Category: Hanga | Create

Last week in Building Academy, we moved the rest of the Scoria rock to fill the drain and cleared the unusable materials that were up by the drain so we have a clean area for when we build the school fence. Then we had to move the string line, and we marked every 2.2 m with the spray paint so we know where the posts are going to go. However, our teacher told us we moved the string line to the wrong place. We also did some planing for some seats we are gonna build for the gym, we had to find a idea and the materials. We used wheel barrows for the Scoria rock and we used spray paint, measuring tape and a reciprocating saw for the string line.

Last week at US Building Academy, we were working on our trench project for the school. The trench had already been dug, so we just needed to measure the drain pipe, lay it in place, add sleeving so debris wouldn’t get into the pipe and block it, and then fill the rest of the trench with scoria rock. This part of the project was important because it helped make sure the drainage system was installed properly and would work efficiently. We had to be careful with our measurements and placement to make sure everything lined up correctly. Once the pipe was in position and the trench was filled, the job started to come together and it was satisfying to see the progress we had made. We used shovels, wheel barrows and trailer. I learnt how shovels are better to use and faster instead of spades when scooping things up

I have lots of favourite things about being in CTA, like the perks we get, going out to do jobs around the school, and how the teachers actually help us when we’re stuck with our work. They show us how to do things and make sure we understand.

One of the best perks is that when we’re outside, teachers don’t question why we’re not in class. We sometimes get to go outside to do jobs that need to be done, and if we ask for help with our paperwork, the teachers will show us where to find the information or help us understand it better.

I also like how being in CTA teaches us real life skills. We learn how to work as a team, manage our time, and take responsibility for the tasks we’re given. It makes school feel more practical and hands on instead of just sitting in a classroom. I feel like I’m learning things that will actually help me in the future, both at work and in everyday life.

What am I doing?
This week we have been digging out the trench at school, making it wider and deeper so we can put a drainpipe in. We have to keep measuring it to make sure it’s right. It has to be 400 mm wide and 400 mm deep. We’re working carefully to make sure the sides are even and that the bottom slopes correctly so the water flows where it’s supposed to.

What tools am I using?
For digging the trench, we have been using pickaxes, spades, shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows and a speaker so we can listen to music while we work. We also use measuring tapes to check that our trench is the correct size.

What am I learning?
While digging the trench, I have learned how to properly and efficiently use pickaxes. I have also learned how to direct water so it doesn’t go off track. I’ve gained more experience in teamwork and communication because we all have to help each other and share the jobs fairly. I’ve also learned about the importance of safety while using tools and working outdoors cause of Javon.

Your actions affect others by the way you talk or act around them. Some people think it is normal to yell or argue with everyone because that is how they were raised. How you act can impact how others see you or feel about you in a negative way. For example, when you make jokes about someone, or you and your friends are laughing at someone, that can affect someone’s mana. It can make them feel embarrassed, hurt, or like they do not belong. Over time, this can lower their confidence and make them feel unsafe being themselves around you. That is why it is important to be respectful, speak kindly, and think about how your words and actions might make others feel, even if you think you are ‘just joking.’

To me, mana has a lot of meanings. Some people think it means power, while others see it as status. In English, it’s sometimes translated as prestige, authority, control, influence, spiritual power, or charisma. However, mana is more than just a word it carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. In Maori culture, for example, it’s not only about personal power but also about integrity, respect, and the way one’s actions affect their standing within the community. Mana can be gained through good deeds and leadership, but it can also be lost through disrespect or dishonour. To truly understand mana is to recognise the balance between individual strength and collective well being.

What i learnt this week?

This week we have been learning about what happens in different first aid scenarios/emergency and how to treat them. Our tutor taught us the doctors ABCs and what they stand for

D -Danger, Check for any danger to you, the patient or any bystander and make the area safe as possible.

R -Response, Ask for name, squeeze shoulder if not responding to verbal commands

S -Send for help, send bystander for help and call 111 or 911

A -Airway, open mouth to look for foreign material and maintain a clear air way by head tilt and chin lift

B -Breathing, check for normal breathing, look, listen and feel for chest rising

C -CPR, Chest compression are started if breathing is absent or insufficient

D -defibrillation, apply AED using diagram and follow AED voice prompts

Our tutor showed us the correct way to use a AED/defibrillator and how to apply the pads to different ages, how it works and what it does, But DON’T TOUCH the patient when the AED is hooked up to him because you’ll get a shock as well . But i was really interested with was how to preform CPR like for a infant you use two fingers and you gotta press down 1/3 of their chest 30 times then give them two breaths but not big because they only got little lungs, for a child its the same but you use one hand and for the adults you use both hands.

What the Kowhai motto means to me?

Mahia te mahi: To me, it means we get the work done, we don’t muck around, we stay focused, and we do what needs to be done without hesitation. It speaks to taking action with purpose and pride.

Where we go one, we go all: To me, it means we stand together, support one another, and move forward as one body rather than as isolated individuals. It’s about unity, trust, and knowing that our strength comes from working side by side, sharing both the challenges and the victories

Last week I  learnt  the main purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 is to make workers, workplaces healthy and safe, the responsibilities as a “worker” under the Act is to take reasonable care for their own safety and ensure their actions do not harm others, the PCBUs main responsibility is to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and any other persons are not put at risk from work carried out by the business. 

Last week we did an assessment about health and safety, we had to explain all the potential hazards that could happen and how we could resolve the hazards. We also learnt a new haka dedicated to Kowhai house, We have been learning the words and actions for the past week I think we got it on lock .

My name is Jono, A year 12 from Bay  Of Island College and I am a new member of CTA which is known as Construction and Trades Academy, This year I am hoping to learn heaps about scaffolding cause I really found interest in scaffolding. My goal is to gain practical skills that I can use in real projects, stay safe on the worksite, and understand how different scaffolding systems are chosen for various tasks. I’m excited to learn from experienced mentors to build confidence and competence in the field.