Writers' Cafe 2016 by Woodstock School

WOODSTOCK SCHOOL

Enrichment Writing Programme

With special thanks to Mrs Rochelle Porteous, Mrs Claire Blomfield and Woodstock School

WRITERS’ CAFÉ 2016 CONTENTS 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38.

The Final Sprint by Kaz Lohrer Spotlight by Hinekoia O’Leary Coffee by Lucy Downing Rawene by Rebekah Birch All About Me Jamie by Jamie Vette Pa by Eleina Ieremia Gardening Fun by Caitlyn Wasley Nana Matty by Jaye Turanga-Hallett Hide and Seek by Sophie Morgans Ali by Tahlia-Aja Young My Best Friend Ataarangi Putt by Rangimaria Harrison Fiji by Alisha Prasad This Makes Me Happy by Madelin Beere Hamilton City by Libby Strawbridge Papamoa Beach by Lydia Corbett Me, Myself and I by Molly Edwards My Aunty Sue by Beth Clearwater Poppa Bill by Rebekah Birch Bring It On Southwell by Eleina Ieremia Swimming in the Gorge by Lucy Downing Kokopu by Hinekoia O’Leary Splash On In by Madelin Beere Grandma by Sophie Morgans Greek Celebrations by Eloisa Tsatsas Daniel by Jamie Vette Synchronised Swimming by Caitlyn Wasley Gray by Libby Strawbridge Greatest Mum Ever by Lydia Corbett Kennedy Bay by Rangimaria Harrison Grandad’s Farm by Tahlia-Aja Young My Big Bro by Alisha Prasad Tai the Teenager by Kaz Lohrer The Accelerate Test by Jaye Turanga-Hallett

39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75.

Six To Win by Jamie Vette Ongare Point by Beth Clearwater Daddy’s Accident by Libby Strawbridge Red Pandas by Sophie Morgans Book Review: The Marvels by Rebekah Birch Waima Creek by Hinekoia O’Leary Hide and Seek by Alisha Prasad Game On by Lydia Corbett Ballet Madness by Beth Clearwater Karate by Tahlia-Aja Young Lovely Lanna by Molly Edwards Hide and Seek by Lydia Corbett Two Peas in a Pod by Hinekoia O’Leary Lost in the Gully by Lucy Downing My Hiding Place by Libby Strawbridge My New Baby Sister by Eloisa Tsatsas Hole In One by Eleina Ieremia Rail Cruising by Molly Edwards A Special Gift by Sophie Morgans The Opotiki Adventure by Rangimaria Harrison The Roller Coaster of Doom by Kaz Lohrer Watch Out Dreamworld by Madelin Beere The Magical Harry Potter by Beth Clearwater Raglan Is The Place To Be by Jaye Turanga-Hallett Nana Esther by Lucy Downing The Day I Met My BFF by Caitlyn Wasley Aliyah by Rebekah Birch Granny Robyn by Madelin Beere Lights, Camera, Action by Eleina Ieremia Catastrophe at the Lake by Tahlia-Aja Young Try by Molly Edwards Marvellous Mum by Caitlyn Wasley Bombing with my Brother by Kaz Lohrer My Special Family by Rangimaria Harrison Best Birthday Ever by Jamie Vette Incredible Ireland by Jaye Turanga-Hallett Camp Karakariki by Alisha Prasad

The Final Sprint With his palms sweating, And the crowd silently staring, Usain Bolt crouches onto his starting blocks, Ready to propel himself down the track, He positions his hands behind the white line, Glances at his opponents, Then fixes his eyes on the finish, BANG! The echo of the starting gun pierces his ears, And like a torpedo, He races down his lane. The track, Stretches ahead, Laughs, Teases, Mocks, Tells him he’s too slow, Then begs him to make the big finish, Until every pair of eyes are locked on him – And then, And then, And then, Right before the screams from the crowd, He dashes past the finish line, And takes first place. Written by Kaz Lohrer Inspired by Edwin A. Hoey

Spotlight My back scrapes against the thick moss-covered branch. Squished, my foot aches but I must not move as the seeker draws nearer. As others are caught, their voices erupt in the silence. The noises grow louder. Torchlight peeps through the leaves of my hiding place. Ignore the pain. Stay silent. Hide in my blindness. I can feel them staring yet I am invisible. My heart no longer throbs. As I drown in endless relief, those who sought are devoured in confusion. I smile and think to myself, I’ve won. Written by Hinekoia O’Leary

Did you know that 2.25 billion cups of coffee are made every day? Coffee is a brewed drink that comes from roasted coffee beans. About 83 per cent of adults are coffee drinkers. History Three thousand years ago, a young boy named Kaldi discovered coffee. He was a goat farmer in Ethiopia. One day he found that his goats were acting very strangely. They were prancing and frolicking about. Then he discovered that his goats were eating a small tree covered in red cherries. Kaldi tried a few and he felt nearly as hyper as his goats! He took some cherries to the village elders and they threw them into the fire to get rid of them. However they smelled so nice, the elders boiled some to try. And that is how coffee was discovered. Growing Coffee Coffee grows inside a cherry on trees reaching about two metres high. These trees can only be grown around the equator where it is hot. It takes six weeks for the cherries to grow and once they are ripe, it is time to harvest them. It is very important to pick the ripest cherries because the beans inside will produce better tasting coffee. There are two different types of coffee beans, Robusta and Arabica. Robusta plants are hardier, easier to grow in flat plantations and the beans do not take long to ripen. But they have a bitter taste and are a lower quality. Arabica beans have to be grown in the mountains above 600 metres so are more difficult to farm. The beans take longer to grow and ripen but produce the best tasting, higher quality coffee. Processing Coffee After harvesting, the beans have to be processed. The two most common ways to process coffee are wet processing and dry processing. Dry processing is where the cherries are left out in the sun to dry so it can be separated from the beans. Wet processing is where the fruit is removed from the beans and left to ferment so the sticky layer that coats the beans is removed. This can cause a more fruity flavour in the beans. One of the most rare and definitely the strangest ways to process beans involves cats. The Civet cat eats the coffee cherries and once they have been digested, the coffee beans are collected from their droppings. These cats are kept in farms and are fed the cherries. One kilogram of ‘cat poop coffee’ can cost between US$100 and US$700, making it the most expensive coffee in the world. Next time you sit down to drink a cup of coffee, think about all the work that has gone into it. From growing, to picking and processing, there is no doubt that coffee is a drink to be admired. Written by Lucy Downing

The deserted town sits silently by the never-ending river. A waterfall flows down the cliff forming a stream that winds its way around the hill and into the lake. Tiny fish dart this way and that. The sound of the tui song echoes in my ears. In spring, flowers fill the gully and like soldiers, evergreen trees guard their beauty. Grandad and I stroll into the chicken pen to collect the eggs, while they scratch and peck at their food in the yard. Life is a breeze in Rawene. Written by Rebekah Birch

Rawene

all about me My Earliest Memory “Do we have to go?” my three-year old self said. “Of course we do,” mum replied, gripping onto me. She had to let go when she heard Taylor, my one-year old baby brother, crying. I ran back to the car park. We were going to get my brother’s photo taken and I didn’t want to go. “Hurry up! We’re going to be late!” Mum shrieked. Then she thought for a second. “I know what to do,” she said to herself and she quietly walked into the room, leaving me in the carpark. I was so busy throwing a tantrum I didn’t notice she had gone. “I don’t want to go in! Waaa! I don’t!” Once I took a breath, I looked up and wondered where Mum was. Where did she go? I looked everywhere and I still couldn’t find her so in the end I ran inside and there she was sitting calmly on a black leather seat, trying to ease my baby brother to sleep. The photographer walked in and said, “Stacey Vette.” Mum tugged me firmly on the arm and said, “Come on.” By now I was too tired to do anything so I walked into the room where my brother’s photo was being taken. I stood by my mother as the photographer took some pictures. These are still hanging in our hallway for everyone to see but whenever I look at them, I am reminded of how naughty I was that day! Something I Love Do you know what I love doing? That’s simple, I just love art. The feeling of grabbing a pencil or paintbrush makes me so happy. In my spare time you will usually find me doodling on a piece of paper. When I don’t have any paper, you will find me walking around with some sort of doodle on a spare piece of skin. Did you know I am already a published illustrator? I’ve created two volumes with my brother and I’m already up to my third. A Fun Fact About Me A fun fact about me is I play five sports. As well as cricket, soccer, mountain biking and swimming, it’s my first year of learning karate. I love it! I started playing soccer when I was four and cricket when I was five. So that’s how I spend my Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Something That Makes Me Laugh “Ready, aim, fire!” I shouted as bombs were released into the air and guns were fired. “Man down, man down!” Taylor cried as I enjoyed a split second of victory. Next minute a bomb hit my trench. Then I showered my brother with heaps and heaps of bombs. “Unfair!” he shrieked as he threw down his water gun and headed to our paddling pool, armed with water balloons. I acted fast and squirted him in the face. “Unfair!” he shrieked again. He picked up a bucket and before I could duck out of the way – SPLASH! “How dare you!” I shouted, throwing water balloons at him. I grabbed the hose and walked through no man’s land towards our blue seashell shaped pool. I felt a squirt of water but I didn’t care. I squirted him with the hose as he turned on the tap. Suddenly the hose stopped and I stood there in confusion. I stared at Taylor then I stared at the thing Taylor was holding on to. It was (of course) the tap. “You did this!” I yelled. “Ha, ha, ha!” my brother giggled as I dropped the hose. Water fights make me laugh more than anything. Written by Jamie Vette

NanaMatty Matty Nana Nana Matty is the star that guides me. She’s definitely the master Nana Matty is the starand thatthe guides She’s definitely the Imaster chef in our family mostme. warm-hearted person know. chef in our family and the most warm-hearted person I know. Nana is in her late fifties, which is amazing because I think she Nana is in her like lateshe’s fifties,inwhich is amazing think she hair only looks her forties. With because her short,I jet black onlytucked looks like she’s her forties. With herred short, jet black hair under herinwoolly hat and ruby lipstick, Nana’s ready tucked her woolly hat and Nana’s ready to hitunder the town. Whenever sheruby goesred out,lipstick, she spends ages refining to hit the town. goes out, she spends ages refining what I think Whenever is already she a polished outfit of denim jeans, a black what I think is already a polished outfit of denim jeans, a black floaty top and silky cardigan. She always looks great. floaty top and silky cardigan. She always looks great. Cooking is Nana’s passion and the kitchen is her favourite place Cooking is Nana’s passion and the kitchen is her favourite place to be. Shiny appliances sit spruced up on the corner of the to be. Shiny appliances sit spruced up on the corner of the bench, clean tea towels hang over the oven railings and her bench, clean tea towels hang over the oven railings and her utensils lie neatly in the drawers. “Can you hand me the flour utensils lie neatly in the drawers. “Can you hand me the flour please?” or “Where’s the butter?” echoes through the hallway please?” or “Where’s the butter?” echoes through the hallway every time we go to her house but it’s worth it for the scrumptious every time we go to her house but it’s worth it for the scrumptious treats Nana makes. Her luscious chocolate brownies and my treats Nana makes. Her luscious chocolate brownies and my favourite chocolate chip cookies are the best. favourite chocolate chip cookies are the best. What does Nana dislike? Easy, she cannot stand a messy house. What does Nana dislike? Easy, she cannot stand a messy house. In fact she loathes it when anything is out of place. She can In fact she loathes it when anything is out of place. She can always be found scuttling around from room to room, sweeping always be found scuttling around from room to room, sweeping with one hand and dusting with the other. Whenever we make a with one hand and dusting with the other. Whenever we make a mess, to rescue the rescue her trusty shovel. mess, she she runsruns to the withwith her trusty brushbrush and and shovel. She She needs to cope her five grandkids! It’s okay a needs this this to cope withwith her five busybusy grandkids! It’s okay until until a mingle of cleaning products inair thearound air around mingle of cleaning products and and soapsoap loomloom in the her. her. Nana is the kindest, sweetest person I know as sweet as my Nana is the kindest, sweetest person I know (“Not(“Not as sweet as my cupcakes,” would spunky, cupcakes,” she she would say.)say.)Her Her spunky, yet yet neatneat freakfreak personality can make anyone giggle and her warm compliments personality can make anyone giggle and her warm compliments even make someone a tear. cancan even make someone shedshed a tear. Written by Jaye Turanga-Hallett Written by Jaye Turanga-Hallett

