Barker Junior School Noteworthy

Noteworthy Jr.

Noteworthy Jr. Foreword

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Noteworthy Junior, Barker College Junior School’s literary journal. This year, we celebrate the theme “Shine”, a testament to the brilliance and creativity that our students bring to their writing. Within these pages, you will find a dazzling array of stories, poems and reflections that illuminate the unique perspectives and talents of our young authors. You will also be amazed at the illustrative talent of a students across the year groups who have added to the stories being told in this publication.

Publishing student work gives students a voice and an opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas. This platform can be particularly empowering for students who may not have other avenues to share their perspectives. It acknowledges the hard work, creativity and dedication of our students, serving as a tangible reward and recognition that can significantly boost their self-esteem and motivation to continue writing and pursuing excellence.

Celebrating student writing not only benefits the individual students by boosting their confidence and skills but also enriches the entire school community by fostering a culture of creativity, literacy and mutual respect. It’s a powerful way to acknowledge and nurture young writers, helping them grow both academically and personally. A compilation of student writing showcases the diverse talents and perspectives within the student body, reflecting the varied backgrounds and experiences of our students and providing a rich tapestry of narratives and ideas that can educate and inspire readers.

As you delve into this collection, may you be inspired by the extraordinary talent and imagination of our students. Their words remind us that even in the smallest acts of kindness, the simplest joys and the quietest moments, there is a light that shines brightly. We are immensely proud of their achievements and grateful for the opportunity to share their work with you.

Thank you for joining us on this literary journey. We hope that Noteworthy Junior will not only entertain and inspire you but also encourage you to find and celebrate the light within yourself and others. Enjoy the brilliance that our students have so generously shared.

Martin Lubrano Head of Junior School

From the Editors

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Noteworthy Junior! This special publication showcases the incredible creativity, talent, and enthusiasm of our Junior School students, from Kindergarten to Year 6. Modelled on the Senior School’s Noteworthy, this year’s theme, Shine, celebrates the brilliance within every student.

Just as the Senior School explored Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, Noteworthy Junior follows in those footsteps, inspired by their example to create something uniquely our own. The response from students has been nothing short of remarkable. From heartfelt poems to imaginative stories, dazzling artwork to thoughtprovoking reflections, the breadth and quality of submissions are truly impressive.

The competition for the front cover was especially fierce, with an array of stunning entries making the final choice a challenging one. It has been a joy to witness the enthusiasm with which students embraced this opportunity, many submitting multiple pieces for consideration.

While this is our first edition, it is certainly not our last. We’ve learned so much through this process and are already looking forward to seeing Noteworthy Junior continue to grow in the years to come.

We hope you enjoy exploring this collection as much as we have enjoyed creating it. Let’s celebrate our Junior School students as they shine!

Alex Cook, Claire Hoare & Susanna Matters

Poetry

How To Shine Bright

Find something you like and do your best, Don’t miss any opportunity to display this! It can be sport or performing, it can be anything! Just come out of your shell and explore a new thing, If you start to get a feeling that something is meant for you, Then don’t hesitate to have a go! Practice hard and make it fun, Show your skills to everyone! Teach them your special tricks, Whether it be flips, kicks or your own special move, Show them that you have your own unique groove. And that is how you shine.

Aria Leonard Year 6

How to Sleep

Don’t be careful just jump in get into your pjs and lie down still cover yourself with the blankets and snuggle in with your favourite teddy bear and a glass of milk dig your face into a soft pillow that’s so soft like silk close your eyes and count to ten soon you will be waking up to the call of a hen too tired to move lie down still waiting for your alarm clock to awaken you with the sound of a till start to get ready for school Just to feel like a fool it’s the summer holidays

Zoe Clayton and Izzy Walker Year 6

Shine in Red

I love wearing my Barker uniform

It’s me, my identity

I am happy, I am the sunshine I smile, I dance, I shine in my uniform

In my uniform, I represent Barker

A very happy student

A kind and respectful person Like a glowing angel

We Barker students shine in our uniforms In red, we try our very best In red, we glow Barker values In red, we are proud In red, we shine

Go Red, Go Barker!

Abigail Fung

Year 3

Hot and Cold

Hot.

Scorching, scalding, Burning, boiling, simmering. Blazing, red, frost, chill, Biting, blanching, freezing. Cool, arctic, Cold.

Abigail Symons

Year 6

Fire and Ice

Fire.

Dancing, radiating, Glimmering, flickering, crackling. Bonfires, blazes, frost, glacier, Melting, freezing, glistening. Cold, frozen, Ice.

Abigail Symons

Year 6

Passing Hope

Wind flying East, South, North, West. Bring joy and happiness to those who see the light of hope. See the seeds soaring high in the sky, heading towards their new homes. Smell the spirit in courage as the little sprouts grow into the dark and unknown world. Hear the bees buzzing happily sucking in pollen and nectar, bring them fuel to sweeten the world. Touch the soft petaled flowers, feeling like Nanna’s favourite velvet curtain. Come and fell the breeze, bring shining eyes to whom will pass!

Xie

Year 3

Peaceful

When I am peaceful, I feel calm,

All the world seems small, Like I could fit it in my palm, I like to find a quiet place, Where I can sit and draw in my own space, I think about all the happy memories I make every single day, After a big smile to myself, I go and spread my happiness with others, The first step for everyone to have peace, Is to show kindness to everyone you meet.

Ashley Temple

Year 6

Rainbow

Rain dripped down from big green leaves, As the sun spread its happiness, Soon it was my time to shine, To sprinkle down my kindness, My colours filled the air, As everyone below would stop and stare, This gift that I could share, Was much better with two, Suddenly I saw, Another one of me, Could this possibly be, Hand in hand we shine, Spreading our happiness to the world, I hope I see my companion once again, When the sun shines and when it drizzles with rain.

Ashley Temple

Year 6

Amelia

Trees

I start small slowly growing up and outwards My towering branches reaching for the sky

A gentle breeze passes through my arms

My roots dig into the Earth below Until my trunk is cut down and I’m nothing but firewood

So I sit there in the burning pit

Until I’m nothing but ash and dust

Cameron Bevilacqua Year 6

How to Cook a Book

Pick out all the key ingredients, don’t hold back your creativity, that’s the way it’s meant to be, There’s no rush, there no stress, as long as you do your very best.

Open every draw, as you explore, the core ingredients will unfold.

How to Catch a Poem

To catch a poem, you need some bait, a special offering you’ll need to donate

A paragraph or two will do, as long as you believe it will come true

The box will shut when the poem is lured, and after that success is assured

To catch a poem you need some bait, a special offering you’ll need to donate

Isabelle Tho and Claire Hu Year 6

While making, cooking, mixing and waiting, time seems to go by so fast, but soon enough the food is in your grasp. You gobble it up, not forgetting to savour it, and as the last crumb is eaten you know it is your favour it!

Ava Cousins and Emily Rankin

Year 6

The Ghost, My Friend

It was faint, it was grey, it was calling my name

I thought I was surely, going insane

Its long floating gown, and scary little eyes Surely took me, by surprise

Though I feel its presence, I shiver with peace In this haunted embrace my worries release For every ghost holds a tale to impart In the house of the living, they play their part.

Eli Matthew-Simmons

Year 6

Reading is Magical

Books are friends that like to talk, They tell you stories as you walk.

Pages turn with a gentle sound, As tales and dreams go all around. Words move on the page with glee, Showing things for you to see.

Characters jump and laugh and play, Asking you to join their day. The cover smiles, a welcome sight, Promising fun and things so bright. So open up a book today, Let it take you far away.

For books are friends that love to share, A magic world beyond compare.

Izzy Walker

Year 6

Shine

In the early dawn, a light begins to stir, breaking open the dark night’s golden veil, when most are asleep.

The world wakes up all around, to the golden hues, as morning comes, the golden sunlight reflects, the clear water, blinding.

A spark, a light, that seems to never fade, through the darkest nights and toughest time, a pathway.

Let yourself rise up, up like the sun, reflecting water, that blinds you, and yet you can see. Let your heart shine to trust, not forced, you are the light, and the pathway, so shine.

Ava Shen

Year 5

The Light at Night

There was not a squeak in the house, You could not hear a mouse. I crept out of bed, Hoping to sneak some bread!

I saw a crack of light, A strange sight to see at night. It was under the door, Lighting up the floor.

There it was - The Shine, So bright, I felt so fine. It had me in a trance, It made me want to dance.

I don’t know why it shines so bright, Or why it only shines at night. But each night I visit The Shine, It welcomes me every time!

Charlotte Burnett

Year 2

The Feeling of Autumn

In the coolness of the autumn sky birds sing and chirp as they calmly fly. The air lets out a gentle breeze And pushes away the fallen leaves.

As people go for an enormous lunge leaves scream out with a massive crunch. The wind whooshes in the warmth of the air as the sun gives people a relentless glare.

Only some leaves remain on trees but no leaf is duller than these. As silence takes over all sound countless brown nuts crash to the ground.

Curtis Fan

Year 6

The Other Side of the Rainbow

A warm smile and a tip of a hat, Is all you will ever know of that, Random person on the street, Who you have not yet to properly meet.

But yet they know you enough, To smile even if life is rough, To share kindness around, Without even making a sound. You might see this person again, With a cloud above their head then, What do you think you should do, Because they were so kind to you.

A simple wave or a nice smile, Might make all his time worthwhile, To show him the sun again, To make him feel as light as a fairy wren.

So I beg you to, Be like this person, To show the true, Way of kindness and be the best version, Of yourself.

Elise Winters

Year 6

Silent Hopes

I see kids with shoes so new, With pockets full, and dreams so true. Their houses tall, their skies so clear, While our home whispers with every fear. Why do they have, and we do not? Why is our world so easily forgot?

Mother says it’s just the way, But I wonder who made this world so grey. Their plates overflow, while ours run dry. Their laughter rings out, while we sigh.

I see them glide through golden gates, While we are bound by heavy weights. They talk of dreams and futures bright, But we just hope to make it through the night.

I dream of days when all is fair, When no one is trapped in this despair. Where every child can spread their wings, And wealth is shared, not hoarded things.

Until that day, I’ll keep my dreams, Of a world where kindness truly gleams.

Jessie Fang

Year 6

Shine

A perpetual source of light

Gleaming brighter than the sun

Whose diversity of colours deter the dullness of night

And the gentleness as soft as a dove in flight.

Like a sea of a thousand dreams

Sussurates like the rustling of autumn leaves

Where laughter and happiness are endless themes

Where life and freedom teem.

Shine like a golden sun in the sky

On warm sultry evenings, a fragrance, a breath

An echo as summer goes by It almost seems as if the stars sigh.

Jayden Tian

Year 5

The Magic of Reading

In books we find a secret door, To lands we’ve never seen before Every scene, in every text, We find life’s stories in vignettes

Each story with its own unique tale, Transporting us beyond the ordinary trail Within every page, a new story’s told, As we go further, more secrets unfold

To mystery, action, or fantasy, Each book with endless possibilities, Through enchanted forests, to pirate seas, We fill our minds with boundless dreams

With reading, we roam wild and free, So let us read, and find our destiny Wherever life’s journey may take us, In every book, new worlds await us.

Kloe Zhou

Year 6

That Shines So Why Can’t I?

To shine is my only wish, Like the scales of a rainbow fish; Why do I feel so dim and bitter? Why did I abandon my precious glitter?

I wish I could shine, Like the gems people find when they mine; To be in everyone’s sight, I really need beaming nebular light.

I wish I could be like the stars, And be seen from Mars; To shine like the radiant sun, Because otherwise for one….

I’ll feel pitch black, And my popularity will lack; But my parents say “sweet one,” “You shine brighter than the sun”.

Kian Clayton

Year 6

A Friend

Roses are red Violets are blue

I’ve never seen someone as funny as you The sun is yellow I see a cocoon I don’t know who I like more than you

Roses are red Violets are blue

I’ve never seen someone as clever as you I don’t know a colour I love more than blue Maybe glad or sad Maybe Mum or Dad Maybe a screen full of adds

I try to do something I try to shoo something with my broom This is a poem not a song You were a bit annoying, but we still got along

Meredith Liu

Year 2

From Being Obscured to Incandescent

In the gloom of night, a star ascends, A whisper of light beams where darkness ends,

Through dense shadows, it paves a path, A silent promise, and a gentle breath,

With morning’s kiss, the sun will bloom, Chasing away the bitter nights gloom, In everyone’s heart, a flame does burn, A tender glow, for which we yearn,

So let your spirit brightly shine, A beacon so pure, a love so divine, For in your light, the world will see, The endless beauty of your soul, set free.

Lachlan Zhao

Year 6

The National Anthem (Bacon Version)

Australians all eat bacon strips for breakfast, lunch and tea; They eat their yummy bacon strip under a shady tree; They eat it with some oolong tea under a shining sun; They think it’s such a delicious pair that is so very fun;

Australians all eat bacon strips for breakfast, lunch and tea!

Henry Xie and Mandy Xie

Year 2

My Beloved Scarf

Stars shine bright High in the sky

Upon the hill

Here’s where I cry

My mother died

So long ago So did father I never got to grow

Up with my beloved I never got to see I never got to be with them

To see what they would be to me

I’ve always felt them

Deep in my heart

My Nonna gave me a scarf

So we would never have to part

It was a beautiful scarf

It shines so bright

With all my memories Sparkling in the light

It made me feel cosy

Like I was wrapped up in a hug

I finally felt at home

A hug so warm, oh so snug

Lilia Roussety

Year 6

Shine

The world is dark, damp, and very cold. Writers shine like a light, always staying bold. Armed only with a notebook and a trusty pen, their imagination stays wild, like a headless hen. Their literature has brightened up this dark place, some of them are so precious, that they’re stored in a case. Reading their texts can make anyone happy, and calm down people who are feeling a little bit snappy. Writers are the key to happiness in our lives, their literature can help shine against darkness and keep you out of strife.

Mark Zheng

Year 5

A Different Sanctuary

The sun filters through the leaves

As for the temperature, it drops by degrees. Vibrant desiccated leaves snap underfoot

The zephyr whistles, I flip on my hood.

Petrichor rises from the forest floor,

A nearby magpie warbles and crows, And settles on the branch that it chose.

Ubiquitous morning mist drapes itself over the trees

As crimson leaves pirouette like ballerinas in the breeze.

An ochre leaf tumbles into my palm

I stare at it, feeling at peace and calm.

Dawn darkens by the day

Dew and zephyr, we must face, Saffron hued autumn, we must embrace.

Joanna Li

Year 5

Outwitted

Do you ever get the feeling that no-one notices me as you walk to my locker? And how glances don’t appear when you rush into class? That’s what I experience in this school. Here, I’m invisible. I pass a girl with long, blonde hair and a sneer plastered on her alabaster skin. Alexa Smith, the ever-present bully grins in my face and says, “Enjoying life, Emily?” I see her heavily applied makeup and roll my eyes.

Turning away, I spot a flyer on the wall advertising the school’s upcoming musical. I’ve never done anything to stand out, whether good or bad. My parents tell me I’m a great singer, but I’m not a terribly confident person. I sign up for the titular role, anyway to make my parents proud.

As I look back, I see Alexa signing up for the same character. She whispers in my ear so that noone but the two of us can hear, “I can beat you at everything and anything.” I consider running, but she would call me a coward. Answering her taunt? That would be brave, I’m not brave enough.

Why... do... I... care....... so......much?

I don’t believe that I can be controlled by people like Alexa, I just don’t have the right to say so. As long as I’m not better than Alexa, I can’t claim superiority.

A week later, I find myself in a stuffy room with a balding teacher and a bored-looking choirdirector. They tell me to sing the first verse of the character’s first solo song. I ace it. I feel like I could fly. Peering through the window, I glimpse blonde hair being gracefully flipped over one shoulder (so much for humble as she says she is).

The teacher ushers me out of the room and calls in Alexa. She tries to hide her nerves, but they are so obvious. I hear her clearing her throat and then I almost choke with laughter. Her singing sounds like she hadn’t practiced at all! I might get the role after all. I don’t really believe that I can beat her, but if she sounds this terrible, I might triumph.

