Read on for mind-boggling books, superb Spring, the history of Halloween, NZ's little blue birds and more!
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The Golden Lamp Press
Issue 7, November 2022
IN MEMORIAM Memoriam By: Isabelle Mak
Katie Haynes (Feature Writer and Rainy Day Activities Editor), Charlotte Thomson (Feature Writer), Nuala Pearson (Feature Writer), Juliet Grotrian (Feature Writer) Kitty Grotrian (Feature Writer), Isabelle Mak (Feature Writer and Editor), Senali Vasanthathilake (Editor and Feature Writer), Harriet Mak (Feature Writer), Sophie Counsell (Feature Writer), Nina Vincent (Feature Writer) Email golden.lamp@qmc.school.nz
"I remember nine years in the most challenging and most rewarding position of my career…" said Marion McCree for QMC's 2019 'Te Karere'. Those nine years is referring to the time Marion served between 1977 and 1986 as QMC's 9th principal. Marion Constance McCree was born on the 23 July 1936 in Christchurch to Alma Constance and Charles Jeffery McCree. She had one older brother called Keith Jeffery who would go on to gain a doctorate degree and become the founder of the term "Photosynthetic Active Radiation." She lived at 16 Mersey Street in Christchurch. Her neighbour and friend, Natalie Sorensen Blackie, remembers Marion as a treasured childhood friend who let her help in the garden, feed cats and chat non-stop. Marion attended St Margaret College in Christchurch during the 1940s and early 1950s. She then went to the University of Canterbury and gained a Bachelor of Arts degree before carrying on to gain a Masters of Arts degree with First Class Honours. She then pursued a career in teaching. At the age of 30 in 1966, she left New Zealand to teach in London. When she came back to New Zealand she taught at Naenae College and then at Hutt Valley Memorial Technical College as Head of the English Department. While she was teaching there, an opportunity popped up on the other side of Wellington Harbour. Nancy Black, the principal of QMC had just resigned and QMC needed a new principal.
Kung Fu elective class in the Old Gym (1980)
Marion had never heard of QMC before she saw the advert but she jumped at the chance and on the 23rd of May 1977 the press announced that she had been appointed QMC's new principal and was to start in Term 2. Marion led many changes at QMC, modernising the curriculum and introducing elective classes in 1979. Driving, fitness, kung fu, pottery, carpentry, computer and elegance classes were all available. Marion had the honour of holding QMC's 60th jubilee in 1979 with four past QMC's principals at QMC's 60 years jubilee (Marion McCree, principals attending. In her last few years at Muriel Eaves, Irene Wilson, Nancy Black and Molly Gambrill) QMC Marion helped plan the new Wilson Wing which still stands today. She helped the board gain government funding and demolish the old Wilson House. Marion left QMC in term four of 1986, QMC's third longest serving Principal of 9 years. On the 27th of July 2022 she passed away. Her funeral was held at Old Saint Paul's and her service was held by Ken Edgecombe a previous Chaplin at QMC who retired last year. Voces Luce sang at her funeral moving many to tears. Marion was a friendly, humorous, and brilliant woman who helped lead QMC for nine years. She modernised the curriculum, encouraged sports and the arts, introduced elective programmes. She has well and truly made her mark.
