Rundle academy Writing Anthology 2015-2016 by Rundle Academy

Rundle Academy Writing Anthology 2015-2016

Rowan Brandon, Grade 10

You can make anything by writing. C.S. Lewis Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. William Wordsworth

This anthology recognizes exemplary pieces of writing from students in all grades at Rundle Academy. A special thank you goes to Ms. Christina Petropolous, Mrs. Justine Moon and all of their lovely art students who have contributed many of the images that accompany the writing. A huge thanks goes to Ms. Prest for all of her help, mentorship and guidance around this project, as well as her work on the senior high section. Mr. Vesey deserves some major credit, for his time spent formatting and teaching me about the many secrets of Word. In addition, the teachers who work each and every day to assist students in reaching their potential in writing throughout the year need to be recognized. However, more than anyone, the students themselves, the authors, should be congratulated. It is their creativity, hard work, talent and tenacity that fill this anthology. Thanks for sharing your amazing work, and keep writing! Mrs. Vesey

Table of Contents Elementary Page 1 Junior High Page 50 Senior High Page 82

Alycia Udy, Grade 12

Elementary

Colton McGregor, Grade 5

CARAMEL AND THE LOST CHICK Lyla deBoer, Grade 4 Caramel the rein deer was standing quietly by the rink. Then Sisy the owl came and took a deep breath. Then Jack the bird came and chirped. Sissy chick has been stolen! “Caramel what will we do?” Jack asked. Sissy look like she was going to cry. My poor chick it is so cold out of my nest. Caramel took a deep breath. “Sissy, I smell your chick.” Sissy look up said, “Really?” “Yes!” said Caramel. Jack asked, “What are we waiting for?” Jack was off. “Wait Caramel, where is the chick?” chirped Jack. Caramel put her nose to the ground. “This way,” ran Caramel, walk up to a close by tree. Caramel look in the tree and around the tree. No chick inside. “Look again,” Sissy pleaded. Caramel put her nose to the ground again and began to run to a much bigger tree. Jack peered inside it. Jack groaned, “Just a squirrel.” Jack looked at Caramel. She put her nose to the ground and ran even faster. She stopped at a tree. Sissy look hopeful around. A smile drew over her face and Sissy tucked chick back to her nest.

THE END

Teanna Markle, Grade 11 2

The Icy Panic By William Rengger, Grade 4 Deep inside a winter cavern is an ancient threat that will terrorize hundreds of people it was huge a mass of doom! 30 weeks later, “oh dear,” said Chompy the proana plant. “Oh dear, indeed,” as she looked at the cavern. I hope the beast doesn't awaken so close to Christmas she thought to herself. “Oh of course it has awoken.” Then something bad happened! The beast came from the cave. All hope seemed lost but the one of the ice titans came the beast shrieked with fright as he came to a stop and did not flee. It decided to fight! Chompy on the other hand hid as the titan gave the beast a big kick that knocked him out right on the spot! “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” said a mysterious man. “No no no no no,” screaming with dignity the titan looked at Chompy and Chompy looked at the titan and eventually the titan said, “you're under arrest!” Five years later the mysterious man was behind bars.

THE END

Emerson Picklyk, Grade 4

The Runaway Annika Simpson, Grade 4 Off in the distance there was a snowman named Billy. Billy has one carrot nose ,three buttons and three balls of snow. One day Billy went to a magical place where there are gnomes with purple bow ties, rainbow shirts and black pants. One gnome came up to Billy and said “wagalo wagalo”. Billy did not understand what the gnome was saying. Just then Billy smelled macaroni and cheese and peach mango smoothies. Billy smelled it coming from the gnome’s kitchen. Billy's favourite food was macaroni and cheese so he ran over to the kitchen and there were little gnomes following him. Billy asked the gnome if he can have some macaroni and cheese but the gnome didn’t understand him. Just then Billy grabbed the mac and cheese and one peach mango smoothie and ran out the door. All the gnomes were following him and saying, “graba graba.” Billy was right they wanted their food back. One Billy was running home he heard chirping birds, wind and howling wolves. The wolves were very close. The wolves trapped him in a corner and the gnomes trapped him too. The wolves wanted the carrot and the gnomes wanted their food back. Billy compromised and said that the gnomes can have half of the macaroni and cheese and the one peach mango smoothie and the wolves can have a carrot nose one they get to his house. They all became friends and lived happily ever after tell another day.

The Ski Trip Munro MacArthur, Grade 4 Swoosh, swoosh! The snow glided the ski over the slopes. As I go down the hill I hear somebody calling for help. I skied through the trees with intensity! I found the skier! I gasped! It was a middle aged boy. “I don't know what to do!” I shouted as I looked around. No one was around to help. I panicked! Furiously, I shoved the log but it wouldn't budge. I thought and thought for a good idea then I got it. I will ski to the run and get help...but I must be quick. So I got my ski and went to the run. I came back with some help and the snow patrol and we all got him out. The snow patrol took it from there.

The End

The Trap Mack Stephen, Grade 4 Off in the distance Jeff the snowman saw a bunny. As soon as the bunny Snowball saw the caret on Jeff's face, Snowball started running towards Jeff. Jeff went onto a frozen lake. The lake was very slippy. When Snowball ran and was right beside Jeff Snowball slid right past Jeff. Right when Snowball was about to hit Jeff, Jeff said let’s be friend but let's make a promise. Snowball and our family are not going to eat my nose and I will not throw snow at you and our family. Unless we have a snowball fight. Snowball said ok let’s go to my house said Snowball. Jeff smelt ice cream so Jeff said follow me I smell ice cream. Jeff don’t go over there it’s a trap. Come on, I can introduce you to my family. When they got there Snowballs dad jumped up and tried to eat Jeff’s nose. Snowball yelled STOP!!! He's with me, we made a promise. You guys and me are not allowed to eat Jeff’s nose and Jeff is not allowed to throw snow at us unless we are having a snowball fight. When they were having the snowball fight, Jeff ran right into the trap. It was just a bin with holes in it. As soon as snowball saw Jeff in the trap snowball went to get his family so they could help Jeff get out of the trap.

Christmas at the Park Emerson Cole Picklyk, Grade 4 Swoosh! The blue jays swooped down at me to try and get my apple. Feeling generous I gave my apple to one of the blue jays. All of the other blue jays and some chickadees scrambled to get the apple from the blue jay that had the apple. I took a deep breath and I can smell fresh pine wood while the trees were dancing in the wind. My clothes were dancing in the wind like a flag on a windy day and my hair was swirling in the open wind. The grass was as smooth as a piece of sharpened iron, Fresh from an anvil. Suddenly, from out of the trees a bald eagle attacked me! It swooped down and took a nip at me. Thankfully it was just a bruise. Just as I thought it was ok the eagle took a sudden look furiously went head first at me! The claws looked like knives that looked as sharp as swords. But… it missed by a quarter of an inch! I took a sigh of relief and I walked away to my car that had a “Merry Christmas” banner on the side of it. Hoping this would never happen again in my life, that a bald eagle would never attack me again. On the way back to my car I remembered I left my car keys in the forest, not knowing my keys were stolen! Not knowing where they were I panicked saying the possibility of what could've happened. I sat down to calm myself down. But… I sat on something odd that felt like metal. Something that felt sharp. Something that felt rough. It was… it was my keys! I burst with excitement sprinting to my car! When I got there just as I opened the door I sat down on the seat thinking to myself “I think this is the most interesting trip to the park I ever had.”

Rudolph and the Birds Zara Dahlin, Grade 4 Scrunch, scrunch, scrunch went the leaves as the red nosed reindeer ran through the woods. The snow dropped onto Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, with his bright red nose and two blue eyes. From the distance he saw a creature that he had never seen before flying in circles, singing to himself. There were more than one of them. They looked like they were rainbow coloured. They started to fly to the red nosed reindeer. He loves birds because they are his favourite animal. He had always wanted to talk to them but they didn’t speak his language. They started to fly towards me and he said get off me. The bird spoke back and said, you don’t have to be so rude. You can speak my language! He got so happy he sprinted to Santa’s workshop and said Birds can talk to me! Santa said he actually believed he had never known that, so he went back to the birds. The End

Toronto Maple Leafs Fan Cameron Davies, Grade 4

He is a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, but they are not doing so good this season. They are 0‐85‐0. He wears a paper bag on his head to all of the Maple Leafs’ games. He wore a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater to the game. His face looks like a paper bag. His nose is big and boogers come out. It is disgusting. His arms are big and strong. His body is a fat cube. 6

Katalina Pinzon, Grade 4

a Annika Simpson, Grade 4

Mack Stephen, Grade 4

Katie King, Grade 4

It Was All a Dream Mariah Mason, Grade 4 I didn't know where I was. Everything was white until I saw a door. I went through it and another world was there. I build a shelter and fire but when I didn't know I saw that I was not alone, there was a dinosaur. I was frightened but somehow I teleported. I was shocked I was in city that was destroyed I wondered why. Then I saw Godzilla I screamed aaa and I ran for my life. It was chasing me than again I teleported into Alice in Wonderland. Wow I explored and look around and till I found out it felt like I had a dream of another dream inside. Then teleported to Inside Out. Where am I felt in my head. I felt like everything I imagined would turn into something. I need an answer I yelled now where am I now? I was in a white room I need to get out of this place. Now I was tied up I tried to find a way out it was hard then I got out I thought I was out of the chair. Somehow I got out I woke up in real life. I didn't realize that when I woke up everything I dreamed of turned to be real. I thought okay now I need to run and get out of this city now I ran crying deeply thinking of my family but knowing that they had died wishing that it didn't happen. Why is it me I thought. Why what is wrong with me i said to myself but looked at the city I lived in once but knowing other people are running for their lives screaming scared. Then I ran again where am I? Run run run I thought. Before I could not see that I will be safe in fear. I need to run. It was a choice to make the hard way. Let myself die or save my life. I chose to save my life. By the time I was safe in this weird house. It felt like someone was following me, then I saw a shadow. It was trying to hurt me and then I knew what it was. It was holding the door closed. I needed to get out but how I thought in my head. There was a window and I was hearing it laugh at me. Then I ran out of the window quick as I could but it was not normal that all of this happened. I was slightly confused as who could do this. What just happened whoa this was all a dream. Oh no it wasn't the end!

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Snow Creature Story Max Vollendorf, Grade 4 Clop, clop, Rudolph was walking back home, when he went to get some water from a close river. Rudolph had a very shiny red nose. When he was done drinking, he looked up and saw Santa’s workshop and ran to it. He had to see Santa Claus because he thought something was watching him. The big creature looked furry and it could move sneakily. When he was done talking, he went to the stables. They were very big. He took a deep breath and tried to be brave. The dangerously big thing was terrifying. What if it was a polarbear, a pack of arctic wolves or a hunter with a gun. He was up all night. The next morning Rudolph went back to the forest to see what that thing he saw was. He searched in the thick forest. On the way, he found a couple white rabbits and squirrels. There in the bushes standing quietly, he noticed something moving. Listening carefully, he heard footsteps. Crack, crack. With his antlers, he bravely tried to go over there were arctic wolves. It scared Rudolph but he did not move. Then he charged at the wolves. The wolves also charged at him. Rudolph bucked the wolves so hard, they almost got a concussion. Then, the wolves got Rudolph back by giving a little bite at his antlers, so Rudolph shook them of. Panting and whining the wolves ran super fast away from him.

The Two Wolves Mason McBride, Grade 4 “Oh no! There's a wolf!” shouted rabbit. There were two wolves and a hunter. Rabbit went as still as a rock. One of the wolves jumped on the phone and saved Rabbit but he ran because he was scared. The two wolves sniffed and followed him. Rabbit ran and ran and ran eventually he came to a stream and there lie Prancer. Rabbit said, “can you help me from wolf and wolf jr?” “Yes,” said Prancer. So rabbit lie underneath Prancer then the wolves came and asked where Rabbit went. Prancer said, “he went that way.” The wolves went and Rabbit was safe and he lived happily ever after.

The End. 10

Autumn Carter Kemp, Grade 5 The cold water splashing on my face while I tried to get the last Apple of the tank. Apple pie melting in my mouth; the crust soft and the apples even softer and juicier. Just walking into my grandma's house I smell chicken cooking in the kitchen. Kids running door to door quickly and yelling, “Trick or treat!” Bang! Bang! goes the shotgun as two pheasants fall from the sky and then the two dogs collect the dead pheasants. Decorative pumpkins on the front porch and hanging from the roof and colourful leaves to make the decorations better.

Autumn Colton McGregor, Grade 5 Colourful leaves changing to red and yellow outside in my backyard because the temperature is starting to get colder. Smelling the fire in my friend's backyard as I play games with him and make s'mores late in the evening. As I walk up the door steps, about to say trick or treat on a cold night, I hear the crunching of the leaves under my feet which sounded like chips crunching in my mouth. When I put a pumpkin seed in my mouth I taste the crunchy shell between my teeth. Running as fast as I can down a steep hill, gusts of wind blows across my face like I am in a wind tunnel. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When I walk down the spooky dark sidewalk, I see lots of scary costumes looking for candy. Every house I go to, I can smell decaying soil from the leaves that had rotted and fallen off the trees. As I took my dog for a quick walk in the calm woods, I heard some loud turkeys jumping around. On Halloween night the pumpkin pie I ate felt like it was melting in my mouth. When I got home from school, my sister put crushed leaves in my T-shirt that poked me a lot.

Autumn Noah Crawford, Grade 5 Seeing a big fat roasting turkey on my dinner table, I see everyone in my family sitting, waiting to eat. As I play in the living room, I smell the turkey roasting in the oven of my house which made me drool. Hearing a turkey gobbling near me, I explored the wonders of Heritage Park on a wonderful autumn afternoon. I can taste the delicious turkey, which had gravy on it, melting in my mouth. I could feel the turkey's rough skin on my tongue as I devour piece after piece of the delicious meat until I am stuffed.

Autumn Is… Murray Schaffer, Grade 5 When I slowly turned around, a collage of colourful leaves was drifting to the ground. As I step inside, I am hit with the mouth-watering smell of turkey being roasted in the smoker. Half past midnight in the games room you can hear the laughter of the ladies and the gentlemen as they play game after game from the games in the cabinet. As I came back at 12 o'clock from trick or treating on Halloween night I shoved a huge chocolate bar into my mouth where it slowly melted. When I walk to school the next day, I hear the faint crunch of the autumn leaves under my feet. On the way back from school I see a little baby bear going into his tiny den, which sure looks cozy, to hibernate for the winter. In the garden I can smell the rot of decaying soil as I clean out the shed for the winter. As I sit down for Thanksgiving dinner with my sister, my Mom and my Dad, I can hear the sound of silverware clashing and clanging together. Going to the fair, the first thing I do when I get there is buy a red looking candy apple, which sure is sticky and delicious. I go outside barefoot in the morning and feeling the dew drenching my feet, I quickly dart back inside. 12

Autumn Is... Gabrielle Salt, Grade 5 I saw the leaves changing colours on the trees every day as I drove to school in the morning. As I jumped out of the car to go to school, I could smell the wet leaves when I walked into the school. When I went outside for recess, I could hear the wind rustling the leaves gently in the corner of the school yard. When I got home from school, I could taste the crunchy pumpkin seeds in my mouth by the dinner table. When I went outside to play with the leaves, I could feel them tickling me down my shirt. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When it was time for Thanksgiving at my Grandma's house, I could hear the horses neighing loudly behind the barn. Once I got inside from my horse riding with my Dad, I could smell the turkey roasting on the BBQ. When we sat down for dinner, I could see the delicious turkey sitting in the middle of the table surrounded by all types of wonderful food. As I took my first bite of the juicy turkey, I could feel the smooth texture in my mouth as I ate piece by piece until I was full. When we had our pumpkin pie, I could taste it melting in my mouth.

Autumn Is… Dylan Fisher, Grade 5 At 6:30 we put the enormous turkey in the oven so it will be ready in time for us to enjoy the delicious taste later on. As I walk out the door into the cold evening air to jump on the trampoline with my sister, I hear leaves crunching loudly against my feet. My sister and I ran back inside we smell these spectacular pumpkin seeds cooking in the oven. Going back outside, I sat by the toasty fire watching the leaves changing colors and I felt warm and safe. In the backyard on the grass I did a cartwheel and I fell and a leaf went up my shirt which made me uncomfortable. 13

Fall Is... Rachael Clay, Grade 5 In the backyard the yummy turkey is roasting on the BBQ while I go as high as I can on the swing set in the cool air. Inside the house I can smell the dripping hot gravy coming out of the warm oven for Thanksgiving late in the evening. On Halloween night I can hear the kids screaming frighteningly at the top of their lungs while they go excitedly from house to house. The delicious pumpkin pie filling melting in my mouth as we are all talking about what we are thankful for. As I stuck my gooey hand in my pumpkin and grabbed the mushy pumpkin seeds, I thought of the design that I'm going to carve for my Jack-O-Lantern. In the morning I walked outside and I saw leaves of many different colors: red orange yellow, and gold. Excitedly I raced down the stairs as I saw the steaming pumpkin seeds fresh from the oven cooling on the stove this morning. Beside the trampoline in the backyard there was a huge pile of leaves which crunched under my feet when I jumped energetically into them. Getting home from a late night of trick or treating I dumped all of my candy into a pile as the chocolate melted in my mouth. When I got home from school, I was so glad it was fall that I rolled around in the leaves getting a lot of crunchy leaves down my shirt.

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Chain Link Carter Kemp, Grade 5 If you see Chain Link, you will know him because he is unusual. Throughout his body there is holes like cannon shots. His smooth black skin is as black as night. You can get lost inside of his pure blue eyes. Chain Link is an average human size like you meet on the street. Hanging on his back is a cape as dark as night. Titanium armour melted onto his weak flesh protects him from fire falling and bullets. Inside of a portal, Chain Link created an awesome castle. On the bottom of the castle there are colossal different spikes. If you go into the portal, the average human would die because it's too much for the human mind to go through. Outside is a grey endless abyss where the castle is floating. Straddling the red portal door is a soundless vacuum. Where the Chain Link lives is damp and smelly like dead corpses. Chain Link has a lot of awesome powers. Chain Link can morph into anything. He can go places very fast because he‘s got bionic legs. He has laser beam vision that can melt items. With his cybernetic eye he can cause heart attacks. Chain Link can freeze people when he lightly taps living things. To kill Chain Link you need bait. I use holograms, but you can use different things. Trap him in a glass dome and lock it will keep him inside. If you like going through the portal, you can kick him in the void only if it is 12:34. The only way to stun him is a laser and then you can remove his three hearts. If you go to Russia, you will find an abandoned city which has been radiated and long since abandoned and in the power plant you will find a blade lying in the green radiated goop. Radiation messes with his circuits which mess with his powerful limbs which kills him like a virus. The thing is you cannot kill Chain Link because his spirit is unstoppable, but you can put him to rest with the magic of the sword.

Evil Owl Gabrielle Salt, Grade 5 If you ever come across Evil Owl, you will know it. His big greenish, yellow eyes make him look different from other owls. Covering his entire body are small green and brown feathers that look as soft as silk but feel like sandpaper. His feathers make him blend into his surroundings easily. When you hold him, you will find he is light in weight. He has small talons that can grab onto small branches and are super strong. In the middle of a thick forest Evil Owl has built a secret lair. Evil Owl’s secret lair looks like an ordinary tree but inside the immense trunk there is a wood stand with a green orb on it. On the thin walls there are big leaves and small leaves with neat writing on them. It feels like a dry, hot desert. There is a computer room with five computers which are connected to five cameras in the world, so he can see what is going on in the world. Just like any other super villain Evil Owl has unique super powers. When Evil Owl is catching his food, he can freeze people by hypnotizing them. He can bring leaves out of the ground with his mind in order to suffocate people. He can camouflage with anything he wants to. Evil Owl can bring twigs out of the ground and trap people, and he does that with his wings. If you ever want to defeat Evil Owl, you will be in for some fun. If you expose him to the sun, he will die from it, but it is hard because he can make a night shield that protects him from the light. If you find his secret lair and get into the trunk of the tree, destroy the green orb on the wooden stand which will kill him. The hardest way to destroy him is to get the sword from the very center of the earth and stab it into his back, but you have to do it inside his secret lair.

Ice Crystal Rachael Clay, Grade 5

If you spot Ice Crystal, you will know who she is right away, so you should sprint away. Usually, most people don't have bright, glamorous red eyes. At the top of her bumpy head there are two enormous black spiky horns. Her choppy skin is peeling off down the side of her leg. She looks like a humongous plump giant straight out of a fairy tale. When she smiles, you can see her two front teeth that are rotting and covered in saliva. Below her head you can see her light blue wings that are shimmering in the sun light. The smooth silver silky shiny fabric is flowing in the air. Far away in the deep blue sea, Ice Crystal keeps her secret lair. Under the water there will be a tiny tunnel that leads to her secret lair. When you reach her home, you will see the most beautiful seaweed ever floating underwater. Swimming around her bed, made out of water, the colorful fish are in different sizes and shapes and it feels like you are living in an aquarium. As you enter her secret lair, it smells like freshly skinned fish all day, every day. The bumpy walls are made out of soaked sand. Her superpowers are amazing and she can defeat just about anybody. Turning people into ice, she shoots liquid nitrogen at them. Trampling people, her legs can extend up to four stories high. Be careful because she can turn people into ice. It lies within her powers to go invisible. Water shooting out of her hands turns people into water. Hypnotizing people and telling them where to go, Ice Crystal can control their minds. Vapourizing people into dust and gas, they will never be seen again. These are four ways you can defeat this super villain. You have to find a way to turn off the powerful legs at 12:00 o'clock in the morning. Sprinkling flour on her wings, she won't be able to work them anymore. Finding her secret lair, you need to take all of her colorful fish. If you come across a giant blow dryer, you can melt her with the power of the heat. Those are four ways you can defeat this super villain.

Murray Schaffer, Grade 5 17Â Â

Shark Jet Noah Crawford, Grade 5 If you ever come across Shark Jet, you will know him right away. When he is flying through the air, he looks like a mix between a whale shark and a jumbo jet. He is made out of black titanium which reflects as a dark blue color. He has jagged black wings which deflect the Sun and are as colorless as a black hole. He has electricity flowing through his body which sparks to the side. If you ever find Shark Jet’s fortress, you will know it right away on the outside. His fortress is a mix between cumulonimbus and mammatus clouds. Inside of his fortress it smells very humid like a rainforest. As you would expect, his fortress floats in the air and it moves around the world with the jet stream. There are paintings on the walls of war scenes from World War I & World War II. The smooth walls of his fortress are made of titanium which is light blue. There are empty bomb shells and old gun shells all over his fortress. There is a watchtower in his fortress near the middle. Shark Jet has some really cool powers which make him a good super villain. He can shoot out nuclear missiles at anyone that gets in his way. He can turn into a shark which can swim at supersonic speed. He can shoot out electricity balls which come from buildup in his body. He can turn into fog which allows him to float through walls. He can also summon minions out of thin air to destroy anything that gets in his way. Even though Shark Jet is almost invincible there are still three ways that you can defeat him. The easiest way to defeat Shark Jet is to wait until he turns into fog and then vacuum the fog. The second easiest way to destroy Shark Jet is to meditate for 24 hours and then wait till he shoots electricity before manipulating the energy back at him. Finally, the hardest way to destroy Shark Jet is to go to the sun and get a flamethrower called the Metal Melter and burn him to dust. Those are the three only ways to destroy him.

The Bat Dylan Fisher, Grade 5 If you ever see The Bat, you will recognize him right away. As I look at his big, fuzzy, blue and green fish scales, I become very scared. Covering his big wings is his cape. This bat is super cool and he has super seeing from small tiny eyes on the top of his head, but he's only as heavy as a feather. His body is a light gray and his teeth are very ancient. His wings are very old. In the middle of a beautiful valley lays one oak and that's The Bat’s secret lair. In that tree is a really, really old bed and right beside the bed is a very old chair. When you smell his lair, you will smell rotten milk and when you look to the wall, you will see bloody pictures. The Bat has some extraordinary powers that he will often use on people. The spikes on the top of his head can be extremely dangerous and when he goes into camouflage mode, he can sneak around anywhere. He can shoot lava out of his wings. At night because it’s dark, he goes around and shocks people. If you want to ever defeat The Bat, you can start your sprinkler, then go get some baby powder and sprinkle it onto him. Drowning his wigs will stop him from flying so he won't have the ability to fly and he needs to be able to fly so he can get to his secret lair. This is the last way you can defeat my super villain: by putting glue on the outside of his wigs so when he goes to fly, his wings will stick together and he will drop.

The Dripping Boy Colton McGregor, Grade 5 If you ever come across The Dripping Boy, you will recognize him immediately. He has two giant horns on the side of his head that are dripping with a black liquid. Some people say he is the size of a normal adult human, but he has only been seen a few times. He has a round head and is very fast like a cheetah. The Dripping Boy is invisible from the back, and it looks like a walking waterfall making loud splashing noises. Being able to merge with water makes him a fabulous swimmer like a turtle. The Dripping Boy only comes out when the sun is hidden by clouds or the middle of the night, or else he will evaporate. If you ever happen to be at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, you might come across The Dripping Boy’s dome lair. It is bullet proof glass and is guarded by two seals. Once he gets inside he is healed. There is a wall lined with high tech computers, blinding flashing lights, and a very fancy silk red bed, but it smells like a decaying corpse. The Dripping Boy has a number of super powers that make him a great villain. The Dripping Boy can absorb bullets and re-shoot them, so don’t try to shoot him. He also has an invisible back so you can only see him from the front. He can shoot water from him or from any water he finds. He can jump from any height and is light as an ant with lethal gas. He is almost invincible, but you can defeat him in three ways. Cut off both horns on his head and let the liquid run out is the first way to kill him. Another way is to keep him out of the water for days and he will evaporate. The hardest way is to find his lair, kill the guard seals, get inside, and hit the invisibility button, then he can find his way and can’t heal then you kill him.

The Shadow Murray Schaffer, Grade 5 If you come across The Shadow, you will know him because he has a menacing dark look. He has two big eyes on his small head; he is like a bald eagle or a hawk. Tucked into his leather belt are two colossal daggers which even gleam in the dark like stars in the sky. On the sides of his head are two deformed ears. In the middle of his head, a jaw full of teeth dangle out sharp as knives. If you try to look at him in the dark, you will not see him because he is technically a shadow. Almost impossible to catch, he is as small as a chimpanzee and wears a tuxedo suit. If you ever enter the cave of The Shadow, you can sense it. Granite walls and a rocky roof tower cover you. Rough edges stick out at you like axe blades. When you look down the dark cave, you feel faint to see how long it is. Exactly in the middle of the roof there is a jail cell which is hanging from a rusty chain. In the prison are at least sixty people. Where I came in was an oak door that looked like it was going to break. Covering every corner of his lair is a sticky spider web the size of an elephant. Like any super villain The Shadow is hard to defeat because of his superpowers. One of his favorite tricks is turning into the shadow of a human. Trying to harm humans with his infinite throwing knives, he darts from place to place. One of his best superpowers is to camouflage with anything allowing him to move around undetected. At any time of day he can see over 200 miles. Despite being the size of a chimpanzee, he has the unusually deceptive strength of the Hulk. If you want to defeat The Shadow, here is how. First, you get a glass magnifier and you magnify the sun's energy, which would create a beam. You point this beam at The Shadow and run because it heats up his insides and makes him explode. The most destructive way to defeat him is to go steal nuclear bomb blueprints and build a destructive nuclear bomb and drop it on him. 21Â Â

Calaway Park Flora Lupi, Grade 5 Pow, clang a roller coaster flies by. Swoosh goes the grass in the wind. Bumper cars banging and bashing! Floating balloons in my head pop! I hear kids laughing, ha ha. Rides click and rattle as they passed! Crunch, munch goes the yummy candy in my mouth. Trees slash and swoosh in the cool breeze. People screaming on the ride “Aaaa!” Kids slobbering as they eat the deep fried food.