When I get told the result, I almost cry. Did it really happen? Did I truly make my parents proud? I had finally learnt to shine!

Olivia Xie

Year 6

The Rise of Hope

As the darkness fades away, A veil of light emerges on a September day, A splash of pink and gold, The shimmering dawn unfolds.

Sweetly scented daffodils sit in deep sleep, Golden sunlight shines upon the rippling creek, Spring leaves sway as they wake, And finally the dawn breaks.

Melodies fill the air cheerfully, Birds tweet in harmony, Forming a tune like a choir, Singing for as long as they desire.

Hope gathers and paints the air, Warmth flushes away fear and despair, Like a phoenix in the sky, The glow of the sun up high.

Patricia Lui

Year 3

How to Cut a Poem

Cut me down, take a chance now.

Believing me, I’m sweet honeybee. Chop me, eat me, lick me, digest me. There’s no time to wait, I would be great, Don’t decline, it will be just fine. Bite in, I’m trustable, But also irresistible. I’m here day and night, and I’m always alright.

Rachel Li Year 6

Shiny Bay

Blistering blaze in the light of day, Sunlight glints on every wave, The water shimmers down the way, Where fishermen steadily brave.

The restaurant hums with the freshest catch, Dishes served as the people cheer, By the shore where boats will latch, As evening’s glow draws near. The sun dips low, the waters gleam, Casting gold on the quiet sea, Shiny Bay whispers in a dream, Holding its mysteries free.

Ronald Liu

Year 6

Alone

It falls slowly to the ground, Shaking the world with its almighty crash, Washing over everything and everyone, It is found to be called the splash of thunder, Buildings slashed by its wrath, It swallows everything from down under, Millions fall engulfing our world in sadness, I feel sad and alone, I need someone to hold me close, I’m in a dark room surrounded by blackness, I feel cloned my life has been put for me, I froze in time just here alone.

Sayaka Orfanos

Year 6

A Smile Can Travel So Far

Smiling is infectious you catch it like the flu, when someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too, I walked around the corner, and someone saw me grin, when he smiled, I realised, I had passed it on to him, I thought about the smile and then realised what it is worth, a single smile like mine could travel round the Earth, so, if you feel a smile begin don’t leave it undetected, start an epidemic and get the world infected.

Scarlet Mate

Year 6

Hills and Valleys

Curving, curling shape

Quite like a rushing river

A touch sensation

Run your hand on me

A revolution of me

Endless crevices

Rough as a tree’s skin

Smooth as the water’s surface

I’m thixotropic

Restrained by metal

I want to roll to new worlds

Unafraid of life

Infinite patterns

Hills and mountains and valleys

Unfamiliar

Or do you know me?

You know what I feel don’t you

Seeing the world pass

Toby Humphrey

Year 5

Friends

Friendship can sting and hurt you, It’s like a stab in the back sometimes, Some like your best friend can be mean to you, But even if they do, you must think to yourself Do they really mean it?

Or does it slip from their lips?

Remember the times when you laughed and smiled, Why be mad or upset when all they do is make happy, But just know that they will always be you best friend, Your smiles bring you back together, And that will give you your happily ever after.

Sayaka Orfanos

Year 6

The Seasons

Four seasons and four climates. Every season has a reason unknown or known. Everything has a purpose unknown or known. For the spring to sprout the trees, and winter for creatures to sleep. Summer for the fun, and autumn to spread the seeds. The seasons change and they each have a purpose. So whenever someone puts you down, remember you have a purpose.

Wilson Wang

Year 6

Prose

The Rescue

The strong winds blew the clouds away, leaving the entire sky clear and bright. At the Royal Botanic Gardens, the flowers bloomed, the leaves danced in the gorgeous trees, the birds chirped joyfully, and the trees towered over the children. There was a small yellow duck, his name was Ben who happily lived in the Botanical Gardens. As he joyfully walked in the green grass looking for yummy food, an old man with gray hair walked slowly. His eyes were cold, and his voice was sharp as he grumbled at everyone passing by.

Suddenly, the old man plopped down a large white plastic bag with a yummy chocolate sandwich, which was blown away by the powerful wind and landed on Ben’s white, fluffy head. Ben was stuck. At this moment, a joyful boy just passing by saw Ben struggling to breathe in the large plastic bag. He quickly raced to little Ben and gently lifted the large plastic bag. Finally, he rescued Ben and Ben was set free. Ben was safe and very pleased.

legs would get too tired and not reach the flowers. She started a wing workout to warm up her wings. After that she felt strong, and she could fly. So, she set out to find her favourite food which was pollen from a sunflower. She landed on the big bright centre and she ate and ate until there was no more pollen left. She felt full and content and she brought back lots of nectar to the colony to help make the honey. Stripes the bee lived happily ever after in the forest.

Maisy Brown Year 1

The Adorable Kitten

On a chilly night, a cat briskly hiked through the grey streets of a town, past all the houses and closed shops. He had white patches around his eyes, paws and the tip of his tail, and the rest of his body was black. He was roughly as big as a squirrel. This hopeless kitten was a stray and was looking for a new home. Then a short child sized figure appeared. It was a boy called Jack. Jack was a short boy with brown hair. He was carelessly hopping and skipping through the gloominess. Jumping in puddles, when he saw the miserable kitten.

“Hi little guy!” he said. “Do you want to come with me?”

Once there was a bee called Stripes who lived in the tall green forest. On a Monday at afternoon tea, she was hungry, but her white wings were too weak. She thought about walking, but her

The ecstatic cat carelessly leaped onto Jack. They walked through the shine of the now shimmering sun, to Jack’s home while observing the magnificent rainbow streaked through the sky.

Aaron Liu Year 1

Stripes the Bee

When they got to Jack’s small, comforting house, the warm smell of food lingered in the air. The now content kitten was nice and warm in Jack’s raincoat.

“Aww!” exclaimed Jack’s sister, Emma. “He is so cute!”

“I think we should name him Blue because when I found him, there was a rainbow, and blue is a colour of the rainbow. And I also found him on a blue day”, said Jack. “Okay”, agreed Emma.

“Blue can sleep in this box!” said Jack’s mum. Jack’s mum was a young, kind women. Then she filled the box with soft woolly blankets. The kitten climbed out of his woolly heaven, onto Jack’s bed.

In the bright morning, after breakfast, Jack, Emma and Blue ran to the park with lunch packed in a basket. They were planning to stay there until dinner. They also brought a ball and their camera. When they arrived, they gave Blue the ball. They watched the adorable kitten lunge at the ball while taking pictures. They wanted to make a scrap book about Blue. When lunch time came, they ate their food. They watched as Blue attacked a banana. When they had finished, they rolled the ball to each other. Even Blue joined in! He was an energetic player. When they got home, they were drowsy. They didn’t finish their dinner! Blue decided to sleep with Jack again. Blue left his woolly paradise and jumped onto Jack’s bed.

The Last Train

One day in a small town called Hollowbrook, Ethan Collins waited alone at the train station. The old platform was quiet and a bit creepy, with the only sound being the ticking of a clock. Ethan looked at his watch and then up at the dark sky. The train was running late, like it always did. As he waited, he heard the distant whistle of the train. It was coming. Ethan had a funny feeling that this train ride would be very different from any other he had been on.

When the train finally stopped, Ethan stepped inside. It was eerily quiet; he was the only one on the train. He had been waiting for so long that he decided to take a nap. When he woke up, he looked outside and saw that the train had stopped at Serenity Junction. The train was not where it was supposed to be. Suddenly, the TV in the train turned on. It showed happy moments from Ethan’s childhood, like playing with friends and family at the park. The speakers then said, “Enjoy every small moment with friends and family, Ethan.” After that, the train started moving again.

Neil Kale

Year 4

The next stop was called Riverbend Crossing. The TV turned on, and the speakers said, “Embrace new phases in your life, but stay true to who you are.” Ethan realized that the train was trying to teach him something. The TV showed scenes from when he was a teenager—his first job and high school adventures. Then, the train moved on to the next stop.

Ethan arrived at Echo Valley. As usual, the TV flickered on, and the speakers began to talk. They said, “Your past choices echo through time, Ethan. Learn from them, but don’t let them define your future.” The TV showed a big decision he made in his career, which brought both success and tough times.

Finally, the train reached Horizon Station. This time, only the speakers turned on. It said, “Your journey isn’t over, Ethan. Look ahead with hope and courage.” As the train came to a stop, Ethan felt ready to face whatever came next, carrying the lessons from his journey with him.

Patrick Zhang Year 4

Ivy’s Day

It was a sunny day with birds singing in the sky and with the yellow marigold flower that smelled like passion fruit. There was a miniature ibis walking in the sun. His name was Ivy, he was fast!

The ibis went too fast, and he got stuck in a bag. He flapped and flapped and flapped. He flew but he fell in the pond. He almost drowned, but a man noticed the ibis. The man rushed to the pond and then without warning, the man jumped into the water and saved Ivy.

All the neighborhoods saw the man saving Ivy, so they brought the man and Ivy to a restaurant to celebrate. They had a colossal feast.

After Ivy got back home, he told everything that happened today to his mom. His mom was so thankful and told Ivy to be brave like this man.

Harris

Ma Year 1

The City Without Happiness Tears.

Glistening, shining crystals, rolling down faces all around.

Nobody wants the crystals. They’re full of bitterness and longing; longing for something they don’t know of. Days, weeks, months and years go by. Still, they can’t find what they want. Things like fun and joy are unknown of. The crystals litter the ground, soaking not just the people in sadness, but the land in sadness. The heads of wheat droop, the birds stop singing. The bark drops off the trees. Even the sky is depressing and grey. The air is thick with melancholy. Rocks get overturned as the search goes on for the treasure they are wanting with their hearts. It pains the city people not to have it. The crystals keep rolling down their faces without ceasing.

Then it came to them.

It arrived on a small boat, all bright and shiny, full of this…word, this small feeling. What is it? Then a small boy steps out, walks into the city

centre and sees the water mournfully trickling down the fountain. He sees the sad faces…and smiles. When he smiles the people finally find what they were looking for.

HAPPINESS.

It swims through the sky like an otter. The wheat heads spring up, a thousand birds sing at once, the trees grow bark, and the sky becomes the most spectacular blue. The air filled with joy, but still the crystals were falling down faces. But these crystals were different. They were now full of thankfulness, joy and happiness. The small boy meets more and more sad people and smiles at them, and they finally find what was lost.

Now every day, work is fun, people laugh and tell jokes, they go to school, have friends over and smile. Then the small boy leaves. As though he’d never come. He left one thing behind though; he left the city with happiness.

Isaac Diener

Year 5

Fire

It was small. No one heard it. No one saw it. Not the little boy looking in the bush. Not the little girl hiding in the bush. It crept and crept. Up and down it went. Rising up to start its journey. Rising up to start its reign. It gathered its army. It gathered its allies through and through it went. Hotter and hotter it burned.

The fire made its way to the trees and started the invasion. The fire went up the tree and claimed it as its own. Suddenly the little boy shouted, “FIRE!” They sprinted back to tell their parents as the fire continued the hunt. The fire spread through the bush, through the leaves, through the grass. It blazed on and on engulfing everything it wanted. The animals scrambled. The birds set flight as the fire went on and on.

“CRASH!” A torrential downpour of water came down on the fire. A battle had begun. The fire fought back hard as the water hammered down. The fire took its land as the water pushed it back. It tried to run but the water took its stand and pushed the fire on, so it carried on again. The water was winning like the firefighters thought, but then the fire won.

In the heat of battle the once small flame grew into an inferno blazing through the forest. It made its way to a station which held a lot of gas. It used and pushed through the battle and made it to a pump. Then started burning up the big gas pump. “BOOM!” A sound echoed through the forest. Firefighters looked in horror as the fire grew again. They started to run but the fire had enough. It ran to the fighters and swallowed them up. A group of firefighters died that day. But the fire died out too. The forest grew back after suffering a loss. Fires blaze on and on today but the world spins on and on.

Wilson Wang Year 6

The Race

His heart was pounding like an elephant stomping through the grassland. The cars sped down the racetrack as quickly as a bullet. Jadon could taste victory when suddenly BANG! A car decimated another car. The pieces of wreckagewere colossal, acting like ramps as he flew over and smashed into the wall.

Jadon, shocked as anyone would be, sped off to inspect the damage. Luckily, the car was fine. He sprinted inside the car and bolted off like lightning. The car increased its speed rapidly.

Jadon noticed another piece of wreckage on the track. He was now miles behind. He burst into midair. FOOSH! Jadon could see the cars up ahead. He was at a critical speed. Suddenly, he turned his wheel the opposite way and pulled the brakes. The car immediately drifted around the bend. It was a perfect move. Now he was in second place.

Jadon shifted his gears, and the engine roared like a lion. He cornered his opponent. Smash, Smash! The opponent’s car was destroyed into thousands of pieces. Jadon was now in first place. He smiled a dark smile and won the race!

Crane of the Stars

Bronte stared at the white, bare roof. She couldn’t sleep. Her long, brown hair was spread out on the bed like vines hanging on trees. She had bright, green eyes which glimmered in the dark. Her face was covered in worry that she might not sleep for a whole night.

Bronte sat up in bed, giving up on closing her eyes and peered through the window. A huge, round moon smiled at Bronte eagerly as if to show her something. Her eyes focused on a particular star, larger than others. It grew bigger and bigger until it became a figure, and that figure became a crane!

The crane was a huge, majestic animal, with sparkling wings. It moved agilely and gracefully. With every flap of its wings, gusts of wind would blow into the cool night air. Its tail was as long as a tree with colourful feathers waving down to the houses below.

Year 3

Another creature followed. It was a crow with a sharp, pointed beak. It seemed to be chasing the crane. Bronte leaned forward with her nose pressed against the window, desperately trying to get a better look at the birds. Then she remembered a story that was about how crows represented darkness because they were black. The crows would chase other birds that they thought were prettier than them, like cranes.

Dylan Gallimore

Another crane leaned against the window, humming a strange tune. “Hum this tune to the crow when it passes by,” whispered the crane. Then it was gone with a flash of blinding light.

The crow was swooping low, nearly snatching the crane’s tail while brushing the window. Bronte took her chance, whispering the words, but it didn’t work. She tried talking louder, but still, it didn’t work. The crow was now almost at the end of the window, so she hummed the words. It worked.

The crow floated up in the stars as it thrashed about. The shape of the crow in the stars appeared.

“Thank you,” said a tiny voice and then it was gone.

Bronte quietly gazed up at the twinkling crane and crow in the stars. She had seen beautiful cranes and a dark crow. The tune must have been ancient and powerful if the cranes knew it. This adventure had been surprising, but it had been fun! It was an experience that she will never forget.

Dancing Stars

My heart pounded with fear as I ran on stage. I was so nervous. I couldn’t stop shaking my knees. I was gasping for air as if I was almost being suffocated.

A few hours earlier… “Today is the day.” I thought. “Today is the day we show the world what we’re capable of.”

“Ding!” A message was sent to my mum’s phone, it read, “There are five people that can’t come to the competition today. There are only seven boys left in your dance troupe. Good luck on your performance.” That moment almost stopped my heart beating! My mind kept thinking anxiously about “What if we can’t pull this off?” “Will we come last?”

With a heart full of fear and concern, I arrived at the performance venue. With only 7 of us, we had to change our choreography. We practiced so hard in the dressing room. We made a few mistakes, but we kept trying. We practiced over and over again until it was almost perfect.

Finally, the time had come to dance on stage. We ran on stage and bopped down in our beginning positions. Our hearts pumped fast, but we were ready to rock. We were going left to right, up and down. We danced our very best, we demonstrated our passions, and we were…

Heidi Li

Year 3

shining! A huge roar of cheering, encouraging shouts and claps came from the audience. Once we finished, we ran off and cheered outside as a team to celebrate our accomplishment. We won first place! It was truly amazing! We really were shining!!!