Darkness fills the space under the stairs. My knees are curled up to my chest, my arms hold them tightly and my eyes peek out to have a quick look. “Ready or not here I come!” my brother yells as he stomps down the stairs. I can feel him scanning the room. Stay still and don’t make a sound, I tell myself. Then he’s gone. Sounds of the car doors opening and closing reach my ears. “Found you Lydia!” he shouts. Then silence. They must have gone outside. Is he ever going to find me? My back aches and I need to stretch. Suddenly the room fills with noise. My heart races. Everyone is found but me. “Where is she?” they ask each other. One by one I hear them thump up the stairs. They are right above my head! Time to uncurl and pop out. “Here I am! I’ve won!” Written by Sophie Morgans

My Best Friend Ataarangi Putt

Ataarangi Putt is my best friend. She has the funniest personality and always has the biggest smile on her face. Even though Ataarangi is ten years old, she likes to wear her mum’s clothes. Although she is a tomboy, she’s not afraid to show her funky style in a dress with tights underneath. When she wears her high-heeled converse shoes, she is nearly as tall as I am. Her orange, reddish hair with black frizzy streaks is often tucked under her brother’s cap. Although her hair is short, she manages to tie it up in a tiny ponytail. Freckles are scattered across her face; she just wouldn’t be the same without them! Drawing Minecraft diaries are one of Ataa’s favourite things to do. Aphmau, who created the series, inspires her. Ataa loves talking like KawaiiChan, one of the characters. “Meow, kawaii,” she says. Ataa also enjoys competing in netball games, solving maths problems, playing music and eating banana bread. Rugby league is another one of her passions. She loves hanging out with her teammates and even if she gets hurt, she still enjoys playing. Ataarangi detests vegetables. One bite and she says, “Yuck!” I mean who doesn’t like vegetables? Ataa absolutely can’t stand carrots, peas and beans. In fact, sometimes I think she doesn’t like anything green. Being at home is one of Ataarangi’s favourite places to be. She loves the company of her family. Even though she is the only girl in a household of boys (and she often says she wishes she had a sister), she really loves her brothers. They all hang out playing league and gaming at Freddy’s. Ataarangi and I have an awesome friendship. She makes me laugh every second of everyday. Although we look different, we say we’re twins because we have such a lot in common and we act silly together. I will never forget the time when we both dipped our faces in flour. Ataarangi makes me feel brave and confident and I hope we will always stand by each other’s side. Written by Rangimaria Harrison

Fiji Coconut trees tower over the neverending shoreline. Shimmering, the golden sand waits silently for a pair of feet to sink in. Warm seawater laps gently at my toes while the hot sun rests upon my skin. Bliss. Tourists wonder around with hands full of shopping bags and souvenirs. Like wild animals, we splash through the once still water, while Grandad keeps a firm eye on us. Perched on the back of Uncle’s truck, my cousins and I wrap our towels around our wet bodies and giggle all the way back to the villa. Fiji is my home and always will be. Written by Alisha Prasad

This Makes Me Happy “11 degrees!” I yelled back to Mum, inching my way down

the wet wooden steps and into the clear water. It took my breath away! After pushing myself further out, Mum yelled, “Not too deep! You have to be able to swim back.” My family and I were at the Blue Springs with our friends the Halifax’s. Every time I’ve been there, the water was always the same – crystal clear and freezing cold. Us kids always challenged ourselves to swim out to the giant rock, which sat in the middle of the stream; tempting us, daring us, forcing us on. I hadn’t made it out there yet and it looked like this time wasn’t going to be any different because I got a brain freeze and had to turn back. Then I couldn’t manage to pull myself up the wooden steps. “Go Madelin, you can do it!” Georgia yelled. Alright here I go. Three, two, one … yes! I made it up. I couldn’t feel my legs so I grabbed my towel and dried off. “I’m hungry,” I nagged Mum. Swimming always made me ravenous. About half an hour later, we felt hot again. I’m going for it, I thought. That rock will be mine. I jumped off the bottom step and goose bumps instantly crept up my spine. Brrr. Keeping my head up and my arms well above the water, I inched my way across the stream. When the water reached my chin, I ducked under and kicked fast. “Hurry up Madelin,” my sister shouted. Finally I reached the edge of the rock and I climbed out of the water. “Yes!” I cried. Scrambling up the tall rock wasn’t easy but I finally made it to the top. From up here I couldn’t even see the bottom of the lagoon. “If you jump Georgia, I will,” I challenged. “Promise?” she said. “Promise,” I replied. She jumped so I guess that meant I had to. Taking a deep breath, I threw myself off the rock and cannon bombed into the water. “Wahoo!” I shouted, even though I was totally freaked out and freezing! Visiting the Blue Springs with my family and friends is awesome fun. The challenge of swimming out to the giant rock, the thrill of jumping into the water and the fun of playing with my family and friends are some of the things I will love forever. Written by Madelin Beere 18

The mighty Waikato River drifts over mountains of rocks and twigs, winding its way from south to north. Kayaks sit on the riverbank, waiting for their turn in the water. Apartments tower over the city centre, small children gaze up at them. Families of ducks flock together, begging for food from picnickers.

Crowds of people walk quickly along busy streets in the hope of making it to work on time. Farmers come to town, complain about the hustle and bustle and escape to the countryside as fast as they can. Streams of cars flow across the Fairfield Bridge on their way home. Big, beautiful, exciting Hamilton My home. Written by Libby Strawbridge

Picture by Sam Lewry 19

Hamilton City

Rows of shops stand, beckoning people to look their way.

Papamoa Beach Our summer holiday had officially begun for another year. Arriving at the Papamoa beach campsite was always exciting. After we stopped at the food court to fuel up, we started the unpacking mission. “Oh man, this is always the hardest and hottest job,” I said. It made us feel sweaty and cranky so to reward ourselves, we headed down to the ocean to cool off.

Magnificent, giant waves tumbled over and over. As soon as I reached the shore, I felt the water tingle between my toes. “Just what we needed,’ I said. “Now let’s go boogie boarding!” Dad’s voice came from behind me. I grabbed the board and splashed on in. Lying on top of it, I waited for a wave. It was time. I counted three, two, one and Dad and I took off. Water sprayed us in the face. I hit the shore then raced back out to do it again and again. A good two hours at the beach with my family is my favourite thing about being at Papamoa. We also love the ice creams! Every evening at 6.30 pm, Mr Whippy drives by. Whenever we hear his song playing, all the children come running to line up in front of his truck. Finally the sun slowly sets as we walk along the beach. It’s the perfect end to every day. Holidays at Papamoa beach are always exciting. Even though the car ride is long and boring, there is always something to look forward to after we arrive. Our special beach spot is filled with many unforgettable memories. Written by Lydia Corbett

My Earliest Memory I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and blew out my sparkling candles, knowing that I was finally three. All my friends cheered with joy and laughter and Mum and Dad clapped their hearts out. I remember feeling so special that day. Mum was holding my hand as the sharp knife split my pink clock cake in half and my eyes glowed when Dad brought me a piece. I took a giant bite. Mmm yum. That was my earliest and most delicious memory.

me, myself and i

Something I love I love my family from the bottom of my heart and to the moon and back. I reckon if there was a competition for the best family in the world, mine would win it easily. “Good night Molly,” Mum always says with a smile. “Good night Mum,” I reply in a soft voice. As Mum leans down to give me a kiss, her neckless dangles in my face and tickles my nose. My eyes get lazy and start to fall, then … bang! Here’s Dad. He rushes in with a smile on his face, jumps on my bed and kisses me on my head. He makes me laugh when he does that. As Jordon brushes his teeth, he comes by my room to say good night but I can hardly understand him with tooth paste in his mouth. I reach for my blanket, snuggle it tight, close my eyes and dream of good things. That’s what I love most about my family.

A Fun Fact About Me Did you know that I have pirate blood? Legend has it that many centuries ago there lived a pirate named Black Sam Belleamy. He was born on the 23rd February 1689 and died on the 26th April 1717. He was a distant relation on my mother’s side. The story that has been passed down through my family was that Black Sam was the Robin Hood of the sea. The Whydah was his ship. He made plans to continue pirating around the northeast coast of the Atlantic while he was waiting to meet up with his crew. However, around midnight April 26th 1717, Belleamy and his crew were caught in a terrible storm that ended tragically. The Whydah smashed into a sandbar which caused the ship to sink. Sam Belleamy was regarded as the most successful pirate in recorded history with over $130 million in plundered loot. Sadly, only the legend was passed down through my family, not the money!

Something That Makes Me Laugh I love the way my friends make me laugh. I don’t think there are any other people in the world that get my jokes like my friends do. They are really cool because when I say a joke they fix it up and make it better. When I’m sad my friends always come and cheer me up with a laugh. Sometimes my friends and I can’t stop laughing. One time we were all welling up with tears and nearly falling off our chairs we were laughing so hard. So that’s what makes me laugh – my friends. Written by Molly Edwards

My Aunty Sue Sue Clearwater, my aunty, is an awesome person. She is special in every way and I admire her more than all the chocolate in the world. Funky, bubbly and unique is what makes her my favourite aunty. Aunty Sue’s memorable smile is the first thing people notice about her. Whenever she hears something funny, her joyful laugh echoes around the room. It always makes me burst into a fit of giggles. Although Sue is in her forties, she looks like a lovely young lady. Ebony curls tumble down her back and she has more freckles scattered over her nose than the sky has stars. Her favourite pieces of clothing include some faded jeans, a cosy zipped jacket and lace up shoes. Glamorous outfits are not in her style zone whereas sneakers are much more welcome in her wardrobe. Faint pink lip balm is considered ‘girly’ in her opinion. What does Aunty Sue like? Frisbee, it is an obsession. Her common saying is, “Just going to play some Frisbee!” Whenever she is with her beloved flying friend, she is very happy. If Frisbee was an Olympic event, I think she would win the gold medal! Sue also loves anything to do with the ocean. Studying underwater animals is an everyday activity for her. Thrilling scuba diving trips in the deep sea, jaw dropping research and amazing experiences are what she loves about her job as a fish scientist. “Don’t trample on the anemones!” she says when I am stomping around at the beach . Scratches and bruises are littered over her knees, a sign of her love of the outdoors. Some other things Aunty Sue enjoys are her sweet cat possum, strange calendars and mushroom sauces. If there is something Aunty Sue loathes, it is being miserable. She is always so cheerful and catching her in a glum mood is very rare. Whenever my sister Tessa or I are sad, she stops at nothing to banish our negative attitudes. Whether it is buying us ice cream or telling us funny stories, she always cheers us up. “Yum, yum pigs bum!” she says at the dinner table and we all crack up. Aunty Sue may not admit it but we know she couldn’t care less about make up. No matter where she is going, she never sees the need for it. In my opinion, she does not need it because she is beautiful just the way she is. Whenever Sue appears on our doorstep on a Friday evening, I know I am in for an exciting night. I treasure the memories of the random discos we have in our hallway and the many piggyback rides and fascinating chats we have. She puts a grin on my face when I am glum. She sits beside me and sings me my favourite songs before I drift off to sleep. I appreciate her effort in being the best aunty she can be and I love her very, very much. Written by Beth Clearwater

