PBS Speech Champs!

Huge congratulations to Fine (who placed1st) and Yvette (who placed 2nd) for their outstanding speeches! Both girls chose very real topics and use their knowledge of persuasive language features to keep their audience hooked in. Room 5 is extremely proud of you both!

Sajiha's Speech

Imagine living every day in paranoia. Knowing that everywhere you go, everything you do, you are being judged by everyone around you. Imagine, walking into a shop and having someone watch your every movement thinking you’re going to reveal a bomb. Just because I have something covering my hair, doesn’t mean I want to cause you harm. Imagine being mocked, bullied, hurt just because you don’t look like everyone around you. Have you ever wondered how it feels to think no one likes you, how it feels to sit alone. How it feels to walk a day in my shoes.

Salam, Hello, Malo lelei, Talofa Lava, Meegalaba. We have all these different greetings but yet, in the eyes of others, some of us are still different. Many choose to single out the differences, when we should be focusing on the similarities. Sadly, Racial discrimination is a worldwide problem because some people are brought up to believe their race, their beliefs, their culture and their language is superior to others.

First of all let me make this clear. We are all created equally. Under our black skin, under our white skin, under our yellow skin, there is always red blood. So why, do we look on the surface instead of looking deep inside.

Racial discrimination involves any act where people are treated unfairly because of their race color, religion or beliefs. Last week, a 16 year old schoolgirl in England was knocked unconscious as she walked to school, simply for celebrating the fact Allah is her god. Why did her attacker choose her? Well, most likely because of the black scarf around her head.

It’s time to move forward. It’s time to embrace our differences and its time racism became extinct as a word. Everyone has the right to be true to themselves. Don’t you agree?

Fine's Speech

Good Morning students and teachers,

Think about a time where you’ve been in public. Alone. Vulnerable. Prey to the many spectators that are quick to assume the flaws you possess. Strangers, expecting you to be someone you are not. You've done absolutely nothing, yet the only thing that fills their minds are the assumptions of the terrible person you are. These thoughts, purely fueled by your appearance.

Why can’t they tell us the thoughts they have in their heads, about our culture, about our heritage, about the flaws our people have.  Just because I am brown, it does not mean I am violent. Just because I am brown,  it does not mean I don’t eat breakfast in the mornings. Just because I am brown, it does not give you the right to act like I am any different from you.  After all we're different races not a different species. And yet, the uncertainty in their voices, proves the lack of understanding, they have when they attempt to belittle our people and our ways.  

So tell me. When will we ever become more than a label?  

Yes, we see the outer shell of one's character but have we thought about the content inside? We assume the truth, just because that is what we've learnt. The opinions of one’s race is taught to a child like the rules of a classroom, handed down like the clothes of a sibling, and is as common as a mother's love for her child.  

Now, I can not just let this problem be overlooked, like it has been! This is more important than a lot of the things we claim as “Relevant” in the lives we live today. How does this not come up in a conversation you have with a friend, yet the most pointless things do?

Because of stereotypical labels, believe it or not people have died. How many times on the news have you heard of the innocent person who ended up dead on the street? The policeman who thought he had a weapon on him, just because the colour of his skin was a sign that he was threatening. Is it a coincidence that 94% of these victims are coloured?

“I love you too” Sean Bell’s last words before he died. Shot 50 times on his wedding day. Police thought he had a firearm yet the weapon is still not found. They thought. They assumed. They used the colour of his skin to back up their assumptions. Because of this his fiance is unwed, his to be child unborn, his life that was once planned out, now abandoned , like the rest of them.

I am Tired, disgusted, hurt and angry, yet prepared, committed, dedicated and impatient for a change.

We can't stop the thoughts we have about people. We can't stop ourselves from having an opinion. What we can stop, is assuming who people are. Expecting them to be one thing, when they are the other. We should ask not assume. Start a conversation not a rumor. Be normal not sympathetic. For then, and only then, will our true individuality reach its full meaning.

Stop closing your eyes to the things that matter. We must at least make an effort to see beyond race, because if we don’t, who will?

Yvette's Speech

I’m going to skip the greetings and just go straight to the issue. In my opinion the more you understand the harm this causes, the more you’ll be willing to stop it. Bullying. What does this mean to you? When you hear that word, does it trigger any emotions - provoke you, in any way? Or… do you simply look the other way?  If that’s the case, I truly hope that you listen carefully. This issue needs to be explained, because I am over bullying being swept under the carpet. It does exist! It does happen, and you need to understand that!

Bullying is a form of power that is used to make someone else feel physically and emotionally unstable. It makes them feel insecure about themselves and; makes them question every choice they make. That is plain horrible. I can’t imagine Hailey Petee asked to live in fear of what might be said about her every time she left the house. I can’t imagine why Phoebe Prince asked to hear the constant stream of abuse hurled at her each time she walked out the door. I can’t imagine Amanda Todd asked to have a private photo shared with the world. All these real people have sadly started a new life in heaven; all because of bullying.

