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.
\
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.

Christchurch Message Board

When I heard the news about the Christchurch disaster, I was shocked! It felt like my heart stopped. I feared for the people of Christchurch.
This disaster occurred on the 22nd of February which was a Tuesday afternoon. The earthquake startled people at 12:51pm. It registered 6.5 on the Richter scale. While it wasn’t as severe as the first earthquake in September, it was far more violent.
This quake was a tragic disaster because it was closer to the surface. But the first earthquake was much deeper. The Christchurch earthquake made a lot of buildings collapse.
Rescuers confirmed that there 75 people dead and 238 people were still out there trapped under buildings.
The earthquake shattered this beautiful city. The people of Christchurch are still devastated and trying to recover. You’ll get through this soon. Be strong!
Picilla

Christchurch situation
On the 22 February 2011 an earthquake struck Christchurch. Buildings, houses, people, families, and icons were crushed from the earthquake. This news appeared all over New Zealand. Seventy three bodies were found at the bottom of houses and buildings. Luckily for some people they got sent to the closest hospital. All hospitals were booked.
Hundreds of families rang into the police station to report their family members that were missing. Schools and families have opened their homes for other families to come stay with them if they don’t have a home.
My message is be strong, be safe, have a positive mind, and God be with you.
BY: Ina

On 22nd of February Christchurch was hit by a dreadful earthquake. On the news they said that 71 people have died because of the 6.3 earthquake. The news also mentioned that there were 300people still missing from their families.I really hope your families are alright and are safe. I hope the disaster that has happened won’t affect your families too much. Please don’t give up hope because of this disaster May God bless you and your families and be strong.
By Kitione

What happened in Christchurch?
There was a gigantic earthquake in Christchurch. It happened at one o’clock on Tuesday 22nd February while we were at was at school. Over one hundred and fifty people died. This is a very sad and hurtful. I wish the people who survived are safe and have shelter and food. Buildings have fallen and homes destroyed, even the old cathedral. I wish there were no earthquakes.
By Vanessa

Dear families and friends in Christchurch,
People in New Zealand and around heard the devastating news about the earthquake in your city. We hope that you are alright. Never think that you are alone, God is just a prayer away and we all are praying for you. We hope that all of you are okay and well. That’s what really matters. Please just hang in there Christchurch and everything will be sorted out. May God bless your city and may he be with you all the way.
Nella


Dear People of Christchurch
We are very sorry for your loss of family members, property damage and memories of your dear hometown Christchurch. We have heard that there is no power and very less water. We wish you all the best. Hopefully you recover quickly and forget about what happened and carry on with your life. May God bless you, your loved ones with you and the ones who are resting in peace.
By Ashley

Small and Cute Net Books

On the 22nd of February Room1 students at Tamaki Intermediate got net books to work with. I am one of the lucky ones who got a net book to use. When my teacher announced that we were getting net books that day, everybody was so excited.

During midday after swimming, we were all in our classroom doing our school work. Then there was knock on the door and Miss Gleeson walked into the room. She was the lady who was introducing us to the net books. When we all took our net books out of the boxes, we were so happy because the net books were small and cute. I loved working on my net book and will for the rest of the year.

By Yolenda

My Magnificent Net Book

A few days ago we got to try our magnificent brand new net books.
It has games, a web camera, the paint programme, pictures, internet, and more.

When I typed on “gedit” it I could hear the click, click sound. My net book is black and can fit inside a small bag, the size of my mum’s handbag. This is how small it is!

I love the net books and it’s thrilling just getting one to use. I also got a little tingling feeling inside of me when I started to use it. A feeling I cannot express.

I want to thank Mrs Burt, Mr Nevyn, Ms Gleeson, Mrs Raj and Mr. Horan for the netbooks.
By Venessa

A Great Experience Using Net Books

It was a great experience for us to receive our own net books, and learn about how to use them. I enjoyed and still enjoy using my own, awesome little net book.

When we first started to use the net books, we did math, played games and learned how to log in and shutdown. We also learned how to take a screenshot of our own selves. This was fantastic.

I hope we can continue to use net books at college.
By Vaegaau