Successes

From time to time our Russley Writers enter writing competitions, and we have had many wonderful successes over the past couple of years:

Poetry Box - Earth Poems published 5/12/23

  • Bridget Ireland | I Dreamt (book prize)

  • Bridget Ireland | My Best Friend, Celia

  • Hollie Beedie | Pīwakawaka

  • Anna Foley | My Mother

  • Mason Cox | Joshua (book prize)

  • Moaz Adwy | My Mother

  • Gemma Creagh | I Wish


Lift Education - School Journal
Ethan Green's poem, A Lounge of Little Lizards has been selected by Lift Education to be published in the Level 2 June 2024 School Journal.


Toitoi 33 - Published Authors
Oliver Peters and Natalia Wakelin, both had their writing published in Toitoi #33.
Natalia was also the winner of the Toitoi Story Search Competition.


Poetry Box - Published Poets 1/11/23
The following writers had their poems picked by Paula Green to be published on Poetry Box, for her 'small poem challenge':

Haon Kang - for the poem titled Gliding Falcon
Ryan Bond - for Golden Lion
Madeline Jones - for her poem about a Fast Cheetah
Georgia Blomquist - for her Wrinkly Elephant poem
Isaac Elkin - for Sneaky Dog
Emilia Agnew - for Falling Down

In addition, the famous NZ poet Paula Green picked Haon as one of her favourites and they have won a book prize.

Poetry Box - Library Listening Corner 16/10/23
These students had their library themed poems published on Poetry Box:

Bernadette S | Sparkling Universe
Mea and Scarlett  | The Library 
Bodhi H | I walked into the school library and saw
Theo P | In the Exciting Library Is ...
Lachlan H | Party in the Library
Nico Meek | In the Dark Library There Is ...
Bailey M | In the Library
Meera Sharma | The Library
Ammar | A Library is a Gateway


These students recorded themselves reading poems by some famous NZ poets, and their voice recordings were published on Poetry Box:

Amber Hicks
Zoe Wilson
Adeleyn W
Max B
Ayla
Emily H



Given Words Poetry Competition 2023
These students had their poems selected as judge's favourites and published on the Give Words website:

Laylah Broughton
Emily Halliday
Jimmy Kitchingman
Max Bell
Tenushki Rangasinghe


Paula Green's Poetry Box website (Spring Poems): (7/9/23)
Chris Pearman
Laylah Broughton
Max Bell
Ayla Burgess
Nikan Bastani

Paula has picked Max B and Chris to send a poetry book to. Congratulations to you all!


Poetry Box Sky Poems
Published on Poetry Box (30/8/23)
Kylie G
Millie S
Hayley C
Agrima K
Aoife
Kelvin
Joshua K
Mason
Anna F
Alfie
Bridget
Tenushki
Kiaan
Maia S

Toitoi 33
To be published in Toitoi 33: 
Oliver Peters


Elsie Locke Writing Prize
Shortlisted for Elsie Locke Writing Prize:
There were over 500 entries nationwide for the prestigious Elsie Locke Writing Prize 2023. Although we didn't win, we had three students make the shortlist of top 30. They included:

Oliver Peters for Hagley Park in Spring
Haeum Kang for Elsie's Typewriter 
Agatha Huang for A Hui of Tūī

They should be super proud of this. To make the top 30 in such a prestigious national writing competition is amazing! 


Toitoi 32
Published in Toitoi 32:
Jack, Bernadette, Kahurangi, Porou, Ned, Ila


Toitoi 31
Edward B and Maia S


School Journal | Elise Mackay
The iconic School Journal is the world's longest running serial publication for children, with contributions from many well known New Zealand authors such as Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley and Gavin Bishop. 

Elise Mackay's stunning poem on the theme of Kaitiakitanga titled 'Sumner Beach' has been published in the School Journal alongside established authors. This is an incredible achievement and we are so proud of you, Elise!


Poetry Box interviews: Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School interviews Bee Trudgeon

Some of our writers were selected for a spot of journalism. We had think of some questions to ask librarian/poet Bee Trudgeon for an interview. The questions were sent to Bee and have been published along with her answers on the Poetry Box website.