Swimming in the Gorge Splash! Dark icy water wrapped itself around my body and its murky depths rippled over me. I propelled myself to the surface and shouted, “Hey Dad, pass me the boogie board!” Dad tossed it in my direction. Next thing Mia soared through the air and made the biggest splash. “Wahoo!” she screamed. Swimming at Karangahake Gorge with my family is what I love to do most of all. I love the way the waterfall spreads foam across the lake and native trees drip mist onto cracked rocks. There’s absolutely nothing I like better. Peacefully I paddled down stream towards the waterfall. Drip, drip, drip. Dad pushed me into the monster’s mouth. As I looked up at the mud brown rock, fresh water splashed onto my face. Whoosh! I shoved myself off the rocks and flew out the other side. Wahoo! Zooming to the end of the pool, I’m sure I looked like a penguin gliding across an icy pond. “Argh! What’s that thing on your arm?” I screamed. Mia turned to look then she jumped in fright. A purple and orange hornet zoomed off her arm and into the bush. We laughed hysterically. I kept everything but my head in the water, hoping that no strange insects would land on me. Cautiously I paddled to a glossy rock near the waterfall, away from the nasty hornets. A strong current tried to push me away but I clung on tight. “Girls it’s time to go,” Mum called. Quickly I dived under the water, pretending I didn’t hear. I sunk down and down. Light beamed onto my still face then darkness surrounded me. Before long I ran out of breath and with a kick, I shot upwards and gasped for air. Staring down at me, waiting, was my annoyed family. I glided through the refreshing lake, trying to stay just a little bit longer. But sadly time was up and we waved good-bye to the glistening pool. Swimming at Karangahake Gorge is something I love. The excitement of bombing into the water, the exhilaration of entering the growling waterfall, and the thrill of swimming across the pool are some of the things I will never tire of. Written by Lucy Downing

KOKOPU Like a glowing green blanket, a forest of trees covers the never ending stretch of land. The usual stench of cow pats creeps up our nostrils, blocking out all other smells. Curved hills rest silently in the distance, staining the horizon with their deep green silhouettes. As we wander through the fields on our way to the well loved family house, our gumboots sink into the gooey mud and wet grass. Powder white clouds drift along the blue skies, watching over the farm and its belongings. Exquisite, magnificent, wonderful, Kokopu, my home. Written by Hinekoia O’Leary

With her place held in second, And only one heat to go, The swimmer glances around, And notices that everyone’s eyes are watching, She crouches down, Curls her toes against the diving block, Stretches her legs, Tenses her stomach, Breathes, Hears the umpire shout, “Take your marks…” Beep! She launches herself into the air. The water, Impatiently floats ahead of her, Giggles, Stares, Teases, Waits, Tells her she can’t do it, But she knows she can, And then, And then, And then, Water sprays everywhere, As she pulls for her first stroke. Written by Madelin Beere Inspired by Edwin A. Hoey

Grandma My Grandma Antoinette is one of my favourite people in the world. Whenever we need her, she is there for us and we like helping her too. I am proud to say Grandma is an important part of Woodstock School’s history. Not only was she a senior teacher, she was the founding teacher in the Conductive Education Unit. Although Grandma is in her early 70s, she looks a lot younger. She has short wavy brown hair and sparkly blue eyes. Not one to shout, she has a soft, gentle voice. Grandma always looks smart. I like it when she wears her three quarter sleeve striped top, dark jeans and her creamy peal studs and matching necklace. She always puts on her pale pink or red lipstick and her perfume that smells like flowers. She has a matching handbag for each of her outfits. If she could, Grandma would wear high heels every day. In fact, the only time she wears flat shoes is when she is going for a serious walk. Whenever Grandma visits us, she usually says, “Is your room tidy?” “It’s mostly Pippa’s stuff,” I reply. “Well go and tidy it. I’ll be coming up in ten minutes to check,” she says to us. As we quickly finish tidying our room, we hear Grandma climbing the stairs. “We’re ready!” we yell. Tidy rooms make Grandma happy. Some other things she likes are keeping her garden tidy, travelling around the world, going shopping, cooking delicious food, seeing her family, going for walks and church on Sunday mornings. What does Grandma dislike? That’s easy. She can’t stand cold, weak coffee. If she is served coffee that is not up to her standard, she quietly says, “I don’t think I’ll be coming back here.” One of Grandma’s favourite places to be is her kitchen. Her walk in pantry is always immaculate; tidy rows of glasses are lined up in her cupboard and the clean bench has shiny appliances sitting neatly in one corner. Whenever I go into her kitchen, there is usually snacks spread out on the bench. If I ask for a cookie, Grandma always says, “Go and grab one.” Grandma has a kind heart. When Mum and Dad go away for a weekend, she comes to look after us. She helps us tidy our rooms and she sets the rules so everything runs smoothly. When we go for walks, she lets us play on the tree. I have so many special memories of spending time with my grandma and I will love her forever. Written by Sophie Morgans

Greek Celebrations In 2016 I was lucky to spend three months living with my extended family in Australia. I attended Greek school and learnt all about my Greek culture. I was surprised to discover that their calendar is full of many different festivals. It seems the Greeks are always up for a celebration! Easter Easter is one of the main festivals celebrated in Greek culture. It is also the most family orientated event and it takes a whole week for the ceremony to be completed. Everyone has to fast in the holy week and before hand. People go to church during the holy week and on Saturday everybody gathers in the church for the main ceremony. Candles are lit in the church and every family must keep theirs alight for forty days. On Easter Sunday families and friends have a big party and celebrate with traditional Greek dancing and food like lamb on an open spit, salads, stuffed vegetables and Turkish delight. People say, “Christos Anesti!” which means, Christ is risen! Forty days after Easter, everyone cracks red boiled eggs which symbolise new life. Christenings A Greek christening is another special celebration. In the christening there are one or two godparents called Nona (for a girl) and Nono (for a boy). It is the godparents’ responsibility to buy everything required in the christening, such as candles, the cross, towels, the cake and the outfit for the baby. Greeks have a tradition that the baby will be dressed in a frilly dress decorated with sparkling beads or a suit worth hundreds of dollars, along with a tiny pair of white shoes and a bonnet. At the start of the christening the godparents say a prayer and enter the church surrounded by family and friends. Then the baby is undressed. The priest dunks the baby (or young toddler) into a tub full of warm water and covers their body all over with holy oil. While that is happening, a young friend or relative (usually a child) will walk around the priest’s table several times carrying a giant white candle. After the ceremony, everyone celebrates with a big dinner, a party and cake. This is a special time because the baby has had a blessing and it means they will follow Jesus and grow up telling the truth. After the christening, the baby is not allowed to wash for three days because the holy oil needs time to sink into them. Name Days Name days are another important part of Greek culture. They are similar to birthdays except they are recognised more often. A name day is the date of the year in which your saint (with the same name as you) was born or died. On your name day, people will greet you by saying, “Xronia polla,” which means ‘For many more years.’ There are millions of saints in the world; in fact no one knows how many. A person will become a saint by sacrificing their life to Jesus, performing a miracle or by helping others with good deeds. Greek people all over the world celebrate these special times. If you have the opportunity to participate in one of these events, it is sure to be a time you will never forget! Written by Eloisa Tsatsas 29

Synchronised Swimming

Pull on your togs, grab your nose clip, pop on your cap and get ready to dance in the water. Welcome to the world of synchronised swimming. I have been learning for three terms and I really enjoy it. Skills Becoming a synchronised swimmer takes a lot of practice. Along with advanced water skills, it requires strength, flexibility, artistry and knowing how to dance in time with others. To avoid injuries, we have to do half an hour of stretching and running before we begin. Then we are ready to start our swimming and dance exercises. Equipment Very little equipment is required for synchronised swimming. Dancers need a one-piece swimsuit for practices (this style is better suited for the length of time spent in the water), goggles to protect eyes from chlorine and to see teammates underwater, and a swimming cap to keep hair out of the way. A nose clip is essential when learning upside down positions. Competition Along with local club and national competitions, synchronised swimming is an Olympic event. The New Zealand women’s team competed in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and in Rio in 2016. Whenever the Olympics are on, I love to watch the synchronised swimming events. I haven’t participated in any competitions yet, but this year the rest of my team is competing against other regional groups. Synchronised swimming is really special to me because it is a fun team sport. It’s athletic and really beautiful to watch. Written by Caitlyn Wasley 31

Cold water buffs the slimy seaweed. Mist smudges out the raggedy, old rocks. Overhead the sun brightens the small bay while the wind echoes through the curved hills. Forest birds spread their layered wings and flit from branch to branch. Chunky green bushes sit on the edge of the old road.

Kids tumble off the wharf and water sprays into the air as they fall in. Goose bumps crawl up my back as I swim through the salty water. A chunk of seaweed sticks between my toes. Kennedy Bay you make my world truly happy.

Written by Rangimaria Harrison

Grandad’s Farm Two farmhouses stand in the paddock at the top of the drive. Colossal trees stretch up to the sky and shade the land. Sheep glare at unwanted guests. At night time, scary possums hide in the trees and race into the bushes when they hear people coming. Lizards crawl across the hard grey concrete. A flock of loud chickens crow at us when we sneak in to steal their eggs. Perfectly neat flower gardens cover the backyard. Grandad drives his green tractor down the race while my brother and I crouch in the trailer, giggling all the way. Life is good on Grandad’s Farm.

Written by Tahlia-Aja Young

Although my big brother Amol seems shy, he is fun loving, kind and always willing to take on a challenge. Amol only wears branded clothes so Mum often complains about how expensive they are. Only the best brands will do and nothing else! As long as my brother has got his army printed shorts on and a logo t-shirt, he is ready to go anywhere. At home, it is a different story. Wearing his black soccer shorts and t-shirt, he begins a weekend of studying. Boring. Even if it’s winter, his wardrobe is stacked with shorts. His vivid black hair sits untidily when he’s at home, but if he is going somewhere he shapes it to perfection. His auburn eyes stare at his laptop screen while his fingers glide across the keyboard. When I walk down the hallway, the scent of his fragrance tickles my nose. Amol loves photography. Whether he is inside or out, he’s always got his camera round his neck, clicking photos of flowers, trees or sport. His camera, which he got six months ago, is so clear that it can pick up tiny specks of patterns on plants. “Hey get out of the way,” he yells, as I photo bomb one of his shots. “Okay, okay,” I say, “but you should really consider taking pictures of a real person for a change.” Amol absolutely loves soccer. Out of nowhere, the ball comes hurtling towards him and he kicks it to his teammate. Hanging back towards the opposition’s goal, his job is to defend and personally, I think he is best at it. After a thrilling game, he limps into the house saying, “Can you put my boots away?” “No way, I’m not touching those,” I say in disgust, looking at the green boots, which are covered in a mixture of mud and grass. My brother is a quiet person but he loves the thrill of a soccer game. The anticipation of walking on to the field, the exhilaration of kicking the ball to help score a goal, and the excitement of winning a tournament are some of the things he loves about it. Amol also enjoys going on Duke of Edinburgh tramps, hanging out with friends and of course technology! My brother absolutely despises being late. No matter what, he has to be prompt. Jumping into the car, he says urgently, “Hurry up, we’re going to be late!” “Coming, coming,” Mum says, grabbing her keys, coat and handbag. Every morning is the same. He starts the car to turn on the heater, walks back into the house, and then he ushers Dad out the front door so he won’t be late for school. That is typical Amol! There are highs and lows of living with a 16 year old. Last summer, when we were playing cricket, my bat missed the ball, hit a glass window, and shattered. I will never forget the way Amol paid for the repair with his own money. That was awesome. What about the challenges? Piles of clothes sit in the corner of his room, he eats half of what is cooked for dinner and he bosses me around every chance he gets. However, he is fun loving, exciting to hang out with and he always looks after me. Written by Alisha Prasad 36

Tai the Teenager Tai Lohrer, my older brother, is the coolest person I know. always seems to make me laugh.

