Years 7 and 8NEWSLETTER

TERM 2 2016

Old Girl Grandmothers’ Day

Sewing The Science Visit Gallipoli and Hippo’s

Story Year 7/8 Quad Netball Pent Cross Country 2016 Debating National Young

Leaders Day (NYLD) Speech and Drama

Lessons Creative and

Expressive Writing Boarding Food Technology

Assessment Homework Club Wonderful Woodford The War

IN THIS ISSUEDear Parents, Guardians and Whanau

The girls have been working extremely hard, both in the

classroom, and on the sports field this term. Highlights

include; the Junior Quad tournament, biography writing,

debating, ANZAC topic study, National Young Leaders

Day and cross-country.

Several visitors joined us to talk about Gallipoli and the

plant kingdom, and we enjoyed the company of some

special Old Girl grandmothers. This inspired the girls and

enriched the intensity, accuracy and enthusiasm of their

writing in this newsletter.

Term 3 promises to be just as action-packed with the

Hereworth Formal dance, Disney’s The Lion King JR,

The Kids Sing and the Science Roadshow. We will also

explore a selection of topics, including the Olympics,

ancient Egyptians, and animal body systems in science.

Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement

and involvement in your daughter’s

learning experiences. We wish you and your family a relaxing and

enjoyable break and look forward to

seeing everyone again next term.

Lorna Morice

Intermediate Teacher

Early in Term 2 we had an Old Girl grandmothers’ day and luckily, my granny could come! A lot had changed since granny was at school. I walked into the gallery; I put my name tag on, and spotted my granny. We talked for a bit before we had a couple of pictures taken. It was nice to see that granny had reunited with some old friends from school. The food was all set up on the table along with some coffee and water. I think most of the students couldn’t keep their eyes off the food because it looked that good! We all huddled up and had a picture taken as a group. We made a line for the food, no-one was pushing, and trying to get to the front of the line. The food was delicious; my favourite was the sponge cream cake. After everyone had a bite and a drink we headed off to Chapel. Chapel was about grandparents and they got some Year 7 and 8 girls to make a poster and write something on it about grandparents, and they read it out, then gave a poster to each grandparent. After Chapel everyone took their Grandma for a tour of the school. We went to a lot of places that Granny said had changed! I took Granny to Nelson boarding house as they had unlocked the boarding house especially. Granny remembered boarding in Nelson, but it had changed since Granny was here. Overall it was a great day and I really enjoyed showing Granny around the school.

Lucy Buchanan

Old Girl Grandmothers’ Day

SewingIn Technology on Friday the 10 of June we thought we had food tech!

When our teacher came in she announced that we were going to be doing

some groovy sewing. In my head I thought, “What could be groovy sewing?”

This was a good opportunity for everyone to be able to show off their amazing

sewing talents. We were sewing a lion brooch for the Lion King Show. When we

got the pin we sewed it on to the back of the lion’s face, then we would sew one

stitch on in each ear. Straight after that we sewed the actual face on. Sewing the face on was a challenge because you had to sew all

the way around and it took ages! The next task was to go to Mrs Knight to get the eyes sewn on. The nose had to be glued on so we would do that and then all done! Wow it really did turn out to be groovy.

Tessa Waldin

Rusting leaves, cold worms, dancing insects? Near the start of this term, the Intermediate Department had four special visitors from Plant and Food Research. David Rodgers, Nicola Park, Peter Wood, Ken Breen and Natasha Agnew. They came to help us with our new science topic, the five kingdoms. We split into our homeroom groups and rotated around the four thrilling stations.Natasha talked to us about goodies and baddies, and her favourite insect - the dancing bug. Then we had to guess between two different insects, and see which one was the baddie and which insect was the goodie for that particular plant or fruit. There are some minuscule insects that are very special. They dance in mid flight. During their jump they tend to spin around in circles but we don’t know why.Ken brought five different types of apples, and asked us about them. After trying a piece of each apple, all our thoughts had changed, from the ones we liked to different textures. Ken also showed us how some of the apple types came to life. None of us knew, but when you mix Royal Gala and Braeburn, you get Rocket. Although, some of the apples that are invented just get left behind for certain reasons, like for sourness, bitterness or because they are floury.As soon as I walked into the room, something did not seem right - there were locusts in there. Don’t worry, they were in a breathable container. David had brought them in to help explain to us how the same family of animals, from different places around the world, may look completely contrasting. Beside the locusts there where some fuzzy worms that came from a very hot humid place. All of us were confused as to why they weren’t moving. He told us that here in New Zealand the temperature for them is very cold, therefore the worms are cold, and when you are cold you don’t move nearly as much.The first thing that I noticed about Peter was that he didn’t mind eating a rotten apple in front of the whole class. No need to panic, he already knew that this apple was just simply older than the rest and could not make him sick. He taught us about different types of fungi, and how leaves can actually rust. Yes rust, some leaves may be rusting. There is an example in the picture below of a Neonectria ditissima apple which is rotten.Now that the Scientists have come to talk to us about plants, I think that we will all be ready for our plantae test. It really gave us a boost with our work, and we now know lots more information on plants and how it affects fruits. I know that it opened my eyes to see what we could do for a job in the future. Thank you to the Plant and Food Scientists.