As well as coming up with some interesting questions, our writers also had to write their own author bio. For most of them this was a first, and probably just as much fun as doing the interview!

You can read all their questions, bios and Bee's wonderful answers on the Poetry Box website below.

Congratulations to our budding journalists:

Adrianna P
Noah F
Taylor H
Beau
Lilly
Emily T
Maggie F
Angela


Click HERE to go to POETRY BOX


Poetry Box | Ghost Poems

These writers entered Paula Green's  48 hour pop-up Ghost poetry challenge and had their poems picked by Paula to be published on Poetry Box: 

Morgan C 
Frida HB
Chloe P 
James Q

Paula is sending a copy of Bill Nagelkerke's book The Ghost House to Morgan. 


Poetry Box | Wonder Poems

These students had their poems (on the theme of Wonder) published on Paula Green's Poetry Box website:

Adrianna
Morgan C
Ruby W
James Q
Taylor H
Isabella H
Victoria P
Bella Z
Angela Z
Maia S

Roar Purr Squeak | Penguin Random House

Eliza Sellier
Liam Bond
Jade Holmes
Benson Lee
Eabha Dalton

Current students Liam B and Eliza S along with ex-pupils Jade, Eabha and Benson all have poems published in this stunning book, edited by Paula Green and published by Penguin Random House NZ!

Toitoi 30

Porou's winter themed writing is to be published in Toitoi 30 early in 2023.

Toitoi 29

These students have all had writing selected for publication in Toitoi 29:
Chelsea K
Florence G-P
Lukas DW

Also, Lukas was the winner of the Toitoi Story Search Competition, for his piece titled A Scaly Hunter. Congratulations to these talented writers!


Toitoi 28

Check out the latest issue of Toitoi, featuring the following Russley writers:

Blake Hurd | Dolphins
Bryn Devonald | Congratulations
Cooper Burgess | Fine Dining
Elise Mackay | Rollerskating
Porou Rongonui | The Worst Mistake of My Life

Grab a copy of Toitoi 28 to read their fabulous writing and soak up the glorious illustrations by students from schools all over Aotearoa.


School Journal
Congratulations to Lucas Yee, who has just had his poem, Grandad's Couch published in the iconic School Journal! This is a wonderful achievement, Lucas! It's very cool to see Lucas's writing published in such a professional book alongside established adult authors. 


Waitematā Literary Trail
Some of our present and past pupils have had their writing selected by Auckland Libraries to feature in the Waitematā Literary Trail, beginning next month as part of the We Read Auckland | Ka Pānui Tātau i Tāmaki Makaurau festival.

Congratulations to:

James De Wit | How to Get Out of a Maths Test
Porou Rongonui | Remembering Autumn

Robbie de Groot-Tsuji | The Strangest Art Gallery
Amelia Grundy | Baking Comfort
Ruby Jones Johnston | Moon Cycle
Akhila Sharma | Slowing Down Time


Toitoi Jillion 2 published!

Hot off the printing press, this hefty, hardback book is chocka block full of amazing art and writing from students from all over Aotearoa New Zealand. Their creative work has been selected from previously published issues of Toitoi (from 13 to 24) and showcased in this stunning publication.

Congratulations to these present and past Russley Students:

Parker Knight (illustration accompanying the editor's introduction, page 4)
Oliver Peters (poem: Travelling, page 17-19)
Akhila Sharma (poem: Slowing Down Time, page 87)
Ryan Reid (poem: A Family Day at the Beach, page 109)
Robbie deGroot-Tsuji (poem: The Strangest Art Gallery, page 131)
Finn Beedie (poem: A Bed of Clams, page 245)
Harry Fearn (poem: Wilderness, page 321)


Cats and Dogs published on Poetry Box
Some of our cat/dog poems were selected to be published on Paula Green's Poetry Box website!

Congratulations to these students...

from Team Roto:
Porou (Pickles the cat)
Michael (The German Dog poem)
Karin (Cats)
Florence (Ziggy)

From Team Moana:
Ashton (Super Spy Cat)
Noel (A Dog Poem)

Paula has picked Ashton to receive a book prize. Congratulations!


