My Sailing Experience - Alecia Haiosi

It was a very sunny day, with a clear blue sky. This was going to be the first day of our Activity Days and I was certain to make the most of it. Everyone was so excited. Lucky for me, there were only ten people in my group, otherwise we would of never fit in the van. The first group had already had their turn and when we arrived they were their at the Yacht Club.

When we hopped out we were greeted from our other classmates. After our reunion the first group hopped into the van and waved goodbye. When they left we all got prepared. We were then greeted by our instructor Ruben. Everyone received their safety gear and then we all walked down to the beach. There were at least six boats waiting down by the shore. We all surrounded the blue boat and Ruben started explaining to us how to use the boat.

There were 2 parts in the boat to work. The steering and the sail. The steering was at the back of the boat, it will control where the boat will go. The sail was at the front of the boat. To position it you need to either pull or release the rope. Ruben showed us how to work the sail properly. Soon enough we were all partnered up and we were taking our boats out into the ocean. I was partnered up with Rachel. Catherine was with Lupe, Pepe was with Joshua and Patrick was with Misiotei. I was in the purple boat. When we got out into the water it was so hard mainly because of the sail. We then got stuck for a while but we eventually got out into the ocean.

It felt so great, sailing. I had completely underestimated it. I thought that it would be so tiring and boring. But really it was a great feeling when the boat was going fast. We finally caught up with the other boats and Ruben was in the motorboat, with Oscar and Ierei. Ruben told us where to go and we followed. Surprisingly no one had fell out of the boat yet. Rachel then had to swap with Ierei. Rachel hopped out and Ierei hopped in. It was harder with Ierei mainly because she hadn’t had much experience.

After a long ride in the water Ruben then told us to go back to the shore. I was disappointed at first but then happy because I was extremely hungry, thirsty and tired. When the boats were close enough to the shore we all hopped out of the boats and dived into the water. Everyone was so happy in the water. We then pulled the boats back to shore and started cleaning up. After cleaning up everyone got changed and we ate our lunch. Everyone was silent and just enjoyed their lunch. I was so exhausted but happy at the same time. So all I could say about that day was that it was a really great experience.

Sonya's Netball Tournament Recount

Whistle’s blown everywhere, short skirts worn, &  balls thrown everywhere. Yesterday the year 8 & 7 team went to the  netball tournament. It was a indescribable experience. It started off with a cold and cloudy day. I was so nervous my teeth shook wildly. The other teams looked very experienced and intimidating.

The day started off with the year 7’s first game, which in my opinion was a awesome way to start the day. Our year 8 team had alot of time to get ready for our first team, while we waited we watched a male match. It was quite different and it looked fun. A couple of minutes later our first game was going to commence. So we all rushed to the court to start the game.

In total we had 4 games, plus the 1 night game.  I especially liked meeting new people & mixing with different schools. I couldn't resist but to feel nervous throughout the games and day. I had to make sure that  my nerves did not affect the game. I played as hard as I could, which is all that mattered.

I enjoyed myself, and I hope everyone else did. The beautiful, rough day ended off with a frozen drink. Which was what we all needed. I will always cherish this  day, and the honour of playing with my friends.

Jane's Holiday Recount

The last day of school I had been really busy at the hospital which is why I didn’t make it to school.

Everyone's waiting patiently but I wasn’t, I was everywhere because I couldn’t keep my excitement to myself. I think some of my family member were a bit annoyed of my reaction towards the good news they were spreading. I was totally filled with joy and couldn’t even think about anything else. Waiting  patiently was too long for me to hold and I was making a big fuss about it.

Finally the moment had come. My little nephew had finally arrive into the world. We all entered the room and saw him lying down on his mothers chest. He was a little greedy boy because his arrival had stolen everyone's heart from the very beginning. Everyone got a chance to hold him, I was the first to actually say welcome to the world “Francis”. He’s a really cute, tiny little boy. No words can explain how over the moon I was when he arrived.

Later on that day we headed home and that whole afternoon I spent holding him and giving him a nice warm cuddle. He is irreplaceable, in my family’s heart that is where he’ll always be. Last year on my mother’s birthday she wished to have a grandchild on her 40th birthday. She was filled with smiles when her wish had been granted. I spend my whole holiday babysitting my little nephew.

All the time waiting patiently in the hospital was worth it. No words can describe how excited we all were on that day. I wish Francis a happy and peaceful life. I am really looking forward for his future.