Never give up. Always have faith. Follow your passion. If you do you will SHINE bright like a star!

Timmy

Year 5

Fung

Shining Love

An array of colours is painted across the sky. Elegantly, silhouettes of birds dance over a crystal clear ocean as the gentle sound of waves crash on the shore creating echoes throughout the beach. Sitting on the sand is a young girl, immersed in thought.

Scrolls of memories drift through Evelyn’s mind, flash backs of moments she wished would last forever. Silently, a tear slowly trickles down Evelyn’s cheek. It is like the memories of her grandma are just out of reach, visible, but too far to touch. The ache in Evelyn’s heart only grows, until it feels unbearable. She can still hear the sound of her grandma’s voice as she called out

to her from across the beach. This memory is one that is constantly tugging at Evelyn’s heart strings, and one she will never forget.

Evelyn’s life used to be like a canvas and every hour more vivid colours would appear making each day better than the last. Without Evelyn’s grandma, the melody that used to play in her heart has gradually dissolved until now there was nothing left. Evelyn is trapped in a chasm of despair, and she fears she will never escape. Like her destiny is to be forever trapped in a life of misery.

While Evelyn pondered, the wind whispered as if sharing a secret that only she knew. Evelyn soaks in the last rays of sunshine before it disappears behind the horizon. This feels like her. Her grandma’s embrace. Warm and cozy, and a reminder of home.

As the sun sets Evelyn realises that her grandma will always be with her. The threads that she has sewed into Evelyn’s life will remain woven into the fabrics. Even though her grandma is lost, the memories of her will live on in Evelyn, and the love she gave to her will continue to shine.

Indiana Roche Year 6

The Railway Lights

The grey town of Redfern was bustling with busy people on their way to the railway station. It was the annual event that everyone looked forward to — the railway lights. This event is where a beautiful train covered with heaps of colour and fluorescent lights pass through all the railway stations and then finally terminates at Redfern. This event was very popular in Redfern because the place was known for its boring colours and setting. Many people had come early just to find a good spot to enjoy the view. However, when the engine started to move, it stopped and froze. All the lights shut down and the train broke down. Everyone was disappointed and soon the crowd started to talk among each other. Meanwhile, a man named Harry was hiding near the railway station with a pair of cord cutters and a wide grin. He had purposely stopped the railway lights. Harry didn’t enjoy anything bright and felt everyone should feel the same.

Suddenly, he heard a conversation of what sounded like an old man and woman talking in front of where Harry was hiding. “I was really looking forward to watching the railway lights especially as it is a tourist site,” said the old man to the old woman.

Instantly Harry felt angry at himself. He realised that just because he didn’t enjoy the lights didn’t mean that he would have to ruin it for everyone else. So, he bravely walked up to the railway station where the crowd was. Harry stood on a bench and admitted what he had done to the

crowd. He also explained why he felt left out and why he didn’t enjoy it. Suddenly, someone came up to where Harry was standing. Surprisingly, it was the old man that Harry had overheard in the conversation.

The man said to Harry, “Just because you don’t enjoy something doesn’t mean that you will never enjoy it. Take the chance to try it and I’m sure that you will find out that you like it.”

At that moment, the train started to move, and the lights were beaming brightly. As Harry watched the flabbergasting view, he thought about how selfish he had been to take away an amazing experience from thousands of people.

Now, Redfern could shine.

Annabella Jiang Year 5

The Ice Cream Shop

There once were two girls named Ruby and Rosie. They loved boxes because they could make anything out of them. They could make an airplane, a bus, even a rocket ship. One day, there was a knock on the door. Ruby and Rosie opened the door and saw a little teddy bear.

“Who are you?” asked Ruby.

“I am Teddy Winkle!” answered the little teddy bear.

“Oh!, hi Teddy Winkle. My name is Ruby and this is my little sister, Rosie.”

“What are you doing here?” asked Ruby. “Well, I heard that you guys make wonderful

boxes and want to make them real. So I came here with my magical dust that can turn fake things into real things,” said the little teddy bear. “Wow, that sounds so amazing!” said Rosie in astonishment.

“Well,” said the little teddy bear, “Let’s begin.”

They took the little teddy bear inside the house, and altogether they made an ice cream shop. Then the little teddy bear pulled out the magical dust and sprinkled a teeny tiny bit onto it, and then it began to grow and grow and grow until it was the same size as the other ice cream shops.

“We can sell ice cream!” yelled Ruby.

“That’s a great idea!” said Rosie.

“There’s a problem,” said Ruby.

“What’s the problem?” questioned Rosie.

“The ice cream shop is inside our house. We don’t want people coming to our house making our floor dirty, dribbling ice cream on the floor, or letting our parents see the shop!” whispered Ruby.

“Then how are we going to get this ice cream shop out of here now?” questioned Rosie.

“Don’t panic,” said the teddy bear.

“Why not panic? It’s inside our house and people will be coming inside and making our floor dirty!” yelled Ruby.

“Yeah, it’s too hard to not panic,” agreed Rosie.

“Well, I know how to fix this,” said the little teddy bear.

“But how?” questioned Rosie.

“You’ll see?!” said the little teddy bear.

Just then, the little teddy bear added more magical dust and sprinkled a little bit onto the ice cream shop. It began to grow wheels and arms. The armed wheels wheeled the shop outside.

“Wow, that’s amazing,” whispered Ruby, and after that, they sold a lot and a lot of ice cream to everyone in the city.

They earned lots and lots of money. And when they got back inside, their hands were full of money, and their mum asked them.

“Why do you have so much money, and how did you get it?”

“Well,” said Ruby, “I don’t think you will believe me, even if I told you,” said Rosie.

THE END

Freya Zhang Year 3

The Hobbit: An Alternative Beginning

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.”

This particular hobbit-hole had a flawlessly round door, painted a verdant, dark green. The door was adorned with a shiny, vibrant brass knob, immaculately placed in the perfect middle. As the door swung open, it revealed a tube-like corridor. The walls were lined with intricate wood panelling, the floor tiled with polished stone, and a soft, fluffy carpet ran down the centre. Several leather chairs were strategically placed along the walls, inviting guests to sit and stay awhile. Over a dozen coat hangers stood ready to hold the cloaks and hats of visitors, and a very welcoming door mat lay at the entrance – for hobbits loved guests.

The tunnel wound its way into The Hill, as the esteemed residents called it. It stretched on for many miles, meandering through the whole of Bag End. From afar, The Hill was a vivacious and picturesque sight, dotted with small, cozy windows and bright, beautiful flowers that seemed to dance in the breeze. One house stood out for its neatness. The flowers in its garden were perfectly trimmed, and the clay pots were adorned with intricate designs from distant lands.

This house belonged to a very well-to-do hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo was a hobbit of some renown, known for his love of comfort and his impeccable taste. His home reflected his personality – warm, inviting, and meticulously maintained. Little did anyone know; this unassuming hobbit was destined for great things. The adventures that awaited him would take him far beyond the borders of The Hill, into lands unknown and stories untold.

Bilbo’s home was not just a place of comfort, but also a place of history and tradition. The walls of the corridor were adorned with portraits of his ancestors, each one telling a story of bravery, wisdom, and adventure. The carpet that lined the floor was a family heirloom, passed down through generations, its intricate patterns woven with tales of old. The leather chairs, though worn with age, were as comfortable as ever, each one holding memories of countless gatherings and conversations.

As one ventured further into the tunnel, the air grew warmer, and the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air. The kitchen was the heart of the hobbit-hole, a place where Bilbo spent many happy hours preparing meals for his friends and family. The shelves were lined with jars of preserves, spices from far-off lands, and an assortment of teas. A large wooden table stood in the centre; its surface scarred with the marks of many a feast.

Beyond the kitchen lay the dining room, a grand space with a long table that could seat a dozen hobbits. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books, each one a treasure trove of knowledge and adventure. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals catching the light and casting a warm glow over the room. The chairs were plush and comfortable, each one inviting guests to sit and share in the warmth and hospitality of Bilbo’s home.

The living room was a cozy space, with a large fireplace that crackled and popped with a welcoming fire. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of hobbit life, and the floor was covered with a thick, plush rug. A large overstuffed sofa sat in front of the fireplace, its cushions inviting one to sink in and relax. A small table stood nearby, its surface cluttered with books, papers, and a steaming pot of tea.

Bilbo’s bedroom was a sanctuary of comfort and tranquillity. The bed was large and inviting, covered with a quilt that had been handmade by his mother. The walls were painted a soft, calming blue, and the windows were draped with heavy curtains that kept out the chill of the night. A small desk stood in one corner, its surface cluttered with papers and a quill, evidence of Bilbo’s love of writing.

Outside, the garden was a riot of colour and life. Flowers of every hue bloomed in profusion, their scents mingling in the air. A small path wound

its way through the garden, leading to a bench where Bilbo often sat and enjoyed the beauty of his surroundings. The garden was a place of peace and reflection, a haven from the hustle and bustle of the world beyond.

Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who loved his home and his comforts, but he was also a hobbit with a sense of adventure. Though he did not yet know it, his life was about to change in ways he could never have imagined. The quiet, comfortable life he had known was about to be turned upside down, and he would find himself embarking on a journey that would take him far from the safety of his hobbit-hole and into the unknown.

Rohan Mundkar Year 6

Shine Like a Star

Prologue

The truck flung in front of the car, my mother yelled something, but I could not hear it over the wind. It took me a second to realise what happened, before I could even begin to panic, the car tumbled sideways, blood roaring in my ears. Screams pierced the air as the truck slammed into the vehicle sideways. The impact flung me into the seatbelt once again. Glass shattered and metal cracked, and before I knew it, my vision was out.

As the heart rate went flat, my mother burst out in tears. I looked down at the ground, my arm throbbing. Even with the medicine and sling, it still hurt. But the grief felt heavier, at least right now. I was in the hospital for the accident, which had cost my father’s life. I wish I had never asked to go to the beach. I knew I would miss him, a lot. I imagined the beach, the water lapping at the shore. Waves crashing against the concrete walls. The sun reflecting light onto the blue, deep, and wild waters. Instead, we had to lose someone, that someone being my father.

We arrived home, and I just flopped on the lounge, staring at the blank, black TV screen. My phone beeped in my hand, but I didn’t care. My arm felt numb, but painful at the same time, I did not know how. I lightly glanced at my phone, the notifications popping up consistently.

“Are you okay?”

“I heard about the accident, are you okay?”

“Is everyone safe?”

“Michelle?”

I just stared at the glowing screen, my eyes heavy with weariness, but I could not sleep, not after everything that happened. My soccer dream had been crushed, how was I supposed to do it while knowing I would never see my father again.

I dug my fingers into the couch, lifting the phone to my face. The notifications were from Harper, my best friend. I huffed, leaning back on the couch, the pillows swallowing up to my ears. I stared. I stared, and stared, and stared at the

ceiling. My head felt like it was going so fast it would fall off. I did not understand the simplest of things anymore, but I knew I would have to come free of the grief eventually.

Days passed, and the grief was slowly but surely lifting. I had just stayed at home after the accident. My phone rang, I glanced lowly at it from my spot on the bed. Harper.

Harper: “Hey”

Me: “Hi”

Harper: “Do you want to do soccer training?”

Me: “Really?”

Harper: “Yeah!”

Me: “Alright. Meet behind the School Library?”

Harper: “Ok!”

I leaned back against the wall and stared at the ceiling, sighing. I had always wanted to be a player in the soccer team Barker, but was this the way to do it? Harper was not in the team, but she did play soccer. Would this be a promising idea? Wou-

“Michelle!”

My mothers soft call snapped me out of my thoughts, I stifled a sigh of annoyance. I placed a hand on the handle, and cracked it open, I made my way down the stairs and made it to the mat on the edge of the staircase. The light filtered into my eyes. the bright, cream walls reflecting light onto the hard wooden floors. I could hear my mother stirring breakfast up, the air was

fresh, the soft scent of dew still lingered in the air. The door was open, that’s where it was from. I turned through the hall and into the kitchen. There was my mother, eye-bags under her eyes, she had not done well after either. She was cooking eggs and bacon.

I arrived at the school, and at once spun toward the library. I dashed over and sat between two trees. The smell of fresh nature filled my nostrils. It calmed me. I gazed across the open field, waiting for Harper to arrive. Branches snapped, out came Harper. She kicked her soccer ball toward me, and we trained for hours on end.

After weeks of training, I felt was ready to go for the trial to get into the team. I was on the road with my mother to the trial. The wheels spun; memories of the accident remained. How I missed my father. My mother’s old self. We arrived, Harper in her dad’s car behind us. I got out and spun on my heels to face Harper, a large smile on my face. The second she got out; I wrapped her in a tight hug. “Thank you! So, so much!”

The speaker rung; it was my turn. I dashed over to the field. There was a line, about 5 people in front.

“CHRISTOPHER!” The head called, the boy in the front stepped forward, and shot it into the goal by an inch.

“MIMI!” The head called, the next kid stepped out and shot a lucky goal.

“REEF!”

“OLIVIA!”

“LILI!”

That is when I realised, I was at the front now, I would be next. My stomach dropped; was I really ready for this? Well, there was no going back now.

a deep breath, raised my leg…

“MICHELLE!” The head called, I ran forward and kicked the ball. For a second it was headed right for the goal, but then it swerved, and hit the post. My heart skipped a beat.

“No! I swear I can do better than that! Let me have another go, please!” I pleaded, looking to the head.

The speaker rung. “Strike one, one more foul and you are out!”

I ran out to get the ball, my legs pounding against the ground. I could almost hear my heartbeat. I grabbed it and ran back to the starting point, throwing it down in front of me. I took a deep breath, raised my leg…

The ball hauled forward as I kicked it full force. I watched as it missed the goal by an inch.

“Strike two! Michelle, you are out!” I turned my hands into a fist and left the line, nose scrunched as I stomped to the car. I opened the door and got in, slamming it behind me as I lifted myself into the passenger seat. “Michelle?” Harper gently said from the driver seat door, her face soft with sorrow for me. “Go away. This is all your fault!”

I snapped, not really realising what I had said, turning my back on her.

Harper stepped back from the door and slumped back to her father’s car. The anger practically radiated off me.

Harpers dad got into the car and drove off. I grunted angrily as my mother got into the car and started the vehicle. “What was that about?”

She enquired, keeping her eyes on the road. I did not respond, I just stared out the stainedglass window of the car.

We arrived home and I stormed to my room, slamming the door behind me. I stayed in there for hours on end, punching and throwing plushies across the room, only coming out of for food and water.

A couple of days later, I flung my bag on my back and walked out the door. I waited at the bus stop for the bus to come. I heard the buzzing of the bus engine nearby and sighed. This was going to be one bum of a day. Soon enough the bus came into sight and pulled into the side lane and parked in front of the bus stop. I boarded and went straight to my seat in the middle of the bus. Some people were asleep, others were talking, and a few were laughing.

I just sat in my seat and stared out the window, still mad.

When the bus came to a stop, everyone unbuckled their seatbelts, and I walked behind the library, bringing my soccer ball with me. I dropped it into front of a bush once I got there and kicked it between two trees repeatedly.

I did this every day for a month straight before I tried again for the team.

The wheels spun on my mother’s car, and we stopped in the parking lot of the field. I walked over to the line.

“Cassidy!”

“Mark!”

“Zenno!”

It was my turn; I would not miss this time. “Michelle!

I kicked the ball with full force, and it swerved into the goal. I remained nonchalant. I had done it, finally. I ran over to the ball, and kicked it to the next person, before leaving the ring and hopping in the car. I would get in, I just had to wait for the season to start.

As I sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, I suddenly felt the lack of sleep catch up to me and hit me like a tsunami.

As the car pulled into the driveway, I unbuckled my seatbelt and jumped out of the car. Striding toward the front door, I opened it and kicked off my shoes onto the ground and went to my room, flopping into bed. I lifted my phone to my face, the time read 11:34. I closed my eyes slowly and drowsily, not dreaming.

The next morning, mum did not wake me up as usual, instead she left me in bed. When I rose to my senses, I saw her in the kitchen, making breakfast.