Newly published authors | Toitoi 27
Congratulations to our newest published authors; James De Wit and past pupil Eabha Dalton, who have both had their writing published in Toitoi 27.

Eabha's beautiful piece about her Irish grandad can be found on page 21. James wrote a very entertaining poem titled 'How to Get Out of Doing a Maths Test' which you can read on page 81.


Poetry Box - published poets
Some of our writers have been working on bird poems for Paula Green's latest challenge on Poetry Box.
Paula received hundreds of poems from students from all over Aotearoa New Zealand. She has published some of her favourite poems including those by Porou, Lachlan, Bryn, William and Elise.

Paula has selected Porou to receive a book prize. Congratulations to all our poets!


Toitoi 26 - published authors
Porou - for his poem, Remembering Autumn
Liam B - for his lockdown writing, Delta
Ruby JJ - for her poem, Moon Cycle
Amelia G - for her poem, Baking Comfort
Patricia C - for her writing titled, 'Interview with My Grandma, Xiaojing Zhang, 62 Years Old'


Poetry Box - published poets - 'form poetry'
Some of our Writing Club students explored various forms of poetry and wrote some for Paula Green's Poetry Box challenge. We had summery acrostic poems, instructional poems and plenty of odes- including odes to Mrs Ussher and Mr Walker. 
Congratulations to these students, who had their poems picked to be published on the Poetry Box website.

Special congratulations to Eabha and James, who Paula has selected among her favourites. She is sending them each a book of poetry; Skinny Dip: Poetry, eds Susan Paris & Kate De Goldi (for Eabha) and Groovy Fish by Paula Green (for James).


Toitoi 25  | Published Authors | Desmond and Oliver
 Congratulations to talented writers Desmond and Oliver, who have both had their work published in the latest issue of Toitoi. 

Desmond wrote a wonderful poem titled, 'boy in the city' (page 5) and Oliver's flash fiction piece (page 69) is titled 'My Poor Forehead'. 

Oliver and Desmond's work was selected by the editors from hundreds of submissions made by students in years 1-8 from all over Aotearoa New Zealand. What a wonderful achievement to become published authors at such a young age!


Poetry Box | Lockdown Poems Published
Congratulations to Alexia, Amelia G, Eabha, Jasmin M and Michaela... who have all had poetry selected and published by Paula Green on the Poetry Box website.

Paula has picked Alexia to send a book prize to. 


Toitoi | Jillioneers!
CONGRATULATIONS to Oliver Peters, Ryan Reid, Finn Beedie, Parker Knight, and past pupils Robbie de Groot-Tsuji and Akhila Sharma who have had poems or artwork selected for publication in a hardcover book, Jillion 2. 

In the last five years, Toitoi has published over 2000 young writers and artists. To celebrate the courage, curiosity and creativity of these young people, Toitoi have created The Jillion 2 — a collection of some of the most amazing writing and artwork from Toitoi 13-24. The Jillion 2 will be a beautiful, hardcover book that will be enjoyed by readers all over New Zealand and the world. 

Congratulations to these talented authors, we look forward to seeing their writing published in Jillion 2. 


Four Russley students have had their poems published and recorded as podcasts for Plains FM. Their poetry will be aired over the next few Saturday mornings.

Congratulations to:
Bryn Devonald
Milla Ydgren
Emma Cox
Lukas De Wit

Colour Poem Challenge
Published on Poetry Box

Beau Twidle Room 5 - Top 3
Esme Stalker Room 5
Evrin Moses-Taylor Room 5
Morgan Campbell Room 11

Madeleine Hicks R4
Jay Poole R3
Akhila Sharma R2
Joseph Surrey R4

James De Wit R12
Isaac Elkins R12
Henry Peters R13
Oliver Peters R7

Special mention to Beau, who Paula chose as one of her top three overall! Paula is sending Beau a book as his prize.

Congratulations to everyone who wrote a colour poem for this competition - they were all outstanding.

Toitoi 20 | Published
It was so exciting to receive our copies of the latest Toitoi journal, number 20. We are delighted to see mahi from FIVE Russley students published! 

