Food for the Soul

Hey there

I have been reading the Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayerss, by Swami Paramananda, every day for the past 10 years.

If you can get your hands on  a hard-copy, you'll never regret it.

In my opinion, it is the best gift you can give to anyone you care about.

Here is an online version which I saved to Kree's Blog

Or you can click on the link below :

Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers

There are 407 pages in this book so it might take a few seconds to download depending on your broadband speed.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

 

Here is today's reading as it appears in the book:

August Sixteenth

Salient thought for the day

God has given us life that we may express joyousness of heart.

Lines to memorize

My soul is happy with an inexpressible joy

Since I saw His smiling face turned toward me.

I can never forget that radiant smile;

Where'er I go it haunts me by day and it

haunts me by night.

When in grim despair of life, it brightens

my path with hope and love.

Lesson

No man can attain his goal without practising the higher principles of life.

No man can be truly happy who is selfish.

What possible use is outer light if there is darkness within?

Happiness is a quality of the soul.

It enters the soul which has tasted God-consciousness.

God is ever cheerful.

Life is given us to work out our freedom and lasting happiness.

Prayer

O Thou Giver of all joy, may I not be unworthy of Thy gifts,

But may I radiate happiness and cheer in every hour of my daily life.

Help me to realize that when I am sad, it is because I am separated from Thee.

All my sadness and sorrow will vanish when I seek thee with open heart.

Swami Paramananda Page 255 Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers

(Re-typed by Kree...please pardon any errors)

Maori Language Week 26 July to 1 August

How are you celebrating Maori Language Week?

I am going to Whakarewarewa Thermal Village today with my friend Mano who arrives

from the UK around 12 noon. It is going to be awesome.

The theme for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week 2010 is te mahi kai, or the l

language of food.

The theme this year is 'te mahi kai', or to gather food. As part of the theme, members of the public can donate food to council, which will then be given to the Tauranga Community Trust Foodbank. Keren says people can then enter a competition by translating the collected food items to Maori. All food can be dropped at Tauranga Library. "The idea is that people do some research to find out what the Maori word is," says Keren. A similar competition for council workers is being held and involves staff dropping items at the council's cafeteria. Keren says more people are accepting the Maori language. "Even if people come away learning one Maori word, that's a good thing."

Maori Language. Net

Youtube Videos

Check out my Youtube Channel, click on Playlists - heaps of Maori Waita, songs and dance

to share.

"Ko te Aroha tonu te tino mea - there is nothing greater than LOVE!"

IHC Volunteers Make a Difference

Mission Heights Schools SunRay Computers

The Most Efficient System for Day to Day Relief Teaching

Being an EDForce Relief Teacher means you …

1. Can access more work other than just using the telephone.
2. Can accept work quickly and easily on your mobile phone, or the website..
3. Can accept work at any time.
4. Can access work in any region throughout New Zealand.
5. Will receive instant text message and email notifications when you have been 'successful' or 'unsuccessful' accepting vacancies.
6. Will get priority over vacancies when learning institutes put you on their 'Preferred List'.
7. Don't have to wait for phone calls for work.
8. Don't have to answer several phone calls for work.
9. Don't have to feel pressured into accepting work over the phone.
10. Can plan your days, weeks and months ahead.
11. Can choose where your want to teach.
12. Can choose when you want to teach.
13. Can choose the age levels of students you want to teach.
14. Can view all your upcoming and completed vacancies on the website.
15. Can receive instant email notifications for part time, fixed term and permanent positions. READ MORE>>>

 

Volunteer 4 IHC

Operation Orange Day is May 21

Teaching Matters

Operation Orange Day is May 21. It's a day for NZEI members to focus on the call for a trail of National Standards. In the lead up to May 21 our aim is to have all members collect 10 signatures on the Trial the Standards Not Our Kids petition. On the 21st members will be holding Orange themed events, wearing orange, eating orange morning tea, flying orange balloons and more.
Join the discussion on ideas for Operation Orange Day activities, download an Operation Orange mission pack and sign up for campaign actvity and, most importantly, collect 10 signatures on the petition.