Harriet Park

The Science Visit

This term Ms Wharehoka’s Mother came into Room 7/8 MO to talk to us about Gallipoli. She talked about her Father (Hippo) who was an ANZAC Soldier in WW1.He was one of the soldiers to land at ANZAC Cove on the 25th April 1915. Her main talk was about senses and what it felt like to be there at Gallipoli. To thank her for coming in and spending her time to talk to us we wrote some stories to put in a book to give to her. This is why we have lots of amazing and creative stories about Hippo (Her Father)Martine Sandberg

Gallipoli and Hippo’s Story

Memories of GallipoliIt has been years since the war. Yet flashes of the battle play in my mind, red blood splattered on the Gallipoli mud, bullets flying towards each side, hoping to kill, and the cold faces of my comrades, never to smile or laugh again. These images still haunt me. I can still smell the gun powder, the putrid smell of rotting flesh, and the comforting yet saddening smell of rosemary. The sound of gunfire and the moaning of injured people are fresh in my ears. The memory of bully beef is still fresh in my gut. My medals are packed away, I hoped it would help me forget the horrible war, but it has failed. Even worse, people still call me by the name they used in the war. Hippo.

Hannah Roberts

25 April 1915We’re lined up waiting for the boats to carry us ashore to ANZAC Cove. Each man carries a heavy box full of ammunition and the box weighs down each man even further into the icy cold chest deep water.It’s silent during this process, but without warning the Turks have begun the war. We are not prepared. I turn to the Sergeant, “What do we do Sergeant?” “Drop everything and run! Run for your life!” We do as we are told, we run, towards the cliff, straight into the line of the Turks. Then I see my mate go down. Then I start to wonder, will I survive the war?The sunsets over ANZAC Cove, the water lapping onto the rocks, sweeping away bodies, and washing away blood. Men are still drifting in. All I see are bodies everywhere, covering rocks all the way down the beach, about a third of our men have died today. “The Great War for us has begun.”

Amy Bagley

Isabel Bishop

May 25 1915Dear Mother

It has been a month since we landed in Gallipoli and I have just found

out that this is not the big adventure we thought it would be. I am really

missing your baking, you, and the family. I hope that everything is fine

at home and the horses are happy without me there. The conditions

are bad. I am not allowed to tell you about our plan as it might get into

the hands of the Turks. I am also not allowed to whistle, which is my

favourite thing to do, as it might alert the Turks and I will get shot. I have

started to get some signs of trench foot so some warm socks will be nice.

But, also being at home in absolute peace with NO gun fire and waves

lapping ceaselessly will be nice as well. The food we are stuck with eating

is hard tack which is dry and terribly hard. We also eat bully beef which

is disgusting. I am praying I can survive another day!

Love,

Anzac DayA day of remembrance,The day we remember them,The soldiers that fought for us,The ones that lost their lives,The ones that never saw their family again,The bravery it took to go,The sadness,The sound of sobbing,We could never imagine how atrocious it really was,Going to war,Seeing friends fall to the ground,Tears in your eyes but you can’t stop,The feeling of nearly losing your life,Not knowing if you’re going to continue,Falling to the ground,Your life flashes before your eyes,Stretcher bearers carrying you to safety,That’s what I imagine it was like,It would, however, be significantly worse,When wearing their medals we wear them with grace,We wear them with honesty and pride,Of the ones who served for us,We will remember them.