Calgary Stampede Kayden Lylander, Grade 5 I hear people talking all day long YAP YAP YAP. The ride goes so fast your hat falls off FLING Trees are RUSTLING in the wind. Horses ZOOMING past the Saddledome on the cold wet day. Stage shows with loud big drums BASH. The army is firing their guns - BANG BANG! Let's go CHOP down some trees. Swing goes the axe and chop goes the trees. NAY!! went Harry the Horse, let's go to the Calgary Stampede. WOOSH! Up went the parade baton. MMMM. Yummy smells coming from the food court. 22

Firefighter Rohan Pernitsky, Grade 5 Ring ring ring ring ring ring went the fire alarm. “Go go go!” Run run run! Thump thump thump. Down the red pole Ssscccrrreeeeeeccchhh! "To the red fire truck!” “Bob would you stop saying red?!" Start the light - Wee-ooo wee-ooo wee-ooo. "Oops.” “Lol." "Oh no!" “Get out and get ready!" Crackle crackle goes the fire. "HELP!" "Get him!" "Ahhhhhhh!" "Sparky keep beside me.” Bark bark bark. “Good boy, now let's save people. Keep hiding." "The fire is out. We can get back to the fire station." And now it's time to get the ink off my hat. Drip drop. I got the ink off my hat!

My Indian Market Poem Ella Pacey, Grade 5 Women squealing while trying on saris for a festival. The baby whails in the trinket store. People smack their lips while trying new foods. The puff of the pollen when the needle pokes through the flower. The decorated dishes of soft powder go clang in the wind. People go splat on the hard ground! Fancy pottery rattles in the little bag. The wall of soft, detailed fabric muffles to the touch. People and children gabber on about gossip. Pyramids of colorful fruit go thump on the hard ground!

The Airport Sophie Brimacombe, Grade 5 The car whizzed as it pulled up to the airport The grass outside of the airport swish it was calming Eek grr the passenger cart bolted beside me Ruff grrr went the dog he was so cute in the kennel Crr clunk went the luggage passing me Planes taking off on the runway boom as the plane flies up and thump the wheels fold in Buzz the escalator was quick Cluck bang go the people's feet running to get their plane The intercoms were squeaking loudly

The Busy Mall Amelia Vik, Grade 5 The cash register goes beep bong bop as the lady presses the button. "Whaaaa!" the baby cries with all its tears. "Ahhhhhhhh it's mine!" the crazy lady yells. People chomping and eating loudly crunch crunch. People ordering food. They drool as they see the people making their food blah blah blah. The escalator buzzing and vibrating buzzzzz. Kids whining "I want that whaaaa give it to me!" A Lady's phone rings dling dling beep beep so she quickly answers it. Cars zooming past the mall trying to get to the big sale ZOOM Thump! Thumping the feet go rushing to the sale. Splat squish squirt the bubble gum ice cream dropped out of the baby's hand. 24Â Â

The Race Nicholas Dixon, Grade 5 Thump go the skis as they hit the ground. Click as the boot buckles are snapped tight. Pop as the ski bindings attach to the boot. People chatting about what place they think they'll come in as they wait in line to get on the lift. The starting gate beeps away for us to know when to go. The gate slaps the ground so we can get in the course. We whizz past the first corner, then up to the second and then to the third until we get to the finish line. Bang went the fourth person as we crossed the finish line. At the lodge, people were whispering, “Who got first?” The crowd was clapping, yelling, chattering loudly to celebrate the awards.

Soccer Jonathan Blessing, Grade 6

Soccer is my favorite sport. We play it on a green court.

Mountain of Ice Cream Jaeda Hussey, Grade 6

I awoke from my sleep and I saw a Twix chocolate bar. I reached for the Twix. POOF! I disappeared. I fell and when I looked down I realized I had shrunk. I noticed I landed in a sticky substance. I tried to climb the sides, it was cold to the touch like an icicle. It was smooth and sticky. My finger was like a chocolate fondue and I saw clumps of chocolate. “I smell like a vanilla candle,” I thought to myself as my surroundings looked like snow with rainbow dots through the ground. Is that what I thought it was? No it can't be! I wandered around and found a gummy worm. I bit into the gummy worm, it tasted fruity. I reached and got a little bit of the ice cream. It tasted like vanilla ice cream. Oh what an adventure!

War Mathew Dixon, Grade 6 War Sad, dangerous Devastating, depressing, horrifying Death, anger, joy, life Developing, exhilarating, calming Happy, safe Peace

Day and Night Owen Brown, Grade 6

Day peaceful, loud living, moving, feeling sun, warm, moon, cool sleeping, dreaming, snoring dark, quiet Night

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Clamera! Braelyn Roy, Grade 6

As I was running around on the pretty hill, I stopped and landed on the soft grass, all around me was a single lily. Happily I sat up on my knees. "Hi little guy," speaking softly to the flower. Lightly I touched a petal on the lily, it was as smooth as buttermilk. Quickly I stood up, wiping off the grass on my dress. Running to the very top of the hill, I stopped and put my arms out. Wind pushed on my body, my hair flowed with the air. My name is Julien I’m twelve years old, and about the height of a medium size tree. I wore a short light pink dress, with a white leather jacket. With some White tights, and some light pink high top boots. My boots had a little heel on the bottom, around the top of my boots are some white frills. I have perfect blue eyes, and some thick long eyelashes. My hair is dirty blond, with a white head band, with a small puffy flower on top. Wearing on my left hand was a fake pearl bracelet. I stared into the horizon, there was a sunset the colors of orange, yellow, and pink. “Pink is my favorite color,” I squealed. I laid on the ground slowly, I looked up to the sunset sky. There was a cloud that looked like a griffin, I looked to the right, seeing a cloud that looked like a Pom tree. Remembering the time, when I went to Mexico, playing on the beach. WHOOSH, waves would hit the shores, with big rocks in the water. Mountains everywhere, such pleasant times there. I felt calm and relaxed, as I slowly closed my eyes shut. All of a sudden, a small furry object ran against my leg. I pounced backwards. Instantly, I saw an orange white striped figure. My heart thumped loudly. “I don’t want to die!” I yelled swinging my arms back and forth. Imminently, I saw a four legged creature. From right then and there, I realized it was a small kitten. “Whew!” I said in relief. That cat rubbed her body on my right leg. Suddenly, I scoped her up and held her like a little baby. PRRRRR, the kitten purred at me. “I think I will call you…Zelda,” speaking sweetly, “like the game!” I set her down safely. Then patted her head, and scratched under her chin with my finger. Quickly the cat ran away, “Hey, come back Zelda!” I screamed. I ran down the hill running after her, “OW!” I cried, I tripped over a small pebble on the ground. But I knew that I had to get up, to and find Zelda. I chased her down the hill in circles. Finally, I got to the bottom, Zelda stood right in front of me. “There you are!” saying relieved. Zelda started to crawl away, “Hey where do you think you’re going?” I followed her toward a figure in the distance. Forgetting about Zelda for a moment, I stopped. I saw a big white door with turquoise windows, Zelda was right in front of it. What in the world, thinking to myself. I ran on the soft grass toward Zelda. Staring at the white door, my hand touched the metal handle. CLICK, CREACK! Slowly I opened the door shivering. Whoosh, a big breeze shot out, I put my hands in front of my face. Quickly, I took a step in, with Zelda behind me. I could not believe my eyes, right in front of me was a whole new 28

world. Looking around I saw hills, small towns, trees of all kinds, but no animals in sight, or people. Surrounding the area was, mountains. Looking up I saw griffins flying around doing flips and spins. “You seeing what I’m seeing Zelda?” speaking shocked, “Sure am!” Quickly I hesitated, “Did you hear something Zelda?” I asked looking down at her “Nope, did you?” I couldn’t believe it, Zelda could talk. “AHHHH!” both of us screamed. “What, what, what, what, you can talk?” asking very shocked. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I!” I fainted right on the spot. Slowly my eye lids opened, it has felt like an hour since I fainted. Looking around, griffins where all around me, staring at me with confused eyes. I got up slowly, “Were am I?” asking weakly. “You are in the kingdom Clamera!” Speaking in a very sweat voice. I stood up, “Who said that?” I asked impatiently, “Me!” A human princess came right up to me, she wore a big gold crown, cute black high top boots, with a white and black cape, also a tight white dress. I bowed down, for their majesty is the ruler of this place. “My Princess, may I have my cat back?” asking in a proper way. “Of course you can, but first you must tell me your name, and were you’re from!” she asked seriously. “My name is Julien, and I am from Earth!” answering immediately. “Very well, thank you, hear is your cat!” she said nicely ounce again. “Earth what a horrible name!” the princess whispered as stormed out of sight. Then all of the Griffins flew off into the beautiful sky. Wow what a crank, I thought to myself. “That was so cool!” Zelda yelled, “And I forgot you could talk!” I started to run to the door. “Come on Zelda!” I screamed behind me. “Way ahead of you!” she yelled back. I looked behind me, Zelda wasn’t there. I looked forward, Zelda was already there. That cat, I just don’t know how she does it, thinking to myself. I stood in front of the white door. CLICK, CREACK! Slowly I opened the door, then stepped in. A big breeze hit my face, putting my hands in front of me. Slowly I opened my eyes, I was still on the ground, also on the huge hill. “Whew it was just a dream!” saying in relief. Looking back to when to when Zelda spoke was really weird. I felt really proud and excited by the dream. Looking to my right, Zelda was right there. Quickly I got up and looked down, from the hill. Sadly the white door with turquoise windows, was still there.

Adventure Upon The Arctic Owen Brown, Grade 6

The whispering sound of the wind splashing against my face was a bitter feeling. My face felt as cold as an ice cube. I thought to myself, “Will I survive?” I couldn't see a thing. “I think I'm lost. I will never find my way back to camp.” I tripped and fell in the snow. I couldn't feel anything in my body, all I could feel were my toes. My hat was covered in snow. The snow was starting to melt and dripped on my straight, short brown hair. I saw some trees in the distance, I ran up and hit my head on a tall branch, “I wish I wasn't 6’4’.” I started to cry, my tear drops started to freeze and one of the frozen drops got in my big brown eyes. “Ow”. I got back up and my big nose that looked like a beak, was red and so was my butt chin. I couldn't feel both of them. The arctic was very icy and cold. there wasn't a lot of trees there but there is some wild life. But the thing I really came for is Santa Claus, “I have a good feeling he’s out here, I just know it.” Just then I see lights in the distance, I start carefully walking towards them. In the corner of my eye I see a small like ficer I yelp “Who goes there?” Suddenly a minute creature pops out in front of me I yell “AHHHHHHHHHHH!” “What is wrong with you?” “You gave me a heart attack!” I couldn't believe my eye, the figure that popped out in front of me. It was an elf. “Maybe it is one of Santa's elves?” I thought. I stuttered, “w-w-what’s your name?” “Jingles, what’s your name?” he exclaimed. “My name is Bobo,” “Well hi there Bobo”. “I got one question for you, Jingles, do you work for Santa?” “Of course I do silly, who else will I work for?” I was so amazed I knew Santa was real. “Hey Jingles do you think I could see Santa”? “I don't know he is very busy.” If I can see him he could help me get home. Also, I want a picture with him to prove that he is real. Jingles sighed, “Ok I will try to get him for you.” “Thank you so much.” Jingles and I went into Santa’s workshop. There he was in his office wearing a red suit and a red hat with a pompom on top of it and a black belt with a golden buckle. Jingles hollard “Santa there is someone here to see you!”

Mr. Maitland Sophie Tomsha, Grade 6

He helps me with my shooting hand. At the games he gives me tips. I hope none of our players falls and trips.

Johnny Hockey Tyler Chicoyne, Grade 6

On the ice he is so cocky. Games have been won a ton, and everyone has fun!

Scooby Doo the Lake Monster Adam Keirle, Grade 6 (Intro Song) Scooby dooby doo I love you it's time to solve mystery now.(I don't know the rest of the song) and yes I remember parts of the song. (Spooky voice) There once was a terrifying monster it was called the lake monster. (Keep the spooky voice) There was explorer called Bare Grills. He was going to the lake that the lake monster rested in. It was really thick fog and the lake monster was lurking the depths of the lake. Bare Grills had his flashlight on. The lake monster caught the light. He swam up to the top and he pered through the mist of the night. He got closer and closer until he saw the lake monster. The four foot five monster stood up and Bare Grills ran as fast as he could. The helicopter was waiting. He got in and left that dreadful place. He immediately called Scooby. They were all sick except one Scooby. He refused to do it they said that they would give a scooby snack. He still said no. They said they would give him ten scooby snacks. The first word that came out of Scooby’s mouth was yes. Scooby did not know how to drive so he took a helicopter to the unknown Island. It was scary for Scooby. As soon he got there Scooby got really scared. He went looking around. It was foggy. The moonlight shined upon the dirty water. It was dim very dim. It was hard to see. The trees were half dead the plants were half dead. Everything would a little bit of green but then you would see grey and black. Everything was dark. Thorns were on the ground the dead plants were on the ground. Scooby started to explore, and as he started to get close to the lake he felt a shiver going down his back. He looked around wondering what had made this place so dirty. The only thing he could see was fog. He wanted to make a trap but he did not know how to make one. He tried but it just fell apart. Scooby went walking around. He somehow found a way to make a trap. It was bad but that’s all hes got. He thought how am I going to find this beast? Scooby pulls out a flashlight shines it around then all the sudden the monster pops out and started chasing Scooby. They ran and ran and ran. Until Scooby found his trap. Gushingly he jumped. Scooby missed the trap but the lake monster did not. Scooby was proud of his cach. Dafney gave Scooby her phone so he can send her a photo of the monster he did just this is how the message looked. DrAfNeY DotY UO LiKe M Y pOhTo. Now remember he’s dog. I'm pretty sure this is what he meant to say. Dafney do you like my photo. Now as Scooby Doo approached the edge he yelled, scooby doobee doooooo!

Lost in the Dead Sea Ainsley Lumsden, Grade 6 It was the day my wife and I had to leave for aunt becky's Wedding. This was the 4th time she was getting married. “Honey did you lock the door.” Jessica said. We got in the car but it would not start. “This dumb car wont start!” “I bet Jessica must be super mad about the car.” I thought to myself. We ended up calling a cab to take us to the airport. We were at flight check in and my passport was expired so my family went ahead of me to go to Dubai. I was walking to the passport center as I opened the door the handle felt like it hadn't been cleaned in years. Walking into the center I got a whiff of terrible scent of socks. Walking to the big, strong, scary man he was grunting heavily, he said the wait will be four hours till the process could start. I sighed because I was worried that it might take so long I’d miss my flight. I had no clue what to do. The man said they had some great muffins in the waiting room and also if I left my spot would be gone. I sat in the waiting room then I thought to myself “Where are my bags!” Then I soon realized that when I checked-in that my bags went on the plane so I was stuck with no clothes, no phone and no money. The big man finally called me up to the counter it felt like an eternity waiting to get my new passport. “It will be a day till you can use your passport.” Said the man. He also said I can go through all the security I just can't get in the plane. As I walked hopefully to flight check-in to at least get passed all of security and wait to get on my plane. They said that I had no l had no flight to Dubai and I had to make a flight, I tried to tell the lady that I needed to go to Dubai for my wedding and my family had already left. She didn't care. She said “The best I can do for you is book you a flight.” I was so relieved so I got my flight booked even though there was tons of connections. The only problem was I would not get to Dubai in time for the wedding. I had a plan to talk someone to get into the plane. As I walked down the light filled hallway I saw my cousin “Hey Lauren what are you doing here?” “I work here,and I'm going to terminal 24 to go catch my flight to Dubai.” she exclaimed. I thought to myself that “This may be my chance to get on to this flight and make it in time for the wedding.” “So could I come on this flight with you so you're not alone.” “Well I guess you could, but have you already gotten a flight for Dubai?” I knew that I would make it in time for this flight. I was thrilled to know that I would be on this plane with someone I knew, and that I would make it in time for the Wedding. We were walking down the hallway about to approach terminal 24. I saw everyone getting there getting their passports checked then Lauren said “Follow me I'm a flight attendant so we don't need to take our passports out.” All I could think about at that point was that I was really going to make it to Dubai, I would see my family soon. 33

We were on the flight and it was one of the cleanest planes I have ever been on. All of a sudden we were in major turbulence the captain said to get ready for an emergency landing in the Dead Sea. This plane ride started good and then went bad very fast. I knew I would never get to see my family, I would never get to the wedding and I would never see the world again. It was very hectic to get out of the plane everyone was freaking out, I was pretty chill the only thing I could think about was me making it to the wedding, I had missed the other 3 but this time I knew that I would make it there. Lauren kept saying to me that I had to stay with everyone I could not listen to her this was the one time I knew that I had to see my family and see aunt becky to get married in person not just on a computer screen on skype. I started to swim I knew that it was a long way and that I would not be a part of any record books but I would live to see the rest of the world. I started to see Dubai I knew I would be there shortly I felt so joyful but I knew that my wife would ask why I did not text her or call her but that was the least of my worries. I got to the shore and I saw people looking at me like I was crazy. Someone offered to drive me to where I needed to go. I took the offer not thinking ahead of what the consequences were the man ended up being very kind and helped me out. I said thank you and left. I got to my wife’s hotel room and the kids were super excited to see me, and of course the very first question my wife asked me was “why didn't you text or call me.” “Well I have a story to tell you.” we were ready for Aunt Becky's wedding I was happy I would be there for her wedding this time. Now whenever I am about to go on a trip I will make sure that everyone’s passport is not expired.

It Came From the Sky! Elijah Staley, Grade 6 It was a normal day, just like any other day. Until it happened. It Came From the Sky. Everyone ran out of their homes. Mom and dad were wondering what everyone was looking at, until they saw it fall. It was a blue whale! I was 15 when the last whale hit New York, the second hit Canada. Then Africa, then we knew… this wasn’t going to stop. To stop whales, we needed to a whale of our own, the Whale Man was born. The Whale Man had the strength of the blue whale. But… only certain people can have whale blood. But that’s when, one little boy… was born with whale blood. His name was Zach. Zach was half blue whale, half man. Zach knew what he had to do. Zach was 13 when the last whale hit their city. There were dogs, and people running for their lives, everyone except Zach. Zach just stood there watching whales crashing into buildings, falling to the ground. Zach suddenly had an idea, Zach was going to trap all the whales onto a giant rope, and then he was going to take them to the ocean, where they belong. Zach ran back into his house, and grabbed his bike. Zach rode to all the whales, rapped them into a rope, and dragged them to the next whale. 12 years later, Zach was almost done. Zach went to every part of the world, dragging whales, on his bike. After another 6 years of rapping ropes around blue whales, he just needed one more whale. Finally he got to the last whale in Vancouver. He rapped the last rope he had on the whale, and dragged it across the world, to Hawaii. After 2 years of biking, and dragging more than 1,000,000 million blue whales, he finally got to Hawaii, where he was going to drag then into the deep sea, where they belong. Suddenly when he touched the water, his feet turned into flippers, whale flippers! Zach ran for his life into the deep sea, and he kept turning into a whale. Zach untied the rope as fast as he could. Zach fully got the whales out. But all the whales just stood there, looking at him. I was surrounded by blue whales! I looked around, then looked at myself. I was a blue whale! My entire body has changed into a blue whale! I thought for a moment, “If I am a whale, nothing can hurt me, I am the biggest animal alive! I would love to be a blue whale!” I knew I was going to have a much better life with these whales. I tried to say “I’m not human anymore right?” I heard myself, I didn’t talk like a human, and I talked like a blue whale! I twirled in excitement! All the other whales said “No, you’re one of us now. And thanks for everything.” I could understand them! I was so happy! I knew nothing would ruin my life again.

THE END

Fishing Cole Garcia Reder, Grade 6 Hey Bob do you want to have a challenge? Sure what is it? Who can catch the biggest fish and eat it. We can buy a boat so we can go in to the deep parts of the sea gooooo! The first fish that I cot was a rally big fish but John coat a bigger one so I use that fish to cot was huge but John did the same thing that I did and he cot a baby shark. And know it was night time good night good night yawn time to win this thing the next day I cot a white shark and John cot a baby sperm whale. Day 2 I cot a killer whale and John cot a teen age sperm whale day 3. I cot an adult sperm whale and John cot humpback whale and then I cat teen age blue whale. Day 4 John cot a 98 foot blue whale and as I thought he beat me I cot the largest blue whale in the world it was 199 exact and is was only a teen so we let it get to full size before racing home and its final size was 300 feet. I tamed the blue whale so he swam to shore and I jump on my bike and road for 15 hours before getting on our street and it took 3 days to cook all of it and then it took 2 months to finish it but I still won. And I was a world record holder for over 50 years on till someone fond a new species called gumball and there length can reach up to 500 feet is the largest one fond. So I am 80 years old and I’m looking for the biggest fish ever. It took 10 years to find it but I have found the biggest fish and new species called the blue gumball. It is a mixed between a blue whale and a gumball whale it can reach up to feet 1000 and it is a predator Year 3000 Bob dies. THE END

Jaylah Lawson, Grade 7 36

The Messy Kid Jordan Leischner Grade 6 Ding, Ding went the bell, school was out for the day. I was so scared, today was the day that a girl named Jennifer who was bullying me, wanted to meet me, and if I did not come she threatened me, that she would tell the principal that I stole her phone, when I did not she was going to lie. I made my way over to where our meeting place was, when I got there she had a whole crowd standing there and when she saw me this is what she said “well, well, isn't it the little punk who came a long after all”. I just stood there then out of the corner of my eye I saw something, I was not sure if I was seeing things but I was scared. then I realized I was not just seeing things Jennifer said to me “stand there or you do not want to see the rest of your life”, so I went over to the big, big, big, mud puddle with worms and poop in it, and then Jennifer said get ready to get drenched in disgusting mud, count to three one two three I counted. Then she reached out to push me but guess what happened? I stepped to the side and instead of me falling in she fell into the mud pile face first and all the people in the crowd who came to watch started laughing so hard they started to cry. When Jennifer came up she was all covered in mud the only thing that showed was her eyes and mouth. She was so mad she was the most popular girl in school and she just got embarrass in front of all her friends. Her best friend Susan took her inside to get washed up. The next day Jenifer did not feel so good so her mom took her to the doctor, there was a long wait it took two hours for the doctor to see her then finally they saw him and he said she had a rare case of a tapeworm which means there is a worm in your stomach that wraps around your intestines and eats your food in your body, and to get the tapeworm out you have to have surgery. The doctor said how you get tapeworms is in dirty mud. Jenifer was so mad she felt like punching me in the face. Jennifer's mom booked a surgery so Jennifer could get the tapeworm out of her body. The next day when Jennifer went to school she walked up to me and can you guess what she said? You little brat what is wrong with you? You were the one who was supposed to fall in the mud but I sacrificed my body instead of yours, so someday a will get you back and the worst part is that now I have a tapeworm in my stomach and I have to get surgery to get it out. I’m sorry, it all your fault you’re a jerk. I stood there in wonder, what was going to happen to me next? Then all of a sudden something happened to me and I was so shocked all of Jennifer's friends came running to me and said to me nice one. That was funny, we have not seen Jenifer get embarrassed like that and we are happy that happened to her. Do not let her get into you like that, just ignored her and I promise she will not get you in trouble because we are on your side now. I said thank you and they left and I left. Two months later, Jennifer got her surgery and from the day that Jennifer's friends came to talk to me she left me alone for the rest of my life. 37

The Hike Kayden Baker, Grade 6 ‘’Come on Jeff, let's go on a hike!” said my friends, John and Patrick. I said “great idea!” As we were walking I could see a massive bridge it was super long. I couldn’t see to the other side because there was big thick mist it was kind of like the rain forest. “John! Patrick! Let's go! Come on! Let’s see what’s on the other side of the bridge. Don’t you want to know what’s on the other side of the bridge?” Once I got to the other side my friends were too afraid to come along. I was thinking those guys are chickens! As I was standing on the other side, I could hear a massive roar! It was ear piercing. Then right in front of my own eyes, my friends tumbled and vanished, the bridge had suddenly collapsed. “JOHN!! PATRICK!!” I screamed. I had a terrible feeling that my friends were gone, but where did they go? My mind was racing, what just happened? Before I could think of anything else I saw the biggest treehouse appear right in front of me. Wow, this treehouse is huge, there was another loud roar beneath my feat. The ground started shaking it really scared me, what is that I thought? That was the second time that I have heard that roar. I was standing at the base of the tree house. All of a sudden I hear big, loud, heavy footsteps, I thought that must be Godzilla. Even though I have never seen Godzilla before I am sure this was him. Godzilla’s head was right in front of me. I was shaking so much that my hat was trembling on my head. I had to think of something quick to try and save myself, I decided to play dead. I fell to the ground and did not move a muscle. I always play dead I know I am really good at it. Suddenly, he grabbed me by my shirt and that scared me even more. He lifted me high into the sky. He spun me around and flung me as though I was a rubber chicken. Finally he put me down. I heard an even louder roar than the first one, he didn’t notice me and I was able to quickly run up into the tree house thinking that this would be a safer place than standing right in front of him. What am I going to do now? Wait! I now see 2 huge hairy monsters, through the window of the treehouse. I thought to myself they must be siblings, because they started to fight and argue. Then it seemed as though one of the Godzilla’s was trying to save me. How could that be? That’s all wrong, I must be dreaming. Out of nowhere the Godzilla’s fall over “bam” they’re dead. As they hit the ground I could feel the earth beneath my feet shake! I decided to go home and I walked across the bridge hoping it was safe, I sure hope I don’t vanish like my friends. That scared me for the rest of my life. It was a long walk home. I sure hope I will never see what I saw today again the next time I go on a hike.