Congratulations to the following published authors and illustrator:

Shona Beedie | poem | 'Space Beast'
Henry Peters | non fiction | 'Fabulous Sea Turtles'
Micaiah Veer | poem | 'Fort of Feathers'
Ruby Jones Johnston | illustration | 'Junk Drawer'
Isaac Elkins | article | 'Interview with my Grandad, John Stalker, 73 Years Old'


Toitoi 21 Authors & Illustrator
We have much to celebrate at Russley School - so many gifted creatives doing their thing!

Our latest most awesome success is that three of our students are to be published in the next issue of the Toitoi journal.

Hollie Anderson's poem titled 'Ollie the Cat' and Oliver Peters' poem titled 'Travelling' have both been accepted for publication in Toitoi 21. Talented student artist Benson Lee has been asked to be an illustrator for this issue of the journal. I can't wait to see what he comes up with!

Congratulations to these three hard working students, this success is well deserved!

Top Spot Competition 2nd Place
More awesome news! The final results are in for the Top Outdoor Spot Competition...

Drumroll please...

Oliver Peters (Roto), has won 2nd prize!

This is an awesome achievement, as the competition was open to students all over New Zealand.

Second prize is, courtesy of Kiwi Camping: an event chair, emergency poncho, Kubb game, towelling hat and bird stickers, and from Skellerup: Red Band gumboots.

Congratulations, Oliver!

Red Room Poetry Object Finalists
I am thrilled to announce that from over 2,200 submissions, Russley School have NINE students shortlisted in this prestigious Australian competition.

Congratulations to:

Oliver Peters | My Special Shell
Willow Rentoul | Hottie, My Toy
Bryn Devonald | Karate Trophy
Milla Ydgren | Nana's Opal Ring
Kayla Raadgever | Silver Owl
Olivia Whitelock | Caramel
Hollie Anderson | My Pounamu Necklace
Michaela Everest | Seal
Sophie Hoglund | Mother of Pearl

This means these talented writers are in the running to win some exciting prizes, including mentoring with a professional poet and more. Their poems have been published on the Object Poetry Shortlisted Poets webpage.

The winners will be announced online on Thursday 20 August, so keep an eye on the Russley Writers'  blog.


You can read their poems on the Red Room Poetry website here:


Matariki Poems Published on Christchurch City Library Website
Some of our writers have been busy crafting poems about Matariki. The following students have had their poetry published on the Christchurch City Library Canterbury Stories, digital heritage repository.

Well done to Bryn, James, Alice, Samuel, Oliver, Amber, Isaac, Milla and Emma.



Top Spot Competition
Last term, our writers composed poems for the Top Spot Poetry Competition, run by the New Zealand Walking Access Commission | Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa. Their writing celebrated favourite outdoor locations around Aotearoa. The competition was open to students in years 4 to 8, throughout New Zealand.

I am delighted to announce that three of our students have been shortlisted in the competition.

Congratulations to:

Bryn Devonald | Rapaki Track
Rani Sharma | Wanaka
Oliver Peters | Okains Bay

The shortlisted entries are currently being judged by the Walking Access Commission board and final results will be announced in a few weeks.

New Zealand Flash Fiction Competition
Results have been announced for the New Zealand Flash Fiction Competition 2020. So very proud to have TWO Russley Writers' Club students in the Longlist. This is a fantastic achievement, as the competition was international - as you can see by the results list, there were writers from the United States, South Korea and Germany!

Congratulations to Reuben and Micaiah!

https://fingerscommatoes.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/2020-nffd-youth-competition-winners-announced/


Toitoi 19 | Eliza Sellier, published writer

Congratulations to Eliza Sellier, who has had her script Finger Play published in Toitoi 19. Eliza's writing was illustrated by former Russley School pupil Ahmed Abdelfadil (who is now at secondary school). Another ex-pupil, Kimberly Currie was also published in this issue, with her descriptive piece titled 'New Zealand Forest'. 


Toitoi 20 | Students accepted for publication

The following students have had their writing selected for publication in the next issue of the Toitoi journal:

Isaac Elkins | Interview with my Grandad (article)
Henry Peters | Fabulous Sea Turtles (article)
Micaiah Veer | Fort of Feathers (poem)
Shona Beedie | Space Beast (poem)
Ruby Jones-Johnston has been selected to be an illustrator for Toitoi 20.


