Light, Stargazing and Darkness

Calling all young writers. The Margaret Mahy Starlight Essay and Poetry Competition is on. If your imagination and creativity are inspired by the idea of creating a piece of prose or poetry this competition could be for you.

Take a closer look

End of Term

With the end of Term Two fast approaching some of us are busy working on our Science Fair projects. Remember to refer to the notes and ideas on the Science Fair page. Next term we are going to be busy with the School Science Fair, the Waikato Science Fair and the WaiMaths Quiz, all in August. A large number of students are also involved in the ICAS English amd Maths tests. You can view practice questions and read helpful tips on the ICAS website.

Kids Lit Quiz

Today the teams for the upcoming Kids Lit Quiz were announced. Congratulations to Joel, Amy, Katie, Jennifer, Sonya, Kirsten, Luca and Liam. Make sure you keep reading between now and next Thursday. Every minute counts! Thanks to the rest of you that came along to the library in your lunchtimes to take part in the practice quiz sessions. Keep up the great reading and it could be your turn next year.
You can find out more about this exciting competition by visiting the Kids Lit Quiz website.

Anzac Poster Competition

On 25 April 1915, eight months into the First World War, Allied soldiers landed on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula. Every year we remember this important day in New Zealand's history. A day which helped New Zealand to define itself as a nation.

This year the New Zealand Defence Force is running Operation ANZAC Spirit 2012, a design competition for Year 7 & 8 students.Click here to find out more.

Chocolate Fish Challenge

Who among us can resist a challenge? Especially when the prize is a quintessentially New Zealand chocolate fish!
Some of the students in the GATE programme are resisting the opportunity to reflect on their learning through their blogs so I decided a little encouragement (AKA bribery and corruption) might just do the trick. Katie was today's lucky chocolate fish spot prize blogger. Who will be next? All you need to do is reflect on your learning or encourage your friends and family to comment on your reflections and it could be you!
Comment now on KIDBLOG.

Competitions Galore

Many of you love to compete in your area of expertise and unfortunately there is not enough time in the GATE programme to enter everything that comes our way. Below is a link to the TKI site which lists all sorts of competitions you may be eligible to enter. Some of them need to be run through school so if you are interested in them please come and discuss the possibility of entering. If the competition is limited to a particular age group, then that is noted beside the link. Competitions galore!

Discover the Author In You

In class we have been working on writing a short story for the NZ Post Story Writing competition. Editing our work to improve it has been a major focus and some of us have written five or six drafts of the same story. Soon you will be able to read our entries on line. Last years entries were published in the book Leprechaun Icecream available from NZ PostShops.
There are several other writing competitions currently available if you would like to submit a piece of writing. Click on the following links to find out more about the Elsie Locke Writing Prize and the Puffin Short Story Awards. Make sure you read all the rules and conditions to ensure your writing meets the judging criteria.