The Beginning of the End Nick Roessel, Grade 6 I stand there, frozen, looking up at the giant ship above me. Its engines roaring and its cannon building up energy. I hear people screaming in the background and my brother shouting at me to run, but I can’t. She’s gone, my mom’s gone. I can’t ever get over that, but it’s not just that, the world’s coming to an end. I always knew it would happen, just not like this, not with people screaming and buildings falling over like dominoes. Not with an alien invasion. As a young kid, I always believed in aliens, I had seen so many movies where the super hero would come in and save the day, but where was our super hero now? Just as the cannon finished building up energy, it points it right at me. That's when I choose to snap out of it. I run like heck to the nearest not completely destroyed building. Behind me, I hear more people scream. The closest building just happens to be the Empire State Building, and lucky enough for me, there's my school bully beating up my best friend. He always does it, but why now, so he could do it just one last time? That’s stupid. I run over to him and tackle him. I don't really care about the rest of the people in there watching me beat the bully up, I just want to protect my friend. Once I’m done with him I turn around to look for my brother, but I don't see him. Then I see him herding the rest of the people in here, that’s him, the most heroic brother ever. He gets everyone in and then steps in himself. “Get everyone to a safer spot, I’ll tell the government my plan.” “Wait!” I yell right before he leaves, but it's too late, he's already gone. I see him run as fast as he can before he turns a corner and is out of sight. I hope that's not the last time I ever see him. “Yo, everyone.” I yell, “I know that you're all scared, I am too, but we can live through that fear, all you have to do is follow me. I walk through the crowd towards the back door. Then I yell at everyone to keep up. My best friend, Eli, is right beside me. We need to find bigger and better shelter, fast. I tell him. We take the allies through the broken down buildings so the invaders can't see us. At one point a small group of probably alien scouts come along, but we were ready for them, we were much larger in numbers and half of us had guns. Hey, that's America for you. Within hours we found a giant work building that only had the top destroyed. We got everyone inside quickly and then shut the door. All the people found a place to sit and rest for a while until we had to move. We couldn't stay in one place for long otherwise they could come and find us. We got a group to be first watch, I would be in the second group. I easily fall asleep but am awakened later by someone shaking me by the shoulder. “Is it morning already?” I ask. And then I remember that it's my turn for watch duty. “Do I have to?” I moan. “Yes you do, sleepy.” Eli says. “Fine, if you insist.” I groan. I get up slowly and go to the door with the rest of my watch group. I turn around to see if Eli needs anything but he's already passed out on the floor snoring. A few times I almost fell asleep while on watch but my group members kept me awake. We surround the room all facing outwards towards the danger. A few times a scout group of aliens came by but didn't see us because we hid. Finally my watch group time was up and I went back to my sleeping area, except I couldn't sleep. The sounds outside of the buildings getting bombed, the sounds of all the people screaming for help, the people I couldn't save them because I wasn't good enough, because I didn't even try. 39

After what felt like hours, but was probably only a few minutes, I finally went to sleep. Usually I didn't have dreams, but tonight I did. I was upstairs in my bedroom playing on my iPod when my mom called me down, my mom, just the sound of her voice made me cry, even if it was just a dream. I rushed downstairs to find pancakes ready for me on the table. In minutes they were down my throat and in my belly. All though I couldn't actually taste them because it was a dream, it still felt good to eat them. A few minutes later I heard a faint buzzing that was getting louder by the second. In minutes it was so loud it hurt my ears, and then it stopped. There, right in front of me, was a giant warship. I knew that it was the alien ship that would destroy everything, but I couldn't control myself, my mom was frantic and was telling that everything would be okay. But I knew by the look in her eyes that she was lying. Then she told me to destroy it, and to make sure that they didn't come back, but I didn't know what she meant. My brother was already telling us to go, but I wouldn’t budge. Seeing all those people out there dying right before my eyes, it was just too much for me. One of the aliens that jumped off the ship met my eyes. He raised his gun and fired. My mom jumped in the way just in time to save me, but now she was gone. “No!” I screamed, this was all my fault, all because I wouldn't move. She's dead because of me. The alien screamed that she was a traitor, which she didn't deserve to live, that no one did here. It all happened too quickly my brother pulling me away, my mom whispering her last words at us to run, my brother shouting at me to wake up, wait, to wake up? And then my eyes snap open, breathing hard, back to the present. Eli stands above me, shaking my shoulder. “You okay, buddy?” everyone else in the room stares at me like I’m crazy. “Bad dream?” someone in the crowd asks. “I've been having a lot of those lately.” “How’d you know?” I ask him. “You were screaming all night long yellin and hollerin the dang word NO.” “Sorry,” I mutter. “What time is it?” I ask nobody in specific. “Nine” somebody from the crowd yells. I jump up, “nine already.” I yell. “Anybody got a satellite phone I can use?” I say. Somebody tosses me one and I immediately catch and start typing in my brother’s number. It takes two rings before he picks up and I hear his voice. Thank goodness he's still alive. I don't know what I would have done without him. “Jason,” he says hurriedly. “I'm on my way to the pharmacy, meet me there, ok? I need to tell you something bring the others, I’ll be waiting.” Before I can say another word he hangs up and the lines cut off. I put the phone in my pocket and yell towards the crowd. “People, were going towards the pharmacy, to meet my brother, he has information on the aliens. I walk towards the door and the people follow me. I feel like such a leader right now. The only problem was that I didn't want to be a leader, but I guess in situations like this, people have to do what they've never done before. And if that means be a leader, then I’ll be a leader. We pass all the broken down buildings on the way there and finally we come to my house, I take a brief second to look at it before walking again. I know that my mom is in it and that thought terrifies me, but I live through it. I reach the pharmacy in minutes and when I get there I don't see my brother. But then I do. He steps out from the shadows of the demolished building, but not how I expected. He stand with two aliens pointing guns at his back, ready to fire at a moment's notice. “Say your last words, boy.” Says the alien on the left. “Run Jason, run. Get to the safe zone as quick as you can.” and then he gets pushed away. “RUN,” he screams at me one last time, “Run before it's too late.” I can't move, frozen in fear, staring at my last family member get pushed away by aliens towards his doom.

I had seen this before with a few other people, but I didn't know it would happen to my brother. One person in the crowd charges at the aliens shouting a battle cry but the aliens easily shoot him down. They could probably shoot us all down if they wanted to, I wonder why they don't. After they've gone, I try to regain my senses. My brother said to get to the safe zone, what safe zone? Then from all around me a voice comes out from hiding speakers in the wall. “Attention, citizens. All people remaining please come to the safe zone immediately. It is near the Empire State Building. You will see it when you get there.” At first I don't understand what the voice meant but then I do. We have to go to the empire state building. I think everybody else already understood because there already headed that way. I follow them with Eli right beside me. “Hey,” he says, “do you think that everybody's going to make it through this?” “Yes.” I reply. “I don't.” he says. We were silent the rest of the way there. I see the safe zone before we even get to the Empire State Building. It's a giant silver metal dome with one giant door and people pouring in through it like it's their only hope of surviving, which it probably is. Half of the group is already running towards the giant door. I follow them. Eli follows me, like he always does, and by the time we reach it, half the people are already in. I look around one last time before asking Eli to follow me as I walk up to the giant dome door. Apparently the guards are splitting us up into groups of maybe twenty five each. “I guess we better follow the rules,” I say to Eli. We stay together as we walk towards the guards at the front gate. We get in line as one of the guard’s numbers us from one to twenty five. The only problem is that I’m number twenty five and Eli’s behind me. “You can go,” the guard says to me. Eli tries to follow me but the guard holds him back. “Um, Mr. Guard,” I say, “he's with me.” I motion towards Eli. “Sorry,” the guard says, “But you too will need to be split up for now.” “I’m not going anywhere without him.” I say. Eli tells me to just go, and to not cause any trouble, but I don't listen. “Sir.” the guard says. “Please go, I don't want to cause any trouble here.” “Me neither,” I say. But I don't budge. After a while of me staring him down, he pulls out his walkie-talkie and calls for backup. I honestly don't care. After about two minutes his, “Backup,” comes in. Apparently, his “backup,” is only two other men. They look big and tough, but usually in movies the big guys end up losing. Let’s see if they lose now. First they tell me to move, but I still don't. So they come towards me. As one of them tries to grab my arm to drag there, I try to punch him in the face. That doesn't work out very well. With his other arm he grabs my punching hand and twists it. I scream. The man decides to drag me the rest of the way into the dome, literally. I kick and punch but that does nothing. I take one last look at my friend before rounding the corner. I yell at him, “This is not the last time I will see you, Eli!” and then he's out of sight, hopefully not forever. The guard lets go of my hand and I try to run back, but there’s too many people. After what felt like an eternity of searching, I hear the large metal doors of the dome close. Then it happens. It's like I just walked through a wall of fire. People scream and everybody around me is disintegrated in seconds. Why not me? I feel the searing pain on my right side, and a shard of glass is stuck in my thigh. But that's not what hurts me most. It's the impact. It hits me like a hammer. I'm pretty sure that it takes me straight through the wall of the dome. I must have landed in water because I hear a loud “SPLASH.” I can't feel anything and I'm pretty sure that every bone in my body is broken. Then there's something under me, caring me to the surface. I'm surprised that I’m still awake, but then the nausea washes over me and I’m asleep. I hope everybody's not gone, I think. The end, or is it just, the beginning…

The Swim Meet Gone Wrong Sasha Toews, Grade 6 I heard the horn and I dove into the pool at Master's Academy my heart racing and the cold water splashing me. The announcer said “This was the 20 annual div 2 masters swim meet.” I was in the lead by about a stroke. Freestyle is my best stroke so it didn't surprise me at all, my second best is a distance event. It's an 800 IM. I could hear the screaming and cheering. We had already done 250m I kept thinking only 50m to go then something strange happened. My flipturn was slope and I couldn't bring myself to do a world class finish. My arms ached and I was very dizzy. My legs stopped moving and I started drowning. I could hardly breath the lifeguard jumped in and grabbed me. The ambulance got there and everyone started crowding around and there was a news station there. I still couldn't move or breathe, everything went black... The next thing I know I was in the hospital. There were nurses and doctors running around. My mom and dad were sitting on a chair beside me weeping “what happened, I can't move what’s wrong with me?” I whispered. Mom said “honey i'm so sorry you have a very rare diseases in kids, that parilises you and is very deadly. It's called parkinson's disease.” “They stopped the meet just for you, if it make you feel any better” said dad trying to lift my spirits. The next day my aunt, uncle, grandma, and grandpa came to visit. I got a lot of gifts and hugs. Then my heart rate started slowing and all the alarms started going off that monitored my heart. Nurses and doctors came rushing in and had to use a defibrillator to start my heart. It was the day I got out of the hospital almost 6 months later and I was so excited. They called me the miracle I was on T.V like 100 times and there were medical journals written about me. I still remember the swim meet. I was still paralyzed but it wasn't that bad so I decided to be positive. The kids at school said “I was stupid and ugly”. I wish they didn't say those things. 3 years later I moved my pinkie but I’m not getting better. I wish I was getting better.

Portable Planetarium Visits Rundle Academy Ellie Mogan, Grade 6 By Sir Arthur of Rundle Academy, RA (Rundle Academy) News On April 6, a giant dome filled the fine arts center to show what the night sky looks like and how the constellations and moon move. Last week the grade 6’s went on an in-school field trip to the Astrodome. Who knew a walk down the hallway would take you to outer space and back? Their teacher for this was Mr. James Durbano who said, “I never lose joy in teaching kids the wonders of outer space.” The purpose of this is to inspire kids to learn more about space. Kate Holt a grade 6 student said, “The planetarium was so inspiring, it made me want to be a scientist.” Avery Bruce another student continued to say, “The experience was unforgettable.” The grade 6 students have told me people have not been to the moon in 45 years, wow! They also said they went in to learn about constellations, the seasons, objects in the sky and moon phases. Sam Stephen also commented, “Did you know meteors have 4 names!?!” They watched a video about the Google Lunar X prize, saying Google is offering $30,000,000 to the first team to land a rover on the moon then have it travel 500 meters at least and send back pictures. If you want this 12 foot high dome at your birthday or school call (769) 587- 6666. If you attend Rundle Academy you should book for a trip to space in the astrodome.

Lara Smith, Grade 11 43

Dark Dragon Kate Holt, Grade 6 One miserable day I went hiking in a forbidden part of an island. It then started to pour and I rushed into a huge creepy cave on the side. Near the end of the cave appeared to be a huge mindblowing creature. My hands started to sweat and legs begin to shake. This creature was 20 feet long with the body bigger than 2 blue whales. The creature had blue and purple scales all around, and great big horns sticking out on the side of its head. It had red, cold, deadly eyes with massive wings bigger than a skyscraper touching the roof of the dark cave. As I came closer, it roared and shook the whole ground. I could then see the huge monstrous teeth sharper than 30 knives pointed at me. I couldn't believe it! The huge beast opened its wings and flew off in the rain. I never saw it again!

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Everyday life Lev Markin, Grade 6 I’m always in a learning space While I run in gym I’m looking at my shoelace While I was in art class I painted a bass When I’m home my mom always gives me sass.

Isaac Nield, Grade 9

Lantern

Waves

Aidan Berkhold, Grade 6

Sam Stephen, Grade 6

Dim

Crashing constantly

Lantern

Moving swiftly toward the land

Dying out

Surging energy

Flickering up Gone

Sewer Whale Avery Bruce, Grade 6 One day a boy named Peyton was delivering the local paper riding on his bike when all of a sudden “UUUUUUAAAAAOOOOOO!!!!!!” Peyton was so startled by the sound that he fell off his bike. With scraped elbows he still had enough strength to prevent his bike from falling down on him, because he had super powers. Super strength to be exact. Let’s just say he got the super powers from a mysterious bug that bit him. Then the sound came again “UUUUUUAAAAAOOOOOO.” Peyton looked around to try and make out where the sound was coming from, but couldn’t. Then he heard a big slash behind him, which Peyton found odd since he was in the city of Hawaii and not near the ocean. He turned around and saw the manhole. He walked over to the manhole and crouched down on his knees. He leant his face down and peered his crystal blue eyes to meet the little water bottle sized hole. He shook his head and whispered to himself, “I can’t see anything.” He jolted his head up, took his glasses off his face, and cleaned the lenses. He slipped the neon red glasses back on his face and kneeled down again. He looked through and saw it, a huge whale!!!! Peyton was stunned by the blue grayish whitish whale, with two 11 year old sized brains for eyes and scrapes all over its back. “How did it get down there he thought?” Without warning a voice barked behind him. “Hey kid what are you looking at?” Peyton recognized that voice, it was the mayor. “Ohhh no!” thought Peyton. “If he finds out there’s a whale in the sewer he will probably shoot it. Peyton shot his head up and turned around and cried “Hello Mr. booger I mean Mooger.” “What are you looking at down there” Mr. Mooger said. “I am…..dropped my watch down the hole.” He exclaimed, “Okay then,” Mr. Mooger said. Mr. Mooger turned around slowly and started to walk when “UUUUUUAAAAAOOOOOO.” Mr. Mooger came running back pushed Peyton to the ground and looked through the hole. “That darn whale is back” he cried out. “What?” Peyton thought he pushed himself up and screamed to Mr. Mooger “What do you mean the whale is back?” Mr. Mooger turned around and said “ that whale has always been in that sewer every time around July, so me and my work team have to go down in the sewer and splash him with water or else he’ll die but not this time, this time I am putting its life to an end.” Peyton’s heart stopped beating for a millisecond. “That whale will be dead tomorrow morning” Mr. Mooger shouted. “No he won’t," whispered Peyton. Peyton hopped on his bike and peddled as fast as his legs could go. When he got to his condo he hopped off his bike and up the stairs. He ran through the kitchen and into his room. “Ohhh my," thought Peyton. "How am I going to find anything in this mess!" he exclaimed. There were clothes on the ground, robot toys in his fish tank, his covers on the carpet, and his underwear in his pillow case. Peyton started lifting clothes everywhere and dumped out his boxes of stuff when finally he looked on his wall and saw it his board with wheels, his skateboard. He ran to the garage and got his rope “I am ready.”

At 5:00 am Peyton snuck out of his house. Peyton had gotten on his bike and was going to the sewer. Peyton had finally got to the sewer when the sun was starting to rise so he opened the manhole and threw his bike and skateboard down the sewer. Then “booom, crash” The bike and skateboard hit the ground. Then out of nowhere Peyton jumped through the man hole!!! “BOOOM OOWW!” Peyton was in the sewer beside the whale. Peyton stood up and dust off the icky dirt. He made sure that he didn’t touch the blood on his knees. He ran to his bike and skate board and put it in front of the whale. He shuffled towards the whale put his hand out and put it on his lips. “I’ll make sure they won’t kill you” whispered Peyton. “UUUUUUAAAAAOOOOOO” groaned the whale. Peyton felt like that was a thanks from the whale so he spoke whale back. “YYYYYOOOOUUUR WWWEEEEELLLCOME!!!!!!!!!!!” Peyton grabbed his skateboard and put it under the whale’s body, tied the rope to the frame, and onto his bike. He hopped on and started pedaling and “BOOM” his super powers had kicked in and he was pulling the whale!! Peyton kept pushing as hard as he could to get this whale to the ocean. They had gone through tunnels and heard toilets flushing from above them. When final Peyton could see an opening Peyton got off his bike and took the skate board out from under the whale and started pushing the whale by himself. When Peyton thought they were close enough to the opening he grabbed onto the whale’s tail and then “splash!!” The whale was free. Peyton swam up to the surface and rubbed his eyes and saw the whale heading towards home. “Yes!” Peyton cried. “I knew he wouldn’t die because of stinky old Mooger.” Peyton treaded water as he watch the whale swim off and then whispered “I can’t wait to see big blue next year.” The next day Peyton was on a walk. When he saw the manhole where big blue had been. In that moment Peyton head was filled with thoughts like “will big blue be okay? I hope he will be fine.” Then he stopped himself and said “It’s part of life.”

Joel Cormack, Grade 9

Kayden Hecker, Grade 6 Crunch, crunch. I chomped down on my breakfast. I was arguing with my sister who gets the bedroom to herself in the main room. The other person gets the dusty old attic. The only good thing about the attic is that there is a window. It couldn't be that bad, so me and my sister Athena started to climb up the rickety old staircase to the attic. Once we were up, I could barely breathe with all the dust flying everywhere like microscopic bugs. Then I felt something push me toward a chest. I yelled at my sister but she wasn't there. Then something really weird happened, the chest swung open with a big whoosh and a golden light started to blare in my eyes. I fell into the chest! It was almost like this chest was a bottomless pit. Until thunk! My back hit hard on something that felt like golden rocks. They weren't rocks they were coins. There must've been a couple million of them. A few seconds later, I saw something coming down straight above of me. I stood up and my back wasn't in pain at all, a split second later I dived out of the way when my sister landed right beside me. I helped her up and for the first time I started to look around me it looked like we were in a castle with no doors out and thick stone walls around me. There were two torches on either sides of the wall about 70 feet high. Then I see my sister reading something, and it was like an instruction manual. The paper said, find the special golden coin or you will stay here for the rest of your life!!! Then I heard something like a really loud bird cry. I read books about a fiction bird that sounded exactly like that. I think it is called a phoenix. Once I said its name the bird came swooping down from the sky like it was trying to catch a fish from the water. Then I saw something dangling around its neck. It was the coin we need to get out of here... I got an idea. I told my sister we have to knock down one of those torches, because the phoenix is attracted to the fire. So me and my sister both started to pick up some gold coins and chuck them at the torches, until kaboom! I hit one of them. But instead of the torch falling it went forward like a leaver and all the coins on the ground started to disappear. The phoenix landed on the ground right beside me and I saw that instead of the coin being on a string around its neck, it was on his chest. We hopped on the phoenix, and the next thing we knew, me and my sister were up in the attic again. Just then, I felt something poking me in my pocket, it was a little baby phoenix.

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The Magical Door Alexsa Zurowski, Grade 6 Walking through the salty waves with my 4 month old pet tortoise, Pixsy, I was delighted. The swift breeze was brisk and fresh. Pixsy, trotting around in the waves seemed to like it too. I threw her blue ball into the pure, clean sand for her to catch. Pixsy raced off as fast as she could, her shell wobbling as she ran. But just then in the distance where I dropped the ball, Pixsy saw something. I squinted at the sight of what looked like a door. I ran over to see what was over there. It was a door. Just a plain door just sitting in the sand. I picked up Pixsy as well as the blue ball and put the blue ball in my pocket. I held Pixsy in my arms. Curious, I pulled open the door handle. Inside there was a whole different place. I gasped in shock. “This is Antartica?” I asked Pixsy. Pixsy looked at me like I was speaking Japanese. Inquisitive, I ventured deeper into the chilly expanse of barren icy grounds with snow and mountains and evergreen trees with big blobs of snow on them. I let down Pixsy. Pixsy rolled in the snow like a dog trying to cool off. Come on Pixsy, let’s go adventuring. Pixsy sprang up from the deep snow and trudged with all her might to not fall down into the deep snow. Trekking in the deep snow, I thought I heard something. I abruptly turned around. But there was only silence. Pure, silence. Only the sound of Penguins in the far away distance chirping and the gentle sway of the trees. I kept on wandering, but just then the trees started to pick up pace and started to sway around harshly. The wind caught me off guard and knocked me to the ground. “Pixsy! Where are you?” I screamed over the Howling wind. I started searching through the snow trying to find her. Just then, I saw a yellowish brownish shell sitting in a big heap of snow. I raced over to the shell sitting in the snow. Pixsy shivered constantly. The trees started to tear around roughly. The wind felt like a gorilla was pushing me over. We need to find shelter I thought to myself. Fighting through the forceful winds, snow came whipping down fast and hail started to crash down harshly. The hail hitting my legs hurt like sand pricking you when sand is blowing. I at last saw a shelter with some rocks stacked up on a narrow entrance. I stepped down to the cave exhausted. I was so cold my whole body was numb. So numb that I could lie here forever. I felt like I had a thousand frost bites stinging with pain. Lying here motionless, the last thing I heard….. was the roaring winds ripping around like a blizzard. “Lick, lick.” I slowly opened my eyes. Pixsy was lying on top of me licking my hand. I petted Pixsy’s shell and set her on the ground. I sat up wearily, coughing. I pocked my head out of the shelter. It was a calm afternoon. There was debris everywhere. Leaves from trees were strewed all over the place and the snow was massively high. I then went under the den again and sat down. Pixsy nudged me up. “Ok Pixsy, your right, we do need to get out of here, I don’t disagree.” I heaved myself up. I picked up Pixsy and trudged out into the thick layer of fresh snow. The powdery snow was up to my hips. I progressed through the thick snow carrying Pixsy. I stepped onto a rocky platform. In a distance I saw empire penguins waddling around on an expanse of snow, some diving down into broken away ice. But right in the corner of the

penguin’s territory was a door, a door that was sitting in the corner of their territory. I then looked around me, the sky was getting darker. “Let’s go Pixsy, let’s get to the door before sundown.” “Rar!” said Pixsy what sounded like she was in agreement to me. We set off towards the door. A moment later I thought I heard something. I quickly turned around. There was nothing. I quickened my pace. Just then I thought I heard a rustle in a tree. I turned around again. I saw a slight rustle of a tree. I squinted at the tree. I saw an orange tail sweep by the tree. I started running. I checked behind me to see what it was and right behind me was a lion shaped body with two fangs hanging out of its mouth. “Ahhhhh!” I said and started to sprint as fast as I could. “Roarrrrr! The Lion shaped sabortooth yelled. Running with all I’ve got I took a sharp turn and to my delight I saw Emperor penguins waddling around. And I saw to door. I looked around, there is now other way I can go except into the broken-off ice pool of water. Holding Pixsy tight I immediately took a deep breath and leaped off the ground and dove into the water like a penguin. “Roarrrrr!” I heard under the icy cold water. Immediately after I heard a blur of what sounded like “Sqqqqquaaaak!” Just then there was silence. Feeling drowsy I started sinking. In a split second a penguin dove underneath me and carried me to shore. I lie motionless on the ground. I was shivering so much and felt like I was getting hypothermia. But just then I felt like I was warming up. I don’t know how, but I just was. I slowly sat up. I saw the northern lights glowing in the sky. Pristine colours filled the sky with greens, purples, reds, and pinks. It was dazzling with all the colours blended in the sky beaming down on me. Pixsy, on the other hand was mesmerized by all the colours in the sky. I slowly sat up and said to the penguins even though they didn’t know how to speak English I said, “Thank you for saving my life, I do appreciate it.” The penguins glancing up at the unique colours, peered up at me. I took one last glance up at the dazzling colours and sighed in exhaustion. I am so lucky to be alive, I thought to myself. If it wasn’t for the penguins scaring the sabretooth away I would have been eaten. I smiled with happiness. “Let’s go home Pixsy.” I put Pixsy down and headed for the door. Pixsy trotted over to the door and pushed on it. I turned the doorknob…… and I was in a tropical rainforest.

Junior High

Ari Bouma, Grade 9

Isaac Nield, Grade 9

Elizabeth Faircloth-Nunn, Grade 9 51

The Robin Elizabeth Hallgrimsson, Grade 7 I looked over my shoulders and the wind appeared to be playing with my strands of my burnt gold hair. My wings beat to perfect rhythm. One two three, one two three. The sun beats down on the world below me. I wish I could feel the wind. I wish I could feel the sun. Here's the thing. I’m dead. No, I will not tell you how it happened, there was too much pain. Too much death. I will tell you this. I’m trying to make my way to heaven, but going to heaven is not quite as simple as it sounds. You have to make a positive change in someone's life. Then again, being dead means no one knows you're there. It's lonely here on earth. When I died I followed my family wherever they went. That was ten years ago. I’m about to give up and let my spirit disappear. But before I give up and become nothing but the wind, I’ll go see my cousin on her ranch. If I’ve done my math right she will be twenty three. What will she look like? Will she have kids? Will she be married? I flew far towards the beautiful south of Alberta. The wind pulled leaves from the trees and summoned them to dance with me. The only friend I’ve had for ten years is the wind, the wind is good at many things. Keeping you from going insane from boredom is not one of them. In the shade of a crab apple tree I stood there, waiting for my cousin, Blue, to come out, so I could see her one last time. Blue came around the corner of her house stepping towards me. Her spirit looked hurt. It was no longer attached to her, lagging behind like it was too tired to continue. Robin?” Blue whispered,. “Tweet is that you?” My name is Robin but I would rather be called Tweet. “Blue?” I croaked out. “Yes it is me.” When you're dead there's no one to talk to so why waste your breath? “Tweet I can’t believe you're alive!” She ran towards me opening her arm into a hug. But instead of embracing me with her warmth and love she runs right through me. Blue turns round her eyes fill with tears, “You're not alive, are you. God didn’t send you back to me, did he?” “No,” I said regretfully, “I’m sorry`.” Blue turned to me her eyes filled with sadness and hurt. “Then you must be here to take me to heaven,” she whispered. “I don’t understand,” I said confused, my mind taking a while to reach the final destination on the thought train. She looked at me her eyes pierced my soul, burning it, my darkest secrets exposed to the light. “Tweet” she said, “I have only one month left to live. I have stage 4 melanoma cancer. It's terminal.” My eyes became a rain storm as tears streamed down my pale cheeks. They became drops of gold as the all too cheery sun cast its gaze upon my tasteless dead tears. “Blue, but… you were so healthy the last time I saw you!” I said my voice cracking. The world seemed to be crumbling around me, like a clump of dirt crushed in the hands of fate. I had just learned to accept my fate but. To have Blue suffer as I had would be like a hungry fire burning everything I had held sacred.

I would not let this happen I couldn't let this happen. So I would stay with her, until her… end. I will stay with her. Because, well she needed someone. I walk beside her as she walks to the cow pasture to check the cattle. She mounted the quad. It roared as she turned the key in the engine, like an angry beast awoken from its happiness to find itself in the real world. Sitting on the back of the quad I realised Blue had saved me, and maybe, just maybe, I’m saving her now too.

She lay there struggling for every breath. Her pale skin and sunken in cheeks made her look tiny in the sea of blankets around her. Her breath, raspy. She is maxed out on morphine but still lost to the pain. The girl I was seeing. The girl so close to death, She’s my cousin, Blue. “Mom,” she said to my aunt, “I need more morphine.” “Honey, you’ve already had too much,” my aunt responded, her voice cracking as she pressed the call button for the nurse knowing what my cousin would say next. “Mom, we both know I’m not coming out of the hospital this time,” Blue said, her eyes tearing up as she tried to smile. That's the thing about Blue, she always tries to be optimistic. As she says those word her heart monitor cried out. A deathing tone. Her eyes stared unseeing. My cousin was dead. And I had watched it in the corner of the room. Blue was now just a spirit. Like me. My poor auntie. I flew through the countryside trying to find my cousin. She would still be in pain because of her death. But there would be relief soon. And then, nothing. She would feel nothing. Trust me I know. There she is. Silhouetted against the sun. My beautiful cousin. My Blue. Sitting on a hay bale in my grandparents’ stackyard, on their ranch. She started looking over to me and I ran to her. She grabbed my hands and something weird happened. I could feel the wind. Then she hugged me. My brown wings, Robin’s wings, turned white as the fresh fallen snow. And we left for heaven together. *************************************************** Sky, Robin's Mother We had just put my niece in the ground. My sister in law sat across the room crying, and I knew how hard it would be for her. I had lost my little girl, Robin, ten years ago when she was twelve. I couldn't look at her any more. So I looked out the window. A small robin flew to her nest in a grand oak tree. A spring bird that my spring daughter was named for. Robin was born in July but she had the personality of spring; bright, cheery, happy. The Robin sat in its nest, a woven piece of art, and she laid a blue egg. . The End

Kidnapping of the Dead: An Excerpt Charlotte Warme, Grade 7 The brisk wind blew across the frozen grass lands. In the middle of the rocky cliff like field stood a boy of the age of 12. His name was Talib, he had dark messy hair green eyes and fair skin with rosy cheeks. The frosty wind nipped at his uncovered skin. A pearl of water slid down his face as he wept softly to himself. The tears froze to his chin and cheeks. He had been alone for what felt like hours in search of his parents. He heard a voice boom, “Talib!” He looked around but there was no one there. “Talib,” There it was again he thought but still no one there. “Talib,” the voice said but this time louder. Confused Talib swung his head around. He saw a large apparition far taller than any man or beast he had ever seen loomed in the distance. “H-hello, who are you,” Talib asked. The figure chuckled and answered, “Dry your eyes my boy I am the great Odin The god of knowledge.” Gasping Talib bent down on one knee and began to bow in respect to the god. Taken aback Oden Boomed, “Well boy would you like to find your clan or not?” Odin began to move forward toward the great wood of the east. Talib trudged forward ensuring not to fall behind Odin's impossibly long strides. Time went by as Odin and Talib stood at the edge of a forest. In the distance there was a stone beach were a girl no older than Thirteen sat. “Raina!” Talib called out running to the beach. The girl stood directly up. Wiping her eyes then she called out, “Talib is that you.” The two were arranged to be wed in the future and they were madly in love. The shock of seeing Talib again, well and alive overwhelmed Raina. “Talib the other boys came back from the hunt hours ago,” Raina scolded, pain crossed her eyes; thinking of loosing him. Talib looked deep into her eyes and told her of how Odin had lead him back to her.