Georgia Niblett

ANZAC Soldier’s DiaryMay 18thMy body is finding it hard to cope with the amount of wounds I have received. Our trench has fallen because of the lack of support barriers, leaving us in the open. Unsurprisingly, Turkish soldiers seem to be holding onto their weapons fairly well. I have to admit this will be my last entry for a while.September 2nd I have been trapped in this bloodbath for months on end. Only five soldiers from the first landings are still alive, including me. 20 more boatloads of men have arrived in the past 4 months. I cannot see why boys would lie about their age so they could join this horrific battle that is war.December 19thFinally, our war has come to an end. The last of us who remain alive are heading back to our boats. The Turkish, unnoticing that we have gone, are still firing and bombing our empty trenches. I am thankful the war has ended but many families will miss the 1150 soldiers that have died. This battle is sure to go down in history.Amelia Barrett

With the senses of my bodyI can see the blood soaked hills matching the scarlet red of the poppies.I can hear the ear splitting thunder of the explosions from guns and bombs.I can smell the scent of death and sorrowful soldiers.I can taste foul sludge of the bully beef stew sliding down my throat and the dustiness of my mouth craving for water.I can feel tough ground and the thick, sloppy muddy water of the terrain the ANZAC’s marched on.With the senses of my heartI can see the darkness soldiers minds filled with horrors and tragedies.I can hear the sobbing of families that have lost loved ones.I can smell the burning fire that is being used to burn army uniforms.I can taste the joy of coming home to a lovely meal from the remaining soldiers.I can feel the salty tears rushing down people’s faces when they remember all the hate, death, wasted lives, failure and bitterness of the terrible war.All of this war and what came with it was for nothing.

Imogen Lovell

All for Nothing

Gallipoli PoemOur boats crash against the shoreline,The towering hills loom above us.The Turks had obviously been waiting,Staring down at us from above.Gunshots fire in the distance,The smell of rotting flesh is clogging my nose.My body is weak with hunger,And I am struggling to survive.Grenades land near my trench,Lice are scrambling, making me itch.Many soldiers have been shot,Emotions swirl inside of me.I rush towards my trench,I can smell the rosemary nearby.In my head I’m wondering,Will we leave here alive?Tasting the dirt in my mouth,The smell will haunt me forever.I feel the blood on my hands,Looking at the battlefield below.

Amelia Barrett

22 August 1915To My Dearest Mother,War is terrible! It is nothing like the adventure we were all hoping for. All I can hear is BOOM…. BANG…..BOOM all day, and all week. Even when I go for a swim I have shells firing down at me! It is deafening and I am getting haunted more and more. It really stinks down in these trenches, it’s all muddy, gloopy and it goes half way up my legs! The mud is also a stench in my boots. I am starting to get trench foot and the skin is peeling of my skinny long toes. It’s rather disgusting! I have to stand up sleeping in the trenches and it is so uncomfortable! I keep thinking of Uncle’s farm. I really miss riding my bicycle and my horses. I hope they are surviving without me. I also really miss being able to whistle all my tunes that I have made up. You see, if I whistle I would alert the Turks and that would be the very last thing I ever did. They would shoot us all. The Turks are only about 100 yards away and it is really scary knowing that they are literally that close. My job is a stretcher bearer and it is just ghastly. I am running around picking up the wounded and the dead. Rotting flesh is all I can smell in my clothes and I am absolutely infested in lice! It is extremely itchy! I am parched as there is no drinking water and my mouth is as dry as a desert! I really can’t wait to come home. For lots of reasons, but especially you, my family, and my horses. Oh, I really miss home. Hoping for a reply,Love,

Martine Sandberg

It was cold. The dewy morning chill pierced our red nose and the frost blanketed the playing fields. As our guests arrived, the atmosphere was consumed with rivalry, against one another with excitement and joy to see our friends. We made our way to the meeting hall, as we welcomed our guests and wished the best of luck to each other, before we headed down to the first game of the morning.We all parted to the turfs, courts and fields and the competition grew heavy, the games were about to begin. The whistle blew as we all sprang into action. Kicks, chest passes and furious hits, the games were growing with intensity. Carncot, St. Georges, Iona and Woodford were playing their absolute best. After the first game Woodford House took greater position on the score board.The tiring first half of winter quad passed quickly. Sticky was provided to the spectators and competitors. This included a variety of muesli bars, chocolate milk and berry/peach cupcakes. When the food ran out, it was time to play the final game which would decide the 2016 quad winner. As the time ticked by, every team played their hearts out until the final whistle blew. Cheers and loud claps soared and echoed throughout the gym, turfs and fields as the last games ended.Tiredly walking up to the dining hall for lunch, everyone dug into the scrumptious sausage rolls and tasty green salad. As the hall volume died down, it was time to announce the winners of 2016 quad. A representative from each school came up and said a few thank yous. Certificates were handed out to the most valuable players from each team. Finally it was time. St. Georges won Hockey, Woodford won Football, and Iona won netball. As anticipation filled the air, the overall winner of quad was announced. Woodford House! The girls from Woodford were stoked, and jumped in joy.The 2016 Woodford House Quad came to an end. Billets, friends and families exchanged goodbyes and picked up their children to take them home. Overall quad was a very successful day, everything went brilliantly smoothly. Everyone can’t wait until next year.

