Tuesday 15 May 2012

All the links you need to my new Geography Project

Here are the links to all my Blog posts for my geography project!!!


Blog 1


Blog 2 


Blog 3


Blog 4


Blog 5


Thanks for reading, please let me know what you think! :)

My New Geography Project (Part 5)

So for my last post, there really is only one person I could ever even dream of blogging about....


Do me a favour and close your eyes just for one minute. 


Imagine a world without hope...


Now answer me this, Is that a world you'd want to live in? 


Until recently, I did not know about a man that millions of people look up to. But now that I have, I can't help but feel that he brought hope to my life.


To me, his name brings joy, peace and happiness. Somehow, he seems to make everyone who admires him feel connected to him. He makes them feel loved and cared for. 


He is kind, caring, generous, wise and forgiving. He is not a myth or a legend. He lives and breathes the same air as you and I, only for far longer than we have. 


His image has the ability to light up the darkest of rooms. Knowing he is there can ease the pain. We rely on him. He offers us guidance when we're lost and help when we're in trouble. 


This man has had a major influence on my life and he is someone I really do admire. Some people are inspired by the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, art, the petal of a flower or anything in between. But this man inspires me. 


I know nowadays, people talk about "The person they most admire". It's a common essay title in English and in my opinion, the phrase can often be used loosely. 


This man has taught me so much about life, happiness, kindness and faith. I have made it a goal of mine to meet this amazing person. 


He has strong beliefs. He preaches and indeed practises tolerance, patience, kindness, hope and love. 


I am not a Buddhist, but simply put, he is my hero. 


The Dalai Lama is the head of State and the spiritual leader of Tibet. 


pic source


Here are some facts about Nepal as that is where the Dalai Lama is  :)




•     Area: 147,181km squared
•     Location: Between India and the peoples republic of China.
•     Capital: Kathmandu
•     Population: Approx 23m.
•     People: over 40 ethnic groups and over 70 spoken languages.
•     Currency: Nepali Rupee
(75R = US$1)
•     Government: multiparty
Democracy + Constitutional
Monarchy.
•     Climate: ranges from
subtropical to artic depending on altitude.
Seasons: winter (Dec-Feb) summer (March-May)  monsoon (July-Aug) autumn (Sept-Nov).
•     Terrain: World’s deepest Gorge ‘Kalio-Gandaki’ to Mt. Everest (8848m) world’s highest point.
•     Their Flag: Is the only one in the world that is not rectangular. 

Friday 11 May 2012

My New Geography Project (Part 4)

So this week I am posting about jellyfish being eaten in Japan as a delicacy to link in with last weeks post :) 


Did you know that...?


picture source


 - In some countries, such as Japan, jellyfish are known as a delicacy.
 - In Japan, cured jellyfish are rinsed, cut into strips and served with vinegar as an appetizer.
 - Desalted, ready-to-eat products are also available.
 - Some Fishermen have begun to harvest jellyfish along the southern Atlantic coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico for export to Asia.
 - The dish is often served shredded with a dressing of oil, soy sauce, vinegar and sugar, or as a salad with vegetables.


I also learnt 10 facts about Japan this week...




picture source


 - Capital: Tokyo 
 - Language: Japanese 
 - It's made up of over 6,800 volcanic Islands 
 - It is located along the Pacific Ring Of fire
 - Japan’s four main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku
 - Population: 127million (July 2009)
 - Life Expectancy average: 82 years
 - Literacy rate: 99%
 - Acid Rain is a big problem in Japan
 - Japan is the world's largest consumer of the Amazon Rain forest's timber.






Japan facts source
Japan facts source
Jellyfish delicacy source


Next week is the last week... Don't worry you won't be disappointed :)
Thanks, 
Bye,
 :)

Friday 4 May 2012

My New Geography Project (Part 3)

This week I have decided to post on Jelly Fish as Leonardo DiCaprio was bitten by a Jellyfish on his right upper arm.

Here are 5 facts I have learnt about Jellyfish:
 - Jellyfish lived on Earth before dinosaurs
 - Jellyfish have tiny stinging cells in their tentacles to stun/paralyse their prey before they eat them.
 - They eat and discard waste from the one opening
 - As jellyfish squirt water from their mouths they are propelled forward.
 - Some jellyfish are clear in colour. Others are pink, yellow, blue, and purple.
 - They eat fish, shrimp, crabs, tiny plants, and smaller jellyfish.
picture source

Jellyfish are particularly common in The Pacific Ocean. Here are 10 facts I learnt about it this week:
 - It's the largest ocean on earth. It covers 30% of the earth's surface
 - The Pacific Ocean’s name has an original meaning of ‘peaceful sea’.
 - The Mariana Trench in the Pacific is the deepest known area of the Earth’s oceans.
 - It contains about 25000 different islands.
 - It is surrounded by the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with a many of active volcanoes.
 - It has 91 major ports and harbours
 - It is more than five times the diameter of the Moon.
 - The Pacific Ocean is currently shrinking due to plate tectonics, while the Atlantic Ocean is increasing in size, by roughly 2–3 cm/yr on 3 sides
 - Water temperatures in The Pacific Ocean vary from freezing to 30 °C
 - The Pacific Ocean developed from the Panthalassic Ocean following the breakup of Pangea.