“Morning sleepyhead.”

She said, also a bit tired.

“I got you into the team, they said you’ll be fine for the game today. I hope you slept well!”

I had not seen Harper in ages, I did not even know if she still played soccer. I kind of missed her. I grabbed my soccer boots and flung them on, grabbing my clothes and putting them on too. I dashed to the bathroom, looking for the hairbrush. I spotted it out of the corner of my eye.

“How long do we have?” I yelled to my mother. “15 minutes!” She called back.

“Where is the hair bush?” I called again.

“In the bathroom!” She spoke.

“Never mind I found it!”

I grabbed the brush and frantically drove it through my hair, grabbing the hair tie I had spotted on the sink counter and wrapped it into a ponytail.

I leapt into the car; I was about to burst of excitement.

We hopped out in the parking lot, and I at once sprinted toward the field. I saw Harper’s team, The Sharks. I reached the field, and I got into my position as my mother made her way to the stands. The whistle blew, and the game was on.

BARKER

VS SHARKS

I sprinted to the ball, kicking between people’s legs and passing it to my teammates. The game went on for a while, goal after goal.

BARKER

— 3 SHARKS — 4

I pressed harder, the ding of goals piercing the air every now and then. I kicked the ball to my teammate Lizzy, who kicked it to Bella. Bella dashed into the crowd, kicking it toward the goal.

DING!!

It was now at a tie. The whistle blew. The game was over. In the distance I saw Harper. I ran over and hugged her.

“I am sorry, I should not have said those things that I did. Please forgive me.”

Harper laughed.

“Of course I will. You were just angry, and that is okay.”

Now that I had won a game, I would shine like a star.

Charlotte Brown Year 4 (Ngarralingayil Barker)

Each piece of descriptive text from Year 6 offers a glimpse into their unique personalities, sharing their likes, dislikes, and favourite hobbies.

Descrizione

Mi chiamo Goffredo e ho undici anni. Sono buffo e pigro. Non sono alto né basso. A volte, sono un po’ distratto perché sogno molto ad occhi aperti! Non sono coraggioso ma faccio del mio meglio. Mi piace il formaggio parmigiano. Il mio colore preferito è celeste. Sono a volte un buffone e furbo.

Mi piace andare al cinema e andare ai parchi a tema perché sono divertenti. Ma, non mi piace affatto giocare a scacchi perché è un gioco noioso. Mi piace molto giocare i videogiochi e giocare a calcio perché sono interessanti. Mi piace poco studiare.

Mi piace molto l’inglese e l’italiano perché mi piace studiare le lingue. Adoro la matematica perché è una materia interessante.

Geoffrey Li

Year 6

Descrizione

Mi chiamo Indiana e ho undici anni. Faccio la sesta e il mio compleanno è il ventinove marzo. Abito a Killara. Sono nata in America.

Sono molto piccola. Sono spesso attiva. A volte sono buffa. Non sono pigra ma sono gentile e generosa. Sono coraggiosa e felice ma non sono distratta.

Mi piace andare alla spiaggia e mi mi piace molto fare il nuoto. Adoro ballare perché è divertente e interessante. Mi piace ascoltare la musica e suonare il flauto. Non mi piace giocare a scacchi ma mi piace poco giocare a carte. Non mi piace giocare col computer perché è noiso. Adoro passare del tempo con la mia famiglia e adoro incontrare gli amici perché sono molto divertenti.

Indiana Roche

Year 6

La Mia Descrizone

Sono Lilia e ho undici anni. Abito a Sydney e il mio compleanno è il diciotto ottobre. Sono nata in Australia. Faccio la sesta.

A volte sono seria ma non sono pigra. Sono bella e intelligentissima. Non sono attiva.

Adoro andare alla spiaggia e fare il nuoto perché sono divertenti. Non mi piace giocare a cricket, giocare a baseball e giocare a scacchi perché sono annoiosi. Mi piace molto andare in bicicletta perchè è divertente.

Lilia Roussety

Year 6

Descrizione

Sono Chiara e faccio la sesta. Ho undici anni e il mio compleanno é il quindici settembre. Sono nata in Australia e abito a Westleigh.

A volte sono una chiaccherona e spesso sono buffa. Non sono timida perchè sono coraggiosa. A volte sono pigra ma spesso sono sportiva e attiva.

Adoro giocare a basket perché sono altissima e è divertente, ma non mi piace affatto giocare AFL e giocare a rugby. Mi piace passare del tempo con la mia famiglia perché è divertente. A volte mi piace andare alla spiaggia perché mi piace fare il nuoto.

Kiara Sharma

Year 6

These are some heartfelt letters written by our Year 5 students to their Italian pen pals. Each letter introduces the student, sharing their hobbies, favourite school subjects, and a bit about themselves.

Cari amici italiani,

Salve!

Mi chiamo Isacco. Ho undici anni e faccio la quinta. Il mio compleanno è il diciotto marzo.

Come stai? Come ti chiami? Che classe fai? Quanti anni hai?

Mi piace giocare a cricket e adoro pescare con il mio papà ma non mi piace affatto fare lo sci e andare sullo skateboard con la mia mamma. Adoro giocare con il mio cane. Si chiama Honey.

Adoro suonare la chitarra basso e giocare a scacchi con la mia sorella Evelyn.

Il mio hobby preferito è andare al parco con la mia famiglia.

Cos’è il tuo hobby preferito?

Saluti,

Isacco

Isaac Diener

Year 5

Cari amici italiani,

Salve!

Mi chiamo Jayden. Ho dieci anni e faccio la quinta. Che classe fai? Il mio compleanno e` il ventidue ottobre. Quando è il tuo compleanno?

Adoro suonare il violino e il pianoforte e mi piace molto giocare a calcio con il mio papà. Adoro leggere un libro con il mio fratello Kai. Il mio hobby preferito è giocare a tennis e ascoltare la musica. Cos’ è il tuo hobby preferito?

La mia materia preferita è il robotics, la musica e l’inglese. Adoro l’inglese e la musica. Cos’è la tua materia preferita?

Saluti!

Jayden Tian

Year 5

Cari amici italiani,

Ciao! Mi chiamo Cristiano. Ho dieci anni e faccio la quinta. Il mio compleanno e` il sedici agosto.

Adoro giocare a calcio e suonare il clarinetto. Come ti chiami? Come stai? Che classe fai? Quanti anni hai?

Mi piace la matematica e l’italiano ma mi piace poco la scienza. Mi piace molto fare lo shopping. Il mio hobby preferito e` andare al cinema. Adoro lo sport ma non mi piace andare in bicicletta o fare lo sci.

Cos’e` il tuo hobby preferito?

Saluti,

Cristiano

Christian Key

Year 5

The annual WriteOn competition, hosted by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), allows students in Years 1 to 6, including those registered for home schooling, to become published authors and enhance their writing skills. Participants use an image as a stimulus to create an imaginative text of up to 500 words. This year, we had 31 entries across the Junior School and have included a selection of these, featuring two bronze award winners; Indiana Roche Year 6 and Vincent Liang Year 2.

What Matters

Inspired by Gough Whitlam’s commitment to involving young people in shaping Australia’s future, the What Matters? writing competition is currently open to school students in Years 5 to 12 from Australia. Responding to the simple question ‘what matters?’, entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Eassy Competition

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition. With thousands of young people taking part every year, it is an important way to recognise achievement, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing. Jacquelyn Jin Year 6 received a Gold Award for her composition. Lachlan Boak, Ronald Liu and Abigail Symons Year 6 received a Bronze Award.

The Lost And Found

“Where am I?” “Am I lost?” “Who is that man in the black coat?” “Is he trying to snatch me”? I was soaked like a pool of muddy water.

The rain poured down on my face. It made me even colder to the bones. I forgot my last meal. My tummy was rumbling like a drum played really fast. I missed my family and home. I was supposed to be on the train visiting Thomas’ grandma!

It was the naughty screeching train’s fault. It was the train that scared the horse that terrified me. I then ran away from the carriage that just arrived at the railway station. I’ve never liked the station because it smells smoky and steamy. It’s a place full of noises that make me anxious. There were wheels rumbling, cars roaring, horses walking, people rushing and talking.

The rain was drizzling on the wet, flooded ground. I strolled down the road back to the station to find my family but there was no sign of them. Everyone was minding their own business, and no one was caring about me.

Suddenly, I felt the rain stop. “Are you alright? You poor little thing, how long have you been here?” I heard a soft and comfortable voice.

It was a girl in a yellow coat with a blue umbrella. She found me under a big tree shivering. She gave me a gentle pat and talked to me “Alright, let’s get you out of here.” Then

she scooped me up and carried me gently to a motel next to the station. This lovely girl, Sarah, turned out to be the housekeeper of Redfern Motel. Sarah fed me a tasty meal and found me a snuggly and cozy spot in the corner of the hallway. That evening, I felt like I was almost at home.

As time flew, I found myself enjoying being in the motel because every guest liked me! It had become my job to guard the house for Sarah who rescued me from the cold, wet and scary day.

Strangely, I started to get used to the smell and the choo-choo sound of every train that passed by because I was hoping Thomas would come out of one of the trains.

A year later, it was a misty and rainy morning. Everything was a blurry sight. As I tip toed through the flooded ground, suddenly, an excited voice shouted, “GEORGE!” I couldn’t believe I heard a familiar call that I have been dreaming of all the time.

IT WAS THOMAS! He found me! I madly wagged my tail and charged to the sound of Thomas. I couldn’t stop barking and barking and barking with joy!

IT WAS MY BEST DAY EVER! I was lost and found in this gigantic railway station.

Vincent Liang

Year 2

Leaving Redfern

As the sky silently weeps, ash coloured clouds drift across the miserable horizon. A rainbow of umbrellas dance in the gentle rain as they are carried gracefully across the suburban setting. In the distance, the tips of houses are visible as they reach towards the sombre sky. People hurry through the bustling city oblivious to the world around them and no one seems to notice Elizabeth sitting on the sidewalk immersed in her own thoughts.

Memories of the happy times Elizabeth had with her husband scroll through her mind. She can’t believe she will never see him again. With coldlike symptoms everyone thought he would be fine, but as they were waiting for the doctor, Elizabeth had had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Next thing she knew, he was gone. Without the chance to say goodbye, Elizabeth was left alone in her empty house. The last memory Elizabeth had of her husband was as she walked him up the hospital steps. She can still hear the calming tone in his voice as he reassured her that he would be all right. He was wrong.

Without her husband, Elizabeth feels she might crumble under the heavy pain of continuing life in Redfern. Too many memories, too many reminders that she will never get to tell her husband, just one more time how much she loved him. It is time for her to move on. Elizabeth sits on the solid, gravel pathway taking in the scene before her.

The horse pulled carriages, the gloomy weather, and the old train station. These will be the last memories she ever makes here. Redfern has been Elizabeth’s home from the moment she first opened her eyes. It was where she and her beloved husband got married. She can still hear the music that was playing as she walked down the aisle that day. Now when couples walk hand in hand down the street, Elizabeth cannot bear to watch. The pain in her heart just grows stronger, like the piece of a puzzle that has long been lost.

Her travel trunk which has been sitting on the verandah is carefully lifted down the weathered stairs, it’s leather now old and fragile. As Elizabeth makes her way to the platform rain pounds hard on the ground and the wind whispers as if to say farewell. As the steam train hisses to a stop, Elizabeth takes one last look at her beloved home and a tear slowly trickles down her cheek.

“Goodbye,” she whispers as she reluctantly boards the train.

As she watches her world roll past, she realizes that she will always be a part of the tapestry of life here. The threads that she and her husband sewed will remain woven into its fabric and although he is lost, he will never be forgotten. Her heart aches for her old life but as the train drifts away, her journey of healing is just beginning.

Indiana Roche Year 6

School Blues

My hands ached as I loaded what felt like the millionth round of washing. As I stepped onto our tiny porch to hang the clothes, my eyes fell on a dusty stack of books. I had not seen those books since I last stepped into school. Dropping the clothes, I sat down on the bamboo chair and flipped through the pages.

A sudden surge of anger choked me. Why did my parents stop me from doing what I loved?

I remembered the joy of learning at school, especially writing. My dad losing his job ensured that it became a luxury we couldn’t afford.

I decided to take things into my own hands. Every day I went to sell cattle at the marketplace. The plan was to sneak off to school and get my neighbor Henry to sell the cattle. Henry gruffly negotiated in exchange for 2 shillings.

The next morning, anxiously I handed cattle and two shillings over to Henry.

Rain drizzled onto the hard surface floor echoing against the occasional rushes of incoming wind. Carriages for the wealthy, two legs for the poor, the main villa of Redfern was bustling in the early morning. I ran across the street, the departing steam engine’s whistle ringing in my ear. People stared at me; it was unusual to see a girl in dirty stained clothes running down the main villa.

There it was, Redfern Public school. Finally, after

years of…. ‘’ Why aren’t you in your class? “. I heard a fragile old voice.

“I am a new student. I need to sign myself in”. Peering at me over her thinly rimmed glasses, she sharply pointed towards the sign,

“RECEPTION”.

In class, my excitement was boundless. I sat perfectly still and soaked in every word.

On my way out, I saw a poster “Calling young Shakespeares! Annual Poetry Competition”. This was my chance, if I won this, maybe my parents would let me stay in school.

I swiftly grabbed a piece of parchment and started scribbling. Days turned into nights, and I worked devoutly to bring my dreams to life.

The morning of the final submission arrived and after countless reviews, I handed it in. The next few days felt like centuries and finally Mr. Manly announced in the assembly, ‘Amelie Earhart, winner of the poetry competition.’

I stared at Mr. Manly, speechless, I was the winner! But it dawned upon me that I needed to break it to my parents.

As I stepped inside the house, I saw my parents gripping my school bag tightly, their faces writhing with anger. I knew they had found out my secret. They shouted and yelled but despite their anger I refused to give up on my dream.

The next day my parents arrived at school and when I thought all was lost, fate intervened, and they found out about my monumental accomplishment. I begged and pleaded, and finally they agreed I could go to school full-time. My dream had come true!

Ananshi Chopra

Year 5

Dull

Days

Oh, the dull days. When you sit on the couch

Peering outside.

Nothing to do, but just sit there. Oh, how you wish it was a sunny day And you could go to the beach.

The red steam train puffs smoke Like it’s sighing.

You spy a man walking to work With a big woollen coat on.

Umbrella spread out wide, Walking past the trees that go “Drip drop, drip drop”.

The icy ground, like a frozen lake. The grey, overcast sky With the sun tucked away. The sky is like an unwelcoming giant Towering over you. Will tomorrow be a sunny day?

No, it’s still a dull day.

Caught a fever, lying in bed. Taking medicine, hoping to be All better.

Still wondering if tomorrow Will be a sunny day.

Sad, bored, frustrated, You flop back down into bed.

Deep inside you feel hopeless.

Anger and disappointment explode. It’s never ever going to be A sunny day.

The rain stops the next day. A rainbow blossoms.

The sky opens up into sunshine. It’s your birthday!

“Let’s go to the beach,” says Mum.

“I baked you a cake,” says Dad.

“This is the best day ever!” you say.

Ryan Tsai Year 3

The Artwork

“Alright class get in line!” Bellowed the teacher. Mrs Methodic was a teacher known for her stern voice but today she seemed to be louder than ever. Every time she screams terrified little eyes target her like a dartboard. The art gallery was never a good place to go for an excursion. It wastes time, supposedly admiring people haphazardly slapping paint on a page and we the audience walk, and stare totally confused. Today seemed to be just a normal day when suddenly a painting caught my eye.

It was not a piece of artwork which had a gallery just for itself nor was it big, consuming the whole wall which usually made your eyes dart in every direction. It was a just a simple oil painting of a train station in the 1800s. I didn’t know why it was catchy. It was like I was programmed to stare at it.

