140th Grimit Anniversary Speech by Nidhi

On Friday 10th May I gave a speech at the Fiji Girmit foundation NZ gathering. Girmit is the time when people from India were taken in boats to Fiji to do sugarcane farming. The word girmit comes from the word agreement. This year it is 140 years of indians in Fiji so The Fiji Girmit Foundation of NZ organised an event to honor our girmit ancestors.  I said a speech in front of more then 500 people. I was a bit nervous before going on stage but when it was my turn I just went on stage and said it. I was very proud of myself and so were my parents and the people who were there. I met a lot of people there. Everyone said that I am a very confident speaker. The chief guest for the event was Rt Honorable Sir Anand Satayanand. I was given the opportunity to garland him. I heard in the speeches that he was the Governer General in New Zealand from 2006 to 2011. A googled what a Governor General is and I found out that he is a powerful person who reports to the queen. I also met Phoenix striker, the famous Roy Krishna who was at the event to receive an award.

It was an interesting evening for me. I saw a lot of Ministers and also learnt more about my ancestors and their history. I am now interested to learn more and plan to do some research on my roots.

Zeba's Speech

One child, one book, and one pen can change the world. Malala Yousafzai (pause) an activist for children's rights. She lived in Pakistan, a country where girls had no legal rights to a free education, yet we are taking our learning for granted. Malala was actually shot in the head because she went to school.  Can you believe that?She knew she was in danger. She was being threatened by the Taliban. Yet young, brave and confident Malala risked her life for her education. Would you do the same?

As most of you may know my name is Zeba, and I'm going to tell you why your education matters. Education is a big part of your life even if you don’t think so! It helps you build up your knowledge to make great choices and opinions

Think about your future, think about what your dream job would be. If we take our education seriously and realise education matters, we can reach our long life goal and accomplish what we want .

Did you know we as part of the Manaiakalani are very fortunate? We have digital technology. We  are not oppressed by anyone around us like Malala was. We do not get mocked because of our differences because we all have them and this makes us unique. So we can get along and focus on what is important. What do you love doing most? Is it sports, art, dancing? Whatever it is it all starts right here and the decisions you make about your education. Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

.Did you know being unfocused on your education means 25% of students are most likely to drop out of school. This means 1 out of 4 students in this class does not take education seriously. Now that’s a lot at risk but this can be prevented with hard work and determination because having the two values you can get anywhere in life but not concentrating on your education and dropping out of school is like throwing a big part of your life away. How would you feel if you ended up being a rubbish truck driver? ( pause 1,2,3) I would absolutely hate that job? This also affects your social life and your family, you will not be able to support your parents How do you think your parents will feel about your future job? taking part in education also means feeling good within because you have worked and achieved your goals. You should be working on being the best you can be.

Education is one of the biggest things that matter in your life, this is something that should not be forgotten. If you are not willing then no one can help you but if you are determined then no one can stop you.

This is my persuasive speech I will be performing to the class on Wednesday. This will determine whether I will be performing a speech in front of the whole school.

Sajiha's Speech

You are unique. No one is like you. You are one of a kind. This is what we are told over and over again but yet we are stereotyped into different groups. Wait, what are stereotypes?

Imagine you're an asian and a stranger walks up to you and says ‘I bet you are really good at maths. Well that's a stereotype.’ We are stereotyped because some people can't accept the fact that we are all different and that everyone is born unique.

So, they try to slap labels on people and to try to fit them into convenient boxes just to make them like everyone else. But the thing is, it is impossible to be like everyone else! You were born original so don’t become a copy. Good afternoon/morning. As the majority of you know, my name is Sajiha. Today, I’m going to talk to you about (1) my personal journey with stereotypes; (2) Why stereotypes are dangerous and (3) why we have to take responsibility for the stereotypes in our society.

Let me start by telling you the ways I am stereotyped. I am a girl, a muslim, I wear a hijab and I am proud of who I am. But no matter how satisfied you are with yourself, you can always be stereotyped. When I first started wearing my hijab people were constantly asking me

“Sajiha, have you gone bald?” or “Oh have you joined Isis yet?” and the way I responded to all of these comments was to take them as joke and I would laugh. But these stereotypes were more than just a bunch of words to me. Soon I started to question myself, my religion, the way I looked. I started wanting to be like others.

People who are put down by stereotypes eventually start to believe that they are what they are told, even if it is not true. Asians are smart, hard working and over achievers. Girls are weak, flirty and moody. Muslims well, they will just blow this room up right now. Well that is somewhat true because I will blow up this room (pause) with my speech, of course.

Why do stereotypes have an enormous impact on how we feel. They make us feel marginalised. They can make us feel like we are worthless. Stereotypes can create psychological pressure too. When we stereotype we are making, assumptions and categorizing people without thinking about what the consequences are. People who are stereotyped are most likely to end up believing that label and living a life that lives up to that label.

People also often blame the media for stereotypes. “It's all the media’s fault for showing asians as over achievers”, “It's all the media’s fault for showing women as weak…” “it’s all the Media’s fault for….Media! Media! Media!.”  STOP! Who is the media anyway? The Media is influenced by you, by all of us. Those posts people have been putting up saying #basicwhitethings are the sorts of things that eventually create a stereotype and then at the end of the day we blame the media, thinking that we are not part of it.

We are the ones who can define society. Yet we blame society? We need to realize the effects of stereotypes on people before we say something or post something. The way we can do this is to first accept ourselves. Next time you look in the mirror say ‘I am as perfect as I can be.’ By accepting yourself we can then accept each other. So don't be afraid of who you are. We should keep stereotypes out of the picture, make the word ‘stereotype’ extinct. We are the ones who can make a change. Stop judging people before you even get to know them. Also, don’t listen to stereotypes. Don’t be afraid to be different, to be unique, to be you.

Today, we have presented our speech to groups. My group has worked together to work out where I am with my speech. The rubric above shows that I have made eye contact with my audience, I have memorised my speech and have used expression.

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…

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. 

Our Speech Champions!

Congratulations Tienira (1st), Waitama (2nd) and Teagan (3rd) for being our 2013 PBS Senior Speech Champions. 

Puke's Speech

Being Principal for a day.

Imagine being the school principal for a day.What would do?If I were principal for I would ask the teachers how and what I can do to help the students want to learn and to make learning something they  really wanted to do.

Then I would ask the student if there was anything that ,(within reason),we could do to make learning fun and something they wanted to do.Planning for the future is important so I would help the teachers set up career paths for the students.Hopefully this will help the students achieve things that they wanted to do and help them to strive for their goals.

I know good learning happens when there is involvement from both the home and school.I know parents want to be more involved so I would ask the parents how they think their children are doing at school and how the kids are getting along with each other and their teachers.Did you know that there are over 2500 principals in all of New Zealand.

It’s not an easy job knowing that you are helping guide our future teachers, doctors, policemen, principals, scientists and maybe a few politicians.Not to many of those I hope!If you were principal for a day what would you do with the children in New Zealand?I know children enjoy playing sports so I would start a one day inter-class sports competition for all classes.It won’t be our PBS teachers out there with the kids it would be ou parents  teaching studebts how to play.Hopefully this would meant that in future at intervall and lunch parents can help teach new sports like handball and touch.

Maybe one day you could be a principal. You could grow a young mind.  You could lead a great team.You could run a school. Maybe one day you could do these but today I want to do these things.I never knew that being a principal in New Zealand was such an Important job. I would like to give you break Mr Johnston and I know that for one day only, I could be a great leader here at PBS.