Marion on Hobson Street outside QMC References:2019 Te Karere, Royal Society Te Apārangi, Legacy.com, PapersPast, Google Maps, Canterbury Museum, New Zealand Archives, 90 years of Queen Margaret College 19192009, QMC Facebook, Tributes Online, Family Search, Ancestry, 1986 Te Karere, 1979 Te Karere, 1990 Te Karere, 1982 Te Karere, Births Deaths Marriages New Zealand (BDM NZ)
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Issue 7, November 2022
THE OSCARS AT QUEEN MARGARET COLLEGE Article By: Kitty Grotrian
At Queen Margaret College, a real representation of the Oscar Film Awards ceremony was held. The entire cohort of Year 8 gathered together in the hall for a morning of watching crime detective films which were made as groups for a unit about the importance of film. In this issue, you will be told what some of the award winning films were and more, enjoy! The judges were some of the English and Science teachers. This unit was what was called a IDU meaning an Interdisciplinary Unit combining two subjects together. Science included Forensics as all of Year 8 had been studying that. Forensics is the science to figuring out who murdered someone and vice versa using science knowledge and special equipment. English was about what shot types and best lighting and effects to use for making the perfect crime detective film also the planning for the films was involved in English class. All of the groups started out planning and storyboarding what was to happen in their films. This was a very fun process for some groups as the only limit was their imagination. Then, we started to engage in what the shot types were and putting them to the test to see what the groups liked and what they didn't like. Some of the shot types were called: Birds Eye Shot, High Angle Shot, Low Angle Shot etc. Some groups decided to film in a really dark place to simulate a murder like scene. This was done by turning out all of the lights in the area where you were filming closing out any other sources of light. It was worth it because the films looked amazing because of this simple change to the effects. Now, the big day came. The Oscars at QMC! The Year 8 cohort gathered to watch everyone's films which each group were so proud of. And at the very end, some groups got nominated to receive the Oscars golden trophies, and some actually won the trophies. Some of the award winners this year included the film titles of The Three Detectives, A Deadly Brew, and Rosita Romano. There were also many more. All of the films that were shown on the day were all amazing. The films took over two weeks to film but at the end it was worth it. All of the Year 8 cohort enjoyed the festival a lot. I hope you enjoyed reading this timeline article about it too!
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The Golden Lamp Press
Issue 7, November 2022
Runner-up for Bird of the Year 2022
LITTLE BLUE PENGUIN/KORORĀ Article By: Juliet Grotrian
All about the world's smallest penguin!
Little blue penguins (also known by their Māori name of Kororā) are possibly some of the cutest little creatures in the world. Native to New Zealand, they are officially the world's smallest penguin at about 30-35cm tall in adulthood. They are found across the coasts of New Zealand and even the southern coast of Australia. These birds are characterised by their dark blue feathers and white underparts. They mainly eat small fish, squid and crustaceans such as red cod. They breed usually during the first half of the year and both parents share raising duties. And, like all penguins, they can't fly but are good swimmers! Sadly, these beautiful birds are classified as 'Declining' by the Department of Conservation, which means they are at risk and if they're not cared for they might become endangered. So what can we do to help them? Here are 4 top tips for protecting these penguins: 1.Unfortunately, these birds are attracted to coastal urban areas because of the shelter they can provide and so are more at risk to urban hazards such as cars. So, help them out and place a nesting box far away from your home (if you live somewhere coastal) in a suitable place so they aren't as encouraged to come near your house. 2. Stoats and rats love to eat little blues! Set traps for stoats and rats to make sure they don't eat the penguins. Another way to do this is to join your local Predator Free 2050 group and help deter predators- see this website to find out more! https://predatorfreenz.org/ 3. Cats and dogs like to disturb the penguins too... keep them in at night so they don't do any damage! Also, walk your dog on a leash near penguin inhabited areas. 4. Why not volunteer for a penguin protection group, such as Forest & Bird, and help save these penguins yourself? Alternatively, donate money to these groups so they can help the penguins on your behalf.