 

 

My opinion of National Standards

• Posted by jan Lee on April 21, 2010 at 3:58pm
• View jan Lee's blog

Untested National Standards
The Government says National Standards assessment will raise children’s achievement. There is no supporting evidence that they will raise children’s achievement. Teachers already use assessment practises to monitor children’s progress and identify those children who are struggling. Teachers then provide programmes to cater for the needs of these children. Why is this Government spending tens of millions of dollars to roll out National Standards, which are untested and have failed in other countries, to replace robust assessment practises that already exist in our Schools and at a National level through the National Education Monitoring Project.
National Standards encourage schools to match children to various levels for reading, writing and maths based on their age. As teachers and parents we know children develop at their own pace and will peak and ebb in their progress, because of cognitive development. Children also come to school with strengths and talents in areas of the curriculum that are not literacy and numeracy based. Some children enter school without early childhood education and need to learn skills to socialise and respond to programmes at their level, other children take longer to read and write, surely labelling these children as failures will damage their motivation to learn. We want enthusiastic children who progress their learning and have a sense of self worth to better live in our communities.
The reporting process developed for National Standards will lead to data that can be used in simplistic forms of league tables. These tables will compare schools, creating a perception of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ schools and failing children. Data that is collected for league tables does not reflect the effective teaching and social mentoring that has raised student achievement from where the child was to where the child is now. Lots of children start behind the norm and will make progress but not at the rate of others.
At the cost of tens of millions of dollars the Government continues to push the rollout of the Standards in the face of public and education sector support for the Standards to be trialled. The effectiveness of these standards needs to be tested.
The tens of millions of dollars would be better spent on providing programmes and support to address the needs of the children already identified in our schools as our failing tail. This tail reflects children who are educationally disadvantaged, affected by poverty and in some cases from dysfunctional families.
As a parent and teacher I need to know that what we do for our children is of benefit and is educationally sound. Trial the Standards, so that I can make an informed judgment, that is best for teaching and learning in our Primary Schools.

Farewell & Good Luck

Mrs Raman no longer teaches at Mission Heights Primary. I want to thank the Principal, Students, Board and Parents for my stay at MHP and the memories I take with me. May you continue from strength to strength in growing excellence. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.

Kind regards,

Kree Raman

School Closed for end of Term 4

Please note that School is now closed and will reopen next year, end of January 2010 – date to be confirmed.

Merry Christmas, Prosperous New Year and a Happy holiday to all.

500 Visitors to our Blog

Our Blog has 500 Visitors
Total since 15 September 2009 - 15 December 2009

National Standards

National Standards Website

Professional Development

The first introductory National Standards webinar has been held and is available now online as a recording.

The following link will take you to a macromedia breeze streaming presentation: http://www.v6.breezeserver.co.nz/p58427400/

You can download the Powerpoint used in this presentation:

National Standards Powerpoint presentation (PowerPoint, 3 MB)

Integrated Studies - Links - Survival

Our World/Habitats

I have saved some new links on our Delicious Bookmarks - be sure to take a look...there are some really cool videos. Click on Our World/Habitats above or on the picture below.

Holiday Recount by Akaash

In the holidays I went to Rainbow's End with my friends.  First my sister and I went on the go carts. My sister went so fast! Then we went on the Gold Rush. It went fast too and it was so scary. There were strange noises! Twenty minutes later we went on the log flume. It was scary because there was a talking frog. After the  log flume we watched a magic show and ate lunch. We had chicken express and it was yum. Fifteen minutes later  we went to Motion Master. It was new in 3D. It was scary and  I nearly flew off my chair because my chair was moving so fast. Then we went on the bumper cars and also the bumper boats.  They were both fun but I liked the bumper boats better. It was so cool at Rainbow's End.

A few days later  my sister, my dad and I went to the movies and watched Up. I had popcorn, ice cream and a drink which was yummy.  
I had a great holiday.

Hello Akaash,
Thank you for emailing me your holiday recount. Sounds like you had an exciting time at Rainbow's End....makes me jealous!!
Next time in your writing, pay attention to Capitals and full-stops. Also write a conclusion.
Well done.

Mrs Raman

Holiday Recount by Cee

In the Holiday I went to sleep over at my friend's house.
The first sleep-over was just a fun one and the second one was a birthday party.
My friend's name is Alyssa. I had a great time at the sleepover.

On Thursday of the first week of the holiday, I went to Rainbow's End.
It was fun going with my sister and my dad. We  went on lots and lots of rides. My favourite were all the rides I went on.
I had fun with my dad and my sister.

Nearly every day I went to dinner at Thai Restaurant. It was yummy!
I also went to the $2.00 shop many times. I had fun shopping for a long time. 

I went to the movies twice. I played arcade games at the movies. It was wonderful.