The painting was vast with streaks of grey on the bottom with a transition of colour darker in different places transferring masterfully into a multitude of colours. The foreground seems to be painted in faint streaks of blue and red giving the impression that it is raining. There are carriages on one side whilst the other has large, stoned buildings creating a shade of darkness in the area. Shops seem to scream for attention with strokes of white and orange but what really captures my attention is the man in the black cloak on the road. As I take a closer look I see movement, not me, it is the picture.

He- h - he is waving.

I stare in absolute horror fear engulfing my whole body, with one thought engraved in my brain. It was to run... but my legs were stuck on the marbled floor knocking each other. Clack! Clack! Clack! The noise echoes in my ears, my hands squeeze each other until they are pulsating red. Unexpectedly, the man makes a swift movement arching his arms inviting me into the painting. As he keeps walking, more figures began to move and come alive. They twirl around desperately trying to free themselves from the artwork that holds them hostage.

People scatter as the man urges me to come in, but I did not budge. The man growls with frustration, black paint ascending into the sky. He makes a whistle noise. I am confused at first but then I begin to panic, my heart palpitating haphazardly as the oil men begin to reach out towards me. A spectrum of colours wolfs me down dragging me into the painting. My hand begins to travel into the painting…. turning into paint. Slowly my elbow is being drawn in. Next, my head.

I scream in agony when suddenly I heard my name being called. Everything stopped. Instantly, my whole body was back to normal. Mrs Methodic was screaming at me for day dreaming. I followed the class and when I looked back the artwork vanished.

Joshua Sun

Year 6

Chaos at Redfern

As the chariot was pulled along by the sleek, but strong horses, I could hear the sound of the train pulling up to Redfern station and I knew I was close. It was a bumpy ride as I slid left and right in my seat.

I peered out the window, admiring the reflection of our chariot on the ground. Pitter! Patter! Pitter! Patter! The wheels skated across the slippery road like we were travelling on ice, and I quickly braced myself. Suddenly, the chariot skidded to a halt, as the horses were pulled to a sudden jerk. I sighed in relief and took another look out the window. I watched as busy people carelessly rushed past with their heads down, hoping to make their train. Their coats dripped with water, and I felt a rush of empathy for them. My thoughts drifted to those living on the streets. The biting autumn breeze gushed through, breaking my thoughts as the chariot’s doors rustled. “We must hurry, the weather is picking up!” I rushed my charioteer urgently. He pulled the horses’ reins and their hooves clattered against the cobblestone pavement. I felt the chariot swerve and before I knew it... A force of impact hit me. The chariot toppled over, and the horses neighed in terror. I hastily scrambled out of the chariot. I looked around. No one offered to help.

“I guess I’ll just have to walk.” I groaned. As I got closer to the station, I could hear the gossiping whispers coming from every corner of the street and chills went up my spine. “I can’t believe she’s walking.”, they smirked. I therefore decided to take the backstreet to avoid the whispers. As I got deeper into the alley, darkness engulfed the streets and fear overcame me. “Hello-o?” I murmured as I slowly shuffled forward, splashing puddles of water all over my shoes. “Yer’ fine?” asked a peculiar voice. “Yer’ seem trembling.” “Show yourself!” I ordered, steadying my voice. As the rain began to clear, a glimmer of sunlight burst through the cracks, and I gradually realised where I was. Windows were smashed and old beggars claimed every corner. I could still hear the trains, so I knew I had to be close.

Suddenly, a beggar lunged towards my bag. I dashed out of the alleyway following the faint sound of the train. “Catch the train and you’ll be alright”, I told myself. As I rounded the corner, I was relieved to see the busy crowd at Redfern station. I ripped my wallet out of my bag and slammed a handful of coins on the counter. “Just need a ticket to anywhere that leaves in the next minutes or so”, I panted to the cashier. He directed me to a bustling platform, and I leapt aboard the train, narrowly avoiding the closing doors. The beggar hastily followed me without paying, but thankfully the doors slammed together just in time.

Mikayla Wu Year 3

Peter

My thoughts drowned me. The icy wind whistled around my head, taunting me with foreboding. My face was wet, whether by tears or rain, I did not know.

How quickly my life had changed…

Today had started off well. I remember the rays of sun triumphantly squeezing through our small bedroom window, distant birds singing a morning melody, and the late Autumn trees dancing along. I had woken slowly, and then, remembering that today was ‘The Day’, leapt to the table.

Peter was up, a warm smile on his kind face failing to hide his exhilaration about the adventure ahead of us. He slowly picked up the steaming cup, not daring to change his grip as he carefully placed it in my hands. I leisurely brought it to my lips and took a long sip. Today was ‘The Day’.

Peter and I had both wanted to move away as soon as we had wed. A new life, together, in the countryside. Arriving at Redfern Train Station, we watched the ocean of coats forming a line in front of us. The echo of booming voices surrounded me. The rhythmic tapping of horses’ hooves could be heard in the distance. Old men, middle aged women and young children bustled in and out of Redfern. I could smell the woody scent of the paper tickets, Peter’s face lit up when he finally saw them. From within the sea of people, an inviting bench at the end of

the platform called for us to come and sit. Heavy trains heaved in and out of the station. I looked at our tickets, only half an hour longer.

At first, I did not notice the light drizzle, or the sun’s warmth disappear behind threatening clouds. I did not notice the haze of grey envelope the station either. It was not going to dampen our spirts. The pavement underneath our feet seemed to liquefy under our shoes but we did not notice a thing. We talked about the weather in the countryside, our country house with a grand veranda, the luscious green blades of soft grass, the rainbow of flowers we would grow…

An official looking man, who carried with him an overly plump shadow, announced to the platform that the train would shortly be approaching. The look on Peter’s face was worth millions. Just a little longer! As the train became within sight, Peter got ready but, within the space of a heartbeat, he misjudged the puddle, our mountain of luggage and the edge of the platform.

The toot of the train bellowed in anguish, and the breaks screeched in horror.

Peter, my dear Peter. My thoughts drowned me.

The icy wind whistled around my head, taunting me with foreboding.

Maddie Burnett Year 6

David’s Adventure

In 2023, David was an engineer living in Sydney, Australia. Sadly, the city was far from peaceful because a naughty monster named Choo-Choo Charles was disrupting the people’s lives. ChooChoo Charles was a steam train monster like Thomas the Train. He had razor-sharp teeth in his grin. He looked terrifying when smiling. He had spider legs under his barrels. Choo-Choo Charles had done a lot of bad things in Sydney. He blocked the train tracks so the people could not travel where they wanted.

David wanted to stop Choo-Choo Charles from making people unable to travel. He discovered that Choo-Choo Charles was a good and friendly train when he was created. However, Titan-Speaker Man, the ultimate villain, used a special machine called the egg machine to turn Choo-Choo Charles into a naughty monster in 1893. David went to Redfern station and sat down for a few hours. Suddenly, David had an idea. He could build a time machine to return to 1893 to stop Titan-Speaker man from eating Choo-Choo Charles’ kind soul.

David went to the high-tech shop to buy the materials for the time machine. This wildly cool shop had the rarest material on the planet. Building the time machine was hard work. He spent six months completing it. David set the destination at 1893, then pressed the timetravelling buzzer. When he left the machine, he found himself in Redfern station in 1893!

It was a rainy day, with the cold wind blowing against people. However, The Redfern station was very busy. People hurriedly walked to the train station. At the same time, others rode in horse carriages and head there. They are all preparing to travel to their destinations by train. David can smell fumes from the train, a special scent unique to steam locomotives. Beside the train station, David also saw many people eating in a restaurant. They must have just arrived in Sydney by train. Everything was going smoothly. Just at that moment, David saw the original Choo-Choo Charles, and he was carrying people out of the station. David knew he had to find the Titan-Speaker man quickly. After much effort, David found the Titan-Speaker man in his lab. David grabbed his laser gum and zapped to the egg machine. The egg machine was destroyed, and the Tian-Speaker man could no longer change Choo-Choo Charles to a naughty train. He successfully stopped Titan-Speaker man’s evil plan.

When David returned to 2023 through the time machine, he found the train station had returned to normal. No more naughty trains were blocking the tracks, and people could go where they wanted. “I did it.” David said excitedly,” Everything I did was worth it.”

Daniel Liang Year 1

LOST

As the buzz of the city swarmed around me, I was lost.

While water dropped like stones around me, I was lost.

When the powerful steam engines screamed past me, I was lost.

My name is Matthew, I was lost.

Last week my parents sat me and my sister Elizabeth down for a very serious talk, using very serious voices. It was about our house and how we would not get to live in it anymore and how we had to move closer to Pop’s farm, all because Papa’s work didn’t like him anymore.

So, there I was at the bustling Redfern train station with my family and our mountain of bags. But then an enormous carriage came thundering through. The driver lost control, and the horse reared up, knocking me away from my family. Then a swarm of grown-ups rushing for their train swept Mama, Papa and Elizabeth away. That is when the rain began.

As the rain beat down, I started to panic. My clothes were drenched, my bags were as heavy as boulders and my eyes were blurry. Everything around me was blurry.

I remembered Mama had said we were going to our new home at lunchtime, and I was not hungry yet, so I knew I had some time. I called out their names until my throat burnt. But the world was spinning, and I knew I needed to sit down. I dropped my bags and leaned against a

tree, which also gave me some protection from the wind and rain.

What started as a mere pitter-patter had become a powerful downpour. The raindrops were angry daggers piercing the ground. I knew that Papa and Mama would come looking for me, so I decided to stay put. But as time went by and trains entered the station and left, I was worried sick. I remembered last time I went on a train; it was to go to our cousin’s farm. That was fun. Now I was unsure I would ever go on a train again. Maybe I wouldn’t even see my family again. But then I thought about Elizabeth and how we promised never to go anywhere without each other, and I knew it would be okay.

A dark shadow came trundling toward me from the tracks. He was an imposing figure, and he sent a shiver down my spine.

“You right, little nipper?” grunted his low, gruff voice. I recognised that voice, but I could not remember where from. It was a well-built fellow with that kind of haircut that has spiky bits. Then I remembered who this man was - it was Uncle Stuart!!

“Uncle” I squeaked, “I can’t find Mama or Papa.”

He smiled at me and nodded his head towards the tracks. I shifted my eyes in that direction, and I thought my eyes were deceiving me. I blinked my eyes. A single tear rolled down my cheek, and there stood the three most important people in my life.

Samuel Burnett Year 4

The Boy Called James

Mary Jones hurried along, trying to keep warm as the cold air whipped her face, and as the rain kept drizzling.

Most people had an umbrella to block the rain. Coachmen hurried the horses back towards shelter. The clip-clop of their hooves kept a steady rhythm while the wild train puffed up smoke and hooted in delight. Rain pattered against every window. The trees swayed in the freezing gusts of wind. Whoosh, whoosh.

Mary had long, knotted brown hair and bright green eyes. Her bright, rosy cheeks seemed to be her most cheerful feature. She lived in an orphanage and studied in a remote school. Her school had only very basic things, desks and chairs. The teachers taught everything with chalk and blackboard. Students could get caned in the bottom or smacked on the hand by a ruler for disobedience.

Now Mary was strolling back from school towards the railway station. It was the only place where she felt free, away from her strict school and her lonely orphanage.

Mary saw a small but familiar shadow walking in the distance. Oh, it was the same boy again. She saw this boy walking with his father almost every time she walked back to the railway station. If he noticed her, he would give Mary a small wave and a smile without his dad noticing. Most of the time, the boy’s dad would urge the boy to hurry up to catch the train. Each time, the boy

pretended to look away but as soon as his dad turned, his head snapped back. Mary felt so warm with his smile. The warmth which she had missed for so long after her parents abandoned her at this railway station. Mary wondered what it would be like to be in a family. The two little souls had been connected ever since.

But this time, he was with his mother. Instead of walking away in the other direction as usual, they walked towards Mary and greeted her. Mary blushed as this happened unexpectedly. She tried to make herself as small as possible against the cold, bare walls.

“Hello,” the boy’s mother said, “What’s your name? Are you cold?”

“Mary Jones,” came a small, unsure voice. The next things happened in a blur. The boy’s mother invited Mary to their small house. She said, “We know you are an orphan, and our boy, James, needs a sister. Please stay with us?” The father was quiet but looked delighted. The boy looked at Mary with excitement. Mary’s eyes widened with joy as she nodded eagerly.

“I’m going to have a sister!” cried the boy. “And I will have a brother… oh, a family,” she cried.

The orphanage agreed to release Mary as soon as possible, which she found relieving. The family and Mary lived joyfully together in the small house, but Mary couldn’t forget how it was James that led her to such a happy life.

Heidi Li Year 3

Alfie, The Horse and The Road to Freedom

Screech! I nearly jump at the sound of the train pulling into Redfern station. It is busy at the station today even though it’s raining and there are humans everywhere holding umbrellas. I see some other humans loading cargo onto a little yellow carriage like ours. I snort as I try to heave my carriage and my owner along the rock pavement towards the train platform.

It’s been a long and hard journey. It was pitch black when we set off this morning. For the first few hours, I couldn’t even see where I was trotting. I nearly fell off a cliff before my owner pulled hard on the reins to save us. I don’t know how I missed the cliff edge. We do this trip every week, to get my owner to Redfern train station. What a tired horse I must be!

As my owner jumps out of the carriage to catch the train, he gives my mane a gentle pat. I watch as my owner disappears onto the train. I feel sad and lonely because I know I am going to be parked with the other carriage horses until my owner returns. Every week, he catches the 7.09 train to Newcastle for work and he doesn’t come back until Friday. It is only 5 days, but it feels like five years!

Redfern train station with its big red buildings and its busy humans is not a fun place for a carriage horse with tired legs. Everyone ignores

you and the wet cold concrete is not very comfortable. It makes me miss my warm hay bed at home. I close my eyes to block it all out and try to remember happier times at home.

Suddenly, I feel a wet saliva lick on my nose. I open my eyes and see a little brown puppy. He tells me his name is Alfie, and he is going to help me escape. I am not quite sure how a little brown puppy is going to help a big brown horse with tired legs escape. It sounds like a ridiculous idea!

Then before I know it, Alfie is chewing at the ropes tying me to the tree and in no time, I am free! Alfie instructs me to follow him, and I charge towards the humans because I’m so excited to be free. There are screams and umbrellas thrown in the air. My fellow carriage horses are stunned. A man in a loud angry voice yells “Catch that horse!” I ignore everything and follow Alfie, dodging all the carriages and the humans.

Before I know it, we have left the noisy and busy Redfern station behind, and we are surrounded by fields, hills and trees. I keep galloping with Alfie by my side, through the lush green grass feeling the wind whipping my fur. I breathe in the fresh green smell of eucalyptus trees. It’s the beautiful smell of freedom. Thanks Alfie!

Thomas Boak Year 4

Titanic Crisis

One day, as the rain poured down, Ethan, who was wearing a navy raincoat, walked quickly towards the railway station. The rain heavily battered his face but he didn’t care, he was on a very important mission.

Ethan is a secret agent. His job is to protect the city from danger today. His job yesterday was to do research on Professor Ivy’s report and now Ethan had a feeling that something unexpected will happen to this railway station.

Ethan took out his “hazard hunter 3000” which can detect all sorts of dangers, such as, fire hazard, bomb threat, falling pigeon poops, sock goblin under the bed and many more. He observed his surroundings using the machine: lady in red, lady in yellow, man in black, man in blue, carriages and umbrellas of all colours and a little dog wagging its tail.

“Everything seems normal.” he thought “Maybe my feeling was wrong.”

Then an idea struck him, Ethan started to press buttons on the detector, it suddenly beeped loudly, and on the screen a gigantic Titanic falling from the sky towards the station! It was still far away but approaching at high speed.

Ethan knew that he had to act fast! He quickly weaved through the crowd, arrived at the control room, and skidded to a stop. He rushed in and found a megaphone “EVERYBODY

IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE!!” He shouted through it, people around the station started running for their lives. Then, Ethan started to reroute the trains away from the station one by one. The people and trains were all safe, moved away from the station but not Ethan, he was still in the control room! The Titanic casted a giant shadow on the station, Ethan closed his eyes. Surely this was the end.