Sources: NZ Birds Online, Google (search for 'little blue penguin habitat'), Department of Conservation, Forest & Bird (Bird of the Year), Predator Free NZ, Pinterest
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Issue 7, November 2022
HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN Article By: Nuala Pearson
In light of the season this article will explore the history of Halloween and activities to do on the spooky night of the 31st of October! Hallowen was used as the Celtic New Year in Ireland, called “Samhain” which in English means “Summers end”, Samhein dates back around 4000 years ago. The use of orange and black in the décor of Halloween is due to words like the Irish call it “Summer end” the orange representing bright and beautiful crops of summer and the black representing the death, so death of summer. Many Celtics believed that since this day is the end of a year and the start of a year the line of the living and the dead was unclear which this allowed many dead souls to go into the living world and visit the living. Another belief was that if you dressed up as a spirit you could fool angry spirits and avoid getting in trouble. People assume that because of the potato famine many Irish fled to the US bringing their Samhein customs. Hence why Americans love Halloween. They have celebrated the night of October the 31st since the early 1900s. Over time Samhien evolved. Trick or treating was created and spread throughout the world for everyone to enjoy this special custom which started with the Celtics. Activities: 1. Baking Halloween biscuits is great fun to do with your friends and family. Here is a recipe: Halloween Sugar Cookies Recipe: How to Make It (tasteofhome.com) 2. Watching Halloween themed movies can bring out the excitement of the night. I recommend watching “Hocus Pocus” which is already out and is quite spooky and great to fun watch and “Hocus pocus 2” which is on Disney plus. 3. Trick or treating with friends or siblings around your neighbourhood can bring out the festivities. I hope you had an awesome Halloween!
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Issue 7, November 2022
TOP FIVE FOR SPRING Article By: Senali Vasanthathilake
1. Botanic Garden's tulips The Wellington Botanic Gardens will be in full bloom, and you can take the cable car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn to see the blooms - especially the tulips! 2. Red rocks Red rocks in the South Coast of Wellington is home to Wellington's seal colony. Drive to Owhiro Bay and enjoy the forty minute walk. 3. Zealandia Zealandia encompasses 225 hectares, and is a eco-sanctuary for New Zealand's rare native birds and other wildlife. 4. Blossom Valley Blossom Valley is home to over 350 cherry blossoms, covering 14 acres. It is New Zealand's highest number and density of mature cherry blossom trees in one place. Each year, at Blossom Valley in Kaitoke, the cherry trees come alive with colour. They also have an 'after dark' experience. Imagine spending an evening wandering through pristine trails with wonderful pink views! 5. World of Wearable Art Awards Show The World of Wearable Art Awards show was in TSB Arena, with the opening night on Thursday 29 September at 7:30, and the awards night the next day at the same time. The show was approximately 45 minutes long on Thursday, and on Friday it was around 40 minutes longer. If you went to this, this was another great spring activity!
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Issue 7, November 2022
IRANIAN HIJAB PROTESTS Opinion By: Charlotte Thomson
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in late September of 2022 was an act of violence. Arrested and beaten to death by the morality police. All for simply choosing what to put on her own body. Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Iranian citizen who was arrested by the morality police (an Iranian police force made to enforce Iranian dress codes). She was arrested for what was considered an improper hijab. She unfortunately suffered police beatings and died in custody. She was 22-years-old. This has sparked outrage in Iran, causing many protests about the harsh and unfair clothing laws. Since then, people have been speaking out. Just one day ago Iranian police fired on Masha Amini mourners. My question is, when will it stop? If we look back on the abortion protest in America where a right was taken. A decision that everyone with a uterus should get to decide for themselves was taken away. Also, the Taliban, (a fundamentally religious group that is very against women's rights) came back into power. Women rights are humans rights and we deserve more than this. we deserve to be heard, respected, even simply paid the same would be an improvement! I personally don't think that I will ever see full equality for women in my lifetime. But what I can see is women standing up, speaking out and making a change.