Poetry Box | Paula Green's prized poets

Meanwhile, author Paula Green has commended some of the talented writers from Team Roto, saying "These poems are magnificent... I love the music, the detail, the flow, the mood, the shared experience. These are the best and most moving things I have read all year." The following students will each receive a copy of her latest book, Groovy Fish:

Finn B 
Henry P 
Willow R
Oliver P 
James DW 
Isaac E
Annabelle K

Read more at 
https://nzpoetrybox.wordpress.com/2020/05/30/poetry-box-may-challenge-russleyschools-astonishing-bubble-timepoems/



POETRY BOX AUTHORS
The following Russley writers have had their poems published on Paula Green's Poetry Box website

Sophie Elkins - My Favourite Tree
James de Wit - Death of an Autumn Leaf, The Wiggly Squiggly Hose, The Peaceful Night
Lillia Poh - Lockdown List
Lucas Yee - Lockdown Walk, Bean Bag
Ella-Rose - Beans
Reuben Veenstra - Mondial Rose
Liam Bond - Nibbles My Pet
Liam Clark - Autumn
Eabha Dalton - String Lights, Things That Wake Me Up in the Night
Aaliyah Rentoul - Weedeater
Ila Rutherfurd - Things That Wake Me in the Night

Sophie Elkins was chosen as an overall favourite, and wins a copy of Paula's book, Groovy Fish. Congratulations, Sophie!



I also want to make special mention of prolific poet James de Wit, who had THREE poems published. Awesome!


PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE AUTHORS

The following Russley writers have had their work chosen to be included in a poetry anthology by Paula Green. The book will be published by Penguin Random House, and released next year. MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to these very talented students.

Spiky Moon
- by Jade Holmes, (age 11)

PĪWAKAWAKA

- by Eabha Dalton (age 11)

THE BRIGHTEST NIGHT
- by Benson Lee (age 10)

Kiwi's Features
- by Liam Bond (age 9)

PARTY IN THE SHED
- by Eliza Sellier (age 10)


TOITOI AUTHORS AWAIT PUBLICATION
The following students eagerly await the arrival of Toitoi #19, in which their work has been published. 

Eliza Sellier, who has had her script 'Finger Play' accepted for publication by Toitoi. Eliza's play will be illustrated by former Russley pupil Ahmed Abdelfadil. 

Another past pupil from Russley, Kimberly Currie, has also had her poem titled 'New Zealand Forest' accepted for the same issue of the Toitoi journal.

Toitoi 19 is on it's way!




It has been an exciting start to 2020, with six Russley students seeing their work published!


The following students are part of the special Toitoi Connect project.


Daria Morales
A Trip to Ancient Mexico was published in Toitoi's Latin America Special Issue. Daria wrote about Ancient Mexico, their amazing mathematicians and the Maya number system. Daria's wrote in English, and her story has been translated into Spanish by translators at the University of Waikato. Daria also illustrated her work, using drawings and collage.

Leo Yang
Leo wrote a poem titled Humming Llama, after researching animals of Latin America. His poem was also published in Toitoi's Latin America Special Issue and has been translated into Spanish.

Franklin Yuan
Franklin researched South East Asia, and wrote a poem about the spotted cuscus, from Timor-Leste. Spotted Cuscus was published in Toitoi's Southeast Asia Special Issue. It has been translated into Tetum, the language of Timor-Leste.

RJ Manalac
A House on a Hill / Isang Bahay sa isang Burol, was inspired by the book 'In a Village by the Sea', and makes the reader think about what it would feel like to leave family and friends in your home country, to move to a new place. RJ's poem has been translated into Tagalog, the language of the Philippines.


Toitoi #18


Parker Knight
Parker was chosen as an illustrator for Toitoi. He was tasked with illustrating the poem titled Trampoline, which appears on page 23 of Toitoi #18. Parker used watercolour pencils and the result is outstanding.

Reuben Veenstra
Reuben's poem titled Spinning Through Time, was published in Toitoi #18 (page 53) and was inspired by the playground roundabout at Crosbie Park.