At 17 years old, Tai looks like a typical teenager except he is so tall, well compared to me that is. He is over six foot already! He loves deodorant but I think he puts on a bit too much. When he opens the bathroom door, a waft of Lynx rushes down the hallway. Tai has dark brown eyes and slicked back hair, but whenever he wakes up or finishes one of his basketball training sessions, his hair is always frizzed up like a scared cat. Since Tai is a prefect at his school, he wears long, grey trousers with white collard shirts, but in the weekends he dresses in the most fashionable clothes he can find. Tai’s favourite outfit is his green silky windbreaker, with a plain white t-shirt, rolled up black jeans and his classic black vans. Even though he keeps his hands in his pockets and his shoulders slouched, Tai moves quickly; he always has somewhere to be. Basketball is one of Tai’s most loved sports. He always says, “Kaz! Come D me up!” “Okay,” I usually reply back. After school, he attends basketball trainings and games. When he comes home, he fills the room with a stench of sweat. This is the one time I want him to wear deodorant! Tai also enjoys sleeping in and always wakes up late on the weekend. Have you ever seen someone wake up at eleven thirty? It’s crazy! “Good morning,” he whispers sleepily as he walks into the living room (but I think he should say good afternoon!) Tai despises cockroaches. Whenever he sees one hiding in his room, he tries his best not to touch it. Once there was a big cockroach in my room and he shrieked at the sight of it. “Ahh!” we heard him scream from downstairs. Whenever he yells out, I always assume he’s seen a creature of some sort. “One day I’m going to get a room with no bugs at all!” Tai says. Like I said, he despises cockroaches. The lounge is Tai’s favourite place to be. His empty chip packets lay on the coffee table, his papers are scattered across the floor and his computer wires crawl along the carpet. Soda cans sit by the laptop and are NEVER put away. “Get off the PC Tai!” Dad yells. “In a minute,” he mumbles. Living with a teenage boy is not easy. He leaves his clothes everywhere, he doesn’t clean up after himself and he always gets the first shower. But Tai is really funny and caring and he will always be the older brother. He makes me laugh and cheers me up. He really is the coolest person I know. Written by Kaz Lohrer 37

+ x % The Accelerate Test $ I heard the footsteps as they echoed through the entrance of the library. I covered my ears, hoping that it would go away. The door creaked as the teacher entered the room. Slowly, I looked up and thought to myself, what if I don’t finish? What will I do if I get stuck?

? = #

It was test day and my fellow students and I were about to see if we would get into the accelerate class at Fairfield Intermediate. Sitting on a chair, I grasped my pen tightly and waited. The teacher laid a booklet in front of me. “Make sure you do the best you can,” she said, smiling at us. “You may start now.” As the test began, all that could be heard was the turning of paper and the clicking of pens. My eyes scanned over the maths questions. Calm down and make sure you choose the most appropriate answers, I told myself over and over. I focused my brain on the complex test. Slowly, I filled in the answer sheet, the ink from my blue pen sinking through the paper. “Twenty more minutes to go,” said the now familiar voice. My heart felt as though it was frolicking inside my chest but it slowed down as I realised I was only a few questions away from the end. After finishing the maths test, my brain was fizzing with 15x15=225 and 12x12=144. I felt a million times better until I saw the writing booklet clutched in her hands. “Here we go again,” I muttered to myself. As she placed the next booklet in front of me, I gripped my ruler under the table and started fiddling with it until I calmed down. “You have forty minutes to complete this test,” said the teacher. She read the instructions before saying the dreadful words again, “You may start.” Trembling with fear, I picked up my pen and started writing my persuasive argument. I moved closer to the booklet and words started spilling out of my pen onto the page. Thinking hard about using powerful vocabulary and making sure my punctuation was perfect, I became more and more confident as I wrote sentence after sentence. After re-reading my story a thousand times and doing the final touch-ups, I was done. I gazed over my writing and a miniature smile spread across my face. Joy bubbled inside me. Jamie and I finished one after the other and we talked non-stop about the questions and answers, the easy and hard challenges. We met up with everybody else and after talking for ages, we all agreed we were anxious to receive our letters. Who would get into the accelerate class? Nervousness still filled the pit of my stomach and I hoped it would be replaced with delight. My emotions were being toyed with but whatever the result, I knew this would be one of the most unforgettable days of my life. Written by Jaye Turanga-Hallett

< # %

With six runs left to win, And the score at 96 to 101, The player crouches, Legs shoulder width apart, Eyes fixed on the ball, He taps his bat on the pitch, The ball races towards him like a bullet, Closer and closer, He breathes, Waits, Grips the handle, Then swings his bat behind him, SMACK! The ball, Flies into the distance, Wobbles, Hesitates, Turns, Begs for runs, Every face is paying attention to it – And then, And then, And then, It lands beyond the boundary, Six runs! Cheers echo around the stadium, And New Zealand wins the test match! Written by Jamie Vette Inspired by Edwin A. Hoey

Point The miniature white bach waits patiently for people to arrive. Ancient patchy sand bags shrink into the shadows, not wishing to bare their ugliness. Emerald green hills, dotted with creamy white sheep, roll never-endingly into the distance. Ruby red pohutukawa flowers sway delicately to and fro, showing off their astonishing blossoms. The smooth ocean twinkles as it reflects the sun’s glare. Kayaks bob gently over the waves, their oars a blur of colour. Hazel coloured horses stride down the gravely road, riders beaming at the surroundings. Misty estuaries collect moisture from the oozy mud at Ongare Point. Written by Beth Clearwater

Daddy’s Accident

It was just another Wednesday during the 2015 July school holidays and I was happily going to the Squiggle holiday programme. Little did I know, that afternoon I wouldn’t feel so cheerful. A terrible tragedy was about to grasp my family’s hearts in its hands and soon we would all be in tears. Climbing off the holiday programme bus, I glanced around the car park and spotted my step mum Mary’s car. “Hi Mary,” I called, “why is Mum not here?” She waited till I was beside her. “You’ll have to stay with me for a while,” she said. My little sister Teaghin started babbling on about something but I wasn’t listening. I was focused on Mary. “It’s your dad,” she said, “he’s had an accident.” My heart sank and my stomach twisted into a knot. I slammed the car door and started to cry. I had just been given news no one ever wants to hear. Dad was in Samoa coaching their national rugby team. Before he left New Zealand, he was doing a little gardening and had cut his eye. Somehow it had become infected but he didn’t realise until he was on the plane. Once he arrived in Samoa, he rang Mum to say he was going into hospital. I didn’t quite understand the seriousness of his condition but Mum had to fly over to be with him so it must have been pretty traumatic. That night, I lay tossing and turning on a mattress in the same room as my brother Connor. Eventually I fell asleep and the next morning I woke to see Mary sitting on Connor’s bed. They were looking at her phone. I clambered over to see what was so interesting. The news headlines read, ‘Andrew Strawbridge Coming Home.’ I was astonished. “Will we see Dad tomorrow?” I asked. “Maybe,” she replied, “it depends.” The next day we visited Dad in Waikato Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Before we went into the room, Mum came out and talked about what Dad looked like. I didn’t really listen that carefully because I just wanted to see my Daddy. But the second I saw him, I wished I hadn’t. There were tubes in him everywhere! Within seconds there were three children crying in the hallway. The week sped by in a blur after that. Finally, Dad started to get better and the doctors decided to move him into the ear, nose and eye ward. Soon after that, he recovered rapidly and eventually he was allowed to come home with us. I was extremely happy Dad made it through this tough time in his life. Although he will never be able to see out of his right eye again, he is still with us and to me that’s all that really matters. I love my daddy to the moon and back and I always will. Written by Libby Strawbridge 41

“Watch out below! Argh!” I yelled, plummeting rapidly towards the clear water. Splash! Suddenly the creek erupted into large ripples. “Again!” I gurgled, spluttering to the surface. My cousin Jamie-Leigh and I were in the depths of the forest surrounded by bush and doing our most favourite thing – jumping into Waima Creek. “Race you back up,” I called to Jamie-Leigh and we cut through the water like jet boats. Slipping and sliding, I tried my best to climb the huge wall of mud that boarded the flowing stream of water. I was desperate to be the first to the top. Squinting in the beams of sunlight that peeped through the gaps in the canopy of trees, I made my way up, only to see JamieLeigh’s face grinning at me. She beat me! “Ha ha, I win,” she boasted. I gave her a half disappointed, half annoyed stare before once again diving into the blue. My feet sunk deep into the gooey mud and prickly green bits of oxygen weed coiled around my ankles. I gasped. Fresh air flooded my lungs. Two bombs down, another ninety eight to go! Everything about diving into Waima Creek makes me happy. The thrill of descending so quickly I feel like I’ve lost my stomach, the sensation of being blanketed in water so cold it makes my legs go numb, and the excitement of climbing back up the bank, knowing I can do it over and over again, are some of the things I will never tire of. Written by Hinekoia O’Leary

Waima Creek 44

Karate Wado Kai means way of peace and harmony and is one of four major styles of karate in Japan. I have been learning Wado Kai since I was five and I am currently on my green belt. History Did you know that Hironori Otsuka founded Wado Kai in 1939? He was born on 1 st June 1892 and died on 29th January 1982 at the age of 89. He trained with his Great Uncle Chojiro Ebashi who was a samurai. At the age of five, Hironori Otsuka started with Jujutsu then went on to learn Shindo Yoshin-Ryu Jujutsu where he became a teacher. He spent a lot of years studying martial arts and received his 10th dan black belt (that is really hard to get). Syllabus Wado Kai karate has many, many movements to learn. When people first start karate, they learn basic things like blocks, punches and kicks, otherwise known as gyaku-zuki, muashigeri and girumburi. Gyaku-zuki is a punch where you have the opposite arm and leg extended. Muashigeri is a type of kick where you stand with your feet together, lift your knee then extend it straight out. Girumburi is a block. Bring your arm up to your opposite shoulder then lower it to your leg so the middle of your body is protected. There is a syllabus for all of the belts from white to black and students never stop learning. Dojos A dojo is where students go to train. There are over 29,600 dojos in the world and around 425 in New Zealand. Like a house, the dojo is full of children that the sensei has to teach. My dojo has many members. We train hard and at the end of class everyone is sweating and out of breath. It’s like my second home because I spend four hours a week there. Belts In karate, belts and belt colours mark what rank you are in. For example, white is the lowest and eighth dan black is the highest. In between there is yellow, orange, green, blue and brown. There are exactly 23 belts in Wado Kai and I’m up to my seventh. Sixteen more to go! My old sensei Robbie, who sadly passed away in 2014, was awarded his seventh dan black belt. The only way you can earn your belts is by going through a grading test and the sensei gives you a slip when they think you are ready. During grading you have to perform your kata, combinations, basics and sparing. It takes many hours of training to move from one belt to the next. I participate in Wado kai karate four hours a week and it truly helps me in all aspects of my life. It is a sport I will always enjoy. Bring on my black belt! Written By Tahlia-Aja Young

My grandma Elaine Diprose, or Lanna as we call her, is one of the most loving and caring people I know. She has a colourful personality and we love her to bits. Every time Lanna laughs, her eyes twinkle and her pearly white teeth make her smile glow brighter than the sun. Her voice is like a beautiful symphony to me and her laugh is the sound of happiness and joy. Lanna’s eyes are the colour of a dark Whitaker’s chocolate bar and they blend in with her eyelashes. She is aged somewhere in her seventies but you would never know it; she takes great pride in how she looks. Since she has bad arthritis in her feet, she has to wear sensible shoes like Sketches but she still looks funky. In fact, her signature outfit is glamorous tops and pants. Like a rock star, she gels her hair up and that gives her an extra centimetre or two of height. Sparkling diamonds and gems look beautiful against her olive skin. I am sure there isn’t a piece of jewellery she does not have. My favourite is her rainbow jewel ring. Whenever Lanna goes out, she wears a perfume that is as sweet as roses and after she has been in her garden trimming her lovely flower bushes, she comes in smelling of daisies. I could recognise those scents anywhere. If there is one thing in the world Lanna loves more than anything, it is her garden. With her straw hat on, light blue denim overalls and red band gumboots, she is ready to get to work. Since she lives on a farm, she has lots of room to plant her neat assortment of daisies, roses and pansies. Woody the scarecrow, dressed in his worn out Farmlands’ beanie, leans against the fence, guarding the rows of sunflowers. Lanna’s garden is honestly just like the Hamilton Gardens! “George could you please bring me the wheelbarrow to put the weeds in?” she says, hurrying him in to action. Like the setting of Alice in Wonderland, her garden never ends. Another thing Lanna is good at is cooking. She is always in her kitchen making homemade ketchup and sending it to family members. She also likes going to church, eating apricot slice and spending time with loved ones.

Knowing what Lanna dislikes is simple – milk, spiders and cabbage. Something that still makes her shudder, even to this day, is the memory of being forced to drink warm, chunky milk at school. “Blah!” she says. The sensation of gulping it down still makes her skin crawl. She absolutely despises spiders; she can’t bear them even if they are in a cage. “George get the bug spray and swat!” she yells, running from the room. Lanna fills my heart with joy and laughter. I will always remember the time when she pulled her shorts up to her belly button. She cracked up laughing and could not stop for about five minutes. I feel like Lanna is always there for me no matter what. She is caring, brave, beautiful and of course funny. She is the twinkle to my star and I love her to the moon and back. Written by Molly Edwards 49

Hide and Seek

“18, 19, 20 ready or not, here I come!” my cousin yells.

