people from around the region took their turn in due course and soon we had another break for ten more questions. This allowed the judges to do all their marking, which is not an easy job. Next it was the Y7/8 section and Grace went up 5th with her topic “Could hemp save the world." She knew she’d done well because we all clapped really hard. The final speech was Anika’s and her speech was about ''Why 12 year olds should get ponies.” After a bit more waiting, the judges commented on each speaker, noting pace, content, delivery, standing still and giving the listeners time to absorb material. Awards were given and placegetters applauded. Congratulations to all who prepared braving the nerves and crowd. Like all things, the hard work paid off and the experience will be one on which you can build. Well done to Grace who came third in the Y7/8 section. Thanks Mrs Williams and Mrs Wearing for helping all the senior school pupils get a speech together. Students spoke persuasively on a wide range of topics around they felt confident and passionate. Thank you to the Havelock Lions who provided the judges and the monetary prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings in each section. Source material – Aroha Ward
STORYLINES ~ NZ Authors on tour… On Friday 15 Sep the school hosted two kiwi authors for two simultaneous sessions of 45 min each. While the rain poured and the wind swirled, pupils were spellbound by Juliette MacIver and Gareth Ward. A touch of magic along with the stories behind the stories underlining the effort required, were well told and perhaps for some, provided just enough inspiration to view creative writing as a worthy future. Juliette MacIver is a children’s book author, cupcake chef, amateur cardio-thoracic surgeon, and mother of 14. She holds down three husbands, one of whom is her own, and is considering adding guinea pigs into the mix. In her spare time, she runs a successful online smuggling business, and is a keen anthropomorphisist. She can speak with the creatures of the sea and air, and has had some success in dispersing clouds. On windy days she can cause lighter objects to Mauri Ora nā Akoranga ~ Learning for Life… since 1861
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