BOOM!!! CRASH!!!

Ethan woke up safely in front of his desk drenched in sweat with Professor Ivy’s report under his arm, “What a bad dream!” he thought to himself. He picked up the report again and went into deep thought. All of a sudden, his eyes lit up. He stood up, packed his gears and set off.

Rain started to fall from the sky while Ethan put on his navy raincoat, it heavily battered his face but he didn’t care, he was on a very important mission.

Meredith Liu

Year 2

Ready or not, here I come!

Who would’ve thought a simple game of hide and seek would end like this? With me sitting on the platform of Redfern train station, surrounded by its busy commuters, towering concrete buildings and loud trains, waiting for the mayor to take me home.

It all started when I was playing hide and seek. The seeker began to count. 1, 2, 3… As we all ran off in different directions, I decided to hide in the carriages. Spying an empty carriage at the end of the lane, I hopped up into the back and jumped into the little space for luggage. I fit perfectly and held my breath as the game began.

However, I waited and waited. Still, the seeker didn’t find me. As a good game of hide and seek is never finished until everybody is found, there was nothing I could do but patiently wait. I could not risk being discovered. I continued to wait for the sound of my friends.

Suddenly, I heard the carriage door open. Someone was getting in! I held my breath as I waited to be discovered. I heard people talking above me.

“The mayor wants us to move his carriage to where he’s making his speech.” Before I could think what to do, the carriage began to move. Thinking it was going a short trip down the road, I stayed still, thinking I would sneak out when it stopped.

I knew that I was getting far from home when the smooth gravel gave way to bumpy roads and noisy streets. Then the carriage stopped. I heard the people getting out. I decided it was time to give up my hiding place. The game had gone on long enough. I tentatively got out of the carriage and onto… the platform of a train station! I looked around.

Trains waiting to take eager passengers on their journeys, carriages abandoned by their occupants and the smell of burning coal mixed with wet rain. I had ended up at Redfern train station, the hub of Sydney travel! This must be where the mayor was giving his speech. As I was contemplating what had just happened a voice said, “Found a good hiding spot, have you?”

I looked up to see the mayor walking towards me. I stumbled for words “Mr Mayor, I...I…” He cut me off with a smile, “We all make mistakes sometimes but at least someone managed to win their game of hide and seek,” he said. He patted me on the back and whispered “Next time, I would try the spot in the stables. For now, go wait over there while I give my speech and then I’ll take you home in the carriage on a proper seat rather than in the luggage compartment.”

I nodded with relief and sat down to listen to the mayor give his speech to the gathering audience at Redfern train station. What a day, what a game of hide and seek!

Lachlan Boak

Year 6

The Carriage Incident

The wind blew around Jack’s face, making him shiver. It was a dull wet day, and people scattered around the town doing their daily chores. But little did they know what was going to happen....

It was a regular Sunday. Always normally cold and wet. The chimneys of the houses were filled with smoke from the fireplaces. Jack checked his horses. Time for a quick stop! He thought. The steam train whooshed past his carriage. Suddenly out of nowhere a storm broke out! “Help!” Jack screamed as the rain pelted down. The water level began to rise. It was flooding!

Jack opened the door of his carriage making the cold-water flow in. “Brrrr!” Jack thought. “This is cold for rain!” Jack forced himself back inside. As his carriage and horses continued down the road making the turn into the centre of the town.

Suddenly, ahead was a black carriage that was stuck. Its horses thrashed around trying to escape from the flooding water. People inside were shouting for help.

Crowds of people stared in shock as the carriage was about to tip into the cold icy water. Jack immediately stopped his horses and sprinted towards the commotion. Next, he alerted other men to assist. They combined

their horses to make a sturdy horse rope and began to haul the damaged black carriage out of danger. Just as it was about to be free, the unthinkable happened....

Felix

Sun Year 3

Ancestor’s Call: A Cry for Indigenous Rights

I, Joanna Li, would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live on the land where I spend hours and hours writing and working. I pay respect to their elder’s past, present and emerging. I have also hoped for a brighter future, together, no matter your culture. So when Harmony Day came, an idea sparked. This is a poem that is from the perspective of an Indigenous person who was from the Stolen Generation.

Children, kidnapped, brainwashed Helpless, sobbing we watch Our people, mistreated and killed Helpless, afraid, unskilled.

Our tradition, scrunched up and tossed away Captured and tamed, forced to obey There is no happiness, belief or pride In what is called genocide.

Your crimes are well recorded

An entire nation of people slaughtered Until retribution, we won’t rest We will go everywhere to protest.

The wound still aches every day

From sixty millennia ago to today

Now we stand on stolen land

The land where we were once banned.

We will be free from injustice’s claws. For the future, however, anxiety gnaws

Next we want unprejudiced days Everyone and all the same ways.

We will work towards a brighter future There is no winner, nor is there a loser Many, many different traditions Held together, everyone listens

Joanna Li Year 5

Animals Inhabitants

I trek through muddy trenches and climb towering trees, birds chirp a harmonious tune as the sun slowly creeps behind the distant mountains. Slowly, animals begin to fall as nocturnals stealthily sneak out into the luminous moonlight. Then a pang of thirstiness hits me. I wander around barely making a noise. I hear distinct water trickling coming from behind a large severed off tree. I begin to feel curiosity dominating me as I gradually make my way around the thick trunk.

To my surprise, I see a faint light illuminating from further down the creek. I follow the bright trail as it leads me to a glistening river. I reach down to scoop some water up but unfortunately it quickly slips through the gaps of my fingers. I kneel down, sighing, and begin to sip water. It is clean and fresh, which is really rare to find. ‘Could this be a coincidence?’ I wondered, as I continued to lap down the water rapidly.

The sun glares down at the dusty land below attempting to dominate the land. I wake upto find the water in the river has decreased immensely. ‘Hmmm?’ I wondered. It’s like I have traveled into a different dimension. I am interrupted by a bellowing hippopotamus followed by a stampede of galloping horses. A flare shoots into the sky displaying a large explosion of color. Then a gunshot rings out and all is quiet…

I watched as its life ends, tears welling in my eyes. “Why does this happen? Innocent animals shouldn’t be killed” I thought in horror. But, of course, no one realises what is happening. I hear another animal whimpering as it is chased down. Then another followed by two others. Animals flee in terror, running for their lives as their population is reduced by hundreds. Could this be the end? The world will eventually collapse if all animals are sent to heaven.

Throughout the following two days, clouds fled in tears as each day numerous animals were killed and it was just the beginning of all of this. This war against animals will not be allowed nor will it continue. “When will this stop?” I yell in frustration. I knew someday all animals will die and humans will live in dread and regret forever. This can’t happen. I knew I needed to end this treacherous war but how? It was time for me to achieve one’s dream and my dream was to stop these animals from being harmed.

It wasn’t hard to choose what I wanted to do in the future. I just know that my heart will direct me towards my future path. I will eventually come to a point where I have to decide whether I want to discover new things or stay home. I would explore the world fighting for animal civilisation rights and protest about animals and their habitats suffering. Nothing could change my mind not after all the animals who are narrowing their population towards extinction.

It is hard for one person to save the world but if we all unite and look after our amazing ecosystem and what lives in and out of it in no time we will stop all this chaos and build a better planet after all. Protecting the world and its living animals is what matters.

Emma Liu Year 5

The Bed is the Med

Every day in your life you will feel tired and worn down. You feel let down and imagine yourself carrying a load that even a god can’t handle. The load gets heavier, and you begin to give in. Your eyes begin to get heavy, but nothing can save you but as you stagger up the mountain, you find something in front of you and standing there is the legendary cure. It has four legs it has a sheet as soft as the softest fur, comforting you forever not failing its duty. It has a body soft and comfortable making your spine tickle with excitement this cure is something that I value so much it is on my ‘top 10’. So, what matters to me? My bed matters.

When I come back from a tired day ready to just get everything off and just start to wrap up the day. I feel tired and just want to take a break from the world but there is just one many things to do. Maths assignments, English texts, Science homework, there is so much to be done that my brain could overload. I can’t help but sigh in despair. But sometimes I figure out that a good night sleep in your bed is all you need. As the day is finally coming to an end, I lie in bed and just let my tiredness seep into my body and take me away.

I dream of birds flying around meadows with everyone flying around refreshing my eyes in a better view, the lake. The sky widens up with chickens falling down I settle on the grass

to enjoy the view. I now feel that my back and neck feels relaxed and softer. I place my sweaty hands on the grass feeling comfortable and loosened. My legs tend to relax and feel renewed and slowly I wake up, I am relaxed for a new day.

The school bell rings for the start of the day I walk in class NOT ready to learn. The teacher soon starts yapping; I brace for impact and boredom. But as she begins to say things... I start taking notes and absorb all the information Like a sponge the more she speeks, I begin to realise more things. I find out many things such as: how plants and animals live. How do we do multiplication easier? The way physics work... it’s like my whole body is accepting the information.

The whole day seems to pass easily without me feeling the slightest fatigue. Soon the day seems to wrap up but then I realise that I have a basketball match! I always miss my shots and passes in basketball games and always feel tired. Today when I receive the ball, I feel relaxed and pass to other players with ease. Then I reach the basket I shoot the ball.

The ball dances around towards the hoop and began to spin around the ring. Spinning, spinning, spinning but unexpectedly stops and suddenly it goes in. My team cheers with excitement and the rest of the game was me showing my opponents my true self winning the game 30-12.

As I arrive back home, I notice how just sleeping can improve my state so much better! And I learn that my bed is the way to learn and stay alive. As I get on my bed ready to sleep, I realise what is the number 1 life hack in life and one of the most important things that matters to my life and it is, my bed.

Joshua Sun

Year 6

Peace

What matters the most? is it money, gossip, or buttered toast?

It is a thing that stops war from spreading. Something that makes us forget our dreading. It is the thing that lies inside our souls. A thing that repairs our hearts’ many holes.

It is something that is very rarely seen. Not red, blue or especially dark green. It fills people up with happiness, hope and life. While also sucking out misery and strife. It is not visible, fragile, or solid. Not coloured or extremely dotted.

It travels far and wide through the air. Bringing happiness and restfulness everywhere. It travels fast nor slow, But sure can it go. It never stops until it reaches its goal: To make people happy and whole.

It helps the wars end. To stop the worlds end.

To rest the people who have fallen. And remember people who have been stolen. Through the battle fields bodies lay.

But until it ends, it will try to stay. While the soldiers continue to fight, the death toll ascends.

Eventually, it will always conquer its goal and the end.

Now, if you are thinking, “What is this thing, That gives off all of these glorious offerings?” I am going to show it out. Whether you are right or far out.

The thing is peace my friend. But whenever we have it, it will always come to an end.

So, I ask you, “What matters the most, is it money, gossip, or buttered toast?”

Peace is my opinion but it may not be yours. As it repairs your souls and helps cease many wars.

Mark Zheng Year 5

A Voice in Nature

“Some things that we do not particularly like in life cannot be changed to the liking of us or a small community,” they all say. Climate change, however, proves the opposite. It shows how the smallest communities, the smallest voices, overall, are heard loudly by the government.

Climate change is when GHG trap the Earth’s heat causing the climate to go warmer and change (UN causes and effects of climate change). Climate change is a big problem on our planet right now. It has caused unhealthy life conditions, murky beaches, and most importantly, punched a hole in our ozone layer.

While you may think, “What harm could this possibly do?” Well, think again, because water levels and temperatures will rise, beautiful coral reefs will go extinct, there will be ice-free Arctics, etc. It was 1988, when climate change was affecting us, and just 2 years later, in 1990, when we started to acknowledge climate change. Then later, in 2015, over 140 countries decided to go net zero by 2050. I’m proud to say that Australia is on that list.

While climate change is a big problem in this country, many living in our country also believe that Australia would need to focus on our defence force, overpopulation, migration issues, and many other big political issues. These people, as correct as they are, are focusing too

much on present-day issues. When we pass on to the next generation, we all wish them the best and for them to experience life at its best. This is not possible if we do not foresee problems, bigger barriers for the next generation. While we may have dodged a bullet, we left a bigger one for the next generation in line.

Climate change is already affecting us immensely. From rising temperatures to melting ice caps, we all know the effect climate change will have on the next generation. Australia’s government knows this and has been trying to decrease our GHG emissions by using renewable forms of electricity such as solar, hydro, and wind power to making more electric cars, every act counts.

Sweden is a splendid example of what every country should be doing. They have prioritised environmental issues over their economic issues. In doing so, they have paved a path for the rest of the world to follow and opened a window to a new idea. We should follow them and retrace their footsteps; it will lead us back to times when the heat was not so immense and where we can comfortably do daily things without leaving a huge carbon footprint.

To conclude, climate change is a terrible thing. It’s destructive to everyone. From dirty water to polluted air, climate change could never have a good impact on this planet. Due to climate change, the world has pulled together as a team, discarding our differences and reaching towards a goal together. Every voice has been heard, actions have been taken, and our world as we now know it, is better than it was yesterday. Nature knows, we know; our voices matter.

Ronald Liu

Year 6

Reference list

Jackson, P. (2007). From Stockholm to Kyoto: A Brief History of Climate Change. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://www. un.org/en/chronicle/article/stockholm-kyoto-brief-history-climatechange#:~:text=In%201988%2C%20global%20warming%20and.

NASA (2024). Evidence. [online] science.nasa.gov. Available at: https:// science.nasa.gov/climate-change/evidence/.

United Nations (2022). Net Zero Coalition. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/net-zerocoalition#:~:text=Put%20simply%2C%20net%20zero%20means.

United Nations (2023). Causes and Effects of Climate Change. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/ science/causes-effects-climate-change#:~:text=As%20greenhouse%20 gas%20emissions%20blanket.

Regulating the Internet

The current generation is becoming more dependent on social media and the internet every day. Most people instinctively check their phones as soon as they wake up, before they go to bed and stare thoughtlessly at them countless times throughout the day. Scanning the newspaper or turning on the radio has become an archaic practice.

In some places around the world, social media is controlled, and personal opinions are restricted. This leads to limited or even false news, and, in certain cases, misleading information being spread by the government. In other places, there are very limited restrictions on social media, which can cause harm such as racism and hate speech. Regulating social media matters to this generation more than ever before. But how can this be done effectively and what is the correct balance between restrictions, and allowing freedom of speech and expression? This matters.

Imagine waking up one morning and once again robotically checking your phone to see the news headlines on your favourite social media platform; like always, you read articles celebrating how well the world is navigating issues relating to Climate Change. You have no idea that on the other side of the world people are experiencing extreme floods and devastating droughts because the media you have access to makes no mention of these issues.

In many countries, this is how social media works. Without knowledge of what is happening to people and places outside your own limited bubble of controlled information, you become powerless to effectively contribute to the broader global community. This matters.

In many other countries, social media works the opposite way. Everybody believes in their human right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference. Social media platforms buzz and the owners celebrate that in just 60 seconds yet another 500 hours of content has been uploaded on Youtube, 695,000 stories shared on Instagram and nearly 70 million messages sent via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. There is no way for most people to determine, without further investigation, whether any of these comments and updates are accurate or even relevant. On each social media platform, a significant number of accounts are fake! These posts may be racist or express strong, personal opinions that may be harmful to others. A ‘news’ post on social media could just be made up! This matters.

Many people believe exactly what they see, hear, and read on the internet. A recent realworld example is the misinformation that was circulated about COVID19. An Australian study found that 4 in 5 Australian adults were misinformed about Covid through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. This resulted in many adults not trusting doctors and health officials. Another complicating factor was

that many older Australians and non-English speakers were not aware if the information being circulated was misinformation or if there were other sources to find the information. Evidently, anyone can use these platforms, and anyone can post, whether it is true, false, unkind or racist. People can be hurt and lies can be spread much too easily. This matters.

Many people show their passions and interests through social media but. In some places social media is too regulated and controlled, while in other places, social media exists almost completely unregulated. I do not yet have a phone and do not have access to social media. However, I think it matters to understand and to remain vigilant to all the information available on the internet. It matters to understand and to consider carefully how we regulate social media platforms around the world.