Crawling through the stack of chairs, I rush to my hiding spot underneath. I must get there before he stomps down the stairs. The chair legs are like limbs of trees reaching towards me. It is dark, except for the moonlight. Curled in a ball, I spy his shadow creeping closer towards me. Don’t breathe. Stay still. Squeezing further under the chair, I can sense him scanning the room. He misses me. Phew! I wipe the sweat off my forehead. Quickly he tiptoes away. My back is as stiff as a piece of wood. Must stretch. Must breathe. Time to uncurl and shout, “I’ve won!”

Written by Lydia Corbett

Two Peas In a Pod Pikiteora, or Piki for short, is my amazing nine-year-old sister. Although she can seem shy, she is really the biggest chatterbox I know. Unless Piki is going out, she lounges around the house in her grey trackies and sleeveless shirt. Her short dark hair is an untidy frizz in the morning but she always manages to tie it back into a neat ponytail for school. When she smiles, small dimples dent her chubby cheeks and her sizeable pearly whites stand out against her tanned skin. Wearing her fluro yellow soccer boots and vivid red team shirt, Piki’s ready for a long Saturday morning dodging opponents and scoring incredible goals on the sports field. No matter what position she is playing, she always tries her best. You can tell because she is saturated in sweat after every gruesome game! Once we have reached the car Mum yells, “You can’t wear those in here,” pointing at Piki’s mud covered boots. Sighing, Piki bangs the dirt off her shoes before loading them in the boot.

Although Piki seems like a super sports star, on gloomy days she enjoys clamping her thumbs around controller joysticks. For some, it’s cards but playing Minecraft is Piki’s favourite pastime. “Hine you wanna play?” she nags me until I finally give in. Piki absolutely loathes cockroaches but honestly, I don’t think anyone’s too fond of those little beasts. “Ahhh!” she shrieks and wails whenever she happens to come across one. Then she races off to Dad yelling, “Help there’s a cockroach on the ceiling!” Whether it’s a funky sleepover with friends or a dull afternoon of homework, Piki’s room is her number one hangout. Her neatly made bed rests in the right hand corner and orderly shelves, covered in her books and knick-knacks, are hidden behind her wardrobe doors. Piki likes things to be tidy; it is rare to see anything out of place. Because she shares her room with her twin brother Amato, things do not always go so well. “Move your stuff! Pick up your clothes!” she shouts, shoving his mess to his side of the room. Even though we bicker and argue sometimes, with Piki’s bubbly personality, I can never take her anger seriously. She cheers me up when I am sad and like me, she loves to laugh. Together we are crazy, silly and most of all loud! Written by Hinekoia O’Leary

Lost in the Gully Native trees swayed gracefully in the cool breeze and the sound of splashing waves rolling onto Waihi beach echoed in the distance. The sweet scent of colourful flowers filled the air. “Are you there yet?” my older sister Mia said to me through the walkie-talkie. I took one last glance at the small bach my family and I were staying in. Squeezing the walkie-talkie in my hand, I wandered over the bridge and entered the gully. “I’m over by the stream,” I replied. I felt the leaves crunch underneath my feet as I headed deeper into the bushes. As I strode through the leaves, the icy wind blew my hair across my face. “I’m by the stream but I can’t see you,” Mia shouted through the walkie-talkie. “I’m by the …” I looked around. Where exactly was I? My heart sank as I realised I was lost. Panic gripped me. Would they find me? What if I was stuck here forever? “Sorry what was that? I didn’t hear you,” Mia asked.

Written by Lucy Downing 52

“Well I think I’m lost,” I muttered in a shaky voice. “Don’t worry, I’ll find you,” Mia said reassuringly. “Stay calm!” I stood uncomfortably between the prickly trees and shivered as a black eel swam past in the murky stream. Minutes passed. Would she find me? I felt sick as I crouched on the damp leaves. Suddenly I heard a rustle in the trees and I looked around. It was Mia! My sister crawled towards me from under the bushes and I sighed with relief. “Thank you for finding me,” I said. “That’s okay,” Mia replied, smiling at me. As we left the gully, the sick feeling in my tummy disappeared. Getting lost in the gully was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I was so relieved when Mia found me and I’m glad I have a big sister like her looking after me. Written by Lucy Downing

“18, 19, 20, ready or not, here I come!” yells my little sister Teaghin. My body trembles. I can’t stop shivering and my teeth chatter as I hide behind the brown, moist logs lying on the soggy grass. I try not to think about my lucky brother Connor, who is living a luxurious life in the tree hut above me. I take a quick glance at him through the leaves and he seems to be staring down at me. Then with a slight smile and twinkling eyes, he starts talking. Oh no he is going to give me away! I don’t know exactly what he is saying but I think it went a bit like this - “Libby is behind the garage on the logs!” I scramble as fast as I can up the tree beside the garage then crawl onto the roof. Phew, just in time I think to myself. Teaghin peers around the corner. “You’re out!” she yells at Connor. I watch as he climbs down from the tree and scowls. After a minute or two, I jump to the ground and shout, “I won!” “No you didn’t, the neighbours are playing,” Teaghin says sternly. “You’re kidding,” I scowl back at her. “Why is playing hide and seek so hard?

My Hiding Place

Written by Libby Strawbridge

My New Baby Sister

Ring, ring! Ring, ring! I jumped. Was this the phone call we had all been waiting for? Was it time to go? Mum had been pregnant for ages and that phone call told us it was time. Today was the day! My big brother, sister and I had been longing to meet the tiny new female member of our family for months. We were staying at our family friends’ house and while we were at school, Dad took Mum to River Ridge (the birthing centre). When we were in the car, we heard our friends’ Mum talking on the phone. “Are you sure it’s all right to come? Children are allowed in aren’t they?” I held my breath for that question, hoping everything would turn out okay. And it did! After the car was parked, I jumped out and raced over to the door leading into the building. I was desperate to go inside. “Wait for us!” my siblings and friends called as they clambered out of the car. Slowly we tiptoed into the room where Mum was. A tiny pink bundle lay with her on the bed. My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open. I gazed in wonder at my new baby sister. “Can I touch her?” I asked hopefully. The smile on Mum’s face was the answer. As I walked over to the bed, I felt a bucket load of excitement rush through me. I laid my hands on her soft silky baby hair and jumped up and down with the thrill of it all. We took turns to hold her and then we got a bit restless and started clambering all over the bed. I think we were too noisy because in the end we were all sent home. It didn’t help that Dad sat and read the newspaper the whole time! Younger siblings always grow up faster than you think. My sister is six now and she’s into all sorts of things. Ballet, gymnastics, singing, dressing up and swimming, she loves it all. It doesn’t matter how old we get, I will always remember the day she was born. It was unforgettable! Written by Eloisa Tsatsas

Hole in One! With his position lying in second place, And one hit remaining, Denzel Ieremia, Measures the distance to the waiting green, Practices his shot, Then officials give him the nod. He plants his feet shoulder width apart, Focuses his eyes on the golf ball, Grips the club, Raises it in the air and … Smack! The ball, Flies down the fairway, Teases, Mocks, And laughs at him. It lands, Rolls, And then, And then, And then, Every spectator holds their breath, As it falls straight into the hole! The crowd erupts, Denzel Ieremia moves into first place. Written by Eleina Ieremia Inspired by Edwin A. Hoey 55

Rail Cruising Jump on in, put your seat belt on and enjoy the ride. Rail cruising is the new tourist activity that allows people to travel along railway lines in their own self powered, self-driving, four seat railway vehicle called a rail cruiser. History Development of the rail park in the Mamaku Ranges to the West of Rotorua started in mid 2009 by Neil and Jane Oppatt. The Mamaku rail cruising excursion began operating from the Mamaku Railway Station to the Tarukenga Railway Station in November 2011. The trip is 19 km there and back and takes 1.5 hours. Today there is a total of 48 km of railway corridor available to be developed. My Experience Have you ever been on a rail cruiser? Well it is cool! My family and I experienced one earlier this year for my Grandad’s birthday and I had the best time ever. Before we arrived at the Mamaku Station, I was tingling with excitement not knowing what to expect. First Neil, our instructor, explained the safety rules. We needed to keep our hands inside the cart at all times and we were not to use the walky-talky unless it was an emergency. Then Neil pressed a white button and all the carts came gliding out, trailing behind each other. We were surprised at what they looked like. They were small and black with a green rail cruiser logo along the side. They had four little train-like wheels and red stoplights on the back. Inside there were four white seats with silver handles to hold on to. There weren’t any doors so we needed a step to climb into the cart. Also at the back, on the right hand side, there was a long silver lever that when released, enabled the cart to move along the track. We decided Grandad should be our driver. He released the lever and we were off! Cruising along at 20 km/hour, we listened to the audio tour. When we arrived in the forest, we saw lots of beautiful scenery like old rustic caves and plants I’d never seen before. It was fairly quiet inside the cart, just the sound of the birds tweeting, trees swishing in the wind, the noise of the rail cart going over bumps, and the commentary talking about the history of the nature around us. When we reached the Tarukenga Railway Station, we had to wait for every cart to arrive. This ensured the timing was right and we didn’t all crash. Then we turned around and headed back. After the ride, we couldn’t stop talking. It was as if there was a whole group of parrots at the station! I was extremely happy because it was an experience not everyone gets the opportunity to enjoy. I felt lucky to have discovered the wonderful world of the rail cruiser. Written by Molly Edwards

A week before Christmas and this was Mum and Dad’s idea of a good time? Plane watching? Are you kidding me? Surely they must be hiding something. “Come on guys,” Dad said, as he gathered us together. “We need to find Mum.” As we rushed down the stairs, we spotted Mum at the counter. Hmm what was she doing with that crate, I asked myself? Mum carried the crate over to us and we tried to peep inside the little holes. “Is this a new crate for Daffy?” I asked. Daffy was our little two-year-old spoodle. “No it’s a crate for Seb,” Molly laughed. “No it’s a crate for Pippa,” Seb laughed back, nudging our six -year-old sister. “Ow meany,” Pippa said. While we were bickering, a tiny whine came from inside the crate. “Is that what I think it is?” I shrieked. Lurking inside appeared to be a dark brown bundle of fur. “Can I have a look?” All I could see through the holes at the end was something that looked like a fluffy dark chocolate chip. “It’s a dog!” Molly said. Finally we hopped in the car. I was lucky to sit in the back with the puppy. We asked lots of questions. “How old is she?” “Ten weeks,” Mum answered. “What’s her name?” “Amber Junior but let’s think of our own name,” Mum said to us. “How about Sponge,” I said. “How about Cookie,” Molly said. “Let’s wait till we get home,” Dad said to us, laughing. As I was patting the little puppy through the front of the cage I asked quietly, “What would you like your name to be?” Once we arrived home, we grabbed Daffy and the long leads. We watched them look at each other, move closer together and … growl, bark, climb all over the place and finally become friends. We sorted a name pretty quickly too. Our new little dog would be called Cookie. The day Cookie flew up from the South Island was unforgettable. Today she is four years old and I love playing outside with her and Daffy. We cuddle her by the fire and do tricks with her, even if she doesn’t listen. We all love her, especially the way she still acts like a little puppy. Written by Sophie Morgans