A teacher wanted to get the message of bullying out, so she told her students to get a piece of paper, and scrunch it up. Step on it and make it as mashed up as possible; but still try not to rip it. Then the students were told to unfold the paper, smooth out the mess they had made, and see how dirty and damaged it looked. The were then told to say sorry to the paper, but even though they apologized and tried to repair it, the damage didn’t go away. They were told that the scars would never no go away, no matter how much they tried to fix it. This is what happens when a person bullies someone. They say sorry, but the scars are there forever. The damage is done. I really hope you get that message. There are unseen scars, hidden tears, the feeling of dread… Bullying hurts.

Think about the digital footprint you leave behind. Think about the things that you say. Think about the information you give. Think about the reputation you want to up hold; you only have one. It’s okay to walk away. It’s okay to tell someone. It’s okay to ask for help. I want this message to get out, because bullying has to STOP! Bullying closes the door for people and makes them think they have no way out. They lose their belief in everything - that things will never get better. They turn to their faith, and they feel like their faith lets them down. I hope you guys understand the how bad bullying is. We’ve been raised in a society of hate, discrimination, racism. How serious do the consequences need to get before bullies realise bullying is not okay? Word’s hurt…

Learning to use direct speech: San Tat and Oh S'Mar

“Hi Oh S’Mar I think we should have breakfast at school,” stated San Tat

“Why?” questioned Oh S’Mar.

“Because students without having breakfast struggle in their learning!” shouted San Tat.

“Wow don’t people care about students struggle at school, “said Oh S’Mar

“I know right I can't believe that people don't even care,” San Tat yelled.

Me and my partner used a website called Ifaketext.com we used this app the make a conversation about should children have breakfast at school. We were learning to use direct speech and have tried to experiment with different 'said' words.

Learning to Use Direct Speech: Sajiha and Yvette

This is my Ifaketext with sajiha on whether breakfast in schools should be provided. It is in two different versions - direct speech, and on ifaketext. We both agreed that breakfast should be provided. We state multiple reasons why we think this way. 

Persuasive Writing: Ducati

Should New Zealand change its official flag?


In my opinion, I don’t really know what to choose. Have you made a decision? Well I haven’t, and I don’t want to be cruel, but I don’t want to choose the wrong side. So I don’t know what to do.

1834, 1840, and 1903 are all the times New Zealand has changed the flag. But, the flag is still similar, so we have still kept the honour that our soldiers have fought for our freedom, it’s making my decision hard. Yet about 5% of the world’s flags have not been changed, so the rest of the countries have changed their flag.

I am unsure, and apprehensive about my decision. The flag is a symbol of honour so it would be hard to give up, and  it’s making my decision hard for me. If you're unsure about a decision, then you know how I feel. Everyone is trying to make me “Think like them” and choose their side to be on. Thinking about my decision is so hard, considering that I am very picky(I have a hard time making a decision).

Would you choose changing the flag? Or Would you choose not changing the flag? Well I just don’t know. Neither side is wrong, yet neither side is right. My decision will come in time, not now, tomorrow, the next, or the next, but it will come.

I just don’t have a decision to make, because the idea of the flag changing is alright, but what about not changing the flag? Well could I ask you one thing?  “Do you think I’m right?”

Persuasive Writing: Oh S'Mar and Harry

Here is a presentation that I did with my partner Harry. Our task was to make a presentation or a information poster on what a persuasive writing is. We have included all the features and the structure to make a Persuasive writing.

Persuasive Writing: Fine

Should New Zealand change their flag?

We grow up in a generation where a flag defines a country’s importance, stereotyped label, past and future. New Zealand already has a flag that shows our importance and what kind of a multicultural country we are. It acknowledges our past and will contain our futures memories. So I ask you this question, how does changing the flag respect our countries milestones and hardships? I feel that if we changed our flag, we would be being disrespectful to many. If we redesigned our flag, will our coming generation be able to respect the soldiers that have died for it? Will they be able to see through the stars and appreciate our ancestors that navigated all day and night to find our homeland? Will they be able to see the small amount of red that resembles the blood of our tiny nation? Will they be able to appreciate the navy blue that surrounds and protects our shores? No. They won’t, because the most important representations of our country won't be acknowledged.

We need to know that the designer of our new flag will be able to include essential icons of our nation. We need to know that he/she will produce a flag that is instantly recognized as ours, and our current flag has accomplished that quite well already. How can we put so much trust into one person? Although many people feed off pressure and use it as a fuel to drive them towards their goals, we can’t expect the designer to produce a flag as good and honourable as the current flag.