Georgia Maidens and Sophie Lowry

Quadrangular Tournament The atmosphere in the gym was ecstatic. Netball players were bouncing around nervously warming up for the first game. Massaging my eyes, I rubbed sleep out of my eye lashes. My lips twisted into a crooked grin as we walked outside to prepare for our first game. Quickly, time flashed by and it was our turn to play. The clock started to tick down minutes. My heart beat as fast as the speed of light as I drove towards the ball. My partner stuck to me like glue, but obviously it was not sticky enough and I received a pass and scored a goal. In the final quarter we heard the ring of the buzzer and we celebrated the win 14-6. We were so proud of our effort and we were thrilled with our end result.

Emma Dixon

Year 7/8 Quad

On Thursday 16 June, four schools gathered at Woodford House to participate in a whole day of netball, hockey and soccer. The schools were, Carncot, St Georges, Iona, and of course, Woodford House. Two of these schools travelled and some people from Woodford took billets.

I was playing netball and we won all of our games except the game against Iona. After netball had finished we went down to the turf to watch the hockey, I saw some of my friends from my old school. After all of the sports were finished we all piled into the dining room and had some lunch, this meal consisted of wraps and salads, and sausage rolls.After lunch it was prize giving and we were all instructed by Mr McIvor to find a seat, after a scrambling attempt to get a seat the prize giving started, Iona College won the netball, St Georges won the Hockey and Woodford won the Soccer. Then there were awards for the most valuable player in each team. Then came the big one. Who had won the Quad Tournament 2016? Mr McIvor read out the points:4th - Carncot3rd - St Georges2nd - Iona College1st - Woodford HouseI was so happy when Mr McIvor called it out. Everyone was whooping and clapping because we were so excited. That day I went home very happy but very sore and tired, it was so exciting being part of an awesome experience and I can’t wait until next year.

Rosa Mackenzie

This Year 7/8 Winter Quad happened on 16 June, with St Georges from Whanganui, Carncot from Palmerston North, Iona College and Woodford House both from Havelock North. Our billets were from St Georges. There were three different sports; Netball, Football and Hockey. Two teams for Netball and one team for Hockey and Football. In Netball our main threat was Iona, Hockey was St Georges and Football was Iona. We waited, eager but nervous waiting to see who would be our billet for the night. Watching them coming up the hill in their bus we chatted excitedly. They walked out of their bus and grabbed all their belongings from the storage on the bus. They walked out following their own sport’s coordinator and we discussed what we would do to keep the billets occupied and how we did up their rooms - all nice and pretty. I already knew my billets’ names, Sami and Cayden.Once I had met them my Mum started up a conversation because I was a bit awkward. We hopped into the car after we loaded up the boot. We had small talk in the car. I warned them that I had a dog and they were very excited about meeting her. Once they saw Hadley (my Labrador) they instantly fell in love, we also showed them our rag doll cat, Pixie. I then showed them their rooms and that night after we had homemade pizza and fries. We had a dance-off and my sister bailed on me so I was dancing to ‘Cheap Thrills’ alone. My Dad was judging and Team Wanga’s won because they had two people.I want to be a billet in the future because I really enjoyed this experience of meeting new people. I think that the only bad thing about it is that I’d be the most awkward person and would not be able to start a conversation. In conclusion I would like to be a billet with someone else I know.

Poppy Miller

Quad

Year 7/8 Winter Quad Billets

Smack! The ball is crashing against the concrete. Heretaunga Intermediate has the ball. As the GA passes to the C, Sophie jumps up and intercepts the ball. She hurls it towards Lily M, who passes to Matilda.Once the ball gets thrown around a bit more, Lilly P gets the ball. She sends the ball flying towards me. My arms stretch wildly as I jump for the ball. It lands in my hands and I aim for the hoop. My fingers flex once I threw the ball up. The net sways and the ball flies through the hoop. HOORAY! One more goal for Woodford.

