Did This Week

The most fun thing this week was definitely meeting Urara, a girl from Japan who visited our school! She was in Room 1 for the day, and during lunch break, she taught some of us how to say some things  in Japanese. She was really friendly and showed us pictures of her school in Japan. I enjoyed learning about the differences between schools in Japan and here. The way she described their school lunches made me wish we had something similar! It was exciting to meet someone from a completely different culture and learn firsthand about life in another country.

The Hardest Thing to Learn This Week

The hardest thing to learn was definitely the percentage problems we had to solve. Our teacher assigned us forty questions for homework, which felt overwhelming at first. Some of the word problems were especially tricky because I had to figure out what information to use and which operations to perform. Questions like “If the original price was $85 and it’s now on sale for $68, what is the percentage discount?” required multiple steps to solve. I spent extra time on these problems and had to ask for help from my parents on a few of them.

Something Special That Happened

Besides Urara’s visit, something special happened in our school this week. We got a new classmate named Riley who joined Room 5! Even though she’s not in my class, we met during recess. She just moved from another school and seemed a bit nervous on her first day. I showed her around the playground and introduced her to my friends. It felt good to help someone new feel welcome. Riley told me she loves art, so I told her about our school’s art club that we have art tech on Tuesdays.

How I Showed School Values This Week

Our school values include responsibility, respect, and resilience. I showed kindness by welcoming Riley and helping her get familiar with our school. I demonstrated respect by listening attentively when Urara was sharing about her culture and asking thoughtful questions instead of making assumptions.  As for perseverance, I definitely showed that by not giving up on those forty  questions!Even though they were difficult and I felt like quitting at times, I kept working on them until I completed all of them, taking breaks when needed and returning with fresh energy.

Overall Assessment of My Week

Overall, I had a pretty good week! Meeting Urara and learning about Japan was definitely a highlight that made the week special. The percentage work was challenging, but I feel proud that I pushed through and haven’t completed all forty questions. I enjoyed making a new friend in Riley and hope we can spend more time together during breaks. There were some frustrating moments when I got stuck on math problems, but the satisfaction of finally understanding them made it worthwhile.

Plans for Next Week

Next week, I’m really looking forward to when Urara comes back for her last day before returning to Japan, and I plan to participate in the special shared kai celebration our class is organizing for her, with traditional foods and farewell cards, before reluctantly heading back to tackle more of those challenging percentage homework questions that will keep me busy until after school. A day

Eating Ice cream

The creamy, vanilla-flecked dessert melted slowly on my tongue, releasing waves of sweet, nostalgic flavor that transported me instantly to childhood summers spent chasing ice cream trucks down sun-drenched suburban streets.

Golden afternoon sunlight streamed through the parlor windows, casting honeyed reflections off my spoon as I savored each mouthful of the rapidly softening treat, its coldness creating a pleasant contrast against the warmth of the day.

My taste buds danced with delight as they encountered unexpected chunks of chocolate and swirls of caramel hidden within the velvety base, each discovery eliciting a small, involuntary smile that I couldn’t suppress even if I had wanted to.

The ice cream’s delicate architecture began to surrender to the heat, transforming from perfectly sculpted scoops into glistening rivulets that traced lazy paths down the side of my waffle cone, requiring quick, strategic licks to prevent a sticky cascade over my fingers.

With each indulgent spoonful, I found myself closing my eyes to better concentrate on the symphony of textures – from silky smoothness to occasional crystalline fragments of ice that crunched pleasantly between my teeth before dissolving into nothingness.

As the final sweet remnants disappeared, leaving behind only the faintest trace of vanilla on my palate and a lingering satisfaction in my soul, I understood why something as simple as ice cream could evoke such profound contentment in people of all ages across cultures and continents.

 

Eating noodles

Steam rose in fragrant spirals from the deep ceramic bowl before me, carrying with it the complex aromas of savory broth, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs that danced beneath my nostrils and awakened every hungry cell in my body.

The noodles, silken and glistening, coiled enticingly amongst vibrant vegetables and tender morsels of meat, their pale strands providing a perfect canvas for the rich sauce that clung to them with delicious persistence.

I twirled my chopsticks with practiced precision, gathering a perfect portion of the slippery strands that stretched upward from the bowl in an elegant arc, droplets of broth falling back like culinary rain as I guided them toward my anticipating mouth.

The first bite delivered an explosion of umami that spread across my palate like a warm wave, the noodles offering just the right resistance before yielding to the gentle pressure of my teeth in that perfect textural moment between firmness and surrender.

Each subsequent mouthful revealed new dimensions of flavor—bright notes of ginger and scallion, the earthy depth of mushrooms, the subtle heat of chilies that built slowly at the back of my throat—all harmonizing in a culinary symphony that made time seem to slow around me.

As I reached the bottom of the bowl, I tipped it slightly to capture the last precious spoonful of broth, feeling a profound satisfaction settle over me like a comfortable blanket, knowing that few experiences in life rival the simple, transcendent pleasure of a well-crafted bowl of noodles enjoyed with mindful appreciation.