 

I wanted to put this in too because I think its so cute!


 My sources:
Facts on The Pacific Ocean


Anyone think they know what I'm linking Jellyfish to for next weeks blog?

Saturday 28 April 2012

Gaisce Hike at Kippure Estate!

So I'm just back from my Gaisce hike in kippure estate, Co.Wicklow. We hiked 25km over 2 days. It can be summed up into 2 words; exhausting and brilliant!!!! 
3 of our Teachers brought us to Wicklow on Friday after school, where we met up with our 3 instructors for the weekend. They were all so nice. We split up into 3 houses (I was in house 2) and lets just say, sleep was not a priority! But at least we had enough supplies....
I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to the three teachers, and the instructors at Kippure for a brilliant weekend and memories I'll never forget! 
Heres a quick video of some of the activities we got to try out after our hike :)

thanks,
bye,
xx

Friday 27 April 2012

My New Geography Project (Part 2)

Last week I blogged about the Titanic. This week I picked what is in my opinion, the most obvious thing to be associated with the Titanic. Or should I say the most obvious person...
It's the one and only... LEONARDO DI CAPRIO!!!!!!! Who played the male lead in the film Titanic (1997).




Here are 5 facts I learnt about Leo this week:

 - Born in Los Angles, California  
 - Date of birth: 11th Nov 1974
 - Only Child 
 - Leo is of Italian and German descent 
 - His Mother named him Leonardo after he first kicked while she was looking at a Leonardo DiVinci picture!
 I didn't think 1 picture was enough, so here is your 2nd picture source!

Here's a quick interview with the man himself!

 As Leonardo Di Caprio is from California I also did a bit of research on America.
Here are 10 facts I learnt about America this week:
 
 - America is divided into 50 states. Alaska has the longest coastline in the United States
 - It has no official language although English is most commonly spoken
 - The only royal palace used by a monarch in the U.S. is located in Honolulu, Hawaii
 - It has the world's tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, Hawaii if measured from the sea floor. 
 - It's motto is: "In God we trust"
 - Population: 295,734,134 (July 2005 est.)
 - Largest State: Alaska
 - Smallest State: Rhode Islands
 - Capital: Washington, DC.
 - Louisiana has 2,482 islands, covering nearly 1.3 million acres.

My sources:

Any guesses on what I'll link Leo up with for next weeks post?

Friday 20 April 2012

My New Geography Project (Part 1)

With the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic last week, I felt there was nothing better to start my new geography project on. 

5 Things I have learnt about the Titanic are: 

picture source

 - It was built in the Harland and Wolff shipyard between 1909-1911 in Belfast, Ireland.
 - It tragicaly sunk on April 15th 1912 after hitting an iceberg. 
 - It carried 2,223 people.  
 - 1,514 people died when the Titanic sank. 
 - It was an Olympic Class ocean liner with the white star line.

10 Things I have learnt about Ireland are:

picture source

 - Capital : Dublin
 - Population: 4,125,000
 - Language: English, Irish
 - Life Expectancy: 77
 - Literacy percent: 99
 - Longest River: River Shannon
 - Sunniest Town: Rosslare, Co. Wexford
 - Driest Place: Dublin city
 - Highest Altitude: Summit of Mt Carrantuohill, co. Kerry
 - Tallest waterfall: Powerscourt Falls, county Wicklow


My Sources:

Okay so this week I decided to pick the Titanic, but who knows what I'll end up picking next week... :)

Thanks, 
bye,
xx
 

Thursday 19 April 2012

Swim a mile with a smile :)

Tomorrow the 20th of April the TY's from St.Wolstan's
Community School are headed for the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin for the annual Ian Daly Swim A Mile With A Smile
We can take part as part of a team or as individuals and the aim is to swim a  mile with a smile (64 lengths of a 25 metre pool!)
I'm going to try the mile on my own but it's fairly likely I'll have to give up due to a serious lack of fitness! :(
The aim of the swim is to raise money for Crumlin Children's Hospital and Barretstown. Both of these are extremely important in the care of any child with cancer and it's hugely important that we support them as much as we can.


Thanks for reading this,
Wish me luck!
bye
:)
xx

Explaining My New Geography Project :)

This term we have been given an interesting geography project. It's kind of hard to explain it so I'm hoping you will be able to see what I'm trying to do as the weeks go on. 
Each week I am going to write a blog about something that links up somehow or another to the week before. 
Because it's a geography project, I'm going to include some geographical facts about the country what ever I'm posting about is from/associated with. 
I hope your still following me but if your not, It's because I haven't explained it well enough. Sorry.
My first blog is on the Titanic but I've decided to start it on a separate post so It's easier to read. This is just to let you know what I'm trying to do :)
thanks 
bye 
:)

Wednesday 18 April 2012

A Trip to Glendalough!

Yesterday Class Eirú went on our retreat to Glendalough!
We were amazed at the beauty there and how peaceful it was. We saw many other people of all religions and countries who were also visiting. I met a Buddhist Nun who was very nice! (please read my blog post on The Dalai Lama if you haven't already) It was a fantastic day despite a bit of rain!
Here are some pictures I took so you can see for yourselves...