Amelia Barrett

Netball

PentFinally, the most exciting day of the term came around as quick as a lightning bolt. It was Pent. Pent is a winter sports tournament between five different schools and this year it was held at Samuel Marsden Collegiate in Wellington.The schools that take part in this event every year are Nga Tawa, Iona, St Matthews, Samuel Marsden and Woodford. It is normally aimed for Year 9 and 10 students but Harriet Park, Emma McDougall, Amelia Dear, Maddy Kitchener and I were lucky enough to be selected to represent Woodford House. We travelled down to Wellington on Sunday 19 June on a bus. Nervously, we all waited to get billeted by the Samuel Marsden families. There were three different winter sports played. These included hockey that was held in Newtown (30 minutes drive from the host school), football and netball which were held at the school. I played fabulous fast football.Fortunately, all of the sports teams played extremely well. We came second in football, third in hockey and third in netball. Now for the total results it was a bit of a surprise for many of us. Overall first place was Iona, Samuel Marsden came second, St Matts third, Woodford fourth and unlucky fifth for Nga Tawa.This was such a great experience for all of us. I had such an enjoyable time playing football and also watching other teams play. It was my first ever time being billeted. I was horrified. Billeting is a great way to learn how to bond with other people and families you don’t know and it is very amusing. I wish that there was the Pent tournament in term two and three. I’m eager for next year’s Pent that will be held at Nga Tawa.

Sophia Lawson

Netball FunToday I’m going to be writing about netball for the newsletter. I think netball is a good sport.I like netball because it’s fun and it helps us with and stretching and our flexibility. It’s a good exercise for me to be doing and the running helps with our body and our fitness.In netball my favourite positions are Goal Shoot and Centre because I like running around and I also like shooting. I like my coaches because they cheer us on and they support us even though we usually lose. My sister is in my team and I’ve been playing netball with her since I was five years old.

Paris McCleland.

My First Netball SeasonThis term Woodford House netball has started and it is my first time playing netball. I am in the silver netball team and I have had so much fun so far even though we haven’t won a game. I am still really proud of myself and my team members.My favourite positions are wing attack, wing defence and centre. They are the only positions I have learnt to play so far.My coaches Katie, Grace and Pieta are very nice and helpful to me as I didn’t know how to play netball at the start of the season. I have improved so much already. I am very excited for the rest of the season to roll over.

Milly Waldin

Cross Country 2016Crowds roaring, houses cheering and kids running! Cross country was a day I certainly won’t forget! The weather was perfect, it was a picturesque day! The sun gleamed with happiness and the wind blew with excitement.We all lined up hearts pounding from nervousness. The starting gun rung and we were off! My feet started moving as fast as they could and then I started sprinting for the first set of cones and I ran my heart out! When I came down the finishing shoot the crowd went wild! Cheering me on as I raced down the shoot. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 I finished! A happy burst of adrenaline came rushing through me as I realized cross country for 2016 was over!

Isobel Ham

This term, the Woodford Debating team decided to invite a group of five Year 8s to compete in the Intermediate Schools Cape Kidnappers Radio Debating Challenge.This challenge required a group of three students to debate on live radio at the recording studio. There were three debates and the top four teams after the first three debates went forward to the semifinals and finals.I was lucky enough to be chosen and take part in the first debate. Our moot was “Boy Band are a good influence on today’s intermediate school students”. We were affirming this debate so it was a rather challenging experience as we all firmly disagreed with the moot.Unfortunately, we lost this debate but, seeing as it was our first debate, we were really proud of ourselves.In the second debate, a different group of girls went to debate the moot “social media is governing our lives too much.” Again this was a very difficult moot to debate as we were negating. We won this debate with the highest score in the whole competition so far and our third speaker, Charlotte Pettigrew-Heeps, was also awarded with the Best Speaker of the Debate.Next term we have another debate and hopefully the semifinals to look forward to. So far debating has been an amazing experience and we have all thoroughly enjoyed it. It has definitely encouraged our whole department to take part in debating and some of the other amazing public speaking opportunities the school offers.

Phoebe Burns

Debating

Radio Kidnappers Debate CompetitionThis term a band of 5 girls from the Intermediate Department went to the Radio Kidnappers Debate competition! We were so ecstatic to get there our hands were shaking like wet dogs.The team had our speeches prepared and were ready to go! We couldn’t wait! When we got into the studio we were seated and waited for the microphone to turn on. It was our turn! Proudly, we said our speeches and waited for the results… we won! We silently celebrated our win and said our congratulations to the other team. Debating this term has been a real delight. The whole team can’t wait to see if we get into the quarter finals!