Congratulations to all our writers and artists, you are awesome ambassadors for the arts at Russley School.



Congratulations to the following writers who have had their work published on fingers comma toes:

Ava Mackay, New Zealand Fairy Tern
Kimberly Currie, The Whisper of the Wind
Eliza Sellier, Things that Bugged Bob
Charlie Knight, Keep Calm and Carry




2019





Finalists in the Gobbledegook Poetry Competition:
Reuben Veenstra
Liam Bond
Ella-Rose Evans
Sirennah Moses-Taylor



'What Would You Do If Your Teacher Was a Witch' Competition:

Mitchell McCarthy, 3rd place (Senior Division) & most humorous story
Kimberly Currie, 2nd place (Senior Division)



Accepted for publication in Toitoi:

Reuben Veenstra, Spinning Through Time



Selected as an illustrator for Toitoi:

Parker Knight



Anthropozine:

Poems published on Anthropozine:
Ella-Rose Evans
Reuben Veenstra
Yathindra Kulathinga
Sousuke Feng
Sirennah Moses-Taylor
Brooke Hillsdon-Tootall
Lily Ghobrial








Metro Poems on Buses:
Bella Folesi has won the Metro Poems on Buses competition for 2019, with her poem titled 'World Cake'. Congratulations Bella!



Fingers Comma Toes: Reuben V has had his poem 'A Wasteland of Beauty' published on fingers comma toes



Toitoi Special Connect:

Congratulations to the following writers, who will have their work published in special editions of Toitoi, later this year:

Franklin, Room 2, for his poem titled Spotted Cuscus
Leo, Room 6, for his poem titled Humming Llama
RJ, Room 4, for his poem titled A House on a Hill
Daria, Room 7, for her story and illustration titled A Trip to Ancient Mexico

These special editions of Toitoi are part of the Toitoi Connect project, which celebrates the cultures of Latin America and Southeast Asia. 

One special aspect of this project is that all of the writing in the journals will be published in translation, in both English and a language of either Latin America or Southeast Asia. Toitoi are working with the School of Languages and Cultures at Victoria University of Wellington to translate the students' work. Editor of Toitoi, Charlotte Gibbs, said, "What a fantastic way to celebrate all the different languages that are spoken by young New Zealanders!"

We will have a long wait for these journals, as they are being worked on during the remainder of this year, and will be released in the beginning of week one in 2020!

Thanks to the Centre for Asia-Pacific Excellence for Southeast Asia and Latin America, every primary and intermediate school in New Zealand will receive two copies for their school library.

Published on Poetry Box:
Ruby JJ
Noel H
Amelia Y
Ava M
Ava S
Reuben V
Yathindra
Ella-Rose
William B
Jade H





Toitoi 17: Leo Yang



Toitoi 16: Nathan Hobbs and Ahmed Abdelfadil



Toitoi 15: Harry Fearn and Isabella Randall



Toitoi 14: Kyla H and Mekhi T








Robbie - Highly Commended




---------------------------------------------------------------------



2018

Toitoi 13
Kayla R
Robbie
Rebekah M



fingers comma toes - online international journal

Khadija S
Robbie
Lily O



2017

Jack M's poem 'Small Things' was published in the online international journal, fingers comma toes and also in Toitoi.





2016
Poetry Box 
The following poets had their poems shortlisted and published on Poetry Box:
Lachlan H
Michaela E
Matthew B
Zion S
Taralina L
Daisy Jane L
Soverin 



2015/2016

Published Authors in Toitoi (A Journal For Young Writers and Artists)



Anna Boulton,

Emma Cox and
Kim Schonert - to be published in issue 4



Keziah Veer The Keziah Veer Poem pg 48-51 issue 3

Micaiah Veer Diwali Senses pg 26 issue 3
Monica Koster Mum (poem & illustration) pg 18-19 issue 3



Ollie Morris Shimmering Moon, pg 90 issue 2

Manaal Farrukeh Blue Sea Dancing, pg 62-63 issue 2
Izak Koster Stargazing With My Dad, pg 44, issue 2
Fergus Hollis-Barnard Black Beard Dad, pg 37, issue 2