The cost for changing the flag, is an estimated 25.7 million dollars! Money the wrecked homes in Canterbury have been overlooked for 3-4 years could well use. How can New Zealand be able to use all this money on the changing of a flag, when we have citizens who have no homes. The money should be going to the families who are struggling and the people who actually need help. This is a waste of money, that New Zealand can’t afford!

The soldiers who have fought for us in wars, used the flag as a motivation to fight and bear through the heartache, loss and pain. They used the flag to represent themselves whether an individual or crowd. They used the flag as a symbol of hope to return home. They used it as a promise, to fight for the freedom of their families. Why do the people who have probably never even held a gun in the defence of their country, get to decide whether their connections with the flag are taken away?

We can not change the flag of New Zealand! We can not take away history and memories! We can not take away the opportunity of the coming generations to grow up with the proud flag we all have grown up with! We have to make a stand and remain with the same flag that our ancestors have fought for, our athletes have been represented with, and the same flag that has brought our country pride. New Zealand’s history needs to remain intact!

Persuasive Writing: Tim

Should New Zealand Change their Flag?

Most people are happy with our national flag, but some want to have more traditional icons in our flag, like the silver fern, maori designs, etc. If I stated my opinion I would say no. 

First of all, why waste the money? New Zealand is spending a lot of money towards this flag. 25.7 million dollars! Why waste it on a new flag when our current flag has been up since the early 1900s. We should think about all the people with poverty and remember without food, water and a roof on top of their heads, they can’t survive. Without the nutrition they need in their bodies, these people can become unhealthy which can lead to serious illness.

Secondly, we should think about the soldiers, that took a risk fighting for our country under the Union Jack and the four red stars. They had to sacrifice their lives so we could be free. New Zealand wouldn’t be a free country if the soldiers hadn't fought for us.

Thirdly, what’s wrong with our current flag? It honours the past and has been and will be around for decades. If New Zealand changed their flag, yes it may be remembered but the current flag was very important to people back in the 1900s.

In conclusion, I say no! New Zealand should keep their icons, keep the union jack and to  keep the 4 red stars. What do you think? Should New Zealand change their flag?

Persuasive Writing: Sajiha

Should NZ change its Flag?

Have you ever thought about New Zealand changing it’s official flag? In my opinion, I disagree with changing the flag! The current flag has history and has been flying in the air for more than one hundred years.

First of all, cast your mind back to when WW1 occurred, to all those brave soldiers who fought for our country under the flag that we have today. Imagine how they would feel if we changed it? Our flag has history and memories that our ancestors want to keep forever. It has meaning that no other country in the world has. Just think about that for a moment.

Secondly, do you know how much money it will cost just to change the flag? It will cost approximately 25.7 million dollars as we would need to change everything that has our current flag on it. Remember the earthquake in Christchurch and the recent floods in Wanganui? Don’t you think this money should be used to rebuild the destroyed homes? I believe helping cities in NZ is more important than just changing a flag!

Hundreds of countries have changed their flag and yet have not been recognized. If we change our flag too, many countries won’t be able to identify where we are from and who we are instantly. Plus, the NZ flag has already been changed in 1834, 1840, and 1903. It’s probably going to be changed again so why should we put in so much effort? It would also just be a huge argument over which flag to choose as we are approximately 4.471 million. I think we should just keep our flag the way it is!

I’m sure I have persuaded you to think like me! Remember to acknowledge the confidence our NZ soldiers had when they fought under our flag, the amount of other important things we can spend the money on and how countries won’t be able to recognize our country because of all the changes that have been changed in our flag. What’s your opinion?

Persuasive Text: Yvette

These are my screenshots of a fake text. I used iFakeText to create fake messages based around the debate about chaging the New Zealand flag. My messages are against the flag being changed, and Evelyn my partner is for. These messages state the different reasons for and against. 

Phoenix's Speech

Reading comic books

greetings  students and teachers I am here to talk about comic books and why we should read them in schools and make it a part of our reading program  and you can make that happen

so did you know Millions of people read comics so why can't we it would fun and educational and you would learn a lot Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to the library filled with comics for you to read  kids would read more often and it would be fun you would learn cool new things and it would be exiting

did you know the first superhero comic book was published in 1937 because the percent of kids in schools who enjoy reading and read is very low and this reading comics could make could raise the number and increase our reading

reading comic books will help them learn it would make them happy, they would know lots of new exciting facts you would not have to worry about reading uncool books  did you know only 56 percent  of kids enjoy reading books at school and did you know that 50 million people read comic books so imagine that in school

did you know also that the first comic book superhero was superman if this does not happen kids would stop reading imagine a world where no one knew how to read and didn't want to read i would not want to live in that world know one would be smart  