Isobel Ham

National Young Leaders Day (NYLD)

Excitement was floating throughout the van; we had just passed the Palmerston North sign which meant we were nearly there. We all piled out of the van and made our way to the stadium in which NYLD was going to be held. The lights dimmed and the stage came alive. We had so much fun the announcers were hilarious making us laugh so hard it hurt. My personal favourite speaker was Brylee Mills, a professional dancer who had lost her arm in a car crash when she was six. After the incident she had to work 100 times harder to be noticed as a dancer. She later applied for a famous dance school and got accepted. They said she was the first disabled dancer ever to be accepted into the school. Although, on the way to her last dance recital she got in another car crash nearly losing her leg. Now she is an amazing dancer, she even showed us a dance routine and it was incredible.We had a number of guest speakers who all shared their inputs on life and how to be a better person. It was an amazing day filled with lots of hilarious moments and we can all say we learnt a lot from our experiences. Everyone was drained on the way back and we all couldn’t wait to snuggle up in our beds and go to sleep.

Anouk Tremain

“Dancing is symmetrical and I’m not.”

BRYLEE MILLS

Speech and Drama LessonsMost Wednesdays a group of six Year 8s do private speech and drama. Our teacher is Kathy Aitken, she is loads of fun. We play games, read texts from books, read poems, improvise, and a heap more. It’s lots of fun and every lesson is whacky and unique in every way. It might be from the characters we make up or the way we read poems.My personal favourite is a game called park bench. All the people in the group come up with a unique character each time we play it. Park bench is where you have two - three seats right next to each other like a park bench. You have to create characters and act it out sitting on the park bench. To get the game started someone starts acting out their character and walks over to the park bench. Then about 30 seconds later another person has to come on and act their character and the first person that has come on has to find an excuse to leave. It carries in like that until everyone has had a turn. Speech and drama is loads of fun and anyone who thinks they want to try it, give it a go and trust me, you’ll have fun.Matilda Ellis

CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE WRITING

With hounds howling, horses snorting and people talking excitedly, the horn blasts out a deafening noise to signal that the hunt begins.

The hounds made such a loud screeching noise as they shot off to find the unlucky hare! As the hunt (horses) followed the hounds all you could hear was the hooves galloping across the field, with torn up grass flying out behind them. The fence that was coming up was full wire with big scary posts sticking out the top. The horse jumped. Up and over finishing with a big thud. It felt like my horse was going to jump me out of the saddle but no he didn’t. We were ready for the next part of the Hunt.

Lily Nilsson

The Scariest Walk In The WoodsIn English we have been learning to use Hamburger paragraphs, and different kinds of sentences, including Adverb start sentences. Here is an example of a text I wrote in class.I was strolling through the fores on an abysmal morning. I came out into a dismal clearing, and screamed! I saw a ginormous golden dragon standing ferociously before me. Devilishly, he squinted at me through his firey eyes. I froze on the spot, he was so glamorous, yet so scary. Suddenly, a knight in shining golden armour burst into the clearing on a midnight black stallion. Softly, he scooped me up, and we rode away into the distance, to safety. That was the scariest yet most magical stroll through the woods I have ever experienced.

Ella Simmons

The Hunt

My LetterThe morepork silently soared above, gazing intently at the houses, not caring if it was daytime.

This morepork had a letter in its talons- very strange for its kind - this letter was ready for delivery. Snapping its eyes towards my home, it off set into a dive. Speedily swooping down, it dropped the letter, then noiselessly flew away. The ink sparkled as it floated

down like a feather. The letter was for me.

Hannah Roberts

CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE WRITING

Fun Friday WritingThis term Ms McKenna has started a new 15 minute writing activity for us to do called Fun Friday Writing. We each put in an idea for a setting, a character, a genre and an object to involve in a short but expressive piece of writing.We all really enjoy doing different types of writing and having new, fun ideas to write about every time. This is one of my pieces of writing. Our genre for this was horror, our object was a toy, our character was a doll and our setting was a theme park. This was the perfect match of topics to incorporate together and we came up with some great, spooky stories throughout the class.Sally grasped her tickets to her all-time favourite ride. “Are you ready Cabbage Patch doll? The ferris wheel is our favourite!” The theme park was having a big closing down night and this would be the last time that the ferris wheel would ever operate. The ride before them ground to a creaky halt- people stopped wondering why it was shutting down- and it was finally Sally’s turn. Sally and her doll boarded the ferris wheel and the music that Sally had always found scary started up.The wheel eased to a start and Sally was the only one aboard. Her Mum watched as her daughter slowly rose to the tippy top of the wheel and left her to go and buy a coffee. While Sally gazed over the beautiful lights of the theme park for one last time a surge of electricity zipped through the lights and they flickered off. The park was left in absolute darkness. All the rides stopped, even the ferris wheel but worst of all Sally was at the complete top!