Thanks 
Bye 
:)

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Lá Glás

On Friday, we had our annual La Glás! Meaning we all dressed up and had a Chéile at Lunch!!!
It was so much fun. We had music in the hall, best costume competitions and lots of Dancing. Overall it was a day not to be missed :)
picture source
I know I'm a couple of days late but...
Happy St.Patrick's Day!!!!
bye :)
xx

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Braveforce...

Today we also took the Braveforce Challange....
It could be described in 5 words:
1) Fun
2) Wet
3) Exciting
4) Freezing
5) Tough


It's safe to say we had a blast! 
Thank you to the teachers for organising the trip, It was brilliant!
:)
xx

Internet Safety Talk

Today we had an Internet safety talk, which to say the least was frightening. The speaker we had was really good. I will defiantly take his advice seriously!
Here are some of his points that stood out the most for me:
1) Only add your REAL friends - people you talk to everyday, not someone you met once, or even not at all.
2) Put a sticker over your web camera when your not using it, just incase it gets hacked - no the little red light won't show up.
3) Be careful what you download!!!
4) If something happens, report it immediately
Even if your embarrassed over it because other wise it could get a lot worse.
5) Use different passwords for different accounts. (makes it harder to be hacked)
6)Just be careful when on the Internet in general, because you don't know who's out there.
bye
:)
xx

The Army!!!

Last week I went to the army on work experience in the Curragh, and I was so nervous...
That was until I arrived. I couldn't believe how nice everyone in the army was to us. 
There were 40 TY's including me, so we had a big group which, in my opinion was a good thing.
The briefings we got on all of the different corps and areas of the army were very interesting. 
We visited the MP (Military Police),  Medics, Engineers, CSSC (Combat Support Services College) and the Artillery corp just to name a few. 
We met soldiers that had returned from oversees missions in places like Chad and Lebanon. We heard first hand, what it was like to be oversees, which I realise is not something everyone gets to do. We also spoke with soldiers preparing to go oversees. They all seemed very excited to go. 
We met some Cadets which I found really interesting. They told us what becoming and being a Cadet involved. A lot. 
Going into the Army on Work Experience, I was armed only with what I had learnt from watching action movies. I have honestly learnt so much over my week that I never thought I'd get the opportunity to find out about. I also now feel that I am up to date on most of my abbreviations!
I'd like to thank The Irish Defence Forces for having me, Its truly been a week I'll never forget! 
 

:)
xx

Tuesday 13 March 2012

Montessori Time

Two months ago, I went to a Montessori school on my work experience. To say I had a lot of fun would be an understatement. I absolutely loved it!
Montessori teaching focuses on helping the child to develop in a natural way to their full potential.
Here is a link to a Montessori website that explains it's methods in a lot more detail.
My days were short but very busy. From circle time, french time, work time and snack time , it's safe to say there was never a dull moment.
The children, who were aged from 2-4years were always trying out something new.
I loved talking to them, listening to all their news and helping them if they needed it. My week flew by way to fast and I was heartbroken when the children gave me hugs on my last day to say goodbye.
It is defiantly a work experience placement that I would recommend to anyone and I would defiantly consider a future career in. Thank you so much to la petit ecole for having me.  
thanks,
bye,
:)
xx

Wednesday 22 February 2012

5 things I have learnt from mini-company!

Today we had our mini-company judging in the school. Unfortunately, we didn't get through but we still had a lot of fun getting ready for it!

The things I have learnt from our mini-company are:
1) how to meet deadlines
2) team work!
3) my paint skills have improved hugely!
4) how to do a project report book
5) a taster of what it's like to be self employed :)

We have had a great time doing our mini-company :D

WELL DONE TO THE GIRLS WHO GOT THROUGH, YOU WERE BRILLIANT!!!

xx
:)

Saturday 28 January 2012

Concrete Angel Drama

Last week we went to Mullingar, Co.Westmeath to preform our Drama in the Briery Gap All Ireland Transition Year Festival.
We wrote the script ourselves which was based on 'Concrete Angel' by Martina McBride and 'How to save a life' by The Fray. It dealt with the hugely important issue of child abuse.
I was very nervous on stage, but the second it was over I wanted to do it all over again. It was unbelievably fun and there really was NOTHING to be nervous about!
We're hoping to get through to the next round of the competition in Cork, fingers crossed! We will find out in about 2 weeks ... so I'll let you know then!
Thanks for reading!
bye
xx

Fighting Words

On the 14th of December we headed into Dublin to go to a Fighting Words Workshop. 
It basically is a creative writing workshop that was very good. When we arrived we all sat down and 2 girls from our class were called out for a short role play which we then turned into a creative wighting piece. 
Afterwards we sat at desks and were told to continue working on the unfinished piece ourselves. I have to admit, I only got about a paragraph written as I was to preoccupied looking around me. There were bookshelves all around me built into the walls with very interesting titles that I hadn't even heard of before!
Over all it was a great day :)
All the girls enjoyed it, Thank you Ms.B for organising the trip!
xx
:)