I  had the greatest holiday ever.
By Cee

 

Hello Cee,
Thank you for emailing me your Holiday Recount.
I really enjoyed reading your recount. I have proofread and edited it so there are a few changes.
I loved your paragraphing. Next time, use full-stops instead of exclamation marks.
Well done on an interesting and informative recount.
Mrs Raman

I am Akaash (aged 8)

I am a boy who enjoys playing computer-games
I wonder what the future holds
I hear the crashing noise of my computer games
I see the spaceships crashing in my computer game
I want to travel around the world
I am a boy who enjoys playing computer-games

I pretend to have a lot of money
I feel the wind rushing through my hair
I touch the bark on a tree
I worry about my family
I cry when people hurt me
I am a boy who enjoys playing computer-games

I understand the class treaty
I say "sh" to people who disturb the class
I dream about travelling around the world
I try to be the best in school
I hope to travel around the world someday
I am a boy who enjoys playing computer-games

I am Hudson

I am a boy who likes playing rugby

I wonder if the future is real

I hear people crying

I see people having fun outside

I want to be friendly


I am a boy who likes playing rugby

I pretend I am a famous rugby player

I feel a little grumpy

I touch my little puppy

I worry about my family

I cry when I get angry


I am a boy who likes playing rugby

I understand what my teacher is saying

I say stop it I don't like it

I dream about being a rugby player

I try hard with my writing

I hope that my family will be nice to me

I am a boy that likes playing rugby

Happy Term 3 Holidays

Just dropping in say hope you all are having a fabulous holiday. One week of rest and relaxation before we start school again.

Hope you are keeping yourselves busy, having fun while reading also. (Remember those cool links on Delicious Bookmarks).

Thanks for chatting on Mission Heights Online. Miss you all soooo much!

Mrs Raman

Listen to our Podcasts

Click on the link to listen to our latest podcasts:
Podcasts of I AM Poems

Wish Upon A Star

We are hopeful that our wishes will come true! Good luck in getting your Butler, Max!

Stars to brighten up Starship Hospital

We used glitter to decorate our Starship stars to brighten up the Children's Hospital this Christmas. These were the best six stars that were chosen from Learning Zone 12.

After the final judging, only two stars from Mission Heights Primary will be chosen to go on the wall of Starship Hospital. If someone from LZ 12 is lucky to be chosen, they will win 1,000 House Points and a library book. Good luck Cool Kids.

Sir William Manchester Library

 

 

Weaving flowers from Flax

Today Mrs Raman taught LZ12 how to make flax flowers. We learned new Maori words such as 'putiputi' which means flower and 'harakeke' which means flax.
First we removed the hard spiny bit of the flax, then we made some strips. Next we weaved the strips of flax over and under, starting from the right and always keeping the shiny side up.
Lastly we tied a knot with the remaining strips. You can twist the flower and stitch it with a needle, using the knotted strips of flax to make it look pretty.

52 Character Building Thoughts for Children

By Leah Davies, M.Ed. The following quotes may be used in a variety of ways by both teachers and counsellors. One idea is for a thought to be posted, read, and discussed at the beginning of each week. It could then be read daily with the students. At the end of the week ask them what they learned or how the thought applied to their lives or activities during the week. Have the children give written or oral examples, or have them draw a picture to illustrate their ideas. How I look is not as important as how I act. I treat others the way I want them to treat me. I am a good sport; I follow the rules, take turns and play fair. It is okay to laugh at funny things, but not to laugh at others. I do not gossip; if I cannot say anything helpful, I do not say anything at all. When I am sad, I help myself feel better by thinking of things that are good in my life. In order to have friends, I must act in a kind way. I believe that I am someone who can do important things. What I say and how I say it tells others the kind of person I am. I appreciate my family, my teachers, and my school. I treat everyone with respect. When I listen, I show others that I care about them. I am being a good citizen when I volunteer to help others. I think for myself and make smart choices that are good for me. Each day offers a new start to do my best. I try to understand what my friends are feeling. Everyone makes mistakes, so instead of getting angry with myself, I try to do better. I do not give up; I keep trying until I can do my work. Sharing with others makes me feel good and makes them feel good too. I work out my problems without hurting myself or others. I am being polite when I wait for my turn and say please and thank you. When I smile at people, they usually smile back. I encourage my friends to do their best. My values guide me to do what is right. I am honest; I do not cheat or steal. When I am angry, I use self-control and do not hurt others. I am being creative when I dance, draw, paint or write a poem or story. I say, "No!" to things that could hurt my body like tobacco and alcohol. When I do what I say I will do, I am being responsible. I am grateful for what I have, so I share with others. I try to learn something new each day. When things do not go my way, I stop and think of what I can do to make them better. I do not make fun of other children because I don't know what their life is like. I feel successful when I do my best. Everyone has good and bad feelings. I take care of myself by eating healthy food, exercising and getting enough rest. I am being punctual when I am on time and do not keep people waiting. When I cooperate with others, I get more done. I follow the rules and try to make my school a better place. I like to get to know children who are different from me. Since I tell the truth, my friends trust me. I look for what is good in others and I say what I like about them. I buy only what I need and I save my money. When I use my time wisely, there is usually enough time to do what I want to do. I think before I act; how I act affects how others treat me. Using manners helps me keep my friends. I have courage to stand up for children who are teased. Before I do something, I ask myself, "Is it safe?" I am me -- I do not try to be like someone else. I care about living things on earth so I recycle and do not litter. When I write down what I think and feel, I learn about myself. I plan ahead and think about what I want to do when I grow up.   For more ideas, see our archived article, Encouraging Thoughts.