Georgia Russell

We’re on a family holiday and it was finally the day to go to the theme park. My sisters and I ran straight to the rollercoasters. We all felt sick after that, so we decided to do something a little less full on. We decided that the beanbag toss was the best option. My prize was a doll.She was no ordinary doll. She was dripping blood and said terrible things. “You’re not keeping that awful thing!” shrieked Mum, as she snatched it out of my hands and threw it in the woods, behind us. “But Mum.” “But what!” shouted Mum? I was upset at first, but then I won another doll, a much friendlier doll. By the time we had tested out all of the rides and games, it was time to go home.My sisters and I were racing each other to the car, when suddenly… I could feel something pulling, grabbing, squeezing my leg. “Aaarrrgghh!” I screamed. It was that evil doll that Mum had thrown away! By the time I could get the chance to call for help, it was too late. I got dragged into the dark woods, by the killer doll and her knife… It was the last time I ever saw my family.

Harriet Mildon

The Theme Park

CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE WRITING

The FigureThe cool air breathed on her face as she watched the sun melt into the remote horizon. Her skeletal body sat on the deserted beach. Waiting, shivering, cold, hungry. She would kill for a bite to eat. But still, she was lonely on an empty beach. Her name was, wait, no, she couldn’t remember her name. It was dawning on her. She didn’t know who she was! Far off she saw what looked like a figure. Finally, she got up. Her legs oscillating like jelly. She ran. Every part of her ached, her back, legs, arms and finally her body gave in. Her body fell, like a feather falling to the ground. She rode the wind for a few seconds, then hit the ground. The impact was vigorous. She looked up. The figure had disappeared. She batted her eyelashes. Still not there, again, still not there. Great, she didn’t know who she was and an enigmatic figure had disappeared right before her eyes. She had so much food for thought but all she could do was close her eyes. The sweet release of sleep was all that could keep her sane. Classical Music was playing in the background. She grabbed the fabric covering her body, the smooth velvet was running through her fingertips. She was wearing a long ball dress. It draped over her legs and graced the floor. The silk lining touching her legs. She was looking at a picture of the horizon, one she drew. It was simple, but as her father said ‘simple is beautiful. She sighed. “It’s time,” someone from inside said. She stood up. Her legs trembling, she walked confidently back into what looked like the hall. But when she entered she saw it was a beautiful ballroom with crystal chandeliers and an American oak floor. It was packed with handsome suitors and beautiful women. She suddenly felt insecure of how she looked. What if she wasn’t pretty enough? One of the girls walked up to her and said “So who are you going to choose Claudia?” That was it! She woke up startled. Over there was the shipwreck and the figure she saw was a person that had survived and her name, was, Claudia.

Isobel Ham

Dad’s science experiment went horribly wrong when he made the “Freezeraybazokagun” and accidently shrunk the children to be no bigger than the size of an ant. The gun was meant to make us the smartest children in the world but now we are the tiniest children in the world. We stood in the middle of the garden path when suddenly a pebble came rolling towards us. We ran away from the pebble - that seemed to be as big as the house – and rushed off the path, darting and diving through the towering green grass to avoid being crushed by the big round pebble. It was following us as if it were being remotely controlled. As we ran through the grass we found a giant mouse hole in the side of our house. Dashing through the hole, we slid and spun as we fell down the giant slide-like hole. Phew; safe for now.

Amy Bagley

The Pebble Run

CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE WRITING

Biography WritingHi, I’m Alexa Gunson and I did a biography on my grandfather Bob Gunson. I really enjoyed doing my biography because I had to interview him about his years when he was 11 years old (my age now).I learnt a lot of facts and interesting things about my grandfather. I decided to present my biography in my grandfather’s suitcase because he took it with him to school and on holidays. My dad got it when he was about 17 for when he went overseas on his travels. I can tell you this, it is huge! Mum and I were looking for some more information about Bob and instead we found his suitcase. That’s when I thought that I could present my biography in it. All up I thought this assignment was really fun and exciting. Also this was an opportunity to actually learn something new about my grandfather.

Alexa Gunson

The cold shower floor is numbing against the pounding, steamy water. Water runs down my nose making a mini waterfall, trickling down to form little puddles on the shower floor.I’m huddled in a tight ball. My knees making indents on my cheeks. I’m trying to think about the last few months but all I get are blurred feelings and pictures. I sit on the cold tiles - for what seemed like only a few minutes - until the water runs icy cold and I’m forced to get out.

Charlotte Pettigrew-Heeps

The Shower

Writer’s BlockInstantly, my mind went blank. I didn’t know what to write about. I thought and thought. Still nothing.Abruptly, a flood of ideas swamped my head. There were too many. They were overcrowding my brain. I couldn’t think straight. ANZAC, holidays, kittens. I couldn’t even remember what one plus one was. They were gone in a click of a finger. Gone. Argh, what now. Back to writer’s block, square one. What to write about.