“Are you ready Kazzy?” Dad said. “I think so …” I replied as I started to shake in fear. This was it. I was going to do it. I was going to ride the Manhattan Express. My family and I were visiting Las Vegas when we spied the largest roller coaster we had ever seen. Also known as the Big Apple Coaster, this ride had huge heights and heart stopping twists and loops. “Enjoy your ride!” a man behind the control box said. Slowly we turned a sharp corner. A long, black chain pulled the cars up a steep slope. Why was I doing this again? Finally, we reached the top. “Kaz, the view is beautiful!” I heard Dad say but I was too petrified to even open my eyes. I gripped my shoulder rest and shut my eyes as I plunged down the first drop. The wind rushed past my face. “Aah!” I screamed louder than ever. Just when I thought it was over, I shot straight up another slope and back down again. Ahead of me was a loop and a half corkscrew. As fast as lightning, I sprung up the loop. Dad yelled, “Hold on!” and we plummeted down the other side. The corkscrew had me on the edge of my seat and spun me upside down. My palms were sweaty and my heart was pounding. I tried to open my eyes, but the wind forced them shut. I tried to scream but my voice wouldn’t work. The coaster was reaching insane speeds as we turned corner after corner and flew over tiny bumps. This was making me nauseous! Finally we neared the end of the ride. The roller coaster snaked back to the starting station and screeched to a halt. Lifting the shoulder rest, I fled from the seat as quickly as possible. I took a big breath. I couldn’t believe that I actually did it, I rode the Manhattan Express! Written by Kaz Lohrer 59

Watch Out Dream World

It was just another beautiful, sunny, hot morning in Australia. But today was anything but ordinary. “Wake up Mum, wake up Dad, it’s my 11 th birthday!” I shouted excitedly. “Dream World here we come!” Twenty minutes later I had new Adidas Superstar sneakers, perfume, a Rip Curl wallet, a dress, a bouncy ball and money. After a yummy breakfast, it was time for rollercoasters! “Smile!” Dad said, lining me up for a birthday photo in front of the Dream World sign. “Hurry up, let’s go!” I shouted, excited to get started. Walking around the front, we saw the perfect ride – The Thunder Rapids. After an hour, we made it to the front of the line. Click and I was locked in my seat. As we inched our way down the rapids, a guy sprayed us with a water gun. “Urgh,” shouted Freya, “I’m all wet!” We continued along the twisty track getting more and more drenched. “That was fantastic,” I said as we hopped off the ride. Next up was the Hot Wheels rollercoaster. Loop by loop we zoomed and zipped around the fast, sharp corners. Then in a flash we made it to the end. The lady behind the box said, “You have just ridden the Hot Wheels ride.” “We sure did,” I giggled. Everyone talked non-stop as we walked down the ramp. “How cool was that!” we all said at once. “Freya we can’t go on this ride,” Emelia and I said. “It looks boring!” “But I want to,” our little sister Freya whined. “Come on girls, it will be fun,” laughed Mum. Before long we were locked on the Speedy Bike roller coaster. “Take your marks, get set, go!” And in a flash we were gone. Our little bikes took off along the track. Up, down, hard left, then hard right. “Ahh!” I shouted against the wind. “We’re going upside down! Wahoo!” After hours more twisting, dropping, twirling and falling, we were all shattered. “I think my brain is spinning,” I said to Mum. We drove back to the apartment, had some dinner and watched a movie. Lying in bed that night, I thought about what an exciting day I had. I wasn’t ready to wait another 365 days till my next birthday. This was definitely the most unforgettable day of my life. Written by Madelin Beere

Pick up your wands! We are off to journey through the wonderful world of Harry Potter. Written by passionate British author J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter is a series of seven amazing fantasy novels. Influences of Harry Potter J.K. Rowling had many great influences when she wrote the Harry Potter series. From Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to the Bible, the British author had plenty of inspiration. She first thought of Harry Potter while on a train to Kings Cross station. “By the time I arrived, most of the main characters were formed,” was her response in an interview during the time she was writing the last book, The Deathly Hallows. The idea of Harry Potter walking through an enchanted wall to reach a magical train station was a version of Narnia’s wardrobe in the classic C.S. Lewis series. She also got the character of Dudley Dursley (Harry’s mean cousin) from Eustace Scrubb, the spoiled boy who torments the main character in the Chronicles of Narnia. The author states that the way Harry died and travelled to ‘heaven’ is religious based. Where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter During the early stages of her Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling would often sit and write in the back room of a café in Edinburgh. This gourmet tea and coffee shop is called Elephant House and it overlooks the Edinburgh Castle, which is what inspired the idea of Hogwarts (the school that Harry attended). J.K. Rowling would sit alone while writing her books and sipping a cup of coffee. Remarkably, Elephant House has been an inspiration for other writers such as Ian Rankin, author of the best selling Rebus novels, and Alexander McCall Smith, author of The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. The Reaction of the Public The reaction of the public was massive when the Harry Potter novels came out. In the first 24 hours of its release, J.K. Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, sold 11 million copies. 2.7 million were sold in the UK and 8.3 million in the US. The novel flew off the shelves! Six more books followed and then came the movies, which all went on to be just as successful as the books. Today the seven Harry Potter books have sold around 500 million copies making it the best selling book series of all time. People all over the world are still big fans of anything to do with Harry Potter. Harry Potter is a masterpiece. I highly recommend these books to anyone who likes to be carried away in a gripping world of magic, action, fun and adventure. Written by Beth Clearwater 61

Raglan Is The Place To Be Cars swerve around one corner after another on the winding road into town. Endless blue sky stretches overhead and the hot sun calls us to have fun. Reckless kids jump off the tall bridge in a heap of arms, legs and loud screams. Waves crash violently against the sandy shore then quickly retreat out to sea. Surfers yell to each other while they perform gnarly tricks on their boards. People laugh and shout as the colossal surf swallows them in one gulp.

Hot chips covered in tomato sauce and cold ice blocks are all we need to have a good time at Raglan. Written by Jaye Turanga- Hallett

THE DAY I MET MY BFF

It was a sunny spring morning and I was all set for my first day at school. With my uniform on and my brand new bag packed, I was waiting by the door hoping Mum would hurry up. All my nerves were tense. What if I got lost in the playground? What if I didn’t know what to do? Would everybody laugh at me? “Do I have to go to school?” I asked Mum. My heart was pounding faster than ever and my body started to shake like a rattlesnake. “You’ll be fine” Mum encouraged, but I knew I wouldn’t. She sat me in the car and we were off.

About seven minutes later, we arrived at school. Mum and I walked into Room 1 and the teacher said, “Hello Caitlyn, welcome to school!” I didn’t reply and gripped onto Mum’s hand. She gave me a kiss good-bye and then she was gone. Siting on the wooden seats by myself, I looked around at all the children playing together. After a while, I plucked up the courage to explore a little bit but I still felt really scared. Suddenly a girl with blond pigtails, bright coloured clothes and purple shoes said, “Hi!” I fell backwards. I was so embarrassed but she just smiled and helped me up. “Thanks,” I said. Ever since that day six years ago, Libby and I have been best friends. We have done many things together. We have been to each other’s birthday parties, played for hours on the bars and big kids playground, hung out at each other’s houses and made loads of cool things. Best friends are always there for you and Libby has definitely been there for me. I will never forget her and I’m sure I will never find another friend quite as special as her. Written by Caitlyn Wasley

Aliyah

The smell of cleaning products and Dettol wafted in the air as we walked through the door. Three years ago my family and I were at the baby hospital in Whakatane where my niece Aliyah was being born. We walked through a long dark hallway. It was about ten thirty at night so very few people were around. Seeing my sister in the hospital bed was quite scary. It looked like she hadn’t washed in two years! “Okay,” the nurse said, “you guys have to go to the waiting room. Head straight up the hallway then left.” “Thank you,” Mum said, patting my sister on the arm. My eleven-year-old sister’s iPod made loud beeping noises as we waited.

After two hours, we heard the soft crying of a baby and at that moment the midwife appeared and said, “You can come in now.” Smiling from ear to ear, I raced down the hallway until I came to Room 16. Slowly I opened the door and that’s when the excitement really grew. “Aliyah,” I whispered. “I can’t believe it!” Her cheeks were really, really soft. She had dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. I thought she would look a lot like me one day. “She’s so beautiful,” I said to my sister. Now Aliyah is all grown up and every afternoon, once she’s home from day care, she jumps around saying, “Bekah, Bekah, Koro, Koro! “ She loves the Lion King and playing outside with the animals, and she especially loves eating lollies. Every time I look at her, it gives me the warm fuzzies. I love her very, very much. Written by Rebekah Birch 65

Action!!

Lights, Camera,

It was another beautiful day in Melbourne, Australia. Mum, Dad, Lela and I were there to watch the Australian Open. It was okay but definitely not the holiday of a lifetime or anything. Little did I know, my favourite star Beyoncé was in the city and great things were about to happen. Finally Roger Federer finished his game and we walked back to our hotel making a lot of noise as usual. Mum was such a huge fan. As soon as we arrived Mum said, “I need to make an announcement!” We all sat on the couch and said, “What?’ “We’re going to Beyoncé’s concert!” My sister and I immediately burst with joy! “Yes!” we shouted. Feeling like royalty, we travelled to the concert in a horse and carriage. There were people everywhere! Once we had taken our seats, the lights dimmed and the crowd cheered, “Beyoncé, Beyoncé!” People pushed and gathered around the stage. What if I got lost, I thought to myself? Lights! Camera! Action! Then Beyoncé made her big entrance. Her microphone was covered with crystal clear gems and she wore a sparkly blue sequinned jumpsuit. Her first song was Single Ladies. I was jamming along, “Cause if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it …” “I love you Beyoncé!” people shouted. Song after song, dance after dance, she performed. Finally, her last song Halo began. I grabbed Mum’s phone, turned the torch on and waved it in the air. Suddenly Beyoncé flew across the crowd on a harness and the show finished. The lights flashed on and everyone began to clap and leave. Exhilarated, we danced through the streets of Melbourne, singing every one of Beyoncé’s songs. Even though it was only the first concert I had ever been to, I don’t think anything will ever top it! Written by Eleina Ieremia 67

Catastrophe at the Lake “Quack, quack!” The sound of those nasty ducks was so annoying. “There is no way I am going to set foot out of this car with all those pesky creatures hanging around,” I said to Dad. Instead I looked out the car window as dozens of ducks crowded around my brother Ali as he fed them bread. It was 2012 and I was seven years old. Ali, Dad and I had decided to take a trip to the Hamilton Lake. I thought I was going to have a fun day but little did I know the catastrophe that was about to unfold.

Pulling me out of the car, Dad finally persuaded me to have some fun. After I built up a bit of confidence, he sat down on a bench nearby. “You’ll be fine Tink,” he said. One minute I was playing and then suddenly my foot became stuck in a crack in some wood on the edge of the lake. I lost my balance and toppled in! Green water flooded in from all sides and I could feel myself sinking. What was going to happen to me? While I swam for my life, I feared the worst. My head moved up and down and I was rapidly losing my breath. I started feeling a little dizzy but I kept on trying to breathe. Finally my hand felt the wood, so with all my might I hauled myself onto the bank. I took a big breath of air. As I ran up to Dad dripping wet and crying, all I could say was, “I want to go home.” What seemed like a wonderful day at the lake, turned out to be the scariest and most unforgettable day of my life. Written by Tahlia-Aja Young