If we put comic books in schools we could increase school reading program it would be blasting to the roof kids would want and enjoy to read  just think if this happens all kids in schools would like to read  and would be very smart and would know everything about reading and comics I say yes to this because we would learn and have fun if this happens but this is not about my opinion its about your opinion and about you making this decision to change the history of our learning forever for you your children and your children’s  children so please put comics books in schools reading program thank you for listening i hope you enjoyed my speech

Kataraena's Speech

My Speech

Kia Ora and Greetings to everybody that is present here today. Do you  think we should have a tuck shop?  Do we need it? Do you want it?  Think of all the positive things that will be coming our way if we had a tuck shop.  Firstly.  Imagine if we had a tuck shop, kids will focus on their work, even kids might get an a+ in their reports. Who knows? By the end of the year, the school could make loads  of money and spend it on  more ICT equipment, the senior camp, extra  learning tools for the

class and more educational trips.

Secondly what if we needed money for  something like camp, and the only way to

fundraise it was a sausage sizzle day? And  still don't have enough money. What happens then?

So back to my question, do you think we should  have a tuck shop? I strongly believe we should,  because it says on the news that kids are going  to school without food so most of the kids that have no food stay at home and don't attend school.

We could also serve healthy food because as  nutritionists suggests, healthy food gives you mileage.  Not just physically but mentally  too. Just visualise the beautiful food we could have, subway type filled rolls, Soup on a cold day, fruit kebabs, salad, and smoothies  

My opinion is to have a tuck shop and make it cheap so that parent’s that can’t afford to buy food at any other place can go to the tuck shop and boom, happy kids, happy teacher’s, happy parent’s and happy learning. We could also have parent’s  being more involved with helping out.  Preparing food at school will help parent's be more aware of the importance of having a tuck shop at school and will be more aware of school life and know what their children are learning.

Many kids will starve if they have no food at school.  They won’t be motivated, and won’t focus on their work and also they don’t have to come to school wondering about what food they will be eating.  Or listening to their stomach rumble because they are hungry.

So to recap on my main points of my argument so that you are keeping up with my speech: We should have a tuck shop because of all the positives that it can bring

to us.  Mrs Anderson we will have children who are more focussed on their work and motivated to learn.

Mr Johnston you will see the benefits by looking at all the awesome equipment we can buy for the students.  your student attendance will rise because children are

keen to come to school everyday....because of the Tuck shop and food.  Our parents will become more involved in the school life

So just think about it guys, the way to a happy child's heart is through their stomach.  

Thanks for listening and I hope you learnt something new.

This is a photo of me doing my speech, it was scary but its better to get it over with it.

Leila's Speech

My Speech

Should teachers drink coffee in class?

I think no because why should they

get a nice hot drink and the rest of

the class just sit and watch them

enjoy it. Why should we dehydrate

desperately waiting for the bell to ring?

Do you want to dehydrate in your

classroom? Just imagine you're sitting

at your desk waiting for the bell to go

and your teacher is drinking her coffee.

Have you ever wondered if your teacher

felt sorry for you and stop drinking

coffee or have they ever seen your mouth

water.

Well I have asked my teacher if she

would stop drinking coffee in front

of us she said “No!”. I also wonder

what if their is a world record on how

much coffee you drink? The one word

that I would describe my teacher is a

coffeeholic.

I think teachers should not drink coffee

because it is not fair on the students

that teachers get to enjoy their drink

and we just sit there all thirsty. It is also

not fair that we the students have too

wait till morning tea or lunch too get a

drink of water

The reason I think teachers should  not drink

coffee is because it has some side effects and

it is also not fair on the students.

If you are starting too drink coffee

and you have noticed it has given

you an extra boost you need to

know that if you keep drinking coffee

like 3 cups a day then you would have

these side effects: panic attacks,

irregular heartbeat, sleep deprivation,

continues stomach problems, sleep disorders,

difficult concentration, and headaches.

Why do teachers drink coffee more

than water? Do you know that coffee

has some very negative side effects and

water does not. But if you drink too much

water then there can be some side effects.

I suggest if the teachers won't stop

drinking coffee then I believe that the

students should at least be allowed

too eat like a bar of chocolate without

getting growled at, because chocolate

and coffee have caffeine in them and if

you drink too much coffee you can

get difficult concentration and headaches

too. Also if you eat too much chocolate

you can get the same side effects.

So teachers should NOT drink coffee

because it is not fair on the students

and remember teachers that you have

being saying too be a role model so

I think you too can be role models

and STOP drinking coffee. Also

remember their can be some very

dangerous side effects too drinking

too much coffee.

This is my speech I wrote. The topic was Should teachers drink coffee in class? I chose to go against so I said NO.