So what isLiquefaction?

Liquefaction is a phenomenon in which strength and stiffness of soil is reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading.

It is caused by a violent shake such as an earthquake. This causes the earth to throw out soil making it mix with water or other liquid

Liquefaction occurs when the structure of a loose, saturated sand breaks down due to some rapid shaking.As the structure breaks down, the loosely-packed individual soil particles attempt to move into a denser configuration.
When liquefaction occurs it causes high buildings to fall due to the soils loss of strength and stiffness.

Then the liquid absorbs soil making it reduce it's stiffness and strength which then makes the soil very hard and sticky causing it to get things stuck to it such as cars passing over it and other things that have moved from their places by the violent shake of the earthquake.
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In an earthquake, however, there is not enough time for the water in the pores of the soil to be squeezed out. Instead, the water is trapped and prevents the soil particles from moving closer together. This is accompanied by an increase in water pressure which reduces the contact forces between the individual soil particles, thereby softening and weakening the soil deposit.

Most of the buildings in Christchurch are built on soft soil and mud which is prone to “a large increase in shaking”and with high susceptibility to liquefaction.

Term1 Class Report

Term 1 Class Report.
We all started this year off with a BANG!! We were shocked at how many of our friends had changed during the Christmas holidays, but pleased to finally wear our blue school uniform with pride again.

The first few weeks of the term were astonishing. As usual we had our school swimming lessons held at the Panmure Lagoon Pools. Then we ended week 4 with our competitive Swimming Carnival where our four houses Calliope, Orpheus, Leander and Achilles competed for the title “BEST SWIMMERS” and also gain growth towards their points for the house shield.
And then came the best part, receiving our netbooks. We couldn’t wait to give it a cuddle and get started with work. It’s been awesome working on Google docs and carrying out researchers. No more trips to the ICT!
Then to our disappointment the whole school was stuck with assessments around weeks 2,3 and 4 but with the help from our teacher we were all striving for Excellence. RELIEVED is the main feeling we all had after the first tragedy of the year.

This term the year 8 students focused on Risks and Challenges learning about heroes and leadership. A lot of students from our class became leaders at our school like our Head Boy and Girl as well as our deputies and our house leaders for 2011. A number of students from room 1 were selected to hold these responsibilities for this year. Great Stuff Room 1!
Towards the end of the term we had a change of teacher and we have adjusted well.
Term 1 is just the beginning towards a year full of surprises and adventurous experiences waiting to be discovered.
By Afu and Vaegaau R1

An Inspiring Duffy Assembly

Anxious is how I felt as my class and I raced to the hall, desperately wanting to find out who our Duffy role model was and this exciting moment happened on the 4th of April 2011.

When the guests arrived we were told who they were and what their profession was. Afu started the assembly off with the karakia and Vaegaa’u led us in the National Anthem.

After we finished singing Afu had introduced our guests. Our Duffy Role model was a famous New Zealand actress by the name of Merrin Cavel. She first spoke about her early life and her occupation. She also told us about her elder siblings who were a lot better at things than she was. She spent three years at Drama School studying for her degree in acting.

She then spoke about how a simple book, “Bent Not Broken “changed her life. She eventually wrote a play based on that particular story. Merrin then explained how she was given two opportunities of a lifetime in New York and England, where she was asked to perform her play. I thought that she had a fabulous life because she also acted in Harry Potter, Shortland Street and was featured in What Now!! She was an inspiring speaker who had achieved a lot.

Once she finished the students then began to sing “Ara Vini” to entertain our guests and show our appreciation.

The next guest speaker was the president of the Rotary Club and his name was Mr Morton. He told us a little bit about the history of the Rotary Club and why he was wearing small gold badges around his neck. Each had a name. of the past thirty presidents from the Rotary Club.

When he had finished, the school sang once again and this time we sang “Si Ya Hama”. We were very fortunate to also receive our brand new Duffy books.

Lastly, to end our Duffy Role Model Assembly Afu said a karakia. Then sadly we had to farewell our guests.

To me that was an awesome Duffy Role Model Assembly. I also really enjoyed meeting a talented actress and the people who sponsored our school. Thank you! It was an awesome experience being able to find out how reading has changed so many lives and how it can help you achieve in life.

By Sheralee.