Dogs Tess Sangwine, Grade 7 Dogs, no matter what you do to a dog they will always love you. They are the only things on earth that love you more than they love themselves. A dog will never judge you by your flaws, the way you look or sound. They only ever see your inner beauty which is the most important beauty. In my eyes, a dog is the most beautiful, and loyal creature on this planet. Always remember your dog loves you, please do the same in return.

Ode to Coffee Amanda Petti, Grade 7 Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve saved me on those 4:00am school nights that made me feel nauseous when I awoke. On those early morning practices when I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thrive and train on my own. Realizing, I became informed of how helpful you really are in the cruel and caffeine less world we live in. Battery acid, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you are, for me at least. Your steam in my face, warms my little heart in those bland and chilly mornings. Nervously, I wonder how on earth, I could go on without my sweet cup of cafe noir. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the ying to my yang, the pb to my j, my missing puzzle piece. You complete me. My strong and rich ink is what keeps me going all day long. You're my knight and shining armor. I love you with all of my might. You saved me in times when I needed a little pick me up. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been told before that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m way too young to be drinking java, but they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what they are missing out on, oh well more roasting, incandescent coffee for me đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x160;. When I was a young chap I thought this energy potion was disgusting, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so sorry for being so naive. Although yourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a growth stunting beverage, I still consider you the nectar of the goods. Ohhhh, how I love you, you're great, you know that? The way your dark colors and strong scent clash against my lifestyle is perfect for me. Thankyou for always being there for me. I Love You

Ode to Fanny Packs Jill Stephen, Grade 7 To know that I get to come home to you, my fanny pack, every day gives me the best feeling in the world. You have held my stuff for years in your stylish pouch of greatness. You have given me the best happiness weaved within your godly floral fabric. Even though you are a people repeller you are the best putter-inner in the whole world. I love how if I ever go anywhere and you are hugging my hip, I always get everyone in the room to stop and look at us. I heard one lady call me a lonely magnet. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just jealous. Every person in the world should have one of you. To even be in your marvelous presence makes me the luckiest person in the world. One of the many reasons that you are so holy is your floral design. It really brings out the color of your zipper. There is only one way to describe your presence. Flowery fanny front pack of serious class. Your looks are beyond compare. I am glad that you are in my life. To sum you up you help make me BOLD statement when I walk in the room. And your holy Superiorness has had a large effect on me. Herschel is the best, it is so much better than the rest. If you want a fanny pack today, Herschel is the only way..

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Ode to Guinness Henry King, Grade 7 There you are in the mud, sitting there staring stunned at the sticks and stones. Bewildered by anything that moves, or rings. Jumping and rolling, climbing and sitting. My companion, my friend. Hair mated with bugs, though you haven't been around long you have found a way into our family's hearts. We clean you when you smell of dirt and muck. You slash in the bathtub, and sleep in our way. You spread dirt with your grimy brown hair. your bright eyes gleam with light when you see a new toy. I see you running with friend, playing with neighbours, and fighting with stuffed animals. You are there when I call, then sit their disapprovingly staring. You teach me to watch my step at all times, because there might be a little tail under foot. My silent friend always there when we walk up to the door, but you turn loud when a rabbit walks by. We feed you, groom you, and play with you but you still can’t catch. You are there when I need you, you come when I call, and you always are there. To you, Guinness.

Ode To My Big Ol’ Cat Marco Proverbs, Grade 7 Every day there you are, setting in the front of the door as I come from a long day of school. Your 15 pounds of fur is as soft as silk you smiling savage. Your razor claws rip the couch as you give my mom a dirty look. I remember when you dashed across the yard to catch your first bird. Your belly swung back and as you ran through the grass before you smashed its poor head on the ground. They day we got you, you were a tiny, soft, cuddly, black and white cat, now you are the hunter, the quickest, and the king of the couch. You would have been the almighty cat lord if you weren’t so scared. Like the time you ran under the bed when lightning and hail came down, or the time when you met the water gun. But that doesn’t matter because you got the size. From head to tail you are more than 3 feet and you tower all little infants. Even no your huge, mischievous, fat, and you hog the couch you are still part of the family and you will always be my cat.

Ode to my Skates Tylar Knaus, Grade 7 You’ve saved me sprent passed girls that are 1000 feet taller than me. You’ve helped me dart passed firing rings. Your pointe blades give me the extra speed I need to win races. Your leathery plastic grins at me telling me to be amazing once again. “Vroom” cutting through the freshly made ice. You’ve helped me realize how much I love ringette. You take me everywhere I go through the breezy wind. The black leathery plastic really looks vibrant with my orange laces. You carry me everywhere, “whish” threw the air. Your brakes screaming at me telling me to keep going hard. I adore zooming along the flat cold ice creating marks along the moist dry ice. You make me feel free when the cold air goes down into my ringette gear. love the way your long laces buckle to my sweaty feet. Stomping on the cold hard ground as I race through the sky.

My Guinea Pig Danielle Khousakoun, Grade 7 Guinea pigs, loving and kind. Possessing amazing bubbly personalities They turn your frown to a beaming smile. Unbelievably furry coat comes in various colors to different shades and styles. Consumes colorful vegetables like strawberries, carrots, lettuce Vibrant colors red, orange, green - beautiful like the rainbow The healthy crops the piggies devour with joy Filling their heart with happiness and pleasure. Snuggling, my favorite thing feeling the warmth of my Cavy against my stomach warming me from the inside and out with its love and connection.

The Beauty Of Life! Shea Campbell, Grade 7 The sun, it shines, and with it so does my day. When the sun goes to sleep, so do I. The moon shines and lights up the night and makes it look less frightening. When the clouds cover the sky, lightning and thunder lights up the heavens above. My poor little dog, when the lighting strikes, she shakes and hides. When she comes to me, I help her be strong. When the clouds start to fade and the rainbow makes the blue jay blue skies shine, When the rain falls off the leaves of the tallest trees and off the most beautiful flowers, When you can’t hear anything but the sound of nature, When your eyes finally really open and see just how big the world really is, That is when you know you have a beautiful life.

Pick Your Poison Henry King, Grade 7

The pirate stood before me with his long wispy beard terrifyingly compensating the rancid smell that was radiating off of him. A small glinting tooth seemed out of place in his disgusting mouth yet his horrifying eyes appeared to make his grease stained jacket look nice compared to his gaze. The pirate was clothed in dark brown jeans that looked as that one day long ago they may have been blue. When a velvety red parrot flew down and landed on the man’s shoulder black eyes gleaming with every beat of its wings. As the pirate paced around me I felt as though at any time he was going to claim my life with the iron broad sword that was sheeted at his side. The all of a sudden the man spoke in a deep but raspy voice “pick your poison.”

My Encounter Antonio Tiberio, Grade 7 Dear Diary, As I tightened my goggles around my face I saw it. The bubbles. Bubbles rose to the surface of the water. I decided it was most likely just a fish so I dove in. The water was warm on my pale skin. I opened my eyes in the goggles. There she was… A living Human. How long had she been down there I wonder? She had patches of orange hair sticking out of her head. Her yellow eyes followed me as I swam away in fright. She reached her decrepit hand out at me but I managed to avoid her grasp. I surfaced and scrambled for the beach. What had I seen? I needed to see her again. I waded into the murky water. I put my head down to look. Her eyes were now shut. She wore nothing but a torn ball gown. She was most likely 6 or 7 feet under water. She opened her mangled mouth and a raspy sound and bubbles protruded from it. Her eyes opened in a flash. It gave me such a fright that I hoped out of the water and ran right to my room.

Alester September 8, 1957

Hammock Heaven Amanda Petti, Grade 7 Laying in a hammock I yawned, “Ahhh, this is the life,” whilst being interrupted by the crashing waves of the clear blue ocean smacking up against the warm sand. The vibrant yellow sun peeped through the lush palm tree leaves, “I’m in heaven” I thought as I dazed off. Refreshingly I felt the cool, gentle breeze brush past my skin. “Chirp, Chirp” the birds that surrounded me sang serenely, it was music to my ears. The crisp smell of the salty ocean water reminded me of when I was a little girl and would splash and play in the ocean all day. Lightly my long hair flew across my face as the wind kicked up, I love when that happens. As the hammock swayed back and forth in the smooth, yet gutsy wind I drifted closer and closer to being asleep. The soft sound of chirping canceled out the children playing and my eyes became heavy and my body became still. Laying on a hammock on the beach is and will always be my favorite thing.

Amy Vertanness, Grade 8 As I lay in my hammock I hear the waves splashing behind me. The sound of the hammock creaks back and forth. I can feel the gentle breeze glide though my hair as I listen to the birds chirping around me. The old hammocks netting rustles with the wind. As I look around I see two huge palm trees swaying in the wind. The smell of the ocean covers the air. The hot sun is beating down on my skin as I lay there in the hammock, quietly absorbing the fresh air around me. The hammocks light brown color shines as the sun beams down towards it. Gently, I turn my head to see the sky blue waves crash upon the shore. In the distance I see a sail boat gliding along the water ever so gently. I wondered who was on that boat and where they were headed. Turning away I lay flat on my back and slowly close my eyes. I picture fireworks shooting into the sky as the flash of color blinds my eyes in amazement. I picture myself and my family sitting on the sand on this wonderful night we are having. Suddenly my eyes opened wide. As I felt a huge gust of wind brush past my body. The hammock swayed back and forth. I felt like I was on a swing that was pushed high into the sky. I gazed at the waves crashing roughly on the shore. It sounded like thunder during a powerful rain storm. The waves began to crash louder. They looked so morbid as they hit the sand with a big bang. The sky was a perfect shade of blue. There was no cloud in sight. The stench of baloney suddenly gathered around me. Its rich powerful stench mesmerized me as I started to think about the rich piece of meat. The thought of a bonfire sparked in my mind. The smell of fire drifted through the air. I sat up and stared at the ocean shore in front of me

3 Year Old Toothbrush Ellie Woronuk, Grade 8 Picking up the first toothbrush I find out of my drawer, I drizzled water over it. Then, putting the toothpaste on my toothbrush, I open my mouth and starting brushing away. Bitter tastes come to my mouth, like old tea or last year's Halloween candy. My brother comes downstairs and stops when he sees me brushing my teeth. He stares at me and I wonder why. I spit out the toothpaste and ask him why he was watching me. “You know that toothbrush is three years old? That’s also my toothbrush,” he says disturbed. I look down at the toothbrush and stare in disbelief. Little brown hairs are peeking out of the bristles of the brush, chunks of what I think is baloney and weird stains that look like boogers. It smells of anything old and rotten. I wash out my mouth instantly. More tastes come to my mind like dog food or something absolutely horrible. I throw out the toothbrush and pucker my face. The thoughts of what my morbid brother has done to that toothbrush is sickening. My mouth literally tastes like vomit now.

Ode to my Supras Mary Medwid, Grade 8 Sweet, slick, sparkly Supras, you have carried me for the past year. I remember when I saw you sitting on the store shelf, so snug and comfy. I was so excited when I put you on my feet, and you wrapped your arms around my feet. Crash, bang, boom were the sounds we made together on my skateboard as we crack it again. Swing switch boggy, we danced around the kitchen floor. Tip, tap tippity toe! You were with me at the long school days. We went everywhere together, you were my constant companion. Now my dears, you lay under my bed worn and tired like an old dog past its glory days. Your laces are knotted and frayed, your sparkles are long gone, your soles worn through. I tried to revive you with generous glops of glue, but to no avail. You just didn’t have that spark. The gravel stabbed my feet through your paper thin soles. My mother threw you in the garbage. I retrieved you from that smelly bin, but Supras dear, I have to confess, it just isn’t working out. You have taught me that the simplest things can make you feel free, or that no matter what, all-good things can come to an end. May your souls be old and worn, but the memories we have are still fresh as day.

Ode To Zootopia JP Jakubec, Grade 8 Zootopia! Oh sweet Zootopia, you’ve brought me many joys but many tears. Some happy, some sad, but all I know is that with Zootopia, I have no fears. Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, my gosh how beautiful they are. I gaze upon my laptop for hours enjoying its stunning, sensational and stellar colours, coming alive before my eyes, gripping me with it’s emotion and stabbing my heart with love. The messages of the movie oh how incredible they are, brainwashing me with Nostalgia and warm feelings of childhood and love. I watch Zootopia and I feel I have more purpose in life. Judy Hopps you hippity hopped into my heart. You zip zop zoobity bopped into me like a like a harpoon going through a massive beast. Slam! My laptop closes and I go back to reality where everything is tiring and quick and won’t slow down. But then I watch it again and feel the emotion and the messages of the film resurrect me with happiness and hope. And to look forward in life, and to be a better person and not stereotype others. But above all, to try the hardest I can to succeed and Follow my Dreams. Whether I’m a teen or an adult, I will always love this film, not just for its loveable characters and incredible animation but for it’s incredible messages and Ideas about “making the world a better place.” I will always love Zootopia and respect all the effort that was put into it to making it an incredible film, THAT CHANGED ME.

Beautiful, Brilliant, Basketball Carson Ell, Grade 8 Basketball, Beautiful, Brilliant. What drives me to wake up each morning. It is my refuge, where I can forget the woes of the world. Nothing on the face of the earth can compare to the sound of the swish, swash, swoosh of the round, burgundy, pure leather, Spalding TF 1000 legacy rolling of my finger tips, flying through the air. My basketball has seen tears and smiles, blood and sweat, anger and happiness, but most of all, commitment. Forget all the people who laugh and the haters who hate, the devil on my left shoulder. For if everyone turns their back on me and laughs at me I know that there is always my best friend to turn to, basketball. It doesn’t speak- no that’s not true, it does, it does speak! It says to me every day, “You can do it!” Or “Don’t worry you will get it next time.” I work so hard for it and in return it gives me something priceless and that is HAPPINESS.

Ode to My Bike Jaxon DeJager, Grade 8 You have saved me from being late. Saved me from getting hit, tires screaming to a stop. The shocks bounce over the rocks. You’ve helped me get home in time before it rains. Your speed feels amazing. The tread on the tires sound like I’m riding a moped. You are a beautiful, breezy, bike. You’re a two-wheeler mountain rider. Ring! Ring! As I passed by a group of runners. Betty’s bike bell rang as she passed me. Squeegee! Squeegee! As my shocks supported my wheel over the rocks.

BOYS Soleil Huck, Grade 8 Why do they just date us for our looks? Don’t they see beyond? Don’t they see in me? We’re funny and smart. Why is that not important?

We don’t just notice them for their looks. We realize how weird and funny they are. Yet how kind they can be. We play and have fun and make jokes but... Still nothing.

We’re pretty and we can dress fancy. We’re amazing girls yet Still no notice.

I don’t know. Maybe they're just dumb or they don’t want to commit fully to the relationship, Or, maybe they're scared. 64

Hugs Andreas Marinakos, Grade 8 A single hug of bones and blood, and skin and flesh as well, Becomes a single butterfly effect, to make your life quite swell. A single hug can make a love, that hell cannot destroy, And more than that, a love that just can never ever fail. A single hug, an act of love, and the biggest, in a way, But way too small, to affect anything at all, in a political, global way. But big enough to make a bond, that changes life in an amazing way. Now make a hug of bones and blood, and skin and flesh as well, Creates a life with someone you love, who makes your life quite swell.

Jungle Pirate Isabella Lupi, Grade 8

I was dragged by the pirates further into the jungle. I saw the rest of the gang huddled around a fire like a bunch of vultures around a corpse. The one that looked like their leader was telling them something in a language I did not know. She had black long hair that did not shine in the moonlight. When she spoke she did not smile often but when she did you could see her bone white teeth, with a couple replaced by golden teeth. Her red dress was well kept, not a scratch on it. Hanging around her leather belt was a bejeweled cutlass that made my blood run cold. On her wrist there was a dozen golden bracelets. What did she want from me when she already had so much? The morbid pirate stepped toward me looking directly into my eyes. The ringed hand was clutching on to her cutlass. This was it. The day came too soon. I was going to die. Smoothly she lifted up her cutlass, a sly smirk spread across her face. Thunk! I looked up with a shaky head and saw …

PIRATE Mary Medwid, Grade 8 Strolling through the crowd at the busy fair, the air around me was chilly and the sun was slowly drifting away. Looking down at my red converse I shoved through the now very busy crowded, me bring me I tripped over someone's feet. I landed hard on the ground, “Ouch!” The word came out of my mouth as I landed flat on the pavement, no one around me seemed to notice. No one stopped to help me up. Suddenly all the noise of laughter, rides and voices disappeared. Nothing. I couldn't hear anything except of the heavy footfalls of someone coming towards me, no something. Trembling I looked up at the man who belonged to the feet. He was covered in a torn up, faded coat. His face was covered in scars, one of his eyes was covered in a patch. His piercing blue eyes found my face underneath his matted hair. His gruff hands were clasped around the handle of a gun that rested in the hilt of his leather belt, “Ha. Ha. Haaa!!!” The pirate’s voice was deep and mysterious, it sent a chill down my spine. A morbid feeling fell off of him, and I was scared. Smiling his wicked smile, I could see a piece of baloney stuck in between his yellowing teeth. Slowly his worn leather boots started to backtrack, moving further from my cold body still lying on the ground. Now all I could see was his tall figure disappearing in the darkness. “HAHA, WEEE!!!” The shrieks of laughter brought me back to the present. Slowly all of the noises came back to me, the rush of rides, the busy crowd came back to life like a lion waking from his nap. Slowly I got up from the cold pavement, I brushed off my black skinny jeans and started to push through the crowd again.

Dinner Time Leah Sutton, Grade 8 Peering out of the rusting metal bars, I was horrified by the creature that seemed almost nonhuman. Old copper keys swaying from his gnarled finger helping the relaxed man keep his aching whistle in tune. A smell of salt and rotten fish slowly found its way to my nose. Shaggy brown trousers and a deep green t-shirt to match, hung loosely on his muscular body. Turning his shiny bald head, he glared at me with crimson eyes. “Dinner time,” said the morbid man while he stabbed a slice of baloney that was turning black with all of the mold that was creeping along the slice of spoiled meat.

A Hairy Situation Jared Hamilton, Grade 9 Dear Justin, You may have been elected prime minister recently. It couldn’t have been your political experience, so it must have been your hair!!! Had I been your opponent and the election been based entirely on hair, I would have unanimously been elected prime minister because of my luxurious locks of naturally curly hair. My opponent is clearly a pretender to the throne of hair, Emperor Justinian is illegitimate! Obviously he uses shoe polish to maintain his luscious head. If you dared touch his faux-fro it would shatter from all the product he uses to mask his weak, insignificant (Possibly balding) mop. I don’t use products or high-end hairdressers unlike Mr. Trudeau, who is bankrupting Canadians one haircut at a time. I haven’t even shampooed for a week or so! Long story short I have good hair, Justin does not. The end. Yours truly, Your Superior in every way P.S. I look forwards to our next and final meeting!

Falling Taya Colwell, Grade 9 I'm sorry The day was dark and cold The ground staring up at me Two wheels from hell My ridged handle bars mocking me Slowly my hands begin to stutter from the cold air I lose control of my trembling body A sudden jolt throws me to the ground My heart dropped My life flashed before my eyes First my head smashed the cold cement My muscles tense from the trauma Then the rest of my frail body spat against the thick rigid pavement My vision began to blur I swallowed my first breath And I felt the sharpened rocks burrow into my bloody skull My eyes finally opened The flash of a blurred red lights of an ambulance flooded my vision A paramedic hovered over my paralyzed body “Can you hear me?” the muffled voice asked It’s getting hard to breath My chest feels like nails beating in my heart I hear a voice lying to me “kid, you're going to live” They rolled me on a stretcher I feel the glass digging through my spine Now everything is black My blood is running cold The sirens are roaring loud But all I hear is my own heart beat Slowly turning to a silent chirp I'm in the back of the ambulance But nobody is helping me I want to scream I want to tell them I’m in pain But all I can do is look around The paramedic leans over my body with sorrow in his eyes He grasped my cold crippled hand “I'm sorry,” is all he said

Have You Ever Noticed? Miles Fryett, Grade 9 Have you ever noticed That small rust patch on the hinge holding up your front door? Of course you haven't It's so minute it can ever possibly become a problem But as the seasons pass, the warm becomes the cold. That small patch of decaying metal, grows. It Grows ever so slightly. And as more and more elements are exposed to that once pristine slab of steel. The working joint is replaced with a useless debased pile of scrap. And soon that atlas of doors will crumble. And you will see your new shiny 20, reduced to Rubble. Instead of spending your 20, if you just gave a single minute. To pour rust remover onto a disheveled rag, and apply it to the decayed juncture. If only small problems did not grow. Into consequences that will cost you dough. With all your dough spent on door openers, new rags and other small things. How will you feed your family, without any dough. These small problems grown up slow Into life derailing problems. Unless of course, you’re gluten free

Dominic Petti, Grade 11

Midnight Animal Ari Bouma, Grade 9 The night was cold and so far boring. The only sound was buzzing and fluttering of moths’ wings which had been drawn to the small light a foot or so overhead by the door. As instructed, Paul rang the doorbell and waited, staring down at his feet. After about a half of a minute, the door opened and the young man with the green shirt stood inside, still holding the door handle, as if to be ready to close it again right in Paul’s face. “Hey, man, can I help you?” he asked trying to sound nonchalant. Paul looked up at him, but said nothing. “Oh, hey, man, you’re Darcy’s friend, right?” Paul remained silent, as he was supposed to. The green-shirted kid (which was the closest thing to a name Paul knew of this dull character) opened the door wider and stepped aside to gesture an invitation inside. “She’s not here, but, come in, man. I guess it’s pretty cold out.” Paul still didn’t say anything to him, but looked in the doorway to the right down a hall inside. At the end of the hall there was a carved out square in the wall, about a foot and a half tall and wide, and half a foot deep into the wall. There were three decorative vases sitting in the wall indentation, and a closed door to the left of them. The green-shirted kid stood beside the doorway, waiting for Paul to move, and took a few steps into the hall the second Paul took a step inside, but stopped again and leaned against the wall when Paul stopped on the spot as his second foot hit the hardwood floor inside. Paul closed the door behind him. “Listen, man, I haven’t seen Darcy since Thursday. If you’re looking for her, I mean, I could call her or something for you.” Paul was silent as he reached a hand into the pocket of his brown jacket. “You’re starting to freak me out, man,” the kid said, sounding flustered. “You alright?” The kid sat leaning against the wall, looking at him for a moment, then shot upright and started making his way down the hall to the door on the left. “I’ll try calling her,” he said as he began to walk. Paul turned his head to him the second he started moving. He snagged the little handgun out of his jacket pocket, pulled the slide back towards himself until he heard the click, then released it. Hearing this, the kid stopped dead in his tracks, and after taking barely half a second to comprehend and realize what the sound meant, he spun around to see Paul raising his arm. The kid ran, out of reflex. He ran down the short hall, towards the door, which, at first he hadn’t even realized he was running for, but now saw that it was his only hope. What he didn’t realize until it was too late, however, was that he simply couldn’t run that fast. The shot could be heard across the house, and probably further. The kid collapsed like a falling board onto the floor. He lay motionless on his stomach, head facing left at the corner of the doorframe, while both his eyes and mouth remained wide open. His right arm stretched out, as if to be reaching for something. Running to investigate the sound, a young woman, perhaps a few years older than the guy in the green shirt, flung the wooden door wide open, but stopped herself from taking another step as she immediately came in view of the kid’s lifeless body. She let out a short scream, then looked up to see Paul standing in the hallway, gun in hand, looking at her. Frightened, she slowly stepped backwards, scared of what Paul would do next. He walked around the kid on the floor, so he and the girl were directly opposite each other, with only the doorway between them. Feeling helpless, she took another slow step back towards the wall before whispering, “Please. Don’t.” Paul barely left a moment after she said this before raising the gun once more, and another shot rang across the neighborhood. She was pushed backwards, hitting the wall behind her, with a splatter of 70

red behind her back. She stayed there for at least two seconds before sliding down the wall with a hand clutching her chest, until she slid down and her hand fell into her lap as she sat limp against the wall. Paul stood in the doorway looking back and forth between the two of them a few times, then heard the phone start to ring. It took him a bit of searching around to find it, but when he picked it up, the voice on the other end spoke through frantically. “Todd?” it asked. Paul said nothing. “Are you alright? I- I thought I heard shots. Like, gunshots. I thought they came from your house. Todd? Hello? You there? Come on, man, this isn’t fun-” Paul put the phone down on the receiver, and with that, walked out the glass back door, into the darkness. “Cut!” the director announced. “No need for a retake, that was perfect!” The emotion in your faces. Just perfect.” He had always had the sort of pretentious art student demeanor. “Alright, get up, everyone. Man, oh, man, this is turning out better than I could’ve hoped.” He was very excited in his words, possibly from all the caffeine he needed to stay awake for late night shooting, or possibly genuine enthusiasm, or both. “You know what, I’m starting to think The Midnight Animal is going to be a blockbuster hit,” he went on. “I can feel it.” A lady came to bring him coffee in a plain white mug. He took a sip of it and, as if he remembered it halfway through sipping, said, “But, it’s thanks to our great cast, you know. A toast to Paul Wayland, the best actor of the 20th century!” He lifted his mug high towards Paul, and took another drink. “At least if you ask me,” he said. “But really, it takes some guts, Paul, to put yourself in a role like this. People might look at you like a ruthless killer after this, but you’re willing to take that, to make this movie. I’m proud of you, Paul.” At this point, he was just rambling, but he kept going. “You too, Marcus.” He pointed to the kid in the green shirt, who was now off the floor, with the fake blood still on his clothes. “I’m sure you may not have been hoping to play the cowardly murder victim in all this, but someone had to, so thank you, for taking one for the team.” The director went on for a while, half-sincerely thanking people, until everyone went off to get some food. A while later, the green-shirted kid, or, Marcus, came up to Paul, and, with fake blood still stained all over his clothes, and even some on his face, asked for Paul’s autograph on a napkin.

Ruff Juliana Van Oosterwyk Bruyn, Grade 9 “Oh, by the way,” Says the teacher after class, “On top of everything else, You have to research the term, finish the essay, and answer the super long math equation!” Poof, evening gone! What was the teacher thinking? You're not superhuman! Stressed out about the day, on the verge of a headache, and now your locked indoors cause of this stupid thing, called homework! Quickly losing focus, wishing to be outside. Refocusing, restarting, writing, typing, searching, Madly screaming! Stuck on a question for 30 minutes. The answer on one of million website, lost in the spin, and span of the internet. Now an hour has past, searching, uselessly for the answer, In a burst of anger, The computer is grabbed, ready to be dropped out the window. Then your conscience kicks in, Reminding you not to, Taking a deep breath, Then laughing hysterically, you improvise, A half-baked idea, That may or may not be accepted! Then you switch subjects, And the process starts over.