Tama Te Aho My Older Brother pg 6-7 Anzac issue

Aditi Sharma illustration pg 16 Anzac issue
Kaile Qian illustration pg 26 Anzac issue
Hannah Smith illustration pg 54-55 Anzac issue
Alisha Sangster illustration pg 76-77 Anzac issue



Charlize Fowler Twirl, pg 30-31, issue 1

Monica Koster The Latest Craze, pg 6-9, issue 1






2015 

Tama Te Aho to be published in Vox
Tama Te Aho's story My Older Brother has been accepted for publication by Vox Box (a journal of writing and art by young New Zealanders). Tama's very moving war-time story is to be published in a special ANZAC themed journal - to be released in November this year. His entry was chosen from over 500 submissions from young writers all over New Zealand. The publisher said the quality of submissions was outstanding, and of Tama's story, "...this is a terrific piece - beautifully paced and deeply felt."

Congratulations Tama!




Kimberley Curry and

Mark Ghobrial were awarded Highly Commended in the 2015 Storylines Festival Writing Competition



Our school entry of 12 poems was awarded Highly Commended in 4th Fabulous Poetry Competition (Sth Island) 



Plus

Individual entries were selected as judge's favourites and published online:

  • Alex C
  • Josh T
  • Sophia T
  • Fergus HB

Blue Globe Art Gallery Writing Competition
Emma Zhen's poem Sunflowers was awarded Highly Commended


Vox (Toi Toi) Journal (A Journal for Young Writers and Artists)
Charlize Fowler's poem Twirl and
Monica Koster's illustrated story The Latest Craze 
have both been accepted for publication in this term's edition of ToiToi.





Work published online, on Poetry Box:

  • Haoyu, Mitchell, Olivia, Mark G (school camp poetry) - April 2015
  • Phoenix, Farren, Kim, Monica (Anzac poems) - April 2015
  • Kim (Summer poem) - March 2015





2014 Winner of the 3rd Fabulous Poetry Competition (Sth Island)





2014 Winning individual poems in Poetry Box competitions:




The following students' winning poetry was selected by Paula Green and they were invited to read their poems at the Poetry Box Hot Spot Tour in October:



Jordyn H, Sacha W, Tyler F, Bridget G, Thomas G, Jayda S, Monica K, Anthony, Seth, Yash, Emily M





These students were winners of various poetry challenges throughout the year on Poetry Box:
  • Azryn (Curioseum competition)
  • Holly S-Y (Curioseum competition)
  • Riley G (Curioseum competition)
  • Mitchell F (Curioseum competition)
  • Jacko (Flamingo Flower poem)
  • Izak K (video poem challenge, Nov 2014)
  • Elizabeth B (Highlights of the year poetry competition Dec 2014)
  • Monica's winning piece on poetry was published by Scholastic in Paula Green's The Letterbox Cat, 2014

Work published online:



2014 Poetry Box website



  • Elizabeth, Hunter, Tom H, Kelly's hangi poems (Dec 2014)
  • Anna B, Olivia A, Bridget, Brooklyn, Keziah (poems inspired by other poems, Nov 2014)
  • Monica and Lily's author interviews (Oct 2014)
  • Monica and Izak's dream holiday poems (Aug 2014)
  • Anzac poetry by Anna, Hannah, Lucy, Karim, Sasha, Olivia and Vann (April 2014)
  • Poem on poetry by Pierre G (April 2014)
  • Nursery rhyme poem by Weaam (April 2014)
  • Piece on poetry by Izak (April 2014)
  • Jacko, Emily M, Jayda (Eye poems, March 2014)





2013 Winning school in the 2nd Fabulous Poetry Competition (NZ)

 Jess B, Riley H, Danial G (individual winning entries)


2013 Winning school in the Reading Festival's National Poetry Competition

Danial G, Max L & Izak (individual winning entries)


2013 Winners in the Margaret Mahy Governor's Bay Poetry Competition

Brayden D, Bradley M, Monica


2013 Winning individual entry in the 1st Fabulous Poetry Competition 

Caleb Stewart 

(Caleb's poem will be published by Random House in Oct 2014)