**Happy Birthday Kendra** 19th Sept

Dear Kendra

Hope lovely surprises

Are coming your way,

To make your Birthday

A Wonderful day

Hope all that you do
Turns out happy for you
And all that you wish
Comes your way,
So each hour will bring
Every wonderful thing
You could ask of a wonderful day

From morning till night

May your birthday be bright

And nicer than ever before……

And as years come and go

May your happiness grow

And your dreams be fulfilled

Even more

May your birthday bring You as much happiness

As you give to everyone Who knows you

Happy Birthday KENDRA!

Keep smiling!!

Love always,

LZ12 & Mrs. Raman

I am Amrit Singh (Aged 8)

I am a boy who likes motorbikes
I wonder why it rains so much in winter
I hear the people talking in the night
I see children playing in the park
I want a laptop so I can learnI am a boy who likes motorbikes

I pretend I am an artist
I feel angry when someone hurts me
I touch Charlie-Bear and he feels ticklish
I worry about my family
I cry when someone hurts me very hard
I am a boy who likes motorbikes

I understand basic facts in math
I say "sh" if someone is distrupting the lesson
I dream about seeing a ghost sometimes
I try to climb up a tree
I hope I will be an artist someday
I am a boy who likes motorbikes

I am Lauriel (aged 8)

I am a girl who likes the colour purple
I wonder if there are going to be more children coming to our school
I hear the sound of the wind blowing the leaves off the trees
I see children running up and down in the park
I want to to be a singer
I am a girl who likes the colour purple

I pretend to be a singer
I feel like I am a famous singer
I touch beautiful butterflies flying up in the sky
I worry about my family
I cry when someone in my family dies
I am a girl who likes the colour purple

I understand Samoan
I say 'hello' to my friends
I dream about being a great singer
I try to do my best at school
I hope to be a winner in NZ Idol
I am a girl who likes the colour purple

I am Maria (8 years old)

I am a girl who likes kittens
I wonder if I can see the future
I hear a beautiful butterfly fluttering about
I want to have a kitten someday
I am a girl who likes kittens

I pretend to be a kitten
I feel sad when people hurt me
I touch a kitten and feel its fur
I worry when I don't tell my mum and just go outside
I cry when somebody in my family is dies
I am a girl who likes kittens

I understand if my mum growls at me
I say 'hi' when my friend comes over
I dream about being a popstar
I try to be and do my best
I hope I will be a popstar one day
I am a girl who likes kittens

I am Fiona (aged 9)

I am an artist and I likes computers
I wonder if my wishes will come true
I hear birds chirping or singing in the garden
I see pretty flowers and plants in the plant store
I want to be an artist or a designer
I am an artist and I likes computers

I pretend to be an artist
I feel the soft fur of animals
I touch books that are waiting to be read
I worry about me and my friends
I cry when I am sad
I am an artist and I like computers

I understand the virtues
I say respect is an important virtue
I dream about my wishes
I try to do stuff I've never tried before
I hope my wishes come true
I am an artist and I likes computers

LZ12 Assembly Awards

Congratulations to our Cool Kids who received certificates at today's assembly. We are so proud of you for doing your best. Keep reaching for the Stars!

eUpdates - Special Welcome to Mrs Raman