Skin and Bones David Samuels, Grade 9 I know that most of you, in your youth, Or people who looks fondly upon days past Know about the issue, which I am about to verbosely elucidate, To those blinded by the thin haze of skin and bones that only a few can see through. When I look in the mirror, I see myself And in that mirror, I am a young man like all other young men listening, Who was once a younger young man, and I saw that younger man behind the Glass, and I’ll tell you what he saw. He saw a place in a time of freedoms When the media was not as strong, like a zephyr, not a gale, And brought clean air to us without uprooting the trees of dignity. But now, Life’s a funhouse mirror, which distorts normalcy He saw a place in a time where gender was a not a wide line No matter who you were, we all were kind. Oh, the veritable lexicon of indignities which are making us all too alone Because we can’t see through fine screen of skin and bone But then the dichotomy occurred Motivated by only corporate greed, unbeknownst to our suffering Who knew pink and blue were the colors of oppression, curtains of steel that Break the fragile glass orb of society into sharp, lacerating fragments Which are separate, but never equal. Now all that I can see on this barren land of peer pressure and forced standards When I try to work my way through the labyrinth of blood and tears I see the happy spirit that lives in all of us, A seed within us that grows towards the sun, and cannot be held down by any rain, snow, sleet, or hail And when I see places worse off in this world of diet pills, and belly fat kills And the corporate shills that give me the chills, I see a young woman not much younger or older than any of us, And I see her acting like others want her to be Instead of truly being the person she needs. And when you starve your body, you starve your brain And this one effects the other in twain And behind the tight dress, and tight skin Is someone loved by her family, somebody’s kin? And I ask her why, she cannot feel the beating of her heart If she knew where she wanted to go from the start Please don’t give them what they’re looking for Turn away and close the door to the outside, or at least where it’s most important 73

Because there’s so much more on the inside. And those who weave this tapestry of lies tell me who you are, Who you want to be, When you look in the mirror, who you want so see You aren’t going to find your victory. To all you big daddys up high and alone Keep true beauty alive and get her back on her throne. Please, I urge you to see through mere skin and bones.

Aia Davis, Grade 11

Why Rap is Crap and Pop is Slop Ian Hards, Grade 9 rap is crap or crap is rap just because you may be able to talk faster than your neighbor does not mean that your “so called music” is good I know that this is all opinion but still look at what it has done to our population you got rich kids wanting to be “thugs” and wanting to go to a “party university” hoping that they may be able to become a small time rapper it's bull crap, rap of course look at this, Convoy is a song made by C. W. McCall he is talking fast now does that make this song a rap? NOOO not at all it's a country song but than again maybe it's because your average person is not educated enough to know what is legitimately good music you got good people who are trying to make a decent living it may be all an opinion and you could argue that to the sun but in the end there is no skill involved do you need skill to walk? NO rapping is just like walking you could make a beat on garageband loops and start talking about your perviness and how you think you live in the so called “ghetto” with your parents $350 000 annual income and now you got drama queens using too much auto tune singing about boys it's NOT music you can't even tap your toe to it like just slow down and take a break

I once was a real rap fanatic I then saw the light it was just unrealistic and improper where is the skill in that? I asked myself while running my fingers through CCR records at the store just hey look this guy is talking fast wow as I look back at that weird time in my life I see how I was so incompetent and pop well hey it's slop let's be honest no matter how much you deny it what makes a pop star is mostly auto tune and good looks i tell you that all of it is horrible with the invention of the modern computer you can make your voice to sound like Norman Greenbaumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Telecaster but back in the old days unless you were Marilyn Monroe you needed actually skill to become famous by the ways of music but now all u need is to pretend to care about everything reference netflix and chill in your songs, and look good how exactly is that skill? that's what I want to know you can tell when someone is singing through their nose it kinda sounds like a kazoo but no matter how much you argue with me my view will not change but when rap comes on the radio I will still turn my nose up to it and make a sound like I'm choking on my own saliva

Emma Jacob, Grade 10 76Â Â

The Forest of Tarinia Nicole Menard, Grade 9 The smell of decay and fungus wafted into her nostrils, as she trudged through the dry leaves. Towering trees charred and frail stared down upon her, almost as if they were expecting something. A few of their lifeless leaves clung to the feeble branches, but otherwise they remained bare black skeletons dancing in the cold wind. It was clear it hadn’t always been this way, and it wasn’t so long ago that this once majestic forest had turned to ruin. Decomposers still clung to the total lifelessness of the area, feeding off the death of the beings around them. The occasional fly or mushroom was all the life you would see, and even they were beginning to weaken. When she was growing up her mother would tell her stories of the beautiful Forest of Tarinia. Constantly, she would remind her daughter how green the leaves were and how the fireflies would flutter around during the night. The woman stopped and sighed, trying to ignore the memories and focus on the path ahead. It grew very dark, it was almost impossible to see through the inky blackness. Carefully the cloaked lady dragged her finger across a rock, and then flicked it up watching a blue flame flicker to life on her finger tip. Holding the bright flame in front of her, she plodded down the path of fallen leaves. It took about thirty minutes of shuffling through the lifeless forest before her feat finally hit stone. In front of her stood a circular building. There was a dome like roof held up by cracking columns. All of it made of a grey rock that was eroded and covered with moss. She began to climb up the steps, holding her purple cloak up to her face in order to resist the icy wind. At the top of the stairs she stopped, the walls of the building were solid rock, no door was in sight. A careful smile creeped onto her face. The girl placed both her hands onto the cold stone, and took an immense breath in. Power flooded through her arms, and she channeled every bit of it into the wall. She felt cracks develop, and she pushed forward. Slowly, the chunk of rock fell to the ground, breaking into two halves from the impact. Light flooded out from the inside of the building, the woman raised a pale hand to cover her eyes. Squinting, she carefully stepped over the rubble and into the room. In the center floated the source of light, a round luminescent ball of magical power. She couldn’t help but let out a snicker. “Who’s this?” a raspy voiced bellowed. Tearing her eyes off the orb the mage looked around her. Sitting on the smooth stone floor were three ancient men, with beards once white but now yellow with dirt and sweat. They were all wearing thick green robes with designs of trees and animals printed on them in gold. One of them stared at her intently, well the others simply sat there with their eyes closed. “My name is not important,” she replied pompously. “I seek to discuss the health of The Forest of Tarinia.” The old man looked at her suspiciously, then silently motioned for her to continue. She told him why she was there, and she told him her plan. Many years of her life had been spent carefully calculating every aspect of her plot. Motivated by the desperation to restore the forest to its pervious majesty. She cared so much, and she knew that the frail wizards would allow her to cast the enchantment, she just knew it. “I’m sorry, but I cannot allow you to cast such a spell,” The ancient sorcerer droned, “Such a thing has never worked in the past and it could never work now.”

The powerful mage stared at him for a second, processing his words. She spent very little time deciding what she was going to do next. Inky blackness spewed out of her fingers, she twirled it around in the air for a moment, watching how it moved. In a flash she flicked it upwards, and it snaked through the air towards the terrified faces of the old wizards. The darkness surrounded the innocent men, and soon they lay cold on the floor of their home. This time she did not hold back, she cackled loudly the sound ringing out through the night. Carefully the woman approached the magical orb, placing her hands near its surface. She took a deep breath in and released all the magical power she could muster into the orb. Electricity crackled between her hands and the ball, and the ground began to shake. Dust fell from the ceiling, and a green bubble slowly grew around her. The evergreen light grew thicker and brighter, until finally it exploded in a flash of pure magic energy. It took a while for her to recover, she finally stood up slowly, rubbing her eyes. Around her stood a breath-taking forest, with green leaves and fireflies floating around illuminating the beauty. She took a step forward, and reached out to touch one of the trees just as a calm breeze blew by. The leaves in front of her evaporated as did the whole forest, whisked away by the wind. The mage dropped to her knees, she had brought back the forest only to completely destroy it. She knew she should have listened to those with more experience, for she had completely destroyed the only thing she loved.

Elizabeth Faircloth-Nunn, Grade 9

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The Great Mountain of Pillowia Kai Yadav, Grade 9 “Rawr!” The powerful being sitting atop the Great Mountain of Pillowia let out a booming cry that echoed throughout the valley. “That must be the dragon waiting for us atop the mountain,” Isaac said in a shaky, nervous voice. A grin fell on Andrew's face. These two adventurers, Andrew and Isaac, are climbing the Great Mountain of Pillowia, to claim the great treasures that the dragon holds. If you were to see them walking on a street, you could almost never tell that they were brothers, twins in fact. Andrew was a tall, muscular man who always rushes in, never thinking things through. His weapon of choice is a large, sharp sword, capable of cutting almost anything. Whereas Isaac on the other hand, may be short, but don't be fooled, he is lightning fast on his feet. Not only that, but he also is quick thinking, allowing him to find the most tactical vantage point for him to shoot with his powerful bow. Even though they are polar opposites of each other, they still manage to get along… most of the time. In the end, they will always be there for each other no matter what. Although Isaac almost jumped out of his boots when he heard the mighty beast roar, he still managed to slowly creep up the slope towards the summit. Andrew laughed, “I hope no one falls off, that wouldn't end well.” Isaac, annoyed, ignored him and kept walking. In the blink of an eye, he saw a glimpse of all different colors flash for a second, then disappear. He ignored it as he thought that it was probably only a figment of his imagination and kept walking. “Rawr!” again, the duo heard the massive being, although this time it was much louder, and sounded closer. “Were almost there! I can't wait to be known as the little adventurers who got the treasure from the big bad dragon,” Andrew thought to himself. Not long after, they rounded a corner nearing the top to see it. Its scales shimmered a ruby red in the sunlight with spikes covering its long tail. The perch was a large round desert, with the dragon sitting atop the colossal pile of treasure it was guarding. The twins drew their weapons in preparation of the final fight for the dragon's treasure. Suddenly, behind him, Isaac could hear his brother screaming out, “Isaac, help me!” He turned around to see his brother hanging from the edge of the long and narrow path. Instantly, Isaac ran over to help his brother up from the edge of the cliff. He grabbed hold of his brother's hand and pulled with all of his might. His face turned red, he used every muscle in his body, but it was not enough. Together, they started tumbling down the huge mountain until they slammed into the tall, baby blue door of their room. The two “adventurers” leaned against their bedroom door to their bedroom, looking up at the mountain of pillows piled in the middle of their room. Their cat, Ruby staring down at them from the pile of chocolate treasure with worried eyes. “Are you boys ok? It’s time for dinner! Wash your hands and come down,” they heard their mother call from the kitchen downstairs. "All of that “adventuring” would sure make my two heroes tired!”

A Mathematical Love Story Andreas Marinakos, Grade 8

Harry Potter Distributive Property Story Leah Sutton, Grade 8

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Hunger Games Distributive Property Story Isabella Lupi, Grade 8

A Distributive Property Story Liam Morrow, Grade 8

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A Distributive Property Story Amy Vertanness, Grade 8

Blood Thirsty Hippos Matthew Hopkins, Grade 8

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Senior High

Alycia Udy, Grade 12

“The Lady or the Tiger” Ending Jackson Giles, Grade 10 As the man in the arena starts walking towards the door on the right, every person in the crowd stared intensely. The arena went quiet as the man stopped in front of the door. Sweat dripping down the man’s face, heart almost beating out of his chest. The princess, staring at the man knowing what door he is about to open and what will happen when he does open it. All is silent as the man reaches his arm out and grabs the doorknob, turning it very slowly knowing that within the next 10 seconds he will either be dead or alive. He starts to slowly open the door, heart now beating faster than ever. People in the crowd were holding their breath, some covering their eyes. The man opens the door, steps back and closes his eyes. The princess now in tears because she knows she had just lost the man she loved. The crowd gasps. The man opens his eyes to find a tiger emerging from the door. The majestic beast stops two feet from the man and starts to growl. The man cowers at the beast starts to move towards him again. The man closes his eyes and accepts his fate. He can hear the princess crying in the distance. As the man stood there, eyes closed knowing he is about to die the tiger springs upon him with claws as sharp as knives clawing at his body. In an instant the man was dead and crowd was cheering. The princess still in tears, was wishing she had picked the other door. Three weeks later, the princess, still in the state of depression, cried herself to sleep every night and wished she had just picked the other door. Every day she regrets what she did and every day she has flashbacks to that day in the arena. Months go by and the princess still remembers the day her loved one was killed by a fierce, yet majestic tiger. The princess had decided she couldn’t live with herself anymore. The next day she poisoned her own wine and drank every last drop until she eventually couldn’t walk and dropped to the ground. As she lay there dying, her father walked into her room but it was too late for the princess. She had passed away leaving only a note that lay beside her head. “I’m with my loved one now. I can finally be happy”.

“The Lady or the Tiger” Ending Lachlan Gordon, Grade 10 The creak of the door filled the amphitheater with a sharp shriek silencing everyone who awaited the fate of the youth. The youth's heart beat with immense speed as he saw a gleaming set of teeth that seemed to smile at his decision. The princess arose from her seat with regret and hoped to stop the youth from his death sentence but was too late. The tiger leaped from its confinements with a ferocious desire for blood, as the youth stumbled backwards into the king's arena. A tear slid down the youth’s cheek as he struggled to make sense of what happened as he hit the ground. The semi-barbaric king did not show a single hint of emotion as he watched everything unfold, just a blank face that could stare into souls. The crowd roared with an array of emotions ranging from disgust to cheers of approval, projecting their sounds upward for all to hear. Through all that noise there was a scream that stood out from every voice there and that was the princess’s blood curdling screams of disapproval as she watched her lover being disemboweled by the tiger's claws. The semi barbaric princess collapsed to her knees with immense sorrow and started to weep silently for her fallen lover. Immersed in in her own thoughts, the princess, still kneeling in the in the amphitheater, kept replaying the gruesome events of what happened earlier that day in her mind. She was alone, not only in the arena but she was alone with no one to love and care about. Containing her emotions, she rose and walked out onto the king’s arena and stopped when she stood above the blood soaked sand. The semi-barbaric princess scooped a handful of the red sand off the ground and held it tight to her heart. After mourning for her lost love, the princess let the sand slip between her fingers that was whisked away by a sharp breeze into the night. The princess knew how foolish she had been. Jealousy had clouded her vision, even if the blindfold for her jealousy was thick, she knew it would have been better for the youth to marry that harpy she despised so much than throw him into the jaws of death. But no matter how much the princess regretted her decision, she would always know she was the judge, jury and executioner. 85

A Third Option Amy Heise, Grade 10 The youth opened the door quickly and confidently, sure that the princess would save his life. And from the door emerged... nothing. There was absolutely not a thing behind it. For the princess, possessing the vital information of the doors, had decided to do something about her lover's fate. Clearly, if she was not allowed to love him, she could not have him marry the lady. However, could she, even with her semi-barbarism, direct him to the door with the ferocious tiger and still have a clear conscience? No, she would create a third option, one that she hoped would allow him to live, and would prevent him from marrying the horrid lady. The princess of course was very rich, and highly intelligent. After using her wealth and mind to find out about the doors’ secret, she had used more of her wealth, in the form of several precious diamonds, to pay some well-trained assassins to carry out her cunning plan. It was common knowledge that to get to the two rooms behind the doors, one for the lady to wait in and the other for the tiger, you must enter an underground tunnel encircling the arena. The location of the entrance was known to very few. Using her superior reasoning, the princess had discovered the well-kept secret of the entrance’s location. The job of the assassins was to break into the tunnel, enter the room containing the lady, and kidnap her, taking her as far away as possible. They didn’t necessarily have to kill her, but they did have to make sure that she wouldn’t return to say what happened. If that meant killing the lady, that was fine with the princess. They had needed to do this quickly, for the lady was only placed behind her door a few minutes before the tribunal was started. Also, they could not leave any evidence, because the king would be enraged with the princess if he learned what she had done. The princess’s only job had been to make sure her lover chose the door on the right. Now, it was evident to the princess, as she viewed the scene from her throne in the arena, that the assassins had at least partially succeeded. They had gotten the lady out fast enough, but whether or not they would leave evidence or be caught, remained to be seen. At this moment, the crowd stared in silence at the open door with nothing behind it. Many of the people had been guessing about whether the tiger or the lady would come out, but this was a consequence no one had anticipated. Even the youth looked shocked; he had been expecting the lady to be there. He stood in front of the door awkwardly having no way of escaping, and no desire to try the other door. The king looked exceedingly confused and annoyed, and the princess could even see his left eye twitching. Nothing like this had ever happened before, and the king had been looking forward to seeing the youth dealt with. Finally, an old man, who had regularly attended the arena tribunals for many years, stood up in anger, shouting about how this was unfair, how the youth had to be either punished or rewarded. Many members of the crowd stood up with him, shouting, throwing things until everyone was out of their seats, and the mob began to direct their anger toward the king. What they wanted was simple: the king had to tell them what would happen to the youth. What was the fate of the courageous one who had dared to fall in love with the king's daughter? The king now had a rather large dilemma on his hands. He could not simply tell the youth to open the other door, for that would be breaking his own laws, which clearly stated that whatever was behind to door chosen would be the

accusedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destiny. That law would also forbid the king from choosing the youths destiny for him, so even if the king said that the youth could marry a lady right there and then, the crowd would be still be angry. The youth, seeing that the complication would not be resolved quickly, moved toward the seats of the beautiful princess and the bewildered king. He gave the princess a secret smile of thanks, which she returned. The princess could tell that he knew she was behind this, and was glad he was so grateful. To the princess, that meant that he loved her, and did not want to marry the lady, even though that would have made the situation simpler. This pleased the princess. As the crowd roared in total outrage, the king stood, trying to regain control of this most difficult situation. He had devised an arrangement for the youth that would follow his laws and therefore would be agreed upon by the masses. It was far from ideal, as the king would have much preferred to see the youth devoured, or at least married to the lady. He raised his arms in the air to calm the crowd. His plan, as he explained to them, was rather simple. The youth had chosen the door with nothing behind it, and so he would be given nothing. He would not be punished, nor would he be rewarded. There was some murmuring in the crowd at this, and also nods of approval. The situation, the king told them, would be as it had been prior to entering the arena, which is to say that he would be imprisoned, indeed in the very same cell where he had awaited trial. The crowd seemed to think that this was fair, as the king was most certainly following the rules as they all knew them to be. It was sad that the youth would spend the rest of his life in prison, but it was just, being what he himself had chosen. The princess was silent as guards entered the arena to take her lover back to his cell. She wished there was another way, and she could still be with him. But of course, this was much better than the other two alternatives. Her father, the king, was becoming rather old, and when he did die, she knew she would take the throne as his only child, and hold the power to release her lover. The princess suspected that his last day would arrive within a few more years, and if not, she could always shorten the wait. Either way, it seemed likely that she would eventually be able to see her lover, but she was sure waiting would seem like an eternity.

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Personal Response to “The Sea Devil” Gannon Willson, Grade 10 The author is trying to show how the prey becomes the hunted. Humans still have to respect nature and not assume they own it. This story tells about man that is stuck in a predicament with a manta ray while fishing. He is net fishing a cove and gets a manta ray in his net and his hand gets stuck in the net, dragging him to his death and tries many ways to get free. He eventually does get free by thinking in an act of desperation. Then the man gets a new perspective on human and nature interactions. One of the things he realized is that he became the prey that he catches so many times. Although he did not give up fishing he still has a huge respect for the animal. In the story, the man becomes the prey in a matter of seconds: “The man gave a hoarse cry. He tried to claw of the slipknot off his wrist, but there was no time. The quarter inch snapped taut. He shot over the side of the skiff as if he had roped a runaway locomotive.” (page 39) This line shows how fast he can be from the prey to the hunted, from the fishing to getting dragged to near certain death. The second thing the story shows is how humans have to respect nature. They can't be in control of it. Nature has many different things that we need to respect, from storms to animals and landscapes. We should respect animals because we forget how most of them can kill you even with the slightest bite, with nothing we can do. Especially with storms, there is not a single thing we can do but hide. In this story the man gains a lot of respect for nature after getting free: “He came to the skiff at last and climbed into it. The mullet, still alive, slapped convulsively with its tail. The man reached down with his torn hand, picked up the mullet let it go.” (page 43) The man letting go of the fish shows that he knows what it is like to be dragged to your death, at night. Even though he was in pain, he was willing to help out the fish. Now I'm guessing he would be a lot more considerate when catching this fish.

“The Friday Everything Changed” Paragraph Responses Sometimes, it takes only one person to alter commonly held beliefs of a society. The girls, when they stood together and supported one another, had more power against the boys, and were able to grow stronger. They did not however, know how to stand up for themselves, and were driven to huddling by the entry door, from fear of being bullied or kicked out. This enraged Miss Ralston, as she knew how the girls could stop their suffering, but couldn’t do so. Miss Ralston decided to go up to bat herself, surprising the boys who were playing the baseball game. She set a powerful example by hitting the ball the farthest possible it could go, and raising her respect from both boys and girls. The boys were impressed by the talents of a female, and were thoroughly shocked that someone had stood up to them. The girls were shown what happens when you stand up for yourself, and their perspectives changed. I find it was so difficult for the girls to challenge the boys, because of the belief that something even worse would happen to them if they did. This goes to show how just one person to act, to modify the ways and social norms of a society. Emma Jacob, Grade 10

In the story “The Friday Everything Changed,” the boys’ ignorance to the capabilities of the girls made them resist change. This ignorance has been the same for many generations, it had become a tradition. The boys always carried the water and the girls had never publicly voiced that they wanted to carry water, until now. Often, it takes the courage of one person to challenge this ignorance and tradition to start the wave of societal change. As in the story, when the girl asks “Why can’t girls go for the water, too? we all turned and looked at Miss Ralston first instead of just bursting out laughing at Alma right away.” I think the boys and men were too ignorant to realize that the women could help them carry water also. Tradition. In Miss Ralston's class the boys have always carried the water bucket. Until one day, the girls decide it's time to challenge the rule.” The boys bullied the girls regularly and no one seemed to do anything about it because girls were considered to be in a lower class. This hierarchy was based on the boys` ignorance and fear of change. The boys and girls are in fact equal, as Miss Ralston demonstrated when she beat them at baseball. Deep down inside, the boys did not want to relinquish the power that comes with being the water carriers, but once the girls could also do this task, it was now an even playing field. Sometimes ignorance is the only barrier to societal change. Once people are educated, change is inevitable. Isaac Towsley, Grade 10

The Electronic Barrier Amy Heise, Grade 10 Technology is everywhere. No matter where you go, it is always with you. These days, technology has replaced humans in many ways, doing tasks people find difficult or tedious. Machines can be sent to Mars, to research in an environment that would be challenging for humans to work in, and can work in factories, improving the efficiency of mass production. People tend to rely on technology for an easy access to information. If you want to find information, you don’t go to a library nearly as often as you would have before the internet. But sometimes, too much technology can be a bad thing, particularly when we depend on it a lot. Just like the various machines and the electronic nursery in the short story “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury, technology can have a negative impact on our relations with other human beings. In the story, the family in unable to bond with each other properly because of the technology surrounding them. Often times, people end up spending less time with other people because they would rather spend time on a computer. People might enjoy digital gaming, or spending time on social media, instead of doing things with real life people. The reliance on digital gaming may be because the sort of games you could play without technology might be less convenient or exciting. The attraction to social media may be because it allows you to share information and pictures with many people at once, and view other people’s information and pictures. However, on social media you do not interact with the people the same way you would face to face. The children in “The Veldt” spend all their time in the electronic nursery instead of with their parents. They do this because the nursery is far more exciting than their parents could be, and it doesn’t deny them anything, or try to discipline them. Even though technology improves long distance communication, sometimes people use it as an excuse to not communicate face to face, a form of communication that can’t really be substituted fully with anything else. In “The Veldt,” the children have trouble communicating effectively with their parents, and Peter does not even make eye contact when he speaks to his father. He spends so much time in the nursery that he is not used to communication with real people. In many ways the technology has become a barrier between the children in the story and their and their parents, just our technology can be a barrier between us and other people. While technology is still highly useful, it is important to remember how it can be harmful, and not to rely on it to an extreme. What might seem like a convenience could form challenges for your relationships. In “The Veldt,” the family’s over reliance on technology prevented them from bonding properly, and an over reliance on technology may create similar problems for you.