Maddie Burnett Year 6

My Rainforest Home

In 1974, the humans of Australia were living under the leadership of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. As for me, I was living my best life swinging through a beautiful canopy in the luscious green rainforest.

I would pick ripe berries off wild durian trees, and as the sweet custardy taste rolled over my tongue, I was reminded how lucky I was to call this place home. An orangutan living in the wonderful Indonesian rainforest where food was plenty, no shortage of trees to live in, and not a single human to disturb me and my family.

Then came the invasion of humans with noisy, destructive machines. They cut down the beautiful trees that have existed since the dinosaurs walked. Trees that held the stories and legacy of the Earth from over 140 million years ago. It was a horrible time, constantly having to run from the humans with machines. It felt like our home was disappearing.

In 2024, things are different. I attempt to swing to the next canopy, but I fall as it is not there. My rainforest home is not what I remember. I recall being surrounded by my fellow orangutans where we lived undisturbed. Where is this place I remember? I can’t see it.

The once grand rainforest has been replaced by plantations of identical trees. The humans call them palm oil trees. We have nowhere to live.

The home of my ancestors has been replaced by a money-making machine for humans. Is that a fair trade? The destruction of my home in exchange for cold, hard money?

Every year thousands of Indonesian trees are cut down to make space for palm oil plantations. Over half of the world’s palm oil production takes place in Indonesia. It is hard to imagine that destroying my home and therefore the existence of my family is an appropriate sacrifice for this human created substance.

In the blink of eye, palm oil has become a staple of modern human living. Lipstick, instant noodles and detergent all have palm oil in common. It comes from the fruit of the ‘oil palm’ tree which thrives in wet, tropical areas such as Brazil, Malaysia and my home, in Indonesia. It provides the smoothness in humans’ favourite foods and the thing that binds their baking. Palm oil is like a drug, humans can’t get enough of it in their daily lives. Their demand for palm oil, leads to more plantations. More plantations mean rainforests have to go. As these ancient forests are cut down, the homes of precious animals are destroyed and consequently, those animals march towards extinction. It is not just my fellow orangutans who are walking the tightrope of survival. Sumatran tigers and sun bears are battling the same fate.

However, the extinction of my family and my forest companions is not inevitable. While the effects cannot be fully reversed, every human can do things to protect me and my home. The easiest way to help is to buy products with sustainably sourced palm oil. This means the palm oil is being produced in ways that minimise negative impacts to my home, allowing me to continue to flourish amongst the trees.

So, the next time you’re at the supermarket about to buy your favourite chocolate, think of me, looking for the next canopy to swing to. Think about your choices, read the label and make a decision for my future and your future. Remember that once those rainforests are gone, my family disappears, and so too, the rainforests that provide a history book for all our lives.

Rainforests matter.

Year 6

Lachlan Boak

A Most Powerful Object

Imagine if we possessed the Palantir – the mythical seeing stone of the ancients with the power to impart in us, the collective wisdom of human civilisation from the earliest epoch. While seeing stones may be rooted in legend, I can assure you that we already possess, hiding in plain sight, an object just as powerful.

This object is a history book - a worthy Palantir for our times. History is not just a book. It is the thoughts of the greatest leaders in the world, the ideas of the smartest scientists that ever lived, and the meditations of our greatest philosophers. Hiding under a boring bland cover, in almost every household, history is the ultimate guidebook to all of our questions, to all of our challenges, and all of our struggles. Do not mistake it for just any old dusty book as it matters more than you think…

Tasks that may feel obvious in our society have never been that way. For example, let’s say you were tasked with choosing a form of government for a new country. We know that democracy, despite its limitations and flaws, is our best option. How do we know this? Thanks to history. History has given us the ability to see through thousands of years of trial and error, war and peace in one old story with more foresight than the Einsteins or Newtons of their time. For instance, you may not be the biggest

fan of our current Prime Minister, but I can definitely assure you, we wouldn’t be better off under Stalin or Genghis Khan.

In 2019, everyone was at the edge of their couch watching the news as the Coronavirus hit the earth and shocked billions. Still, under the immense pressure, scientists from all walks of life came together to execute a smart tactic that many of us know as quarantine. But, why do we do this as the first line of defence, against horrible pandemics like Covid? It is because humans have been through several pandemics before and found that this approach worked even when modern vaccines weren’t there to save us. Why did our government force many people to take vaccines? Is it because they wanted to annoy everyone in Australia? No, but, because like quarantines, they have had immense success in coming to our rescue in the past.

History has given me countless insightful lessons; from the downsides of avarice and anger to the virtues of friendship and resilience. History has been our trusty friend, philosopher and guide. One that anyone can invoke, always at our fingertips, with the turning of a page…

History has mattered since the beginning of time, and it matters to me.

Rohan Mundkur Year 6

Symphony: A Haiku Tribute to Music

Hush, whispers my brain

Thinking of wild fantasies

Music is so free

Then the heavy veil Falls away and I begin to hear soaring sounds

I can visualise How the vocals flow in time To the orchestra

Now I understand Thrilling sounds cannot express This immense feeling

Silence as it ends Pondering, then my brain screams Now, you must applaud

Music is a fundamental part of human society in its power to connect whole communities with its enticing sounds and seemingly ethereal language that just calls out to be heard. It communicates a sensitive message that conveys great meaning of lessons learnt and hope for the future.

Towering up high

The soprano line declares All, listen to me

Trudging slowly, the Alto line mutters softly I’m just behind you

Tenor line proclaims I am the lead male vocal Hear me, all who sing

Booming low and proud, The bass line marches calmly To a vibrant beat

Music is complicated. It’s made of lots of parts that need much thinking, and few people can make these connections. These rare exceptions are the composers, and they form the basis of the chain of talent that bring us this magic.

He chews his pencil, thinks How can her merge the sounds to Make a symphony

If he’s satisfied, He’ll then publish it as a Real piece of music

It creates much joy

The public revel in the light Of wonderful sounds

Music brings joy to everyone, but it also generates revenue for the economy. Last year, Australia’s music industry generated $676 million, which helped fund building schools and hospitals. Supporting this industry provides wider society a better community, which continues to cycle.

Listening to songs

Here in the Opera House Never felt so deep

The lights shine on me Metaphorically, it Puts me in focus

I now realise Etched deep in our hearts, music Matters all the way

Right now, right here, we thrive because of music. Music is a utopia, where we can disappear into the captivating wonders of beats, notes, and harmony. Upon Beethoven’s own words I will end today: ‘Music is the mediator between the spiritual and sensual life’.

Xie Year 6

Topic: What new habit would you adopt to positively contribute to a greener Commonwealth?

Have you ever wondered why living in the city is so bad for the environment? Well, I am here to tell you why and what alternatives we can have. Just imagine living on a farm, or perhaps near a beach. These will be the two alternatives I propose to you today, but to begin with, I want to point out that the environment is impacted by all our decisions.

Before I start my case, I would like to give you some background knowledge about global warming. Global warming is the process of our planet heating up, at catastrophic rates. Did you know that the temperature on earth has risen by one degree Celsius since the Industrial Revolution and is predicted to rise between 2-4 degrees Celsius before 2100? This is alarming, and as a Commonwealth, we need to work together to stop this. Another fact is that global warming leads to melting ice, leading to rising sea levels. Rising sea levels means coast land will recede. Additionally, it will make precipitation patterns unpredictable, create flash floods and cause terrible droughts. How terrible does this sound? If we unite as a Commonwealth to stop this, everyone—all the eight billion people living on our earth—will benefit from this.

Olivia

Firstly, our earth is a force of nature, making decisions for itself, meaning that we can’t stop them. However, we can change what impact we are having on the world. In Australia, 4.652 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are going into or environment every year, but by reducing our carbon footprint, we can help stop this. As a Commonwealth, if we reduce how much we go on the road by using public transport this would mean less petrol emissions, and if we moved towards the rural areas, we would have less means to create a carbon footprint.

Just think about it, if you moved to the country, how would you feel? I know for sure that I would be thrilled by the better connection to nature, and all the fresh air around me. This would be much better for your health, as you might have to take a small walk to get somewhere, but not large distances. Not only that, but there is also peace and tranquillity. This is much, much better than the city, where there are bustling crowds, traffic sounds, and a wait to do everything! However, it is not only you who will benefit from this. By taking a small step, it plays a larger part in our greener Commonwealth. Soon, others will realise that our world is in great danger and will do anything to stop it!

My second suggestion is that moving to a beach would truly benefit your health. By just being near the fresh, clean air of the ocean already impacts your health by being away from all the car fumes. Families would be much happier here, as they would be able to spend time on the beach with their children, and the cost of living in a smaller, lesser-known town would be greatly appreciated in a family situation. Just imagine surfing on the waves for the first time—something that you have never been able to do because you don’t live near the beach— because you are in close proximity to the beach. How wonderful!

In conclusion, living in places that are not the city would be greatly beneficial for the environment and you. This is because global warming is a big problem, and small steps make one big leap forward. Living in the beach or on a farm wouldn’t be bad at all, in fact, it would just be a new experience.

Before I finish today, I would like to leave you with a challenge. The challenge that I propose is to go on a holiday to one of these places with your family.

Abigail Symons Year

6

Topic: You are taking part in a beach clean and discover you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?

A turtle swam happily with food in his belly, content and full. “I love jellyfish.” he happily remarked, “How could an ever-better food source come by?”

With an abundant number of jellyfish and his desire consuming it, he was destined to live a long, wholesome life.

Five years later…

The turtle ate more jellyfish but began to debilitate everyday and felt that he started stagnating. One day, he travelled to the doctor but suddenly felt a sharp pain and in his agony, fell down into the depths of the deep, blue sea.

A mother fish told this story to her young fishes and informed them about these mystery tales and mentioned they only came from specific countries around the world that were under the British monarch’s reign, known as the Commonwealth. This tragedy happened in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.

The next day…

There was a knock on the door.

A clownfish greeted them and announced, “I heard that fishes, ocean mammals and sea

creatures are slowly dying.” “We have witnessed some random starfish-like creatures that have been discarding their waste on the shoreline that goes into our ocean. We are going to investigate further and advocate for ourselves and would like you to join us.”

Following the protesters, the fish family made their way to the shallow waters touching the shoreline, glancing at the snow-white coral as they were scorched by the extreme heat of the sun.

Earlier this day….

I wiped my brow. Global warming started to progressively worsen, resulting in escalating temperatures, capricious change to the climates and the irregular monthly flooding, drought and rainfall. I cleared up all of the rubbish as swiftly as I could, piece after piece, pile after pile. Coffee cups and other items, such as plastic straws, bags and bottles were distributed messily on the sand. I saw a sea turtle struggle to make its way to the shore to lay it eggs but could not as the shore was so polluted. Voices trailed behind the turtle from the water as I got closer. It sounded like English and so naturally, I said hello. This was extremely unexpected.

“Why are exorbitant amounts of waste being dumped into our habitats?” they challenged. “In this world, we humans are more modernised than fish, and our waste is for different purposes, such as food and accommodation.”

“The material used for our waste is getting produced more quickly every day and adds on to our prior waste usage and so places where we put our waste become more challenging to handle, meaning that it is harder to manage how we discard it”, I stated.

“Can you reuse some materials that you are throwing in the ocean?” they started to engage more in the conversation.

“We can, but it is not possible to, I said, as the plastic production in 10 years has increased 20 times more rapidly than the recycling industry, meaning that it is harder to keep up with the amount of plastic.”

“Then how can we thrive as we did before?” another fish interrogated.

“Not all hope is lost.” I said “ Some of us in the present and in the future, are going to invent a bacteria that can eat plastic and produce gases that can be an alternative energy source for us humans, so that we can live sustainably and you will not be harmed to ensure that you can have an adequate life.”

“Why are ocean temperatures rising?” a turtle implored.

“It is because the decay of our waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which can negatively impact the climate and atmosphere, which causes your ocean temperatures to rise and makes the coral white as the heat makes the coral lose its natural food source, algae and the coral therefore gets stressed and loses its colour.”

They proclaimed, “We have to show resilience and wait for change while adapting to this new environment.”

Likewise, we also had to adapt to the heat, try not to use certain products for convenience pick and the beneficial ones instead to show our resilience.

As of now, we can start to take action, by partaking in activities executing simple actions to help the environment such as beach and ocean clean-ups, protests, using less energy and recycling.

Whether it is advocating strongly for rights or adapting to change, we need to be resilient for the better common future of “Our Commonwealth” animals and humans alike, for the next generation of success.

Jacquelyn Jin Year 6

Topic: You are taking part in a beach clean and discover you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?

Underwater Poetry

The scintillating sun bore down on the royal blue sea, creating sparkling diamonds that winked at me. I bent down, picked up an ice block wrapper stuffed it into my trash bag. Filled with melancholy, I stared at the sea, when we could actually solve the worldwide problem. As I watched, the waves whispered secrets to the shore. Spotting a plastic bottle bobbing in the waves, I waded out and stuffed it down the recycled trash bag.

As I was wading back, a sharp pain shot up my leg. I groaned. With my foot screaming in pain, I carefully stuck my arm into the water, searching for the reason of my agony. I grasped a hard, round object and ran my fingers across the knobbly surface. Pulling my hand up, I examined the brown and cream surface and smiled. It was a whirl, a seashell that spiralled out. Like a skilled sculptor, nature had meticulously moulded its curves. Grinning from ear to ear, I splashed back to shore. Plopping down on the soft sand, I held the shell to my ear, and smiled when I heard soft whooshing sounds.

Unexpectedly, the whooshing grew louder. Irritation built up in my chest; the whooshing grew louder. I plugged my fingers into my ears as the

cacophony crawled into my brain. I squeezed my eyes shut and let out a silent scream. When my eyelids were aching, I opened one eye, and the other opened automatically when I noticed I was in a completely different place.

Grinning, the sun beckoned me into the ocean. The trash bag was somehow in my hands, even after I remembered dropping it beside me. This time, I clutched it in my right hand and waded out to sea. The water was crystal clear, and whispered,

“Duck, duck under my surface and acknowledge the beauty.” I prepared myself and ducked, eyes shut tight against the water. “Now open your eyes.” I squinted my eyes open, and when I felt no pain, I opened them wide. Before me was a dreamland. Fish swam in schools, and the coral was bright and beautiful.

“Unlike our bleached coral.” I thought in disappointment. A green sea turtle lazily drifted through the schools of fish, and came to a stop in front of me. It was breathtaking, with splotches on its back. Its wise eyes seemed to bore through me, into my soul.

“Hello”, I whispered. I jumped at the realisation that I could speak and breathe underwater. “Well, well, look who it is. It’s only been a couple hundred years.” I turned towards the ancient turtle, eyes wide. The green sea turtle had spoken, in rhyme.

“You can talk?” I struggled in keeping me jaw of the sand sea floor so I could speak.

“Of course I can talk, don’t you even gawk. Come, come, look what your world has become.”

“What’s your name?” I asked, trying to make a conversation while the turtle led me somewhere else.

“Call me Scout. Now, don’t wander about! The sea’s a busy place, if you’re lost, I’ll have to chase.”

I hadn’t even realised that I had wandered away from him, and quickly turned back. In front of me, the turtle had stopped.

“Come, look at our paradise life, lives without any strife.” I peeked out from behind him, and opened my eyes wide.

It really was a paradise. Schools of vibrant fish swam around, the corals matching their vibrancy. There were clown fish, mandarin fish, betta fish and so many more.

“Now think back to your sea, it’s dirty, I guarantee. You humans are incredibly selfish, to sea creatures and us shellfish. Honestly, look at our world before! It was paradise and beauty galore. But then, you humans destroyed our world, slowly, surely, danger unfurled. Our world became poisoned, dirty, littered, broken, and we have the right to speak and we have spoken.

But we have concluded, you are the one, who will make wrongs right, as the destruction has long before begun.” Scout stared at me meaningfully, and I searched my brain for words to respond.

