Forensic Science

Today, two  detectives came in to talk about Forensic Science. Gavin Cross worked in fingerprints and footprints. They talked about how they analyze a crime scene and how they figure out who the culprit was. They took us through step by step via a picture slideshow.  One really cool thing that we learnt about was Luminol. This is a substance that they spray on the floor to detect any blood traces that we can;t see. They then put UV light over it. It was really informative and I learnt loads of new things!

Picture Writing.

Cloudless sky, crystal clear water. The beach, so perfect and pristine. Until you reach them. Those domed structures, perched in the shallows. That’s what I’m here to see. All the magazines, and tourist flyers say they’re beautiful. And they are, I guess, in a way. My eyes see further though. There is something about them, something dark and mysterious. I wade out to the algae covered stone. Fish are quietly swimming in and out of the pillars and cracks. You can see the spots where seagulls have perched in the many windows. Slowly I reach out and touch the smooth stone. Time stops. My hand is stuck to the cool rock. I can hear whispers in my head slowly getting louder until they are screams of pain, anxiety and torture. Jolting back I free my hand and cradle it to my chest. Slowly, a drop of blood blossoms there and falls into the water. A light feeling zips around my body and I crumple slowly into the now blood red water.

Electronics Tech - Final Presentation

They say you can't judge a book by it's cover... My Writing Sample

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover.

By Malena Shakespeare

The mismatched eyes stare back at me, burning into my skin. One a fiery yellow, the other a piercing grey. Lines are etched onto the pale white face, just visible beneath the powdery makeup. His cheekbones stick out, making his face look gaunt and strained. The bright pink lipstick, painted ever so carefully on, cracks at the corners. His lips are thin, like a piece of elastic, stretched to the breaking point. What could have been a subtle blush is smeared over the cheeks. A hint of mascara upon the eyelashes, spoiled by the pink macaroon eyeshadow around the unusual eyes. The cotton candy coloured hat perches on top of this man’s bright orange hair, shadowing the pinched face. His collar covers the skinny neck, and his nose is slightly lopsided. Orange eyebrows, blend into the hair. White teeth and a perfect face.

The Mad Hatter. Many have heard the stories, some different to others. But each time they are told, he is not a villain. He’s a character of love and help, well known for his excessive tea parties. His name gets mentioned, and everybody's minds are enveloped in their childhood fairytales. And now I’m face to face, staring up while he is looking down at me.  My childhood dream was to meet him, to meet this man whom everyone has such a high opinion of. But they say you can’t judge a book by its cover. And that’s the thought that whirls in my mind as I notice the smile that isn’t a smile, and the flash of silver glinting in the papery hand. And suddenly, the bright colour on his face doesn’t look as cheery as before...

Matahiwi Marae Trip

Today we went to Matahiwi Marae. I have done a Powhiri before, so it wasn't anything new to me. The only thing different was this year we all had to hongi! After a bit of Morning Tea, we split into three groups to explore the different places of the Marae. The first place my group went was the Wharenui. It was amazing inside. There were sculptures of people in tribes and Tuki Tuki panels on the walls. One of the men explained to us that Maui was the spine of the family, so he was represented at the arch of the Wharenui. There was a huge whale jawbone on the wall, that represented the sea people.

The next place we visited was the wharekai, which is like the dining room. There were paintings all over the walls, and the woman explained to us what it all meant. It was the story of Matahiwi marae.

Lastly we went to the Pae Pae. That's where the Powhiri happened. We were explained to about the theme of green around the marae. It was because there is young, living life all around Matahiwi, and green represents that.