Lifeguards D.J. Dhaliwal, Grade 10

On Brendan’s 16th birthday, he began to consider the prospect of getting a part time job. As a grade 10 student in Calgary, Brendan saw the value in earning his own money; he wouldn’t have to ask his parents to give him money, he could make his own decisions about what to spend his money on, and he would be more independent. As Brendan began to put his plan in motion, he realized there were several things he needed to consider. What kind of job would he enjoy? What responsibilities would he be required to take on? Would he be well suited for the job? These are important questions for anyone considering getting a part time job. As I begin to weigh the benefits of working while in high school, I have come to the conclusion that I would like to work as a lifeguard, supervising the pool and the swimmers, providing first aid when needed, and helping with facility maintenance; my ability to act quickly and decisively under pressure, my sense of responsibility and my ability to work well as a part of a team are crucial skills that will help me to succeed in this role. In my mind, lifeguarding is my best option for part-time work as a high school student. If you want to be a lifeguard, it takes effort and dedication; not any ordinary person can be a lifeguard. I used to swim as a sport, and not only that, I had received the highest swimmer award and I would be a perfect match for the job. Also when I was younger, I always dreamed about being a lifeguard. How does that effect this? It's very hard to find people who work for fun or for a hobby and that’s because they love the job, since it had been a life goal of mine to be a lifeguard, I would give my everything and put my best effort into being the best lifeguard I possibly could be. Lastly, being a lifeguard not only helps achieve my goals but, I don’t think the enjoyment in being a lifeguard can be found in any other job. You have the beautiful view of happiness in the children and the laughter of others. Although there are many reasons why I would chose to be a lifeguard, the responsibilities in being a lifeguard are very important as well. Lifeguards have very important responsibilities; these include supervising the pool and the swimmers, providing first aid when needed and helping with facility maintenance. Lifeguards most important responsibility is to supervise the pool. They look out for anyone that is experiencing trouble in the pool. Lifeguards are also responsible to put the life of others at the 91

pool before anything that comes in the way. Also lifeguards are responsible to provide first aid when needed in any circumstance. First Aid is a medicine kit available for anyone at any time. They have many responsibilities but lastly, lifeguards are responsible for facility maintenance. That means cleaning after yourself and others around the pool and as well inside the pool. It is important for lifeguards to clean up around the pool because its helps makes the environment safer without putting anyone's life at risk. Lifeguards have many responsibilities from looking after others to cleaning around the pool facility. Although lifeguards are responsible for many things around the pool, not any order person can be a lifeguard like I said before; this job only fits certain people who are personally committed to being a lifeguard and I would be the perfect candidate for it as this job suits me in many different ways. I believe that being a lifeguard suits me in many different ways; my ability to act quickly and decisively under pressure, my sense of responsibility and my ability to work well as a part of a team are crucial skills that will help me to succeed in this role. Being a lifeguard, you have to be prepared for fast reactions around the pool and most certainly inside the pool. With any job, there are many responsibilities and my sense of responsibility is tremendously greater than other employees. Also, as a lifeguard, you have communication with a lot of people from other workers to pool quests and my skills to work with a team and communicate with others are amazing. This will help me succeed in the role of lifeguard tremendously. Serving as a lifeguard is a good job for me because the duties that are involved within my control are; supervising the pool and the swimmers, providing first aid when needed and helping with facility maintenance. As well as my ability to act quickly and decisively under pressure is ridiculous fast, my sense of responsibility and my ability to work well as a part of a team are crucial skills that will help me to succeed in this role. My ability to serve as a lifeguard would be a perfect fit for me. 92Â Â

True Courage in To Kill a Mockingbird Amy Heise, Grade 10 In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the character Atticus Finch describes true courage as “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” The novel is about a small town in Alabama during the great depression, where a white lawyer is defending an African American who has been wrongly accused of rape. Throughout the novel, courage is a prevalent theme, and many characters demonstrate a type of courage that is not quite as simple as we might assume courage to be. In the novel, courage is standing up what you know is right even if all odds are against your success. This view of true courage is shown in the novel through Mrs. Dubose fighting her morphine addiction, Boo Radley protecting Scout and Jem and Atticus Finch defending Tom Robinson. Mrs. Dubose showed courage because of her unwillingness to compromise her beliefs, even at the very end of her life. She had been taking morphine to deal with pain and her illness, and had become addicted to it. However, when Mrs. Dubose was told she had only months left to live, she decided to fight her addiction, insisting that she had to die “free.” She knew how difficult this would be physically and mentally, but did so anyway, showing great courage. She was willing to face the difficult odds of success, and managed to succeed, even with everything against her. Even though Mrs. Dubose was a racist woman, Atticus respected her and admired her courage. When Mrs. Dubose fought her addiction, Atticus wanted his son Jem to go and read to her. Atticus not only wanted this to distract Mrs. Dubose from her difficulties, but he also wanted Jem to see what true courage was like. When Mrs. Dubose dies, Atticus even says “She was the bravest person I ever knew.” Mrs. Dubose showed much courage, and was willing to go though a good deal of suffering in order to achieve her goal. Another courageous character in To Kill a Mockingbird was Boo Radley. His courage might not be as obvious as Mrs. Dubose's, but it is a courage of sorts. Boo Radley showed his courage in his decision to come and help Scout and Jem when they were being attacked by Bob Ewell. The courage shows through less because of his putting himself in danger for the children and more because of his willingness to enter the public eye. Boo Radley was emotionally damaged as a child, and because of this he spends most of the time in his house, away from others, who view him as a monster. The little bit of connection he had with the outside world, by means of leaving gifts in a knot in the front yard tree for Scout and Jem to find, was cut off when his brother Nathan filled the knot with cement. Boo dreads the idea that he would be pushed into the public eye, but is willing to do so in order to help the two children he cares about. He understands that his saving Jem and Scout, eventually by killing Bob Ewell will likely lead to publicity, 93

something he doesn’t want. Fortunately for Boo, the sheriff understands this, and insists that Bob Ewell fell on his knife even when he knew it was Boo. Boo is still courageous because of his willingness to put his emotional-self in danger. Extreme courage is shown by the character of Atticus Finch throughout the novel, mostly through his defending Tom Robinson, an African American who has been wrongly accused of the rape of a white woman. Normally during the time and place, a respected white lawyer like Atticus would not give his best defense for an African American, but Atticus believes in racial equality. When he tries his best to prove Tom innocent, most of the town disagrees with him. Atticus continues defending Tom because of his beliefs in racial equality, and will not let anyone convince him to stop. Atticus knows that it is very unlikely for him to win the case, because the all-white jury would not want to believe in Tom’s innocence, regardless of the evidence. As the case draws nearer, threats and insults follow Atticus wherever he goes, and he knows his children are being bullied as well. This doesn’t make Atticus give up, because he feels that he must do his best for justice and what is right, no matter how many challenges he has to face and what kind of odds are against him. Atticus wants to set an example of courage and what is right for his children and for society, and does his very best to defend Tom. In the courtroom, Atticus presents evidence that make the situation pretty clear, and there is practically no doubt that Tom is innocent. Still, because of the all-white biased jury, Tom is declared guilty. Atticus continues his fight, telling Tom that they still have a good chance at the appeal. Unfortunately, Tom disagrees with Atticus on that point, and is shot while trying to escape prison. Atticus knew when he began defending Tom that his would have to face a lot of opposition from society. He still saw it through to the end, even though he knew success was highly improbable. In conclusion, several characters from To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrated true courage by standing up for what they saw as right, even when the chances for success or safety were very low. They saw their beliefs and values as important enough that they were willing to face many difficulties for them. They did not know whether they would really accomplish their goals, but were willing to try, and to stick with it until the very end.

Silent Whispers Charlotte-Kate Holmes, Grade 10 “Never judge a book by its cover” is a lesson we learn quite early in life but we always seem to forget it. We live in an era where being prejudiced is an inevitable fact. Time has not affected how prevalent prejudice is in society. If anything we live with more prejudice in 2015 than in 1930, it just appears in different forms. We are judged by the colour of our skin and by our beliefs. The story To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates racial, economic and reputation prejudice in the characters of Boo Radley, Tom Robinson and Dolupus Raymond. Racial prejudice may be less explicit now than in the 1930s but it has not simply vanished, and it is still a large issue. We no longer have signs designating black people to be in a separate area than white people, but we show hesitation towards other races due to past events. We paint other races with the same brush because of what a select group of extremists did to us. Some of us really struggle to see that it wasn't the fault of an entire Islamic community for 9/11, but the product of a select group. In the 1930s there was an overwhelming amount of prejudice and discrimination towards people of colour. Harper Lee demonstrates through the view of a six year old girl how the vulgar ways of the 1930s American South created an unjust society. The small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama was prejudiced towards Tom Robinson due to the colour of his skin. He was unable to receive a fair trial because his being black was guilt enough. “Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up is something I don't pretend to understand…” quotes Atticus while he is discussing the ongoing trial with his brother. No matter the amount of evidence produced by the defense to demonstrate Tom’s innocence, it did not matter. Tom Robinson was convicted of raping Mayella Ewell not because he was guilty, but because he was a black man. The amount of racial prejudice demonstrated in To Kill A Mockingbird gives the reader a slight view on how unjust our world once was decades ago. People can stoop even lower than being prejudiced towards someone’s physical appearance, to something that is invisible to the naked eye. When someone hears the words disability or mental illness they immediately conclude that those people are not capable of success compared to an able-bodied person. Harper Lee illustrates through the character of Boo Radley how people can judge someone just by rumours they hear. Lee emphasizes how prejudiced Scout, Dill and Jem were towards Boo because of rumours they had heard many years past and about how he was insane. “As Mr. Radley walked past, Boo drove the scissors into his parent’s leg, pulled them out, wiped them off on his pants, and resumed his 95

activities.” This urban legend along with the statement made later in this chapter about how the police tried to send Boo to an insane asylum were what led these young characters to believe that Boo could not possibly be a sane and pleasant man. It was not until the end of the book, that the children learn what Boo was really like, and that the myths and rumours they heard about him before were no true indication of his real personality. Scout, Dill and Jem learn that you should not judge a book by its cover but instead open it and start reading so that a person can make their own informed opinion. Another example of prejudice in the story was Dolphus Raymond. Even though he was a white man people were prejudice towards him because he had children with a black woman and raised them. Him being romantically involved with a black women was very much against the social norms of that time. Dolphus feels judged by his community and in return wants to show them that drinking was his way of coping. He pretends to be a drunk in order for people to be more understanding of him living his life the way in which he chooses to. “I try to give ‘em a reason, you see. It helps folks if they can latch onto a reason. When I come to town, which is seldom, if I weave a little and drink out of this sack, folks can say Dolphus Raymond’s in the clutches of whiskey—that’s why he won’t change his ways. He can’t help himself, that’s why he lives the way he does.” This quote references back to Raymond explaining to the kids way he conducted himself in the manner he did. Harper Lee creates the atmosphere of prejudice in Dolphus by illustrating that people will judge others for the simple way in which they live and whom they associate with. Lee has a unique, yet amazing way of employing the theme of prejudice in her story To Kill a Mockingbird. Through many characters she shows to the reader many different forms of prejudice and how prevalent they were during the 1930s in Southern America. Lee reminds the reader a life-long lesson which we always seem to forget, that we must not judge a book by its cover.

Oxygen Amedeo Cortese, Grade 11 Nancy, an orchid stabilized by a round polished vase made of the finest crystal and ivory. The dirt she grows and establishes her crisp roots in is made of nutritious decomposed particles from centuries behind. Her stalk reaching tall and abrupt catching just the faintest rays of light, so perfectly formed and hued it seemed as though she was made from cut-outs. Sitting in the center of the room she is able to catch your attention; but not blatantly, more unhurried. Admiring her beauty and zen you are able to capture a feeling of entireness and being at home. Her petals and leaves regularly filter and circulate the air, constantly refreshing it with oxygen and a feeling of aliveness, much needed by her surroundings.

What a Mother Teanna Markle, Grade 11 She's like a warm blanket that wraps me up in her nurturing embrace, her light feathery touch brings a confident internal rainbow to my life. If she was a tree she’d be a beautiful elegant cyprus with its low hanging branches and its gentle symphony dance as the wind caresses her delicate branches. When the shadows of sadness take hold of her luminous spirit, the world feels as if it has a curse of subdued injustice that has taken hold of her. Some days she can be a domestic lioness seeking for her prey and make the prey feel like a little ant being squashed by a foot. But if not a bad day her rays of sunlight bring happiness to everyone around her and make you feel like an endless abundance of acceptance.

The Tree of Love Jennelle Hughes, Grade 11 My Grandma was like an old apple tree. Rooted deep into the ground on the backfield of an old family acreage. A tree that was short and thick in appearance but produced the most delicious apples that anyone could ever eat. Many years ago, there was a time period when the tree would not produce apples, for the winters were harsh and the summer scorching and barren. But after the long period of drought ended, the tree started to produce the same apples again, but this time larger and juicier. Years later, the tree had begun to be slowly attacked by a colony of ants, but still managed to kept Jennelle Hughes, Gr. 11

its leaves green, and to produce the odd apple. One day in the calm of a sunny

June, it let go of all its leaves. There had been no wind to tear them off, nor had there been any lack of water to keep them from going yellow. The tree had just decided to let them go.

The Unexplored Beauty Sadie Matus, Grade 11 Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a mountain: tall and strong. Edges and sides so beautiful but intimidating. Each and every peak and drop has some secret behind it, not willing to be told. On the surface, the beauty of her is immaculate and untouched. The once untouched beauty is now rough and rugged. The once filled beauty of natural growth is now bare, and dry with an endless view of the beauty that was lost. The beauty that once was is now something that is unexplored and will forever be covered.

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European Museum Lara Smith, Grade 11 She is a dynamic work of modern art. As if she had just leaped out of an Andy Warhol or Salvador Dali piece. Beautiful, amazing, colourful and unique but yet also plain and simple like a white wall. So colorful with an array of messy lines, but yet it is so clean and straight, she is just like the painting Skull, blood red, deep and beautiful. She is different, unique and dynamic like a liquefied clock in The Persistence of Memory. She is as different as every piece of art. She is beautiful.

The City Monique Bhullar, Grade 11 He is tall, like a building. A yellow cab always travelling. It only takes minutes for him to add excitement to the room, like the billboard lighting up Times Square in New York. Lively like the nightclubs. Mean like a true New Yorker’s calls. Always lost like a tourist. Tough like the concrete jungle. In and out of place at the same time. Kind and gentle like the neighbourhood stoop, and inviting like the local bar.

“The Possibility of Evil” Revised Ending Claire Oliphant, Grade 11 …. for now your mask is removed to show the truth. Shocked, Miss Strangeworth opened the door her father had built. Peering out from the crack in the doorway, Miss Strangeworth gawked at her lawn, and terror struck her, as she took in the scene of her once lovely garden and lawn. Miss Strangeworth looked at her yard to see her grandmother’s lovely roses, or what used to be. Every head of each rose in her yard had been cut. Cut so that all that remained of the Strangeworth's roses were ghastly horrid, thorny stem stubs with no flower on the end. Wicked, Miss Strangeworth thought, wicked, evil terror has done this! I have helped my town to be shielded from the evil world, and they retaliate by destroying my town pride, delight. They abuse the world's only Strangeworth. In her shock and frenzy, Miss Strangeworth crossed her grandfather's lawn at her swiftest pace. She knew that her irrationality was acceptable, for she must address her abuse. Miss Strangeworth passed down the walk her grandfather had once traveled down, noticing the queer silence of the town this morning. They are guilty for their selfish wickedness, Miss Strangeworth thought, not noticing the menacing, hateful glances neighbours gave as they saw her pass, peeking through their curtains, newspaper in hand. Arriving at the grocery, Miss Strangeworth made an effort to collect herself before passing the doors. Striding in with as calm a demeanor as she could maintain, she suddenly felt every eye in the grocery on her. Miss Strangeworth saw everyone held looks of knowledge and disgust as she glanced at the lot of them. Many of her neighbours were there, including the Cranes, Mrs. Harper, Dr. Burns, Mr. Lewis and some of the town's children, including that Linda Stewart and the Harrison boy. Odd that so many people are here so early for the paper, Miss Strangeworth thought. Miss Strangeworth cleared her throat, gesturing to make sure she had everyone's full attention. “I have been robbed and blackmailed!” Miss Strangeworth announced. The crowd returned a hard stare. Dr. Burns cleared his throat. “Really, because as it appears it seem to be you who is blackmailing, Miss Strangeworth,” he commented. “You- you all should be ashamed of yourselves! Submitting to the evil of man! You are all wicked!” Miss Strangeworth ranted. “This morning I followed regular routine and finding a green note..” she held the crimped letter in her clenched fist “ I was struck to look out and see what graveyard is left of my grandmother's roses! Those were the pride and dignity of my town! Passed on like a tradition throughout the Strangeworth family line.” This time Mr. Lewis spoke “This isn't your town Addie, and no matter how old your family is, it does not make it yours.” the use of her first name by an old friend shocked Miss Strangeworth. “And on a further note, look what you have done to this town! You have backstabbed us all with your ominous letters! Those are blackmail!” Mr. Harper spoke. “You're a plain old gossip and you’ve been tryin’ to dictate this town with your sick suggestion! You know nothin’ about any of us! You think you can go aroun’ stirring up trouble in this nice lil’ town!” “I’ve been protecting it from evil!” Miss Strangeworth exclaimed “No, you haven’t!” Mr. Crane declared, rage bubbling inside him. “ Until now everyone has been getting insults and suggestive secrets in the mail. No one knew who they were from, but they let us think 100

our friends couldn’t be trusted. Thanks to Dave here, everyone was able to figure out who could be so crude as to send pure lies to us in the mail!” Miss Strangeworth glanced at the paper the Harris boy held and saw on the headline “Rose revealed to be thorn” She pointed at him. “You!” He looked up at her with troubled glare. “You and that Stewart girl did this to me! You juvenile delinquents spied and re-wrote my advice to turn my people against me!” Miss Strangeworth was in a rage now, not thinking of what she was saying, but desperately trying to protect her dignity. “That poor Harrison boy had nothing to do with your meddling Addie. Your ominous letters had been a growing concern among us for months, years now. Next to the camera we put up near the yonder post station, Dave Harrison provided just the right evidence for the lot of us to convict you of these rumors.” Camera? In my grandfather's town? Without my consent or even knowledge? They took my roses now they take away my home, my just knowledge! “You have all robbed me, you demons! You have taken everything from me!” “None of this was anything you ever owned. We took nothing, Addie, except a stand against you meddling in our business” replied Mr. Lewis, evenly. He held Miss Strangeworth’s gaze. Mr. Crane spoke coolly. “Miss Strangeworth, you have hurt me, my family, and friends. You do not own this town and you never will. So I ask you to get off your high horse and just mind your own business if you please.” “You are all wicked. If I stand aside and let the evil prowl then so be it!” and with that Miss Strangeworth spun on her heel and stormed out of the grocery to return to her grandfather’s house, the Strangeworth place. She noticed how unsightly the place had become. Without the mask of her Grandmother's roses, she saw for the first time that her home on Pleasant Street looked dreary. Passing through the Strangeworth door, Miss Strangeworth closed it behind her and slunk away into the depths of all what her grandfather provided for her. The last Strangeworth, alone, prisoner in my own town, she thought. ... “No one knows, Dave, nobody’s seen her so much as open a window since last week.” Linda said. “Blast,” the Harrison boy replied “Is she dead?” “My father said not talk of such things, and that thinking things like that would lead straight to things she did in this town. Rumors.” Linda sighed. “Yeah, well it would be nice to know. After all, she does blame me for ratting her sorry hide out of the shadows for th’ letters and stuff.” “She may not. She may just blame her own actions, or more likely those new security cameras that discovered her mailing colored letters so often. You just found the missing piece” Linda insisted. “I suppose,” Dave confirmed. The two waltzed down the street to the soda shop. Little knowing the grudging scan Miss Strangeworth gave from a sliver of the parted curtains, revealing the darkness of the grim Strangeworth Manor.

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Last Will and Testament of Deceased Ciaran Bailey, Grade 11 This is the last will and testament of the deceased, Johann Wolfgang Grayson. In the event of my death, I hereby declare that all my worldly possessions are to be passed on to my son, Richard Grayson. Richard, in my death, it is my moral duty to present you with a revelation, one that I’ve kept away from you your entire life, however, it is imperative that you know. I am not the man that you were led to believe. No, I’m not a man who donated his wealth to charity, Nor am I a man who has been grateful or respectful of those within my employment. To tell you my story correctly, I must tell you about my early years. In my youth, I grew up in East Germany, impoverished by the Soviet rule. At the time, I believed myself as a son of God; a man who could do no wrong. I didn’t believe that I belonged in such an oppressed environment. I had to escape that hell, so I did the only thing I knew I could do. I deserted my people, my kin. As I sped away upon that motorcycle I had stolen, I looked back only once. I was ambitious, however, I was using my ambition for the wrong reasons. I was searching for personal advancement, and nothing else. I eventually found my way to this city, where I thought I might be able to finally find revenue and riches. However, I was not willing to wait for my turn. I turned to the easy way to success. Crime. I started out as a simple low-life, but eventually made my way up the food chain, ultimately overthrowing the boss. Using the city as my clay, I shaped a new age for our city. At the time I saw the rebirth as my masterpiece, but in reality, I had manipulated our once beautiful city into a living hell. Throughout my lifetime, I have scammed, deceived, taken from the needy, even killed to get the power that our family has today. But I do not want our family name to be associated with those who reap off the addicts, those who create gang wars for profit, and those who abuse individuals with limited opportunities. That is why after much mental debate, I have entrusted you with the prosperity and gain of our family. Please, do not be frivolous with this wealth. Do not spend it on fast cars, or outlandish clothing, and the pursuit of a destructive lifestyle. Among the choices I’ve made in my lifetime, one of the many regrets I have is that I never helped those in need. As the world stood on the brink of eternal hell, when the accumulated filth of all the sex and murder foamed up around the waists of all the beautiful women I turned into whores, and the just politicians which I corrupted, when they looked up and screamed "Save us!"... I judged them as if I were their God and whispered, “No.” A decision I hastily made with greed upon my mind. I had set my eyes on ambitious endeavors that would benefit myself and myself alone. I led a lifestyle that was destructive, not only destroying my morality and self -respect, but also the innocence and prestige of the city. I know hearing all of this may be difficult, but the night is at its darkest just before the dawn, and believe me when I say this; The dawn is coming. I ask that you honour the Grayson family name, unlike I did in my youth. Commit yourself to the betterment of our city; its institutions, its citizens. Please, be strong. Don’t take the easy route into power, as I did. Do not get tempted by greed, crime and corruption. You are young, but you are destined for great things. Be ambitious, but not for one’s personal gain. Fight for the people with no voice; take the torch from my failing hand and light a beacon of hope for them. Work hard and earn the respect of your peers, along with the citizens of our city. Make the most of your opportunities that I worked most desperately for. Use those opportunities to give back to a city that has given us so much, to change the lives of millions of people for good. Invest in our city, treat its people like family. Watch over them, and use this money to safeguard them from forces beyond their control. My deepest regret, is knowing I won’t be able to see you grow into the great man I know you’ll become; a man unlike myself. Finally, my son, I ask that you never abandon this city to fate, like I did so many times. We have lived and caused some dark days, and there is no doubt that there are more to come. But it is the good and great men who stand up for our city when others turn and run. In death, I will love you forever. Your father,

Johann

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Wt|áç:á W|tÜç Claire Oliphant, Grade 11 Below is a written entry that portrays Daisy's thoughts and feeling towards her affairs with Gatsby; how she presumes the relationship wind up, because of her personal lack of confidence, being aware of her own flaws, as well as her attraction to and distraction from her own personal distresses.

April 15th, 1926 I’ve had the most romantic time in the previous weeks. I attended tea several days ago at my dear cousin’s home. The cheeky boy had me come alone. Suspicious, there must have been a setup of some kind, because Nick asked me to exclude Tom. Not that I particularly mind, I hardly see him in the day and he is typically out with…. well at some other affair. Tea was an enthralling affair! Sly Nick positively enchanted my time by introducing me to an old friend. I say friend but would prefer to use the words bough, however inappropriate it may be. Five years it’s been since I gazed into the dazzling, mysterious eyes of Jay Gatsby. Those eyes return me back to my years before I was bound by Tom, or my babe. Miserable fool. How I wish I could return to my past, but how I would hate to pick up form now. With the mess of my life. Jay seems very confident that we can hold this affair. I would give all the world to be with him. But only him. Yes he has riches, and abundance of wealth, more than Tom ever held. But he has people too. I dislike these people, or at least the ones that just come from this world. I mean this world, like those you see on the street, always scampering around, spending money and seeking a good time. They disturb me. Perhaps because they remind me what I find disappointing. They hold no love or even desire to love, they are all in for fun, I was once like that, all for fun but no thought to the end of the day. Like myself. I was such a scamp. Getting engaged with men I couldn’t live with, having children who will never have loyal parents. Seeing all these people around at Jay’s house party hurt me. He is not like them. I think is worth more than a scamp, but I can’t let him wasn’t his youth and affections on those such as me. Jay is marvelous, he has such pretty things, and is surrounded by nearly sophisticated, cultured people. I like them. They have a purpose, there not mistaken scamps like myself and the rest of the world. This is a lonely world in which I live. Misery in my home, fear of my husband and obligation to my child. Poor wretched babe. I am deserving of nothing and everything! Nothing because I have everything and should be content with where I stand, but only as a silly little housewife, a tool of possession and status for Tom. Everything, because I'm in so much pain. I am so lonely. This spark of romance between Jay and I is the most bliss I have had since my last time with Jay. Five years wear on to make long moths, long weeks, ages of days, simply tedious hours. All with next to no touch of pure joy. I’m afraid I have made an idiot of myself trying to stay sane. I fear all this romance and adventure with Jay is all for not. He will soon see the wretch I have been the forced naivety I have forced myself to pretend Fool. Just a poor fool. Even if I were to rid myself of Tom and the baby, I’m a foggy glass. Soon Jay would see that all I can be is a pretty face with a confused, hurt, soul.. I have no purpose, and have nothing to return to Jay. I’ve been so wounded that I cannot give anything to anyone. All I can do is survive until tomorrow. Jay delivers such peace to me. But that peaceful bliss shan't last, for even if I desire it. I will still soon be discovered for who I am, a dull pretty face, trapped in this world so caught up in woe, selfishness and forgetfulness.

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Success Means Empathy Within Self Interest Jennelle Hughes, Grade 11 What is Empathy? When one thinks of empathy, one usually sees it as a way of helping others, to feel pity for them, it being solely only beneficial for the person who receives it. However, even though many people may believe empathy to be in the benefit for just the ones around you, in reality it is also is very beneficial towards yourself. Empathy is not as simple as just feeling bad for someone. Empathy is the process of understanding someone, seeing where they are coming from and relating to their emotions. All of this teaches you essential qualities of people skills and the nature of relating to others. Empathy helps you to become less ignorant, and opens you up to the world outside your very small personal bubble. It teaches you about, and gives you a better understanding of the world that you may not have had without it. People don’t seem to realize on how beneficial empathy actually is to themselves, for some would argue they don’t realize that being less selfish is good for them. One good example of why empathy should be part of your self-interest is a passage from the short story “Too Much Happiness”. In this story, a lack of empathy is shown from a mathematics professor, for he had not included it in his self-interest. He had showed little concern towards a young lady who insisted that he take her on as a student. This is because he didn't even consider her offer and flatly refused it, but the young lady kept her ground, resulting in making the professor to humor her by giving her a bunch of questions to solve in one week's time. After the week had passed, the young lady had come back, and to the professor's great surprise, she had solved all of the problems correctly. If this young lady had not been stubborn, the mathematics professor would have missed out on a big chance and experience, all thanks to his lack of empathy within his self-interest. A new brilliant student was what he had been wanting and needing, someone so enthusiastic, bright and challenging towards him. Since the professor had lived without much of any empathy, he didn’t know of the world outside of his own. He had missed out on so many experience and chances of furthering his understanding of the world, to come outside of his little box and see the world more so of what it actually is. A good chunk of people in this world live without empathy, their self-interest lacks this important element. These are the people who tend to be naive and don’t know much other than what they perceive around them. They are not very good at relating to other people and having meaningful relationships. These people may be very successful academically, and in the work aspects of their lives, but they tend to struggle in the social parts of their lives. These people's lack of empathy entwined into their self-interest is very destructive to both the people around them and themselves. As shown with the professor in “Too Much Happiness”, without empathy within your self-interest, one can only become successful as an individual, not successful as a human being.

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Empathy vs. Self-Interest Sarah Reeder, Grade 11 What is empathy? The definition is, “the experience of understanding another person's condition from their perspective” The definition of self-interest is, “one's personal interest or advantage, especially when pursued without regard for others” The definitions of empathy and self-interest are quite opposite to say the least. Empathy is understanding others’ feelings and perspectives while self-interest is selfishness, being narcissistic to a certain extent, thinking about yourself and not others, but I think that empathy and self-interest relate. You need to experience empathy and be empathetic towards others in order to grow and become less selfish. Understanding others and their feelings and perspectives is needed to have a great self-interest, meaning empathy a good thing for you! It’s always more valuable to be empathetic then to be selfish. In the text about the mathematician, self-interest overpowers empathy. He has little to no empathy towards Sophia. He said, “he remembered the method, or trick, he had used once or twice before, to discourage an inadequate student” it seemed like he had no faith in her; he had made the assumption that she was inadequate and told her to leave. Since this was supposed to be in 1870, it was a different time where women weren’t recognized as equal to men, but he didn’t have any empathy to try to understand her, he just assumed. When he said, “He had expected, of course to never see her again, “showed me that he had little to no empathy to start with. He was used to sticking to his normal routine of ill-dressed males passing through and when he saw Sophia he didn’t wanted to try to understand her. I find he is being very contradicting in the fact that the text says, “They know that their brother has a wonderful brain, that he is a great man, but they also know that he must have a dose of prunes every day” about his sisters. I find this contradicting because he doesn't want to take the responsibility of Sophia but he expects his sisters to take care of him. You would think this would change him, being taken care of, but that shows the reader the vainglory he has. At the end of the story you can see the empathy starting to grow inside him as he starts to figure out that she is very capable of the things he most certainly did not think she was, when he says, “She was a shock to him. She was so slight and young and eager. He felt that he must soothe her, hold her carefully, letting her learn how to manage the fireworks in her brain.” The little bit of empathy that was inside is starting to come out. It’s starting to grow and show him that he doesn't always need to think about himself and that understanding others is very important. Since empathy helps your self-interest I think this shock has made his self-interest change drastically, he even said himself she was, “a student who would change him completely” She made him realize that you can't just assume someone isn't good enough, you need to have empathy and learn to understand others and their perspectives. Experiencing Sophia taught the mathematician to be empathetic and made him grow as a person. At the end of the story he starts to show it, you see him becoming less selfish and narcissistic when he says, “All his life he had been waiting for such a student to come into this room.” In order to grow as a person, you need to experience empathy and be empathetic towards others.

