Sunday 20 November 2016

Chemistry

CHEMISTRY

Over the past few days, Mr Shanahan’s literacy group have had an awesome time looking at chemistry. We tested different substances and tried to find what 5 mystery powders were, depending on their reaction with our base. The first day, we took the 5 powders and smelt, touched and even tasted them to see what they were. Then we mixed them with vinegar and tried to identify them.

The next day we did a cool experiment with red cabbage and mystery powders 1 and 4. First we put cabbage leaves in a ziplock bag and added water. We mixed them together until the water turned a lovely purple/blue colour. Then we poured the water into a clear cup and put spoonfuls of it into our powders. Powder 1 made the water turn blue and made it less transparent unless there was more water. Powder 2 turned pink and created lots of bubbles that fizzed up and overflowed out of the cup!


We all loved our chemistry experiments, here some photos of the wonderful outcomes.




Great job everyone. We all had a fantastic time learning about the world
of chemistry. 

Thursday 17 November 2016

Sculpture on the Shore is here!

The syndicates of Vauxhall school visited Fort Takapuna this week to look at all the amazing pieces of art that artists around New Zealand have created. I highly suggest visiting Fort Takapuna and seeing the artwork before it’s too late.
See those boxs above?
Thoose were made by the students at Vauxhall. 
Make sure to keep an eye out for them.          







By Alisa, Rose and Annabelle 

                                                                
           That beautiful buoy up above was created by a
woman called Ke'ala. Her daughter Tataiarangi
is a yr 6 student at Vauxhall School.









Wednesday 16 November 2016

Spring

Spring

A young girl steps onto wet grass, flowers sprouting before her eyes. Trees blossom with ripe fruit and birds chatter away on the first day of Spring. Spring painted the sky blue, birds flying with happiness. Baby birds are born in their nests, rabbits jumping up and down with glee. The strong wind turns to a soft breeze, the seas waves lapping against the white sand. Spring climbs up a big oak, his arms holding her as she goes higher. Spring looked over the land, her smile widening. She spent days in happiness, exploring, and laughing.

Spring knew it was time to go back where she belonged, and it was her turn to go back. Spring said her last words to the land  and disappeared into the sun.

By Elka


Ode to a Cat

Ode To A Cat

The cat, she lazes and mews,
The cat, she laps and chews.
The cat relaxes on my bed,
Happy thoughts going around her head.
Oh, to be a cat.

The cat, she's soft
and her body is light,
The cat,she sleeps and
Purrs with delight,
Oh,to be a cat.

The cat, she awakes
so peacefully.
Goes out to hunt,
Comes back with tea.
A generous present her owners don’t care for…
Oh, to be a cat!

By Annabelle



Recipe for Christmas tree fruit biscuits

Christmas tree fruit biscuits
What you need:
a large bowl
1 cup of self raising flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of ginger
½ cup of assorted dried fruit eg. Raisins sultanas etc.
1 egg
1 cup brown sugar
⅓ teaspoon of salt
50 grams of soft unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a Christmas tree shaped cookie cutter
Method:
  1. Whisk the flour and salt together in a bowl.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
  3. Place the butter into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Beat the butter using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a flat paddle attachment until the butter is creamy and smooth.
  5. Add the sugar and continue beating the butter and sugar for about 2 mins or until the mix is yellow and pale.
  6. Beat in the egg.
  7. Add the vanilla extract and half a cup of dried fruit. beat the batter for another 2 mins.  
  8. Add half cup of dry ingredients slowly. Stir until they are mixed well together.
  9. Keep adding the dry ingredients in ½ cup intervals then mix well.
  10. Turn the dough out onto a counter or cutting board dusted with flour.
  11. Divide the dough evenly into small squares, roll it out and then with your Christmas tree shaped cookie cutter cut out your biscuits.
  12. Put your Christmas cookies in the oven at 180 degrees keep them there for 20 - 25 mins.
  13. You can decorate with any type of fruit and icing.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

By Abby & Jessie

Sunday 6 November 2016

Totara 2017 Information Evening Slideshow


Waterwise

Waterwise

It’s summer! (Well kind of). Even the cold hasn't stopped the year sixes jumping into the water for another exciting term of Waterwise.

Every year the Year 6 students go down to the beach in Term 1 and Term 4 and learn how to sail, on completely still days we get to go kayaking.

This is a great opportunity for the seniors of the school and an amazing life lesson.
Maybe you have even seen us down there one Tuesday morning.

By Alisa, Rose, Annabelle