Puppy Footprints at Botany Downs

We had an amazing opportunity to meet two guide dog puppies this morning. It was Arno and Zeira's first trip outside of their home. They were so tired on arrival, that Zeira slept for most of the visit. It was really interesting to learn about a 'Guide Dog Trainer Coordinator's' job and the skills required. Kim, our visitor shared about her journey of working at the SPCA and then training and working as a vet nurse, before pursuing this amazing and rewarding career. The puppies have nearly 2 years of training and the red jackets prepare them for wearing a harness one day, when guiding their blind owners. This is definitely a career path for people who love and enjoy working with animals.

Collected thoughts contributed by students from room 15 & 20

Dr. Campbell Emmerton talks to senior classes about his job.

As part of our unit on careers, we were very lucky to have psychiatrist Dr Campbell Emmerton come to our school last week on Friday the 14th of May. Dr Cam talked to the senior members of our school about how he arrived at his chosen career, the training he had to undertake and answered many questions from the students. We found out that brains were spongy when you touched them, the importance of being curious and following your instincts, that relationships with friends and family are very important to staying healthy and happy and that expressing your feelings and emotions good for you.
Dr Cam's talk was entertaining, witty, inspirational and insightful. Thanks Dr Cam for coming and sharing your thoughts, stories and humour with us. We now have many students that aspire to become psychiatrists like you!

Camp Kawau - Mansion House

                   

On Wednesday the 6th of May we went to Mansion House. It was a challenging walk (climb as some would describe it) to the house. We saw a wallaby on our way and he posed for photos. We saw a variety of things inside Mansion House. We liked the weapon room and the kitchen. We also saw loads of trees outside and animals from different countries. All the different materials and furniture were all very old and well retained. The house was very fancy and old . It was older than 100 years and looked like it would fall down any second because the floors creaked. The floors were cracked in places. Some of the rooms were blocked off meaning 'please don't touch'. We all had a wonderful time at the Mansion House. :)
SH & NS Room 15