Ella Wright

For the past two terms I have been attending Woodford as a weekly boarder. All the Year 7/8 weekly boarders stay in Morea boarding house with Mrs McAulay as our matron. We are all assigned a room mate who we are with for the whole term. Last term I shared a room with Jemma Wallace and this term I am with Tegan McCleland.Even though I am a weekly boarder, I still have had a taste of what it is like to be a full boarder because I have stayed in two weekends this term. Boarding has given me a boost with my self-confidence, self-management and because of our new health regulations, kept me healthy. Overall, boarding is a great experience and a great way to make new friends. If you ever get the chance to try boarding, take that chance. It will be the best time you have ever had!

Amelia Barrett

BoardingFlexible BoardingFlexible boarding this Term has really been effective for many reasons.My managing self, my wellbeing and most importantly the friendships I have! As an only child, boarding has taught me how to live with other people, which is a skill I can use in later years. It is also easier because I live quite far away from Woodford and waking up at 5:50 in the morning is painful so it is nice to get some more sleep. My awesome roommate has made Woodford life easier too as we can compare notes on what uniform to wear, what to bring that day etc. I have really enjoyed flexible boarding this term and can’t wait to return in Term 3!Isobel Ham

Food Technology AssessmentThis term we had to do a three minute video for food tech. We did this task in

pairs or groups of three. I did the task in a group of 3 with Amy and Georgia R.

We baked rainbow cupcakes, and they were very successful and yummy. Our

assessment was a three minute maximum video and we had to make the dish,

then video it. When we had to put it all together and we then had to hand it in!

I really enjoyed making the video with my friends because I love baking and making

fun things. The thing that I would do differently next time would have to be, being

more organised for it and have it done well before the due date so that then the

pressure wasn’t on me when I had to hand it in.

For the next assessment task we are going to do a Just Cook challenge and it is a

nationwide challenge. We are doing this challenge because the textiles room is not

available at the time we need it.

Milly Waldin

Homework ClubHomework isn’t easy, I can tell you that for free. At Woodford homework isn’t something you just don’t do. Even if you feel like throwing your arms up in the air and screaming at your homework books, you just can’t ignore the fact that homework is here to stay!As Ms Dustin says, there is a solution for everything. So that’s why the Homework Club was invented. If you get as much homework as me the Homework Club helps a lot. It is especially good if you have lots of assignments all coming in at once.    This homework club has saved my life and it’s really helpful if you have lots of trouble with your work because the big girls (Year 12 and 13s) are really nice and helpful. They love to come and help out, they are really funny and you have some good laughs. But they don’t laugh if you don’t know something, they simply smile and help, so don’t be afraid to come and join in.My wish for the future is for when I become a senior I will help girls in Year 7 and 8 that need help with their homework just like I do now. It will make me feel good when I help people because I definitely have trouble doing my homework now. Another wish for the future is that I will be able to do my homework by myself without as much help as I have now.

Amelia Ross

Learning at Woodford,What a wonderful thing,

There are heaps of ways of learning here,

We use ingenious technology,To make it fun for everyone.

We learn in groups of three or four But sometimes even more,

Everyone here loves to learn,If you don’t believe me,

Why don’t you come and see,At the Woodford Open Day,

But if you ask anyone,The best thing at school is

the food.

Georgia Niblett

Wonderful Woodford

The War

Private Bag 1001, Havelock North 4157, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand+64 6 873 0700 www.woodford.school.nz

Saying goodbye to family so dear,Loaded on board with excitement and fear.

Out on the sea for months on end, Training and working to fight and defend.

Landing in Egypt with sun so hot,Training even more, oh when will it stop.

Ready for our first war, oh finally,And back onto the boats to Gallipoli.

We got in the water, way above the knee,It’s all quiet, just the lap of the sea.

But just as we landed the guns began to fire,BOOM, CRASH, BANG as we tried to climb higher.

We just reached the top and everything was a mess,There were shells and bodies, chaos and stress.

We were digging the trenches weary and low,Gathering our weapons, rifles and ammo.

The noise is so loud we just can’t escape,The food is so dry, how long will this take.

The trenches are full of rats and mud,Everywhere I look there are explosions and blood.

This isn’t going well, we just can’t do anymore,So we came up with plans to get out of the war.

By using techniques like the water dripping can,We snuck out in groups, man after man.

As soon as everybody was safely back,We were safe from guns and safe from attack.

Amelia Dear