“Yes.” I licked my lips. “Yes, I will do my very best, all will be done at - at your request.” I finished triumphantly.

Scout managed to speak without rhyming. “Drink this, my girl.” I drank the bottle. Darkness. I was back on the beach.

Joanna

Li Year 5

Topic: You are taking part in a beach clean and discover you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?

Help the World

I often go to the beach for a community clean-up on a Sunday morning called the Commonwealth Beach Cleanup. It would include people from many different Commonwealth countries and the purpose was for people to connect with each other. Hearing the wise whispers of the calm waves and the smell of fresh salt made me feel comfortable and happy. I also love to gaze at the little marine life frolicking in their rock pools, and, occasionally even catching a glimpse of playful dolphins and whales, were my favourite parts of the experience! I took a moment, one morning, during our weekly community clean-up, to check on the marine life.

However, as soon as I saw the rock pools, I became aware of a significant difference. There were at least twenty pieces of rubbish floating in the brown, black water! “Where are the gorgeous bubble-blowing tropical fish? Where are the crabs that waddle from side to side?’ I was feeling worried and scared. Suddenly, I felt something small tap my shoe. I looked down and saw a crab! It looked like it wanted to say something to me! Strangely, the crab started to talk, and I couldn’t believe my ears. “Hello”, he said in a croaky voice, “my name is Fred, and I

am the leader of the rockpool community, and we need you to help us.” I bent down to show him that I was interested in what he was saying.” Our homes have been polluted and we can’t live there any longer. What we need you to do is to create some signs and raise awareness of this disaster.” Fred talked quickly and shyly but I listened to him carefully and agreed to help.

As soon as I got home, I immediately made a few signs which were sure to catch people’s attention. Then, I ran as fast as my legs could go back to the beach and placed the signs right in front of the rock pools. However, I knew that I needed to catch more people’s attention.... So, I did something that was very brave. As well as the Commonwealth community cleanup on Sunday, there is also a Commonwealth community meeting where important announcements are made. My idea was to let everyone know the vitalness of helping the environment. However, I had stage fright, and standing in front of a huge crowd of people wasn’t my idea of fun. Nevertheless, I knew that I could save a lot of sea creatures’ lives so, I stood on a chair and told the community what had happened.

After the meeting, everyone congratulated me on telling everyone the importance of saving the environment and I felt enormously proud of myself. Just as I was about to go home, the mayor called me back into the hall to discuss something.

I was extremely nervous about what she would say but, as soon as I saw the smile on her face, I knew everything would be all right. She told me that she also wanted to help the polluted rock pools and had an idea. The mayor would hire some of the best workers in the city to clean up the rock pools so that they look brand new.

After 5 weeks, the rock pools were as clean as ever and I smiled just thinking about how I had saved many sea creatures’ lives. Fred looked at me and smiled a gigantic thank you. If everyone did something little to help the environment, then we would all live in a happier and cleaner Commonwealth.

Annabella Jiang

Year 5

Topic: What new habit would you adopt to positively contribute to a greener Commonwealth?

It Always Starts with Yes!

The factories, burping out loudly while sewers vomit out green slimy liquid. Cars sweat as co2 pour into the air. The trees’ backs curve giving in to the axe as workers build large cities with light so bright that it felt like heaven. Baby turtles get lost in an eternal maze with no exit. Water migrates into the ground never to be seen again. Once, farms were the definition of dry with plants screaming in agony with wrinkles covering every part of its body and soon it lets go. Animals scattered the ground like seeds being thrown into the dirt lifeless and drained out of energy. This precious gift to our world will soon crumble, this is what will happen if we keep our ways on harming the environment.

Our environment is a fragile source, and a single touch could affect it greatly. For example, the Great Barrier Reef has thousands of wildlife, home to many marine lives. But if one piece of rubbish is thrown in there, fish will start eating it and start dying and their predators will eat them causing them to die and the process goes on. This is just one giant blow to our environment by a single piece of rubbish, imagine that it is multiplied by millions or billions! This will cause extinction. It gets worse! When humans catch fish and eat it, they have eaten plastic. This will

lead to humans suffocating as well. Just a small piece of rubbish can do a lot of harm to our environment. So, let’s make a stand to save our environment and blockade rubbish from getting into our poor animals!

The harm we do to our environment doesn’t just harm the animals, we harm the earth as well. When factories work, they produce co2, the chemicals travels up into our atmosphere and combine with other chemicals to make a gas this is called greenhouse gas. When greenhouse gases come into earth’s atmosphere, they warm up the earth. This causes natural disasters, summers become blazing hot and then animals get burned to the crisp. Winters become so cold that even 5 layers of jackets is barely enough.

When more co2 comes into our atmosphere it amplifies the effect greatly. This is just like turning the volume up on the microphone, but it keeps going. Did you know that each second 218 metric tons of co2 is created? Imagine how much more the effect is amplified each year! When we harm the environment, we don’t just harm animals we harm our weather and the temperature as well.

Although we harm the environment greatly, there are always ways we can change things. Throwing rubbish in the bin is a great example. This way we can eliminate the fact that animals will eat rubbish and die.

Using electric vehicles can also contribute a hand to a better future as they don’t use co2. Asking your council to make renewable energy can help greatly as well. This way factory numbers will decrease! Finally, helping animals who are hurt or lost doesn’t just save them, but it is right and lifts our environment.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s help our community have a better and healthier environment and remember every bit you contribute is a huge leap to net 0. And remember it always starts with YES!

Year 6

Joshua Sun

Topic: You are taking part in a beach clean and discover you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?

From Beach Clean Up to Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Soft yellow sand slips through my toes as waves lap against the shore. Seagulls forage the sand for a cold chip or two while I search for discarded plastic bottles and food wrappers.

I’m at Bondi Beach in Sydney today picking up man-made rubbish as part of a community beach clean-up day. There isn’t a piece of rubbish in sight as I search the pristine sand. The gentle whistle of the wind pricks my ears and in front of my eyes is the beautiful Pacific Ocean. How lucky I am to be able to enjoy such a wonderful part of nature?

“Bah, humans are so closed-minded”.

I whirl around looking for the source of the voice. There’s no one in sight. I must have imagined it. Moving across the beach, thinking it must have been a fragment of my imagination until … I hear it again.

“Typical.”

Swiftly turning around, my eyes are drawn to a lone seagull, trotting along the beach behind me.

“You…” I say. The seagull nods.

I stare wide-eyed as the bird walks towards me.

“You… you can talk?” I ask.

“Of course, I can talk,” the seagull answers. “How many seagulls do you know that can’t talk?

More importantly, you can talk to me. Not many humans can do that, you are a special”. Unable to comprehend that I have a newfound ability, she suddenly whacks me over the head.

“Oww!” I complain. “What was that for?!”

“Sorry, just checking. People tend to pass out when I reveal myself to them and they discover their power. I should probably introduce myself.

My name is Sydney and yes, I am a talking seagull.” Sydney explains.

“Do you always jump out at people like that?” I ask, bewildered.

“How would you try to get noticed if you were a 50cm tall seagull?” She replies.

I nod, then muster up the courage to ask a more friendly question. “So, do you have any seagull friends or family here at Bondi?”

“They’re all dead.” She says matter of factly. I scold myself for my inability to get along with talking seagulls, before realising the ridiculousness of that thought.

Before I can think of something suitable to say, Sydney continues. “I have been waiting for you to turn up so that I can draw your attention to one of the largest challenges facing humanity and the Commonwealth - The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.”

“The Great Pacific What...?” I ask, dumbfounded.

“The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a giant rubbish dump six times the size of the United Kingdom that floats around the Pacific Ocean, ending the lives of sea creatures and polluting seas and beaches.” Sydney explains. “The Garbage Patch goes down six metres blocking out all sunlight for the fish below. Without sunlight, the fish die. We seagulls are meant to eat those fish and without food, we can’t survive.”

Before I can ask a question, she continues. “When we die, there’s a gap in the food chain because animals that eat seagulls die because they have nothing to eat. Like a domino effect, it impacts all animals who live and breed in the Pacific Ocean.”

“That’s horrible,” I say. “Is there anything I can do to help you and the other sea creatures?”

“Definitely”, she replies. “With words and actions. The sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean still exist so there is still hope. We need humans to not just pick up some of their rubbish but to not dump it in the first place. We also need you and the youth of the Commonwealth – the future of our Commonwealth - to speak out against what is happening with The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Knowledge creates understanding and with understanding comes action. I must go now but I’ll be back to check on how you are going with your mission.”

Standing alone on the beach, trying to make sense of my interaction with Sydney – I resolve that something must be done. As a diverse group of countries around the world, the Commonwealth can make an impact on the future of Sydney and her fellow sea creatures. Let’s realise our power and come together and stop water pollution – where we can see it on our beaches, but also where we can’t, in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. As a Commonwealth, we can use words and actions to protect our nature’s food chains and deliver a greener future for the world.

Lachlan Boak Year 6

Topic: You are taking part in a beach clean and discover you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?

The Language Ignored

“PETER” mom yelled frantically, “You forgot your hat!” This is my mum; half French, half English. She was sending me to off to go join a ‘cleanup-the-beach’ volunteering session. Mum always said that the effort you put in always comes back to you. That’s why half my weekends are me getting sunburnt.

We live on 43 Royal Lane, on the outskirts of NSW, Australia. The beach, Greenwood (the one I am going to) is one of tAustralia’s most polluted beaches. Our community was quite upset about that and so they started this volunteering session. My name is Peter Queensly , I am 13 years old, I live with my sister 15-yearold sister, Grace, and my parents.

Once I arrived at the beach, I am greeted by all the volunteers. They are all like normal people but then out of nowhere, I sense a feeling of distress, like something unusual is about to happen. We start cleaning the beach and I felt increasingly worried about the feeling earlier. At the one-hour mark, the squad takes a break and I head to the water. I see a turtle and the I hear a voice “Hey you,” said a mysterious voice. I look around unaware that it is the turtle right in front of me. I keep looking only to be left

more confused than I was. I then looked at the turtle. His eyes met mine and I felt a sudden urge of connection between this turtle and me. Suddenly, everything makes sense, the tingly feeling I had earlier was about this turtle and he was the one that was talking to me. “Hey little buddy,” I say gently, “What are you doing here?”

The turtle reluctantly points into the ocean and says, “My sons dying, he is choking on a plastic water bottle.” I pinched myself, it hurt.

“I’ll get some help, I’m so sorry to that.” I went over to the instructor awestruck about what just happened. I told him about what just happened and sought for advice, but he just laughed so I showed him.

The whole clean-up crew was now looking over at the poor turtle and listening to his story. We decided to send this turtle back to the ocean and told him that we would try help him by getting rid of rubbish in oceans and beaches.

When I went home that day, I thought about what I had witnessed that day. A poor turtle, capable of talking to humans used it to try save his own son. I decided to do some research on pollution effects on marine life and many marine plants. I found out that more than 100 million marine creatures die each year just due to plastic.There are also 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic lying around in our oceans. I was wondering to myself about how all this could be happening in the world, but I am interrupted by mum.

Mum wanted to inform me about the opportunity where you create a project informing people about a global issue and the winners idea gets turned real. I thought about this and what I had learned today and decided to join it.

Six months later, “Thank you for your donation” I say with pride. If you are wondering what I am doing, well I won the competition! My idea that ocean pollution should be quickly reduced and maintained is working but we need money to support it. That is why I am getting donations from the public. Turns out mum was right, the effort you put in always does come back to you.

All that volunteering I did paid off and now the community is donating a lot of money to us. This just shows the power of a community and the commonwealth you live in. Your Commonwealth is powerful and is all it takes to change many political views. Our Commonwealth, your Commonwealth is great.

Clean Energy - What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?

Imagine the impact on our globe if all fifty-six countries that made up the Commonwealth switched to clean energy. It is no longer seriously debated that our planet is warming, sea levels are rising, and our climate is changing.

Some of the nations of the Commonwealth have been big contributors to global warming. For example, Australia is a leading exporter of coal and liquified natural gas, and the third biggest exporter of fossil fuels in the world. Unfortunately, some Commonwealth nations are likely to be the most impacted by global warming. There are a number of Commonwealth nations in the Pacific Islands that are already losing land to rising sea levels and erosion. Countries like the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu may disappear completely in a few years if global warming continues, and sea levels continue to rise!

Year 6

At the moment, only 29% of energy used in Australia is renewable energy, which means a very large portion of energy we use is producing carbon dioxide and contributing to global warming.

We need to do more, and start at an individual level.

Ronald Liu

Unfortunately, at my house, my family uses a gas stove, a gas hot water system and only recently did we get rid of our gas heater. We also have two combustion engine cars that we use to get around. This is a lot of unclean energy to be used by one family, when we could be using an induction cooktop, solar hot water systems and an air conditioner (and maybe my parents could even get me an EV for Christmas)! Devastatingly, many other families also have a very big carbon footprint because like in my family, on top of using gas to cook and heat, many people prefer to drive in petrol fueled cars rather than walking or bike riding. As individuals we can make a difference by making a small change to our daily habits. Habits such as walking to the shops or park rather than driving, organising a carpool or taking public transport into the city can also help. Carpooling may still use some unclean energy, but if multiple individuals are using the same car that is four less people driving to school. Each car that is off the road means less greenhouse gases being produced. Public transport can make an even bigger contribution to reducing greenhouse gases, because dozens of people can travel on one bus and hundreds of people can travel on a single train. This also had the added benefit of reducing congestion on the roads, which means people can move around more quickly.

Another way families can contribute to the production of renewable energy is by installing solar panels on the roof of their house. This is a valuable way for families and individuals to make a positive change. The more clean energy that can be produced using renewable sources the better!

You may believe that this makes no impact and that a bigger difference is needed, but as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II once said, “It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” Our actions will start small but will multiply with each individual that makes a change.

As individuals we start small. As a nation we become bigger. As a Commonwealth we become unstoppable! Cleaner energy for a greener future and greener Commonwealth!

Maddie

Burnett Year 6

Bevilacqua, Cameron 11

Boak, Lachlan 64, 75, 89

Boak, Thomas 62

Brown, Charlotte 37

Brown, Maisy 26

Burnett, Charlotte 13

Burnett, Madeleine 57, 72, 91

Burnett, Samuel 6, 59

Cha, Laura (Artwork) 24

Chopra, Ananshi 54

Clayton, Kian 16

Clayton, Zoe 8

Cousins, Ava 11

Deiner, Isaac 28, 46

Fan, Curtis 13

Fang, Bella 73

Fang, Jessie 14

Fung, Abigail 9

Fung, Timothy 31, 48

Gallimore, Dylan 30

Hu, Claire 11

Humphrey, Toby 23

Jiang, Annabella 33, 85

Jin, Jacquelyn 81

Kale, Neil 27

Leonard, Aria 8

Li, Geoffrey 44

Li, Joanna 18, 66, 82

Li, Rachel 20

Li, Heidi 61, 30

Liang, Daniel 58

Liang, Vincent 51

Liu, Aaron 26

Liu, Emma 67

Liu, Meredith 16, 60, 63

Liu, Quintus (Front Cover) 1

Liu, Ronald 22, 71, 91

Liu, Pinky (Artwork) 40

Lui, Patricia 20

Ma, Harris 28

Mate, Scarlet 22

Mathew-Simmonds, Eli 12

Mundkur, Rohan 37, 76

Orfanos, Sayaka 22, 23

Rankin, Emily 11

Roche, Indiana 32, 44, 52

Roussety, Lilia 17, 45

Sharma, Kiara 45

Shen, Ava 12

Sun, Felix 65

Sun, Joshua 55, 68, 86

Symons, Abigail 9, 79

Temple, Ashley 10

Tho, Isabelle 11

Tian, Jayden 15, 47

Tsai, Ryan 54

Walker, Izzy 8, 12

Wang, Wilson 23, 29

Wragg, Acacia 21 Winters, Elise 14

Mikayla 56

Mandy 17

Freya

Mary 35 Zhang, Patrick 28

Zhao, Lachlan 17

Zheng, Mark 18, 69 Zhou, Kloe 15