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Response to “Lenses” Georgia Needham, Grade 11 Overall, the plot in the short story “Lenses” by Leah Silverman, is one which involves many human emotions and relationships. The entire storyline is based upon a surgeon's conflict between her duty and her friend’s future and well-being (leaving her friend as more “human” or following society’s beliefs).The story starts off with a first person point of view in a futuristic setting, in which a twenty eight year old surgeon named Corinne, who was born on earth, must remove Grusha’s, a dear friend’s, eyes. The setting is located on an artificial planet made up of “metal and glass”. Located on this planet is a human base, in which Corinne is looking out of her glass wall at another planet, on which a war is being waged, and which owns a sun so harsh, it tans a soldier's skin deep black and purges their hair of all color. It is due to this sun that Grusha must remove her eyes, or else she would be unable to drive her ambulance between planets because of the blinding light. Corinne does not want to remove her friend’s eyes due to the fact that they are a part of her friend, they portray her emotions, her needs, her humanity. Suddenly, a bell rings, signifying that Corinne is to go assist the other surgeons on level two within the base. Finally, the climax of the story comes after Grusha’s eyes have been removed. This is because the greatest change, turning point, and amount of suspense is present in this particular moment because Grusha, normally strong, is rather weak and vulnerable. Corinne resents this change in her friend, even though she herself has artificial eyes for surgery, but, instead of releasing her feelings, Corinne says “They look good.” in order to comfort her companion. In conclusion: the overall theme, or outcome in this story is one which regards the fact of “How many aspects are you willing to disregard in order to save someone else's humanity?” This is because Corinne was presented with the choice to shy away, to back out and save her friend the pain of living with emotionless eyes for the rest of her life, yet the retired ambulance driver chooses instead to go with the will of the present society.

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Stormy Days Amedeo Cortese, Grade 11 Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare, it was first performed in 1611 at the Globe Theater in London. It is about a man named Macbeth who through murder, sorcery and rivalry is able to work his way from title of commander, to thane and eventually the title of king. Weather and nature, both natural and unnatural are used throughout the play of Macbeth to alter the reader's perspective. Shakespeare uses weather and nature to symbolize, emphasize, characterize, reflect and foreshadow significant events embedded in the play like murder, battle and scheming. Unnatural and surprising events in the play closely reflect the weird and unnatural changes in the weather, nature and atmosphere. The three witches in the play who are described as “So withered, and so wild in their attire, That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ earth” (1.3.40-45) bring along a mood and atmosphere that no other character in the play brings. They are described as unnatural beings, being able to have these unnatural and unusual characteristics set the witches apart from any other character in the play, giving them importance and attention. In act four, the witches come together to create a potion that will eventually display the last three apparitions given to Macbeth. The ingredients added to the cauldron include; snake skin, frog poison, the eye of a newt, tongue of a dog and fur of bat along with many other gruesome ingredients, which themselves indeed are natural, but when put together in this fashion seem very unnatural and unusual. By adding these bizarre ingredients to the cauldron, Shakespeare is able to foreshadow and hint at what the result of this potion may be, possibly dangerous and unnatural. It seems as though with the witches’ presence, follows stormy and dangerous weather. In the first scene of the play, which is set in a thunderstorm, the witches are discussing where they shall meet Macbeth to provide him with their first set of prophecies. These prophecies are the fuel to the play, and main cause for the terror, murder and battle that takes place in the play. Spoken by the first witch, the line “When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain? “ (1.1.1.2) shows us that because the first witch states they shall either meet in thunder lightning or rain. No matter where the witches are, bad weather follows, which symbolizes danger and unnatural being, reflecting in their means. The idea of setting this scene in a storm leaves the reader with an impression of the witches and the three prophecies being dangerous and unnatural. Not only did this scene give the reader a vision of the witches, it also sets a mood of danger and rivalry that carries on throughout the whole play. Shakespeare quite often used the atmosphere, weather and nature of a situation to characterize and emphasize a character or event in the play. Much of the three witches’ collective characteristics and the mood they bring to the play are built off of the unnatural, stormy weather and nature their presence brings. Many other characters are also characterized from the nature around them, or the effects their presence brings. Almost immediately after Macbeth commits murder for the first time, he feels much different than he is used to. From this point on Macbeth's character changes from being a tough, brave, fearless man, to someone with feelings and emotions. This side of Macbeth's character is gained and characterized by being able to see some of the personal problems Macbeth is going through. After Macbeth kills the king, he doesn't consider himself pure any more, as he has committed one of the biggest sins

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he possibly could have. He acts unusual and much different than he would in his normal nature, for example whilst in grief talking to Lady Macbeth, Macbeth says “O, full of scorpions in my mind, dear wife!” (3.2.41) it seems somewhat unnatural and out of the blue for one to compare their grief to a scorpion, especially for a person like Macbeth who tried to cover up his problems, conveying himself as a more brave and fearful man. Reading this line not only allows the reader to understand the problems Macbeth is going through in his mind, which in turn change the reader's view on his character, but it also emphasizes the degree to which these thoughts affect him, by metaphorically comparing his thoughts to the weirdly natured and venomous animal, the scorpion. Emphasizing and exaggerating stereotypical animals to later compare them to a character or act seems to be a theme throughout the play of Macbeth. Nearing the end of act III Macbeth says “Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear, the armed rhinoceros, or the’ hyrcan tiger.” (3.4.121). In this line Macbeth is emphasizing how he plans to proceed with battle. Shakespeare uses the fearful persona of bears, rhinoceroses and tigers in this case, as most humans stereotypically associate those animals with being strong, dangerous and undefeatable. Shakespeare associates animal nature and usually stereotypes to structure a character in many different ways, most commonly to give a character or object strength or the element of fear, but also to describe objects and characters that are gentle and innocent. Often throughout the play, the weather and nature reflect on the mood and objective of certain situations or characters. A really important example to notice whilst reading the play is the atmosphere

Amedeo Cortese, Gr.

and setting of the very first scene. In this scene, the three witches discuss plans to meet

Macbeth, which we know result in a set of mysterious and game changing prophecies given to Macbeth. According to stage direction, this scene takes place during a large thunderstorm. This thunderstorm is reflecting on the witches’ presence. By opening the play like this, Shakespeare is able to foreshadow not only the doings and personas that the witches will show throughout the play of being unnatural and unusual, but also to set the mood for the rest of the play by making the reader's first impression of the play a thunderstorm; natural yet unusual. Death is most often associated with weather and nature, usually very drastically. Ross says “And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp. Is ’t night’s predominance or the day’s shame That darkness does the face of Earth entomb When living light

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should kiss it?”(2.4.7-10). This line was said just after King Duncan had just been killed. Ross is explaining how the sun never came out the day after Duncan was killed, which is quite unnatural itself. This is another example of how actions and the doing of unnatural things reflect in unnatural happenings. Being that the king of a whole country was murdered by the main character in the play (Macbeth) this event is a quite important and catastrophic in comparison to other events in the play which is why Shakespeare decided to add in the unnatural effect of the sun never rising. This example of the atmosphere and mood reflecting on the important event of the King being killed says a lot more than initially realized. This event also foreshadows how the rest of the play is going to unravel. Similar to the first scene of the whole play this scene sets a mood for the rest of the play. After this scene, violence and death start to occur more often, each time becoming more disastrous and tragic. Symbolizing a person or object with something of unnatural being is a great way to add more unusual acts and scenes into the play. In the line “We have scorched the snake, not killed it” (3.2.15), Macbeth is conversing with his wife, Lady Macbeth about how he is stressed and worried about what outcome could be a result of his recent sin; murder. The snake is symbolically Banquo, who Macbeth has plotted to kill along with his son Fleance. A snake usually brings a frightening aura along with its presence. By comparing Banquo to a snake, it allows the reader to realize that Macbeth fears Banquo and the intelligence and bravery he has. One out of the three final prophecies given to Macbeth by the witches states that; “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnham Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him.” (4.1.105-107). This line is the last apparition given to Macbeth by the witches. It means that Macbeth will never be harmed until the forest of Great Birnham reaches his castle which sits on the hill of Dunsinane. The forest, which most people associate with fear and being unknown, symbolizes the army of men who will kill Macbeth. Instead of saying that there is a army of men waiting to kill Macbeth, a forest was used to represent them instead. Forests are large and mysterious, which allows the reader to connect to the elements of danger that may arise as the play moves forward. In most instances throughout Macbeth when a person or object is symbolized, especially when the symbolism has to do with weather or nature, there are many meanings behind what the character or object is symbolized as, each completely different all stemming from the same root character or object. Throughout the entire play of Macbeth, the essence and presence of weather and nature, both natural and unnatural are integrated into almost every scene, act or character through symbolism, characterization, foreshadowing, emphasizing and reflecting one's idea or presence, into the weather, nature and overall atmosphere of an act or scene. The frequently recurring motif of weather and nature appears many times throughout the duration of the play, each time with a different and important meaning. Understanding the motif of weather and nature, and how Shakespeare is able to use it to alter or convey the reader’s perspective of a situation is very impressive. Most integrations of nature or weather into the play are detailed enough that each time one reads over, the use of weather or nature sparks yet another thought or feeling that the reader may have not noticed before, ultimately allowing there to be many different perceptions and ideas made from what stems from the same instance.

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Hands Claire Oliphant, Grade 11 In the Shakespearean play, Macbeth, we commonly see relationships made toward the hand. First, it is received that our characters are merely referencing a daily tool of the body. However given context and a little dissection as to what the character intends, we begin to notice more to aspect of the hand, then the body part itself. To step back for a moment, observe why and how hands are essential. They allow humans eat, dress, and communicate. Without them life would be very different. Shakespeare recognizes the ever presence of hands in the play, for every character we greet possesses them. However, even though hands are physical piece of the play Macbeth, and hands also can be uncovered to symbolic feature that contribute to the depth of the story. Throughout the escalation of the play, Shakespeare makes the relationship with hands more accentuated in some characters than others. Hand imagery becomes to be wary because of what they represent. For the characters, hands can represent the control they have over a situation, qualities and individual may hold or even support offered to someone. Thus the the term hands within the play seldom merely reflect the physical being of one’s hand, but the hand itself representing a feature or action that has taken place with the reflection of their action, conscious will, or even control over a situation. Initially Macbeth is glorified for what he is able to accomplish with his hands. In act one, before Macbeth becomes known to his viewers as a true murderer, Macbeth is praised for the skill he possesses. A reporting soldier informs King Duncan relates the true martial power Macbeth holds: “ ...like a valor's minion, /carved out his passage till’ /he faced the slave.; which/ ne’er shook hands, nor bade farewell /till he unseamed him...” (I.ii.20-25 ), and for this Macbeth is later flattered. His hand represents his actions of loyalty, devotion, and bravery to Scotland. His hands can be recognized with association towards the protagonists actions. Macbeth's hands are frequently related to his actions. In the quote said by Macbeth, “What hands are here? ha! they pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” ( II.ii.76-82), he reveals how the staining blood upon his flesh prove to be a hideous burden that burn against his eyes, because of guilt from the actions that put the blood there that will be ever present and fresh to the front of the mind so long as that stain is present. But even though the stain of blood brings forth guilt in Macbeth’s conscience, he is disgusted by his hands that brought him to such a sin. His physical act brews the fresh shock in what he has done, with complete awareness of his action. His hands’ deeds are permanent, and cannot be removed, and shalt constantly display the wicked actions he performed. This is later highlighted by Angus when he says “Now does he feel his secret murders sticking on his hands;” (V.ii.19-20) who states that Macbeth’s past actions are to make him victim to the rage of those who love his victims. The visual of hands used shows that the sin of his actions are permanent, for as blood can be washed hands cannot leave the ends of one’s arms. Macbeth asks “ what hands are here,” referring to what commandments have been broken, and what person has taken the gall to break them in such a savage sweep of a blade.

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Macbeth refers to his hands as his actions, without judgment, consequence, or consciousness. These thoughtless actions are made obvious when Macbeth is realizing he is in far too deep water to return to shore. When we see him sorting his thoughts after the three apparitions and prophecies he receives upon visit to the weird sisters (act IV), Macbeth monologues “The very firstlings of my heart shall be /The firstlings of my hand. And even now/To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done”(IV.i.167170) this statement concluding that his actions are no longer conscious decisions of his physical being, but rather just how he must and will react to the information given. In this passage, it can be viewed that the imagery of hands no longer represents actions, but conscious decisions. Macbeth’s thoughts shift to his initial reactions, because he now believes that he can no longer merely consider making a merciful choice. This is significant because Macbeth tells the audience that no matter what thought he has, he must react according to that thought. Macbeth's actions are no longer of conscious behaviour, but rather a reflex. This shows Macbeth's inability to think, and that all he can now do is obey his initial ideas. Acting upon initial ideas proves a lack of conscious thought, but also points toward control, or better yet lack of. Control is a common characteristic with relevance to the imagery of hands, because of the relationship control with actions. Early on Banquo makes the relationship “And when we have our naked frailties hid, that suffer in exposure, let us meet, and question this most bloody piece of work, to know it further. Fears and scruples shake us: “In the great hand of God I stand; and thence against the undivulged pretense I fight of treasonous malice.” ( II.iii.148-154). Banquo speaks about how he has little control about the tragic turn of events in the story thus far, and that he must trust himself to God hands, in hopes that Scotland will not fall to its doom. The only control Banquo owns is those of his own actions. “ ..I fight of treasonous malice”, but cannot control the thoughts of his dear friend Macbeth. Banquo, accepting his vulnerability to the world, is mainly saying that he will step back and let the world act as it because he owns no power over it, but will control his actions and thoughts so that maybe if he can act honorably against the wicked world, others will follow, and he will not be smited so harshly. Where Banquo uses the imagery of God’s hand to represent Banquo’s self-control and virtuous actions, characters such as Lady Macbeth suffer from the lack of control. In the fifth act, Lady Macbeth who has been quite quiet since the banquet is shown experiencing night terrors. Lady Macbeth displays herself in the terror she would otherwise not show in her waking moments. As she sleeps, conscious composure is not something she is capable of grasping. As she exclaims “Here's the smell of the blood still: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh!” (V.i.53-55), Lady Macbeth is suffering from a dream-like agony. Her hand restores the idea of control because she cannot alter it as she wished. Her literal hand smells wretched to her brain; her brain believes her to be guilty. “Who, as 'tis thought, by self and violent hands took off her life”, this passage spoken by Malcolm reflect the kind of conscious behaviour of Lady Macbeth. This example provides all three meanings behind the motif hand. Lady Macbeth took her life off through means of violent actions. But in order to commit that kind of treachery to herself, one must have mental consciousness of doing so. Lady Macbeth was so brutally tortured by the thoughts and memories of her past actions, she chose upon her own consent to take one last leap of control and end her tortures. The fear she lived in was so frenzied, so utterly wild that she could not get a hold of herself. She had no control over her thoughts, so therefore retaliated against her lack of conscious command and took physical means to be away from the hunting tortures that aroused from her past crimes. Hands connect into a full circle, which start to reveal actions, conscious decisions, to control, and in cases to prove control, the character will prove with actions again.

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The Red Liquid Sarah Reeder, Grade 11 Blood is powerful. It is the source of our existence but can symbolize many different things. In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, blood is woven consistently throughout and is mentioned in many different ways. The motif of blood, has a connection between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth that shows the change which they undergo in the play. The “bloody business” causes lack of sleep for both Macbeth’s, which shows the guilt and remorse they have after killing many people to get to where they wanted. Family is acknowledged through bloodline and heritage. This is a huge part in the play because Macbeth, who becomes king, has no one to pass his crown down to, which causes a lot of trouble in Scotland. In addition, the blood that Macbeth spills both with his own hands and with the others makes one to many murders in the kingdom, but why does he keep wiping out everyone in his way? Blood is widely used over and over again to symbolize the guilt and remorse the Macbeths have after doing the deed of killing the King of Scotland. The first time blood is mentioned Lady Macbeth asks the spirits above to let her be emotionless, and to not let the murder of Duncan get to her. Macbeth takes a different approach when dealing with the crime. The play does a wonderful job at showing how guilty Macbeth really does feel in the line that says: “Ha, they pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” (ii.iii.77-79) In this quotation we see that Macbeth isn't handling the murder well. He feels like he will never be able to wash the blood off his hands because he knows he is the one who is guilty of the murder of the king, just like the saying goes, the blood is on his hands. No matter how many times he washes his hands he will always see Duncan’s warm red liquidity blood, and this scares him. Macbeth doesn't stop in this bloody business. He is finding that in order to keep the death of Duncan a secret he has many people he needs to kill in order to do so. After killing his best friend Banquo, Macbeth finds himself hallucinating from the remorse. Lady Macbeth doesn't like the fact the Macbeth isn’t handling the murder as well has she is. When Macbeth says “I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er” (iii.iv.168-170), he feels upset and guilty for what he has done, which is the exact opposite of what Lady Macbeth asked the spirits. She guilts him to think that he’s not a man if he can’t hide his feelings. She also claims that she is a better man than he is. This then changes drastically, Lady Macbeth’s emotions start to build up inside her and come out of their shell. Lady Macbeth often uses blood to symbolize her feeling of disgrace toward to death of Duncan and the people Macbeth has brutally murdered. This is significant when she is sleep walking late at night and says “What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account? Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him” (v.i.39-42) The blood is on their hands. When Lady Macbeth says “who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him” she is saying that she didn't think that Duncan's death would cause this much trouble and that if she knew it would then she wouldn't have insisted her husband to commit the crime. There is a sudden change of heart with Lady Macbeth’s emotions. She was once a strong woman fighting with her husband to encourage him to kill to become powerful but now she is breaking. On the flip side, Macbeth is stone cold. He is willingly killing everyone in his way to stay King. He changes completely but in the opposite way Lady Macbeth does. He becomes heartless and that is eventually what gets him killed. You get a sense of guilt throughout the play in the use of the motif blood with the lines that are associated and related to remorse. But the motif of blood can be related to more than just guilt.

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Heritage is important to many people. In the play, this symbol of family is shown many times through the blood motif. After the king of Scotland is killed by Macbeth, the two sons feel the need to flee in order to be safe and stay alive because the blame of the king's death will automatically be put on them since they are the next in line to be king. Donalbain, Duncan's youngest son says “The near in blood, the nearer bloody” (ii.iv.165-166) because he knows what could happen to both himself and his brother. Macbeth as a different idea on how to put the blame on the brothers, this is evident when Macbeth states “We hear our bloody cousins are bestowed in England and Ireland, not confessing their cruel parricide filling their hearers with strange invention.” (iii.i.33-36) Macbeth is trying to ingrain the idea of the sons murdering their father into Banquo's head. Banquo was there when they saw the Weird Sisters with Macbeth and heard what they had to say about Macbeth’s future. So, Macbeth is trying his hardest to take himself off of the list of people who could have killed Duncan. This is a very good strategy by Macbeth because the first person Banquo will think of is Macbeth. One of the prophecies the weird sisters tells Banquo is that he will be a father of kings. This finally comes as a concern to Macbeth when the weird sisters show Macbeth the line of Scotland kings and Banquo is next in line but Macbeth who is currently king isn’t. Macbeth gets scared and upset and says “Now I see ’tis true; For the blood-boltered Banquo smiles upon me and points at them for his.” (iv.i.138-139) Bloodline and family is symbolized very well in the play by the motif blood and the comparison to descent. It’s a bloody business that once you get yourself to far into it there's never a way out. When people first think of blood, they automatically think of death, but there are many different symbols that blood can represent. Murder in the play Macbeth plays a significant role in the use of blood as a symbol and motif. Guilt and death in this play relate to each other quite a lot. When Macbeth says “It is the bloody business which informs thus to mine eyes” (ii.i.60-61) he is referring to the death of Duncan to be unpleasant and upsetting because he is the one who committed to crime. He then goes mad and hallucinates from guilt. The two intertwine in the blood motif. The killing spree Macbeth is going through causes him to become emotionless and stone cold. When the Macbeth's servant Seyton tell Macbeth “The queen, my lord, is dead” (v.v.19), Macbeth wasn't even upset about his own wife committing suicide. He has become stone cold and heartless. The deaths have caused Macbeth to go insane and have turned him into a true murderer. Blood is often related to murder, crime, and death and that is exactly how Shakespeare used the blood motif, to symbolize destruction all over Scotland. In conclusion, the blood motif Shakespeare uses is symbolic in more many more way than just death and murder, even though he does use that meaning as well. It is used to create the sense of guilt and in order to show how characters are feeling, Shakespeare uses the idea of bloodline and family heritage as a link to symbolize the motif and last but not least it symbolizes murder, death and destruction. Macbeth goes through many changes throughout the play to cause all three symbols to happen, to affect the story and change the plot. But this bloody business is dangerous and has many consequences. Blood is what is keeping us alive right at this very moment, it is the source of our existence, and some would argue it's the most powerful and precious thing to ever exist.

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Source Analysis Social Studies 20-1

The source is a political cartoon depicting an iceberg representing climate change and a boat representing the world's leaders. The concept is that the implications for world leaders will be drastic if they don't change their course on dealing with climate change. The author's opinion is clear; he believes that world leaders spend too much time procrastinating and making excuses to avoid climate change when there is a clear looming threat to deal with and views the way they operate in a negative light. Time and again, the author's negative view of world leaders has been proven by the failure of the Kyoto Accord and the denial of climate change that would lead him to draw a cartoon like this in the first place. He is also warning us about the dangers of climate change by drawing parallels between the disaster of the Titanic and what will happen if we continue to ignore climate change. For example, there will parts of North Africa uninhabitable to humans if this trend continues. The use of an iceberg is also particularly clever because as everyone knows, the tip of the iceberg is the smallest part, implying the issues we are dealing with are much greater than one would expect. This cartoon is focused on the way world leaders are handling climate change. This is a clear example of internationalism, but also shows how national interest can get in the way of international cooperation. Leaders often break meetings down into pedantics and stall progress because it is not in their countries national interest to change how they handle emissions. Dom Petti, Grade 11

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This political cartoon focuses on the constantly increasing issue regarding global warming, and the fast melting of our worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arctic ice. You see a large ship that is headed in the direction of a much larger iceberg, which represents climate change. Global leaders, represented by the boat have troubles actually deciding and moving forward with change in the global climate. If this boat does not change its course, it will crash into the iceberg, which represents climate change, and fall apart. This symbolically and ironically contrasts and foreshadows the possible outcome of our global word in the future regarding the quick melting Arctic ice, and overall global warming as a whole. It seems that the cartoonist is coming from a perspective where he or she thinks that global warming is a negative problem that has many downsides that follow untreatable and dangerous outcomes. It seems as though the cartoonist views our global leaders as being procrastinators, not willing to change their environmental ways because of their high degrees of self-interest. The cartoonist possibly may have felt this way, and drew this cartoon because they may have been personally and directly affected by climate change and experienced its many consequences, one of which being the progressive flooding and eventually complete destruction of small sea level nations like Fiji or Hawaii. Of course, there could be many other possibilities, as the cartoonist could very well be an environmentalist or have some sort of strong environmental standing. The cartoonist seems to be fed up with the constant procrastination and pushing back of this serious global topic, and feels that the topic has to be more publicly known, especially the seriousness and danger that climate change brings, as most people are unfamiliar with these dangers, or are simply ignorant enough to ignore them. The cartoonist's main goal whilst drawing this cartoon is to warn the public viewer of the large amount of underlying and somewhat unnoticed problems that have, and continue to constantly arise as climate change and global warming increases. Another fact that the cartoonist is trying get across is that the world needs to unify further and work internationally and focus on the ending goal of stopping climate change, possibly through the means of an agreement or law. With the constant melting of ice, many regions and nations that sit at sea level are in a large amount of danger, and could very well be fully flooded and become uninhabitable; completely submerged under water. This source is related to nationalism in many ways, but more specifically can be separated into two different sub-topics; national interest, and internationalism. We know that all nations around the word have some form of self-determination, some more than others, and when regarding climate change, a nation's selfinterest can relate to its global contribution to pollution. Obviously, this is a problem for some developing nations, because they feel as though they are stuck in the middle of the problem, unsure if they should do what is best for themselves, and develop further, or for the global community as a whole, and stay as an underdeveloped nation. The cartoon relates to internationalism because one of the main messages that is trying to be put across is that nations (especially large world leaders) need to work together and agree to work for a change, because in this case, it actually is completely necessarily to work together internationally to stop global warming and climate change.

Amedeo Cortese, Grade 11 115Â Â

The source is a political cartoon concerning the concept of climate change. This is represented through a ship heading towards an iceberg, explaining that "It's settled... We agree to sign a pledge to hold another meeting to consider changing course at a date yet determined." Unfortunately, world leaders, or the ship, are procrastinating on the idea of "changing course" or, coming up with a plan to avoid the problems caused by climate change, which is represented by the iceberg. Ironically, this idea relates to the idea of the Titanic, where climate change as the potential to affect lives and cause severe damage. The author's negative opinion on climate change is that world leaders are avoiding the main problem, talking about the issue rather than taking the required precautions in order to stop, slow, or avoid the problem. The cartoonist might feel negatively about climate change due to the fact that they, as well as humanity, are being directly affected by climate change and global warming, yet no influential action has been taken. For instance, the author might have knowledge on the activities of the UN, and how, in the past, bills which could bring about change for the greater good have been vetoed or rejected because of world leader's own national interests or concerns. Overall, it is seen that the cartoonist is attempting to warn readers about the damaging effects of climate change and global warming through their work. Some of these problematic effects of climate change include the massive amounts of melting in the North Pole, the depleting glaciers, and rising sea levels. Melting ice in the North could cause potential conflict over the exposed oil and other resources trapped beneath the ice, and rising sea levels could lead to entire nations becoming submerged. For example: People living on coastal locations are recently being exposed to serious risks, such as flooding or storms. Waning glacier levels will also seriously affect northern country's drinking water. Finally, this source is related to nationalism in that, instead of contributing to stopping or slowing climate change as an international force, nations are more so focused on national interests, such as sovereignty, or becoming a developed nation. However, the cartoonist is opposed to this because they believe in an international point of view, where nations should come together to solve world issues. For example, the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Greenland will not follow through with their pledge because of national interests in becoming a developed and an industrialized nation. Georgia Needham, Grade 11

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Personal Response Robyn Brodylo, Grade 12 April 16th, 2001 I wish that last night could have lasted forever. I’m not going to be able to enjoy a family dinner for a long time. There was something extra special about last night but I can’t quite put my finger on it, maybe it was my grandmother's potato recipe that my mother had prepared with care, maybe it was the crackling of the fireplace in the living room, filling the room with the glow of warmth of orange and yellow flames, or maybe it was the laughter of my younger siblings playing their favorite board game on the living room floor. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I would be leaving in the morning, in the hopes of breaking the pattern of poverty for my family. I was the sole breadwinner of my family as my father passed away of cancer in the years prior, and my mother took care of my other siblings. I worked tirelessly for weeks out in the fields to earn enough money to sustain them as I wouldn’t be there for a long time. I was up packing before the sun rose and hopefully before my family would wake. I set all the money I had on the kitchen table alongside a note stating “I am leaving in the hopes that I can do something great and provide the life for you that you all deserve. I love you - Nathaniel”. I tried to hold back the sorrow I felt as I had to be strong for myself and for my family. I took one last deep inhale of the warm smell of home, trying deeply to store the smell in my memory. I closed the door with a heavy heart, the familiar creak hit my ears in an almost painful way, as if I had been shot with a pellet gun from far away. I approached the rusty motorbike that my father had left me, the seat was torn, and the lights no longer worked, but it was mine. The sun was now rising and I knew that it was time for me to go. I loaded my belongings onto the bike and turned to take one last look at the house, making a mental note of every dry board and piece of peeling paint so I would know what to fix when I returned. I walked my bike for a mile before starting it as to not wake my family. I said goodbye to Nathaniel and welcomed Colin, the budding young man who has grand plans to do great things, and much potential. August 3rd, 2004 It had been too long since the distinct scent of grain had filled my senses. I had greeted the smell as it had reminded me of more to come. My sleek black vehicle driving up the road seemed to taunt the way of life these farmers lived, worth as much as their entire life's work. I pulled up to my old dwelling, appearing shabbier than when I left it. I was excited to start fixing this place and to turn it into something greater. I approached the front door expecting to be welcomed with open arms once I entered, but instead I received the gazes of my siblings, filled with despair and resentment. I understood that there would be some indignation over me deserting them, but I was back now no longer the underprivileged farm boy that I once was. I overlooked the stares and went to hug everyone, “Where is mother?” I demanded “I have missed her terribly”. The glares from my siblings turned to sorrow, I asked again where mother was but this time there was dread in my voice. My younger brother responded with what quickly grew from anguish to rage that she had passed away some months ago when she became ill. Her condition worsened when the money ran out, they couldn’t afford food and mother did not have the strength to fight her illness. I almost collapsed where I stood, I was in such shock. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I thought I could have it all, but what does all the money in the world mean when you don’t have a family. My mother is dead and my other siblings resent me for leaving. My brother was still shouting at me when I just stood up and left. I sat on the front step outside the depressed house, sudden fury filling my body. I picked up a rake and started destroying my vehicle with such vigor. Glass flew and nicked my face, blood filled my ears and all I could hear was the sound of my own heart beating. I proceeded to let out my anger on the vehicle until my anger had subsided. Feeling weak I released the rake and wandered into a wheat field. Gold on all sides of me, I sat, for how long, I do not know. The wheat seemed to engulf me, taking away all trace of of who I had become.