#Try #Try

As the sun faded away into the darkness and the and line it up with the post. Would he make his moon crept out, my first ever All Blacks game was conversion? Yes! After more side steps, tackles, rucks, about to begin. Sitting next to Mum and my older tries and line outs, the game ended. The All Blacks brother Jordan, with my dad and poppa not far won and the crowd cheered. A Mexican wave As the sun faded away into the darkness and the and line it up with the post. Would he make his down, moon I gazed around the Waikato Stadium in flowed around the stadium. crept out, my first ever All Blacks game was conversion? Yes! After more side steps, tackles, rucks, amazement. bleachers filled with about toThe begin. Sitting were next to Mum andexcited my older tries and line outs, the game ended. The All Blacks rugby fans all dressed in black. Only a dozen sofar Dad raced down to the bottom wave of the brother Jordan, with my dad and poppa or not wonand and I the crowd cheered. A Mexican blue down, and white Argentinian supporters were bleachers with our book ready to be signed and our I gazed around the Waikato Stadium in flowed around the stadium. scattered in between. My wholewere family were our camera all set. For about two minutes, the crowds amazement. The bleachers filled withinexcited rugby fans all dressed in rooting black. Only a dozen Dad and I raced down to the our bottom of the All Blacks gear and we were for our team or to so swarmed us and we had to wriggle way through. bleachers withreached our book the ready to beit signed and our win. blue and white Argentinian supporters were When I finally front, was awesome scattered in between. My whole family were in our camera Kieran all set. Read For about crowds because was two rightminutes, there. the Talk about All Blacks gear and we were rooting for our team to swarmed us and we had to wriggle our way through. Just before the whistle blew, Dad and I bought two perfect timing! win. When IDad finally reached the front, awesome punnets of hot chips with red sauce dribbled all over “Smile,” said, as Kieran put ithiswas hand on my because Kieran Read was right there. Talk about the top and some Fanta. As soon as we had our shoulder. Click! The camera flashed and I knew this Just before the whistle blew, Dad and I bought two perfect timing! goodies, we sprinted nonstop to our seats. Phew we would be a moment I would never forget. punnets of hot chips with red sauce dribbled all over “Smile,” Dad said, as Kieran put his hand on my made the it! Intop theand blinksome of anFanta. eye, the clicked out,our shoulder. Click! The camera flashed and I knew this As lights soon as we had the stadium fell silent and on the big screen there Exhilarated the I win, we couldn’t goodies, we sprinted nonstop to our seats. Phew we would be aafter moment would never forget. stop talking were bold white letters that said All Blacks. When the about it. “Wahoo!” Mum shouted. Going to my first made it! In the blink of an eye, the lights clicked out, lights flicked on, the team hurtling All Exhilarated Blacks game was one of we the couldn’t best daysstop of my life. the stadium fellArgentinian silent and on the came big screen there after the win, talking out of the like aletters herd of bulls the All When Blacksthe “When I go again?” I asked Dad. weretunnel bold white that saidwith All Blacks. aboutcan it. “Wahoo!” Mum shouted. Going to my first flickedQuickly on, the IArgentinian came All Blacks game was one of the best days of my life. not farlights behind. squeezed team my way tohurtling the outthe of the tunnel likeextended a herd of bulls with for theaAllhigh Blacks “When I goEdwards again?” I asked Dad. Written bycan Molly edge of tunnel and my arm behind. Quickly I squeezed my ready way totothe five as not the far players ran past. Stan Walker was edge of the tunnel and extended my arm for a high Written by Molly Edwards sing the New Zealand national anthem and the five as the players ran past. Stan Walker was ready Argentinian representative was next to him. Our men to sing the New Zealand national anthem and the in black lined themselves up for the haka. TJ Argentinian representative was next to him. Our men “Dad and I raced Perenara led the way. It was fierce and strong and I in black lined themselves up for the haka. TJ have never felt so down to the bottom “Dad and I raced Perenara ledproud. the way. It was fierce and strong and I have never felt so proud.

“All Blacks, All Blacks!” the crowd chanted at the top of their“All lungs as the All Blacks prepared for kick off.top Blacks, All Blacks!” the crowd chanted at the Screech, the lungs whistle blew game for began. of their as the All and Blacksthe prepared kick off. the whistle blew andI listened the game Sitting Screech, on the edge of my seat, to began. the Sitting on“There the edge my seat, I listened commentary. goesofAaron Cruden. Willtohethe commentary. “There goes Read Aaron side Cruden. Will he get there? Oh it’s out. Kieran stepped, get there? Oh it’s out. Kieran Read side stepped, passed to Julian Savea and it’s try for the All Blacks!” passed to JulianBarrett Saveaplace and it’s tryball for the I watched Beauden the on All theBlacks!” tee I watched Beauden Barrett place the ball on the tee

down the bottom of thetobleachers of theour bleachers with book with our book ready to be signed readyour to camera be signedall and and our camera all set.” set.”

Marvellous Mum My mum’s name is Natasha Wasley but everyone calls her Tash. Busy, bubbly, surrounded by children and always with a smile on her face – that’s Mum. Mum is only 36 years old. As soon as she hops out of bed, she always ties her long brown hair in a bun. Tiny freckles spread across her nose and her blue eyes turn into little half-moons when she smiles. Some special features are her crooked and chipped tooth from when she was playing rugby with her brother, and the three earrings that decorate each of her earlobes. Mum’s tall body reaches over me like the Sky Tower and when she talks to me, I have to look up. As long as Mum is wearing her black Converse shoes, her blue denim jeans and a loose top, she is happy. What does Mum like? That’s easy, cooking. Mum was born to bake. Her utensils lie neatly in the white drawers and her flowery aprons are hooked up on the cupboard door. Every day she pulls out pots and pans and starts to prepare food. The funny thing is, when Mum is cooking everything is tidy except the big chopping board that sits on the bench; it’s always overflowing with her latest creations. Her best dish is her ginger crunch. As soon as you pop it in your mouth, it melts away. “Mmm can we have another piece?” we always ask. “No it’s nearly dinner, you’ll ruin your appetite,” she says. Some other things Mum really likes are spending time with family and friends, her job looking after children, and her collection of pretty soaps. Mum can’t stand cockroaches and she jumps about a meter high when she sees one. One day, she was reading an article on her phone when we heard a scream and she shot out of the room. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “There’s a cockroach on the wall!” Mum replied, horrified. I raced into her room and there was a tiny little cockroach heading towards the ceiling. “Oh Mum, you must have really sensitive cockroach detection powers!” I said. Mum and I have done so many things together. We’ve eaten ridiculous amounts of baking, hidden under the table during many games of hide and seek, played on loads of playgrounds and visited tonnes of parks. But the thing I love most about Mum is her big cuddles. I love her to the moon and back. I admire the way she cares for us and I think she is the most wonderful person in the world. Written by Caitlyn Wasley

My Special Family Let me start by introducing my family. There are my three mums and dads, two stepsiblings, seven real brothers and sisters and my seven foster siblings. But it hasn’t always been this way. It all began when I was lying lazily on the couch on a hot summer morning. Out of nowhere, the door burst open and in walked a tall man dressed in black. “Barry’s here,” Mum yelled. What was going on I thought? Dad swung his arms around me and passed my bag to the tall man. Later I found out he was my social worker. I was yanking on my father’s hand and saying, “I don’t want to go with the man! Don’t make me go in the car!” Soon I was tucked tightly into my car seat. Tears ran down my face as we pulled out of the driveway. Looking over my shoulder, I slowly saw my mum fade away. Then my eyes grew heavy and I fell asleep. “Wake up Rangimaria!” Barry said. I peered out of the window. We were parked in front of a random house. Nervously, I stepped out of the car. My legs were trembling. Barry led the way towards the house. Sad and grumpy, I swung my arms back and forward as Barry knocked on the door and we waited for a reply. “Come in!” someone called. I don’t remember much else about that day but my mum helped me fill in the details. I was three years old and my new Mum thought I looked like a wee Dora the Explorer when I arrived. She said my hair was cut just like hers. I was dressed in a lovely red winter jacket and tights. I wasn’t too sure what was going on so I had lots of tears. My mum and I sat together in the rocking chair for a long time. Mum had decorated my room with girly things - fairy mobiles, pretty pink curtains and a soft bedcover. It didn’t take long for me to become an important part of the family. In 2014 Mum and Dad went to court and they were granted permission for me to live with them forever. I will never forget that moment in 2008 when I rode in a car to a new house. I didn’t know it at the time, but that day was the most important day of my life. I love my family with all my heart and I feel so lucky that they chose me. Written by Rangimaria Harrison

Best Birthday Ever! “Jamie, the junior keepers are over there. Off After that we were given a job I never want to you go!” Mum said. My family and I had repeat. “This stinks!” one of the kids shouted as arrived at Auckland Zoo for the best 9th we scooped up piles of fresh, stinky wallaby birthday treat ever! After calling the roll, the poo. We each had a shovel, which we used to zookeeper opened two huge gates and led us scoop dung into a bucket. There was waste everywhere! I scooped and scooped. behind the fences. “Come inside and take a seat,” she said. We “I think I want to vomit,” another kid said. I held sat in the education room and put our bags on my nose the whole time. the floor. I glanced around and spied a large rectangular glass box. I suspected there would Finally we walked behind the fences to the be some kind of reptile in there and I was right. elephant enclosure. Mum spied me from over A small, but speedy, green lizard waited on one the fence and started waving like crazy and of the plants in its enclosure. Cool, I thought to taking photos. “Does anybody know her?” the myself. The zookeeper handed us a cap with zookeeper asked, smiling. With my face bright our name on it and we walked outside. red, I slowly raised my hand. Once that was over and done with, we walked into the First we arrived at the giraffe-feeding platform. elephant house. It was a tall wooden room “Okay, here is the celery and carrots,” the with large piles of hay scattered all around. zookeeper said dropping a bucket full of “This is where Burma sleeps,” she told us. We vegetables onto the ground. “Giraffes love carried on walking through the building until we them!” We picked up vegies from the bucket, were outside. “And this is where she plays.” lined up and fed the giraffes one by one. I Suddenly a noise bellowed through the reached out with my carrot and his long neck enclosure and a colossal beast with mighty loomed over me. I wondered if he was going tusks stood in front of us. “Like giraffes, to bite me. Then his purple tongue licked me. elephants also enjoy eating vegetables,” the Eww, I thought as he wrapped his lips around keeper said. “Now it’s time to feed Burma.” I the carrot. He smiled at me, clearly wanting was first. “Just hold it out towards her trunk,” more. Wiping my hand on my shirt, I wandered she said. Not knowing what to do, I nearly over to the next giraffe and fed this one too. poked the celery up one of Burma’s nostrils! Luckily she acted fast and twisted her trunk Next we arrived back outside the education around, opened her mouth wide and gobbled room. There was another zookeeper standing it up. beside a table with pinecones and a bowl. The bowl was filled with peas and corn. “Your job is My 9th birthday was the greatest moment of my to make some yummy treats for the Kunekune life. The excitement of turning 9 at the zoo, the pigs. Stick the peas and corn into the thrill of feeding the animals up close by hand pinecones,” he said. Quickly we got to work. I and even mucking out the wallabies waste, picked up some peas and corn from the bowl were experiences I will never forget. and poked them into the gaps in the pinecone. We walked to the pig enclosure and the Written by Jamie Vette keepers said, “Hide your pinecones around the pen.” I hid mine behind a tree. They brought the pigs in and using their big snouts, they sniffed out the pinecones. Mine was the last to be found. Finally one of the pigs picked up the scent and uncovered it. He rolled it around and around with his nose until all the peas had fallen out. Then he gobbled it up and licked his lips. Too easy!

Incredible Ireland From its sweeping green fields, to its lively music, dancing and friendly faces, Ireland, a country off the coast of England and Wales, is incredible. Its population is vast and its landmarks are unbelievable. Landmarks There are many remarkable places to explore in Ireland. From the Blarney Castle, to Skellig Island and perhaps most famous of them all, the Cliffs of Moher, there is something special everywhere you look. The graceful Cliffs of Moher are 320 million years old and attract around one million people every year. They rise up to 214 metres high and span across 12 kilometres along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. While they aren’t the highest cliffs in Ireland, their stunning views are the most breathtaking. This place is so beloved that it has been used for movie sets including Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and The Princess Bride. Irish Jig What is the Irish jig? It is a lively folk dance that was developed in England in the 16th century. Basically it is a series of jumps and hops that are repeated many, many times. Traditionally it was brought to Ireland by the Celts who came from Central Europe over two thousand years ago. A King to Remember The first high king of Ireland was Niall Noigiallach or Niall of the Nine Hostages. He was a primitive king who was an ancestor of the Ui Neill family that dominated Ireland from the 6th to the 10th century. Niall, who had two brothers, was born in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. In 405 AD he died but he was remembered for his great power. The Celts Who were the Celtic warriors? According to Horrible History, the Celtic warriors arrived in Ireland in 300 BC and were brave heroes who fought with triumph in combat. The crazy part was they wore no clothes while doing it! The only thing the Celts wore in battle was a solid gold metal band called a torc, around their neck or arm. These had symbols carved into them, believed to give the warriors good luck. The Celts believed the Irish gods would reward their nakedness by giving them protection in war. Not only would they be given heavenly blessings, it would put off their enemies. The Celts also carried spears and swords. As soon as they were in range of their enemies, they would leap out of their chariots and fight. Two swords were needed, a strong one and a fancy one. The forceful sword was used for fighting and the lavish sword was used in ceremonies. If one of the warriors died, it would be buried alongside them in memory of their gratifying deeds. Ireland has a very fascinating and unique history from one dominant king to fierce (but very exposed) men in action. When you visit Ireland, you may be relieved to know you won’t have to see the Celtic warriors any more! Instead you will be inspired by the stunning landscapes and delighted by the friendly people. Written by Jaye Turanga-Hallett