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Issue 7, November 2022
CINDERELLA, A MODERN FAIRYTALE Review By: Harriet Mak
The lights dim, the audience hush, and the curtains lift. A girl gracefully dances across the stage, leaping, twirling, whirling with a music box until it stops. She is Cinderella. This Cinderella story is breaking the mold by adding gay rights and the choice to follow your heart. The modern Cinderella ballet choregraphed by Loughlan Prior with music done by Claire Cowan. Loughlan Prior was born in Australia and started ballet at the age on 5. He continued ballet through college at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. Moving to New Zealand, Loughlan Prior graduated from the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington before joining the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2009. Loughlan Prior developed a strength for choreography during his time dancing at the Royal New Zealand Ballet. In 2019 Loughlan Prior retired from dancing at the Royal New Zealand Ballet and started a career in choreography. Hansel & Gretel, The Firebird, and Cinderella are all shows Loughlan Prior has choreographed for the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The show I went to was a Saturday matinee at the St James theatre with Mayu Tanigaito playing the main role as Cinderella, Sara Gabowski and Kirby Selchow as the ugly stepsisters and Joshua Guillemont-Rodgerson as Prince Charming. I really enjoyed this show as the set was amazing with moving stairs and huge chandeliers. I would definitely recommend watching this show if it is performed again by the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
References: Verve Magazine, Viva Magazine, Five Lines
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Issue 7, November 2022
MOVIE REVIEW: THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER
By: Nina Vincent
Thor's retirement is interrupted and cut short by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher, who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie, Korg and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, who - to Thor's surprise - inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjölnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher's vengeance and stop him before it's too late.
References: Cosmic Book News, GQ Magazine, Nerdist, Wired, IMDb
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Issue 7, November 2022
BOOKSHELF Book Reviews By Sophie Counsell
My New Zealand Story These are a series of books about events in New Zealand history. Quarantine This book is about the infantile paralysis or polio, and it shows events similar to Covid because New Zealand went into Lockdown, things were shut, and no one knew what to do. This book is really good and I recommend reading it. Canterbury Quake This book is about the Christchurch Earthquake which happened in 2010, and caused several big aftershocks and millions small aftershocks. This book tells us about what life is like in Christchurch to be an eleven year old girl. Even though life was tough people still managed to dream about their town returning into the town we know today. Dawn Raid This book is about police officers who invade people's homes because they believe have been overstaying in New Zealand. The people who get invaded are from the Pacific Islands. What's really sad about this book is that people from Europe are actually the people overstaying though the police officers chose to believe that the real overstayers are Pacific Islanders because they think that no people from Europe are overstayers. In just one weekend in 1976 which was in Auckland alone, police officers arrested 23 people from the 856 people stopped to ask where the document was saying they were allowed to be in New Zealand, and 200 houses were raided.
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The Golden Lamp Press
Issue 7, November 2022
BOOKSHELF CONTINUED Book Reviews By Katie Haynes Rise of the School for Good and Evil WARNING! 99.9% of this will be complete gibberish if you haven’t read The School for Good and Evil! May contain spoilers! The School for Good and Evil’s first three books chronicle the battle against the School Master. But this book goes back, to when two twin School Masters ruled over the School for Good and Evil. Rhian and Rafal. Good and Evil. This shows how the School for Good and Evil went from a small, intimate school to two intimidating castles. Why Readers were taken from Galvadon. And shocking truths will be unveiled… Beasts and Beauty Twelve fairy tales. But not as they've been told to you. Beauties fight back. Beasts appear beautiful. And each with a fresh moral, better than the old. And things are not always as they seem… The school library doesn’t have these books, but they're available at Wellington City Libraries. The school librarians are 'open for recommendations' if you would like them to get these books or any others. These books are recommended for older readers.
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Issue 7, November 2022
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES By Katie Haynes Yes, they are rain-themed
Fun Fact: Rain doesn’t always make the ground wet In dry, hot places, rain sometimes evaporates before it hits the ground. Environmentalist Edward Abbey describes “phantom rain” this way: “You see curtains of rain dangling in the sky while the living things wither below for want of water. Torture by tantalizing, hope without fulfillment. Then the clouds dissipate into nothingness.” Fun Fact: Not all raindrops are made of water On Venus, and other moons and planets, rain is made of sulfuric acid or methane. Even stranger: On a planet 5,000 light years away, scientists found raindrops made of iron rather than water.
Look out for the next issue- it's all about Christmas...
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