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Personal Response to the Poem “Prodigal” Colton Playsted, Grade 12 As a young kid, Saturdays were just as religious for me as Sundays were for everyone else in Nebraska. Every Saturday night you would find me sitting right in front of the television watching Saturday Night Live. I fell in love with the show: the creativity was brilliant. I was always amused at how well the actors could play different roles every week. Saturday Night Live is the reason I wanted to become a live actor. My dream was to be a regular on the show just like Will Ferrell. It was a long shot for a kid living on a corn farm. The first and only time I told my father about my dream, he laughed right in my face. “You’re a corn farmer? Ya hear me?” he said in his thick southern accent. I got the same response from everyone in my family except from my mom and Uncle Rick. Uncle Rick was the most supportive out of my family. He was just as ambitious as I was. I got bullied every day at school, and got made fun of at home by my three older brothers. I hated life as a farmer so much. I worked every day from age 13 to 19 at a cattle farm, saving up money to go to New York and try to make it as a theatre actor. In the middle of one July, I decided it was time to finally go chase my dream. I set my alarm for 2:30 in the middle of the night so I could sneak out with no one noticing. I woke up in a big puddle of sweat that accumulated in my bed. I was so happy that this was the last time I would see this small shack in the middle of nowhere. I was walking towards the door when I heard Uncle Rick’s voice, “You best be getting out of here now, Roy Boy.” He was sitting in the kitchen with a big smile on his face like always. I ran over and gave him a big hug. Two eleven-hour Greyhound buses later, I was finally in New York City. Everything was so bright, I had never seen anything like it. TV did the city no justice, it was so breath taking seeing all the lights for the first time. This was the first time I ever left Nebraska, and it felt so good to be away from all the boring flat land, I knew that New York was the place for me. The next morning I had my first audition, and I nailed it. My first show and it was a major Broadway production. Late one night my phone went off, the number was blocked but I answered anyway, “Hello, Roy speaking.” “Hey Roy, it’s Don Penino from Saturday Night Live, do you have a minute to talk?” I was at a loss for words, I thought this was some sort of sick joke someone was playing on me. After a long pause I replied. “Uh yeah, I’m just walking home from rehearsal right now so I can talk.” My heart was beating through my chest. “Well listen kid, I think you have a lot of talent, and on behalf of the entire SNL recruiting crew we would love to have you out for a couple shows.” My throat clenched up so tight, I couldn’t even swallow, I couldn’t squeak out a response. The silent moment felt to go on forever until Don asked, “Hey Roy, you still there?” I coughed once in attempt to clear my sealed throat. 118

“Yeah I’m still here, Don. Sorry, I just needed a moment to take this in.” It was quiet for a second, he was probably waiting for me to accept or decline the offer. “Don, words can’t explain how much I would love to be a part of the production.” “Alright Roy, I’ll have my secretary send the information to you.” “Okay thanks Don, I’ll see you on set!” I replied. He hung up right after, and I just stood in the middle of the sidewalk for a moment. At the time the thought of actually being a part of the show was unfathomable to me. I went from some kid living on a farm with a big dream of being on SNL to being asked personally to go on the show. It all happened so fast. I had a promise to keep. I unlocked my phone and dialed in my family’s phone number. It rang twice and then stopped. There was an awkward silent moment. “Hello?” It was my dad. The last time I spoke to him was the night I left. He was going to bed and I was watching the evening news. We exchanged goodnights and that was it. I had forgotten how strong his accent was. “Don’t hang up on me please,” I piped out. “Who is this?” He asked. “It’s Roy, Dad…” I mumbled. I knew he was going to say something about leaving. “Ah, I remember you, you’re the disappointment of the family,” He snarked. That one really cut deep, but he had no clue how much success and happiness I had found out here. “Is Rick there? I would like to talk to Uncle Rick,” I requested. I didn’t want to listen to what my father had to say about my life choices. I was happy. “Rick died last month. I mean, you would know if you kept in contact with your family and weren’t so selfish. We would have invited you out to the service but you were too busy doing whatever you’re doing.” I was shocked. Rick died and I was too busy chasing my dreams to even give him a call while he was living. “You know what, Dad? Uncle Rick was the one who told me to go chase my dreams. This is what he wanted, Uncle Rick wanted the best for me. I can honestly say that you didn’t and still don’t. I’m going on SNL in two weeks, remember when you laughed at the idea of me being on there?” I screamed into the phone, then hung up. That was the last time I talked to my family. I felt guilty at first but then I realized that this is exactly what Uncle Rick would’ve wanted. I needed to chase my dreams and let my ambitions run wild, in the process it ruined my family member’s opinions of me, but I don’t care.

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The Wars Journal Response Alix Stephen, Grade 12

Today was full of near death experiences. My men and I were instructed to go and lay gun beds on an unknown crater in no man's land. I felt that this task was a death trap. Captain Leather was telling me how I was going to die: going into no man’s land to lay gun beds in a crater that was unknown and possibly being occupied by Germans. Nothing good seemed like it was going to come from us doing this. I wanted to tell Captain Leather it wasn’t fair to be sent into no man’s land with very little knowledge of what was going to happen or what we were going to encounter, but I had no choice, it was an order. This was the way that war worked; you were told and ordered and no matter what it had to be followed. As we all were at the bottom of the crater, there was a gas attack coming over the top towards to us sitting at the bottom. I yelled, telling the men to put on their masks and was then informed that I was the only one who had been issued a mask before leave camp. Thank God for the small amount of science that I did remember. Telling the men to piss on their shirt tails saved some of our bloody lives yesterday. Once the gas had subsided, we rolled over to come face to face with a German soldier. As if the gas attack wasn’t enough, we now had our lives on the line again. I was fully certain that my life had been spared one too many times and this German was going to kill me, sitting in the bottom of this crater. It would have been like shooting fish in a barrel. But he didn’t, he just watched us. We rolled over. He still watched, we started to climb up the side for the crater and he still just watched. Then the idiot Bennett shot the German even after he had spared all their lives. And the German could have killed them right then and there the entire time, he had a gun sitting next to him. He had spared all their lives and Bennett shot him! The death of that German is going to haunt me forever! He spared our lives and the way that we return the favour is Bennett shooting him! I am so lucky to still be alive after yesterday. I had too many near death experiences and I’m blaming Captain Leather for putting me in these situations. I am starting to get tired of being told to what to do, knowing that I can’t talk back or do what I think is right. Having my life be put on the line without being able to question the orders that have been given is starting to get old.

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The Limits of Love Jessica Lorne, Grade 12

November 6th, 1914

Dear Amelia, I’m writing to you today because these past few months have been so hard on me. I start to miss you more and more every day. When I’m out on the frontline, all I can think about is you. Praying to God that I won’t be killed so I can come home safe to you. I miss your warm smile, soft hair, your laugh, your touch... Without you, I am nothing. You make me, me. You’re the beat of my heart Amelia, my soul mate, my best friend, my wife. I love you. Do you remember my good friend Flynn? Well, he was killed yesterday in an explosion. I almost got killed with him, but I managed to get away. I can’t image how his lady and family feel right now. All my friends are getting killed and soon, I will have no one left out here. It’s times like this when I wish I could come home right now and kiss you goodnight. I am writing you this letter late in the trenches. This is when I think of you most. When I’m writing to you, it’s almost as all my surroundings are gone, and it’s just me, my pen and my paper. All the explosions and gunshots are soundless when you fill my mind and soul. I miss you so much, Amelia Jones. I dream of you often when I get a chance to sleep, and when I wake up, it’s like I’m in a nightmare, but it’s my reality. You are my dream my darling, all I want to do is dream about you so I’m able to see you again. I wish I would write more, but I have to go now, the boys need me out there. I'll be thinking of you, Amelia Grace. Take care of yourself. Loving you forever and always, James November 21st, 1914 Dear James,

It’s been so lonely without you home with me. I think of you often too, dear. Too often at times. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, Flynn. He was a great man, and I’m sure will be missed dearly. I hate going to bed alone, James. Sometimes I just lay there awake for hours, thinking if you’re okay or not. I don’t do much these days. I used to like to go to the market, but every time I go, I always see things that remind me of you. Sometimes I’ll start crying in the middle of the store. People stare at me like I'm this crazy woman. But I don't care. Because all I care about is you, James. My dear sweet James. There are times when a few of us military wives like to get together for tea, and just catch up

and talk about things. There's been a lot of talk going around town that some of the wives are finding new men and having affairs. I would like to let you know that I will never do anything like that to hurt you. Because you are my one and only, forever and always. Yours forever, Amelia

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December 16th,1914 Dear Amelia, It is very unfortunate to hear that those women are having affairs while their husbands are out here fighting for their lives. So heartless of them. And yes of course I know that you would never do something like that to me darling. I know that our love can never be broken no matter how far apart we are from each other, or for however much longer I’m out here in this living hell. I just know that soon you will be back in my arms, and we can finally start our wonderful life together. It pains me to know that you are up late at night thinking about my well-being. I want you to be happy again, you don’t need to worry about me, I’ll be fine my dear. I dreamt of you last night. You looked so beautiful, Amelia. Every time I look at you, I always wonder how I got to be so lucky. I can’t wait till the day I get to see you again where my dreams will become my reality. Loving you forever and always, James

January 24th, 1915 Dear James,

I took your advice and tried to stop worrying so much. I’ve been going out to the pub down the street with some friends, it’s been quite fun actually. We danced, drank and sung. You know I really love dancing James, how come you never take me? I would really like to go again. I haven’t dances and had that much fun since the night of our wedding, 8 years ago.

Anyway, I’ve been sleeping a lot better lately too. No more sleepless nights worrying about you.

Since you told me not to anymore. I’ve also picked up the hobby of painting, it's very relaxing. You should try it sometime. I hope you’re being safe out there James. You must get so nervous when you’re out on the

frontline. I’m always praying for you to be safe, so I hope you continue to do so. I’ve got some things to do today so, goodbye for now. Yours Forever, Amelia

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February 18th, 1915

Dear Amelia, I understand that you love dancing, sweetheart, but you know how much I despise it. I’m glad to hear you started to paint! The house would look much nicer if we had some artwork up on the walls. Keep painting. I hope you’re not going too wild when you’re out dancing, you know how those men can be, make sure they don’t flirt with my girl. It really makes me furious knowing that other men get to see you while I’m stuck here... Another one of my good friends passed away recently, William Cook, he was shot while on the front line. Things are starting to get tough again. I’m not sure what to do anymore. I feel nothing. I haven’t cried since Flynn's death. I’m completely numb. I love you Amelia, but I’m getting sick. Loving you forever and always, James April 29th, 1915 Dear James,

I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t been feeling well. You should be better soon.

Now James, there's something I need to express to you. Ever since you me left in July, I’ve never felt more alone in my life. I felt like I was dying at times, I was so lonely. That night in January when I went out dancing, was one of the best nights of my life. I finally felt like myself, it was like I was a young girl again. But James, I met someone that night. And he

danced with me. The problem is, that I liked it. I didn’t want it to end. And when it did, he came back to the house, and has been with me ever since that night.

I’m so sorry, James. But all this time we’ve had apart from each other has changed me. I’m not the same girl you fell in love with anymore. This man I met, his name is John. He's been

making me very happy. I really hope that one day you can forgive me. I’m so sorry James. Goodbye. Amelia

May 15th, 1915

Dear Amelia, You don’t know how painful that was for me to read. How could you do this to me, Amelia? What happened to me being yours forever? We were supposed to spend the rest of our lives together! I’ve been loving you for the past 8 years and you just throw it all away in one damn night?! You’re all I have left Amelia. Do I even mean anything to you anymore? I guess not. First, all my closest friends are killed, and now you have the decency to rip my heart out of my chest during this horrible time?! I thought I knew you better than this. I hope you and John have a wonderful life together. Don’t you dare write to me ever again. James 123

“The Rocking Horse Winner” Personal Response Katherine Bennett, Grade 12 Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.” Ambition is the desire to do or achieve certain things for yourself or others around you, usually requiring determination and hard work. People’s ambitions can create a drive that may lead them to achieve what they desire. In the story “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence, we see how individual ambition can affect people in many different ways. The story suggests that people may become blinded by their individual ambitions and it can lead to the destruction of their life. In the story “The Rocking Horse Winner” we see how Paul gets blindsided by his sole ambition to please his mother, but nothing will ever work. Also, he wants to show his mother how lucky he is and to get the house to quit saying, “There must be more money!” Paul’s ambition throughout the whole story was to make his mother happy, but his true ambition was to get her to love him. Ambition starts to take over his life when he goes to the horse races and bets on them. He gives the money he makes from the horse races to his mother to try and make her happy. By this he is showing his love to her, which is what he only wishes he had. He believes that his mother will love him because she loves money, which to her equals luck and he is lucky. With the mother, we see how her ambition of wanting to have everything blinds her from loving her kids and stops her from providing a warm home for her children. Her ambition of wanting to live an extravagant life caused her to be upset with life because they were in debt. With the ambition of trying to keep a high social status, she puts her family into a bottomless pit of debt. She cared more and how people perceived her, than she cared about her kids. This causes her not to love her kids and only worry about what she wants and show a sense of greed. Paul gives his mom money in hopes that she will be happy and will love him. When the mother goes to the lawyers to gather her thousand dollars she has set in stone for her next five birthdays, she is not happy. She tries to get the whole five thousand dollars at once, so she can continue to live her grand, pristine, yet fake life. This shows that her true ambition is to get money so she can live the expensive life she puts on like a show to others. Having this ambition has blindsided her from spending time with her family and loving her kids. It has also blindsided her from putting the money she gets from Paul, to pay off her debt. She will never be satisfied with anything in life. In my own life, I have experienced how ambition, although it can be great, often leads to great disappointment. I have always done very well in my classes and last year I wanted to push myself to get on the gold medal honour roll, like I had the year before. The problem with this ambition in mind is I would just study, study, and study and never worry about anything else. I would not join any sports teams, and if I did I was very hesitant because I was scared my average in school would fall. I would get very uptight and stressed out about my marks because they were not high enough. This did not do well for people around me, because I would go and study for a test and not socialize with them or I would blow them off to study more. This ambition of mine got me to a point of loneliness and isolation from other people. While it is good to be focused on your studies you also need to balance it with human interactions. Or else you will get caught up and it will start to run and ruin your life. The story “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence tells us about how people’s individual ambition may blind them and how it may take over their life. Paul’s ambition has made him trapped with the thought of making money and getting his mother to love him. We also see with the mother when her ambitions of becoming rich and living an extravagant lifestyle have made her upset when she doesn’t get what she wants. I now have a deeper understanding of ambition and how dangerous it can be if not used in moderation. Ambition can be a positive thing in a person’s life if they don’t overuse it.

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Destruction is a Form of Creation Alix Stephen, Grade 12 Destruction is a form of creation. When man cannot find a socially acceptable way to vent his pent-up creative energies, he may release this energy through acts of destruction.

The way that destruction is shown as a form of creation is through the idea of making everyone economically equal. During the time that this story as written people were bombed out of everything that they owned, it was torn to pieces and left in piles of rubble. In this story “The Destructors” by Graham Greene, the main characters are a group of teenage boys. See this happening around them and they choose to do something about it. When they see everyone losing their homes, money and everything that they cared about to the bombs. They choose to be destructive to try and create an economic equality between everyone. The way that they achieve this is through extirpating everything that had value to Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas is a wealthy man who, out of luck managed to keep his home in once piece even after the devastation of the bombs. Mr. Thomas also managed to keep all his money safe from destruction but this 125

wasn’t for long. The boys not only take down his house from the inside out. but T. and Blackie, two of the main characters, decided that this isn’t enough, “[They] knelt down on the floor and counted them (money) out -- there was seventy in all. ‘We’ll burn them’” (pg. 372). By taking down Mr. Thomas’s house, and burning the money they are forcing Mr. Thomas to start from the bottom just like most of the other people around them. The boys, Blackie and T are wanting everyone to be on the same playing field. As these events of the house coming down and the money being burned unfold, Mr. Thomas and the kids’ lives are becoming more alike. He is being forced to start from scratch just like everyone else. Destruction isn’t only used to create economic equality, but social equality as well. The way that social equality is established is through the destruction of Mr. Thomas’s house. His house and all his valuables are a symbol of how much money he has and money is status. By destroying his house, they are creating social equality. When the boys are deciding what they are going to do that day, “It’s proposed that tomorrow and Monday we destroy Old Misery’s house” (pg.368). In this quote, Blackie is wanting to clarify what decision had been made. The reason that Mr. Thomas’s house was being targeted, was not to steal items or money from within, but to demolish from the inside out. This was because everything that was still standing from the bombing was dividing the rich from the poor and powerful from the weak. T. felt that it wasn’t right and they had to destroy the status that was connected to Mr. Thomas, so he would be forced to start over with everyone else. T wanted to stop the social structure and have everyone be seen as an equal. This is the reason for bring down the house and abolishing everything that had value. Not only physical items were broken down in this short story. The stigma around the higher class was taken down in the book as well. In the beginning of the story, we are told that T (or Trevor) is from a high class family, but the other boys are still allowing him to be there with them. This is breaking down the first barrier of higher class spending time with the lower class. At the beginning of the story, Blackie is the leader of the group of boys, then the leadership changes to Trevor when he proposed the take down of Mr. Thomas’s house. Once “T. was the one giving orders with decision….” (pg. 369) but there is a shift in leadership towards the end of the story. The role of leader seems to be abolished and their starts to be more team work being done. By the end of the story, when Mr. Thomas is coming home early the boys work together on a plan to make sure all their work wasn’t for nothing. We can see this shift in leadership or hierarchy to teamwork during this event because no one is really doing all the decision making; everyone seems to be putting in their opinions and everyone seems to be being heard. This shift in leadership or hierarchy to cooperation is a symbol for what they want the social or economic structure to look like after all this destruction; the creation of equality.

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The Wars Critical Essay Katherine Bennett, Grade 12 Kevin Conroy once said, “Everyone is handed adversity in life. No one’s journey is easy. It’s how they handle it that makes people unique.” Adversity is dealing with a hostile or unfortunate circumstance. Everyone has the strength to deal with it, but the best overcome it in their lives. When facing adversity, there is always a moment that defines or breaks your character. In the process of facing and destroying the tough obstacles that lie ahead, you discover a quality you never knew about. In the novel, The Wars by Timothy Findley, there are many difficult situations that help build Robert’s character. Throughout the story Robert is faced with adversity, and this helps shape his identity and brings out his traits of bravery, and compassion. Firstly, in the story The Wars you see how adversity brings out Robert’s bravery. Bravery is defined as a person who faces challenges or dangerous situations with courage. After Robert’s sister died, he registered for the army, and he “was admitted to the army, 2nd of April, 1915” (page 24). Some people may see this as bravery and it may also be seen as a cowardly act. The reason this act would be seen as brave is because he is going to fight for his country and he knows he could die. Robert does not care about what could happen, he just wants to go. This could also be seen as a cowardly act because Robert is running away from his problems at home because his sister just died and he had an argument with his mom. He was running away from his sister passing because he was the one supposed to be watching her in the barn and he was doing something else and that is when she fell and died. Robert also just had an argument with his mom about not killing the rabbits and then enlisting in the army. In both instances, Robert is running away from his problems. Robert is faced with another tough situation when “he requests Captain Leather that he be allowed to take the horses and mules and make a strategic retreat with them so they may be saved” (page 182). Captain Leather refused, but Robert knew he had to do something because the horses could not fend for themselves. He took the horse against the Captain Leather’s previous statement. In this instance, we see how Robert was ready to go against a person of higher rank just to save animals he may never see again. This shows bravery because he could have been thrown out of the army for disobeying a command. Toward the end of the book, we see Roberts’s bravery come out again. At this time Robert is severely burnt from a barn fire because he was saving horses and his fellow commanders were not pleased. The nurse in the hospital said “I will help you if you want me to” (page 195), but Robert declined saying “Not yet. Not yet” (page 195). The nurse took pity on Robert’s burns and thought she could help him die so he would not have to endure this pain anymore. Robert kept saying, “Not yet,” showing the reader how brave and strong Robert is, because when some people are faced with an easy out like that they take it. Robert decided to face life and all the challenges that came with it. Another reason he did not want to take part in assisted suicide is because of all the soldiers he saw who never got to live. He doesn’t care if he is burnt or hurt, he thinks he is lucky to be alive because he saw so many others in better condition who were not so lucky and they died. Throughout the story, Robert is faced with hardships and difficult situations, and we see how it brings out Robert’s trait of bravery.

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Finally, when Robert faces adversity, his characteristic of compassion comes out. Compassion is defined as feeling sorrow for the suffering or misfortune of others. At the beginning of the story Robert is faced with the death of his sister Rowena. At this time his mother wants him to kill the rabbits that were once Rowena’s. Robert’s mother insisted, saying “It must be here and he must do it” (page 19). Robert had a deep connection with these animals and knew he could not harm them. He refused to kill them. Robert had such a deep connection with the rabbits because they were his sisters and he had a deep connection and understanding with her. The rabbits also remind him of his sister because they are both innocent and both need help. His sister had a disability, which meant that Robert was her main caregiver and she needed help all the time. Robert felt that his sister’s memory was living through the rabbits and that he could not kill his sister again. He had killed her once before because when she died, he was supposed to be watching her. This shows compassion because he took a stand for what he believed was right and cared for the rabbits instead of killing them. In the middle of the story, Robert is faced with another challenging problem: his fellow soldier friend, Harris, died. Days after Harris died, Robert “discovered to his horror that Harris had been cremated” (page 104). This did not sit well with Robert and this is when we got to see how compassionate he really was. He knew Harris would not have a funeral like a soldier because he never fought in the war, but believed he should. Robert decided to take the ashes to “Greenwich and scatter them on the river” (page 105). He asked, “May we take off our caps?” (page 105), which shows signs that Robert is paying his respect to his fellow friend. This situation shows compassion because he cared that his friend get a burial that he deserved. The final situation that shows Robert’s compassion is when he burns the photo of his sister. Robert had kept this photo with him through everything. After getting raped “Robert burned it in the middle of the floor” (Page 178). Robert was raped by his fellow soldiers he felt betrayed and disgusted. He burnt the photo because he thought Rowena was living in the photo and he didn’t want her to see the ugly truth of war and life. Robert didn’t want her to be with him anymore because he associated her with innocence, like the animals. He associated his sister with innocence because his sister could not do things for herself and needed help from others. Through this, Robert showed compassion to his sister because he didn’t want her to go through the same things as himself. Even though Robert is faced with adversity, he accepts the challenges and they bring out his characteristic of compassion. In the story The Wars by Timothy Findley, Robert is faced with adversity in many different ways, by overcoming this adversity, it brings out his traits of bravery, and compassion which helps shape his identity. Firstly, Robert is faced with adversity which brings out his trait of bravery because he stands up for what he believes in and doesn’t care what others think. Finally, Robert is faced with adversity which brings out his characteristic of compassion because he overcomes the difficult circumstances and it brings out his compassion because he feels for those going through hardship. Everyone faces adversity at some point in their life and it tends to bring out hidden traits, which play an important part in shaping people's identities.

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What does “social justice” mean to you? Social Justice is doing your part to help make society better. Social Justice is a big part of socialism because it's doing what is best for the entire community. We need social justice in our world because not everyone is lucky enough to live in first world countries, so we need to provide them with things that they struggle to have, such as clean drinking water and adequate shelter. Social Justice is also making sure everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. Everyone deserves to be educated and have fair opportunities to find a job so they can have an income. Social Justice is also important in setting up programs to support people struggling in society, like soup kitchens or support groups for single mothers. It’s not necessary or mandatory to donate or support these Social Justice programs, but important to have these programs available so people can help is they decide to give back to society. Payton Budd, Grade 12 Social Justice is “justice” in terms of distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges in society. It is attempting to create equality throughout the world, and closing the gap between the rich and the poor. It is helping out people who are less fortunate than you. It makes sure that everyone gets the same opportunities no matter who you are from an economical or geographical standpoint. Everyone should be given an opportunity to get an education. Social justice is equality, equality of opportunity, and economic equality. It is a very collective idea, as humanitarians want the best life for all. Social Justice is to do what you can for the betterment of society, and where everyone has equal access to be an active citizen in the world. Examples of social justice would be building houses for the homeless or providing clean drinking water to people who don’t have it. Casey O’Connor, Grade 12 129

Perspective Response Annelise Coombs, Grade 12

The vast majority of citizens are ill-equipped to make informed decisions that can affect the stability and security of their country. There would be fewer errors in judgment that impact society as a whole if important decisions were made entirely by political leaders equipped with the natural abilities and charisma to effectively manage a country.

In this source, the author offers the opinion that government should have decision making powers instead of citizens within a society. The source explains how many people are not capable of making decisions for themselves because it can lead to an unstable and vulnerable nation, and that is why an elite group or leader would be best to run the country. The author of this source would believe in an authoritarian leader because typically they have characteristics such as being charismatic and have the aptitude to run a country efficiently. The author may think that society needs a dictatorship because leaving the political decisions up to the people like in democracy could lead to a weak government. The author may feel this way because they might have experienced democracy failing in the past. Democracy is a slow and gradual process and it takes trial and error, but in times of hardship people tend to gravitate towards the extreme ends of the political spectrum instead of democracy. People look for someone to promise rapid change, for example, in Germany in the 1930s, Hitler vowed for this quick change. It was clear democracy in Germany was failing, and he soon gained the trust of citizens because of the economic and political state they were in. Hitler promised to step in and give the people the change they desired, soon leading Germany into an authoritarian form of government. The author is warning us about the negative sides to democracy, democracy has the large potential to fail because it is based on the people. If the citizens are ill-informed and uneducated they can make decisions that can negatively impact society. That is why an elite individual is best for governing a nation. The author disagrees with all aspects of liberalism such as election and citizen participation because they do not believe in democracy. The author does not believe in giving political powers to the citizens, and all government power should be given to one elite group or individual because they have the capacity to govern a country effectively.

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Calculus Curve Sketch – Math 31 Class

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Compton Scattering – Physics 30 – Alix Steven

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Compton Scattering – Physics 30 – Dylan Graham

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Compton Scattering – Physics 30 – Katherine Bennett

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Compton Scattering– Physics 30 – Max de Paiva

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Compton Scattering– Physics 30 – Garrett Smith

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Compton Scattering– Physics 30 – Kennedy Huntley

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Nicole Menard, Grade 9