ABOUT THE AUTHORS NAME: MADELIN BEERE BEERE NAME: MADELIN AGE: 11 AGE: 11 years years YEAR: 6 YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Sports, INTERESTS: Sports, trampoline, trampoline, swimming, swimming, running, running, dogs, dogs, bunnies, bunnies, monkeys, monkeys, dancing, dancing, cooking, cooking, music music My favourite favourite piece piece of of writing writing is is my my character character description description about about my my Granny Granny because because she she is is someone someone II care care about about My and and II really really enjoyed enjoyed writing writing about about her. her. This This year year my my goals goals have have been been to to check check II haven't haven't repeated repeated words, words, to to grow grow my especially strong strong verbs. verbs. II have have also also worked worked on on learning learning new new ways ways to to start start my ideas ideas and and use use descriptive descriptive language, language, especially sentenes. Writers' Writers' Cafe Cafe has has helped helped me me improve improve so so much much and and II know know it it will will help help the the next next lucky lucky group group of of students students sentenes. become become amazing amazing writers writers too! too! NAME: REBEKAH NAME: REBEKAH BIRCH BIRCH AGE: 10 AGE: 10 years years YEAR: 6 YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Reading, writing, writing, spending spending time time with with friends, friends, weekends, weekends, holidays, holidays, farms, farms, animals, animals, sunsets sunsets INTERESTS: Reading, My description called called Poppa Poppa Bill Bill because because he he was was very very special special to to me me and and My favourite favourite piece piece of of writing writing is is my my character character description II put a lot of effort into remembering everything about him. Writers' Cafe has pushed me to improve my writing. put a lot of effort into remembering everything about him. Writers' Cafe has pushed me to improve my writing. II have enjoyed enjoyed writing writing descriptive descriptive poems, poems, recounts recounts and and even even a a book book review. review. II like like the the way way II impressed impressed my my teacher teacher have in for repeated repeated in Writers' Writers' Cafe Cafe and and my my teacher teacher in in class. class. My My goal goal is is to to craft craft my my writing writing as as II write, write, especially especially checking checking for words. words. NAME: BETH NAME: BETH CLEARWATER CLEARWATER AGE: 11 years years AGE: 11 YEAR: 6 YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Reading, Harry Harry Potter, Potter, bush bush walking, walking, camping, camping, Minecraft, Minecraft, scaring scaring my my friends friends INTERESTS: Reading, My My favourite favourite part part of of Writers' Writers' Cafe Cafe was was definitely definitely learning learning lots lots of of writing writing tips tips and and tricks tricks and and spending spending time time with with other other great writers. writers. II especially especially enjoyed enjoyed writing writing my my character character description description about about my my aunty aunty because because it it was was nice nice to to tell tell her her great how she means means to to me. me. Writers' Writers' Cafe Cafe has has helped helped me me learn learn how how to to to to plan, plan, draft, draft, craft craft and and edit edit a a piece piece of of how much much she writing writing from from start start to to finish. finish. My My goals goals are are to to get get my my punctuation punctuation correct correct and and to to make make my my writing writing meaningful. meaningful. NAME: LYDIA NAME: LYDIA CORBETT CORBETT AGE: 11 years years AGE: 11 YEAR: 6 YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Sports, travelling, travelling, family, family, friends, friends, animals animals INTERESTS: Sports, My My favourite favourite piece piece of of writing writing in in the the book book is is my my sports sports poem poem called called Game Game On! On! because because II used used lots lots of of interesting interesting verbs to to describe describe the the game game of of netball. netball. Writers' Writers' Cafe Cafe has has helped helped me me to to improve improve my my writing writing so so much, much, especially especially the the verbs way my ideas ideas by by sharing sharing my my way II use use great great verbs, verbs, nouns nouns and and adjectives, adjectives, and and much much more. more. My My goal goal is is to to grow grow my thoughts thoughts and and experiences. experiences. NAME: LUCY NAME: LUCY DOWNING DOWNING AGE: 10 years years AGE: 10 YEAR: 6 YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Writing, maths, maths, art, art, netball, netball, playing playing drums, drums, Minecraft Minecraft INTERESTS: Writing, My My favourite favourite piece piece of of writing writing is is my my character character description description about about my my Nana Nana because because she she is is someone someone II look look up up to. to. II like the the way way II used used different different sentence sentence starters. starters. Writers' Writers' Cafe Cafe has has helped helped me me to to focus focus on on not not repeating repeating words words in in my my like stories. is to to make make my my writing writing flow flow and and to to use use a a greater greater variety variety of of punctuation. punctuation. stories. My My goal goal is NAME: MOLLY EDWARDS EDWARDS NAME: MOLLY AGE: 11 AGE: 11 years years YEAR: 6 YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Dancing, INTERESTS: Dancing, cooking, cooking, listening listening to to music, music, ukelele, ukelele, writing, writing, sports sports My My favourite favourite piece piece of of writing writing in in the the book book would would have have to to be be my my character character description description called called Lovely Lovely Lanna Lanna because my grandma is very special to me and I described her in lots of detail. The best thing about going to to because my grandma is very special to me and I described her in lots of detail. The best thing about going Writers' Cafe Cafe is is being being around around a a whole whole group group of of amazing amazing writers writers and and being being able able to to write write great great stories stories to to share share with with Writers' our our readers. readers. My My goals goals are are to to check check II haven't haven't repeated repeated words words in in my my stories stories and and to to use use punctuation punctuation correctly. correctly.

NAME: RANGIMARIA HARRISON AGE: 11 years YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Netball, athletics, YouTube, monkeys, drawing My favourite piece of writing is my character description called My Best Friend Ataarangi Putt because I had the chance to write about my friend and say how much she means to me. Writers' Cafe has been a big privilege. I have loved writing all the stories and I have learnt many new skills. My goal is to include different types of sentences in my writing, like questions.

NAME: AGE: YEAR: INTERESTS:

ELEINA IEREMIA 10 years 6 Singing and music, acting, animals, sports, chilling with my friends, eating ribs, having fun with my family, shopping I was honoured to be part of Writers' Cafe this year. My writing has improved so much by using strong verbs, specific adjectives and different sentence starters. My favourite piece is my character description called Pa because I used a great hook, topic sentences, some interesting vocabulary and complex sentences. My goal is to hook the reader into the moment and to grow my ideas with supporting sentences.

NAME: KAZ LOHRER AGE: 10 years YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Gaming, roller coasters, animals (especially cats), music, drawing, YouTube, maths, Anime My favourite piece of writing is my character description about my big brother Tai because he is very special to me and I have described many things about him. The best thing about attending Writers' Cafe is that I get to work with experienced writers and my writing has improved so much. My goals are to use strong verbs to hook the reader, and to use similes and activated nouns.

NAME: SOPHIE MORGANS AGE: 10 years YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Hockey, violin, baking, singing, writing My favourite piece of writing in the book is my report called Red Pandas. The topic I chose is one that few people know about and it was fun to write. I like going to Writers' Cafe because I have learnt so much. My goals are to check I haven't repeated words and to use strong verbs and specific adjectives (not boring words!)

NAME: HINEKOIA O'LEARY 11 years AGE: 6 YEAR: Writing, maths, art, Harry Potter, netball, YouTube INTERESTS: My favourite piece of writing is called Kokopu because it describes our beloved family farm house in Whangarei. Writing is my favourite subject and that is one of the many reasons I have loved going to Writers' Cafe. I am very glad to have been part of this special group because it has definitely helped to improve my writing skills. My goal is to use descriptive vocabulary to hook and interest my readers.

NAME: ALISHA PRASAD AGE: 11 years 6 YEAR: INTERESTS: Netball, hockey, YouTube, writing, animals, playing games, Lego, Harry Potter, electronics My favourite piece is called Fiji because it challenged me to expand my vocabulary and I learnt how to activate nouns. Writers' Cafe has taught me loads of new writing techniques like how to start my sentences in different ways and how to add lots of detail. My goal is to structure my ideas in the best way.

so my stories make sense. NAME: AGE: YEAR: INTERESTS:

ELOISA TSATSAS 10 years 6 Books (reading), writing, art, music, swimming, cooking, knitting, skiing, Harry Potter, board games and cards, animals, health food and nutrition, drumming, drama and school productions, camping and travelling My favourite piece of writing in the book is my report called Greek Celebrations because it captures what I had been experiencing during the three months I spent living with my Greek family in Australia. I have enjoyed going to NAME: Cafe because LIBBY STRAWBRIDGE Writers' it has allowed me to expand my knowledge of what it means to write well. I have been AGE: to share with 11 years able others and learn amazing writing techniques. My goals are to use different hooks and not repeat YEAR: A big thank 6 words. you to Mrs Porteous who has given up her time to help us improve our writing. It is a very INTERESTS: Hockey, netball, athletics, cross country, gymnastics, playing catch, climbing trees, helpful, fun, inspiring and educational opportunity. So if you are part of this programme next year, make the most drama, drawing, writing, watching TV of it! My favourite piece of writing is my hiding place story because I feel that I took the reader into the moment and I really enjoyed writing it! It was a great privilege when I was chosen to be in Writers' Cafe this year. It has helped me improve asJAYE a writer and has expanded my word knowledge. My next step is to always write in the same tense NAME: TURANGA-HALLETT so my stories make sense. AGE: 11 years YEAR: 6 INTERESTS: Netball, Harry Potter, myths and legends NAME: ELOISA TSATSAS My most precious piece of writing is my informative piece called Ireland is Incredible because I loved teaching the NAME: LIBBY STRAWBRIDGE AGE: 10 years they may not know. Writers' Cafe has helped me improve in many ways, from writing in reader about something AGE: 11 years YEAR: 6 different styles to YEAR: 6 using powerful and vivid vocabulary. My goal is to continue to discover new vocabulary to make INTERESTS: Books (reading), writing, art, music, swimming, cooking, knitting, skiing, Harry Potter, INTERESTS: Hockey, netball, athletics, cross country, gymnastics, playing catch, climbing trees, my writing sound descriptive and interesting. board games and cards, animals, health food and nutrition, drumming, drama, drawing, writing, watching TV drama and school productions, camping and travelling My favourite piece of writing is my hiding place story because I feel that I took the reader into the moment and I My favourite piece of writing in the book is my report called Greek Celebrations because it captures what I had CAITLYNit!WASLEY NAME: really enjoyed writing It was a great privilege when I was chosen to be in Writers' Cafe this year. It has helped been experiencing during the three months I spent living with my Greek family in Australia. 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JAMIE VETTE 10 years 6 Drawing, writing, playing soccer and cricket, swimming, mountain biking, karate, 78 climbing trees My favourite piece of writing in our book is my poem called Six Runs to Win because I used lots of action verbs to hook the reader. Writing is one of my favourite things to do and Writers' Cafe has helped me to develop my

Writers’ Cafe 2016 was written by a talented group of students in Year 6. The students, who met once a week, worked in depth on their writing and focused on developing: The content and ideas in their writing • Stating their ideas clearly and growing them with detailed descriptions and examples The structure of their writing • Ensuring the structure was appropriate to the purpose of their writing • Planning and organising their ideas into paragraphs Sentences • Writing a variety of sentences, e.g. different sentence starters, complexities, forms and lengths Vocabulary • Using a range of precise nouns, strong verbs and adjectives Language Features • Adding features for interest, e.g. similes, metaphors, repetition, alliteration, personification Punctuation • Using a range of punctuation correctly Spelling • Ensuring spelling was proofread and accurate Grammar • Knowing the rules and relationships of language, e.g. staying in a consistent tense Presentation • Designing effective layouts and using graphics, fonts, colours and borders to create eye-catching presentations Most significantly, the students learnt they have stories to tell pieces of their lives that are valuable and important to record. Each young writer has a personal voice, a unique, special way of communicating his or her experiences, interests and feelings. This book is a wonderful collection of the students’ best pieces of writing for 2016.

Cover art by Jamie Vette, 2016