Showing posts with label Oliver. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oliver. Show all posts

Thursday, 27 June 2024

Matariki Poetry

Some of our students have been writing poems for Matariki. We were delighted to see Paula Green has posted two of ours on Poetry Box. Congratulations to these e-published poets, Mushal and Oliver.

You can read their poems on Poetry Box here.

Paula has picked Mushal to receive a copy of My Matariki Colouring & Activity Book, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. Yay!


Dear Grandad (a poem for Matariki)

Dear Grandad,

The bed creaked
as you turned
your fragile body

You scratched your sandpaper-like skin
your joyful smile
enlightened the room

while the soft wind
kissed your cheek

you got older day by day
while telling your priceless stories
you loved to tell

you loved eating
thick ice cream
that made your teeth sting

your memory
was like dust
easily swept away

I wish I could’ve said goodbye

I love you, Grandad

 by Mushal F, Year 8Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School

Hiwai-i-te-rangi | Star

i can see you
through the night
glistening

twinkling
waiting
watching from above

are you
part of one of those many
clusters
we learnt about
in class?

i wouldn’t have
a clue
but
you are
glamorous

i open up my arms
and wish
to you
star

Oliver P, Year 8, age 13 yrs Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

A Trio of Authors


We are fairly certain that the Peters brothers have broken a record for being the most published family in Toitoi!

Here are Oliver, Henry and Ned with the journals and books which feature their writing.

Congratulations to the trio, we are super proud of you!


 

Published in Toitoi

Congratulations to Oliver Peters and Natalia Wakelin, who have both had their writing published in Toitoi #33.

Natalia was also the winner of the Toitoi Story Search Competition.





Monday, 13 June 2022

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)



Monday, 22 November 2021

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!

Both boys will receive two copies of Toitoi to enjoy with their families, and we have copies in the Russley School library as well as a set for classroom use.







Wednesday, 8 September 2021

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. 


Tuesday, 7 September 2021

To be Published!

We wait with bated breath for the next issue of Toitoi... two Russley students had their work selected from hundreds of submissions from schools all over Aotearoa. They will be published in Toitoi 25, which will be out at the beginning of Term 4.

Congratulations to:

Oliver Kitchingman - for his flash fiction story titled: 'Ma Poor Forehead'

Desmond Kiddie - for his cool poem titled: 'boy in the city'




Monday, 23 November 2020

Bridges to Books

 Read these fabulous entries some of our writers produced for the Tamariki Book Festival's competition, 'Bridges to Books'.

Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and James

When I open the book
I am under the roots of a tree
with Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail...
and Peter

Slipping on my sky blue jacket
hopping quickly to...
Mr. Mcgregor's garden

Page eight I squeeze under the gate
Chomp Chomp I chow down the carrots
so many vegetables 
it is like a themepark of food

Oh no! MR MCGREGOR!
I hear his his heavy steel capped boots stomping
CRRRR my jacket ripped 
now it´s made into a…
scarecrow

Rushing to the gate to get out
SLAM! I close the book
and hide under my covers
hoping Mr McGregor doesn't find me

by James De Wit


When I open the book, Fing 

it feels like I'm getting pulled right in
I'm in Mr and Mrs Meek’s house 

freaking out
because their daughter Myrtle Meek 
she gets whatever she wants

I feel like this is not going to end well
Myrtle wants a fing...
I am wondering 

how is this going to end 
nice… or deadly

- by Isaac Elkins


My love of reading

When I open the 117- treehouse comic, 
My mind is chaos
movies swirl in my mind, 
making me feel like I’ve been on a long roller coaster ride
It's as hilarious as British-white cattle dancing 
to ‘Dance Monkey’.
I keep coming back to story police, a giant foot and a enormous hand 
I just can never take my eyes off it

- Sam Li 


Henry Potter

I open the book...
I am in Quality Quidditch Supplies
my nose pressed against the window at a Firebolt
the latest broomstick model

Crowds and new reporters
from the Ministry of Magic
all stand around Professor Lockhart
Harry Potter by his side

Platform nine and three quarters
steampunk train painted with golden letters 
HOGWARTS EXPRESS

Professor Sybill Trelawney
the mysterious divination teacher
looks into a crystal ball

Professor Dumbledore
with a long white beard
announces Gryffindor wins the house cup!

 - by Henry Peters  

Monday, 7 September 2020

Colouring our World with Poems

Poet: Beau


Our Russley Writers have been exploring colour. They each created a poem which celebrates a colour of their choosing and entered the Poetry Box Challenge. Author Paula Green congratulated all our students who submitted their writing. She said, 'Your choice of words made colours come alive, your poems were full of movement and zest. I really liked the pictures that grew in my head as I read. I especially liked the way they all flowed so beautifully. So many standout lines and images. Brilliant!'

Paula received hundreds of submissions from schools all over NZ and has chosen some of her favourites to publish on the Poetry Box website. Twelve students from Russley School have had their poems selected. 

Special mention to Beau Twidle, who Paula chose as one of her top three favourites overall! Beau wrote a fabulous poem about black and has received a copy of Paula Green's book, 'Groovy Fish' as a prize. Congratulations Beau, and to the other published poets:

Beau T 
Esme S
Evrin M-T
Morgan C
Madeleine H
Jay P
Akhila S
Joseph S
James DW
Isaac E
Henry P
Oliver P


Here is Beau's poem:

Black

night covering penwood street
ants running across the dirt
a sleuth of bears sleeping
a box of old fashioned telephones
a patrol unit of arrows flying at the target
a bundle of cables, like snakes

by Beau Twidle | Year 5

Friday, 14 August 2020

Top Outdoor Spot 2020 | 2nd Place

 

Oliver Peters | 2nd Place
Top Outdoor Spot 2020 (despite the misprint on the certificate!)

Last term, our writers composed poems for the Top Outdoor Spot Competition, run by the New Zealand Walking Access Commission | Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa. Their writing celebrated favourite outdoor locations around Aotearoa. Three of our students were shortlisted in the competition:

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

Year 4 student Oliver Peters was awarded second place overall, which was an outstanding achievement, considering the competition was open to students in years 4 to 8 throughout New Zealand.

Oliver received his prize today, courtesy of the NZ Walking Access Commission and Kiwi Camping. Congratulations Oliver!


Okains Bay

As we drive to our very special place,
playing car cricket, doing lots of arguing
my palms are sweating, ears toasting
I put my head out the window and feel the fresh breeze

We drive into the campground and find the perfect spot,
pitch our tent in the finest of sand,
under the shade of a huge Tōtara.

I slip on my jandals, with a rubbery touch,
run to the lagoon, dashing across spiky stones,
slowly followed by my parents and brothers,
we dash to the ocean’s edge.

The water is cold and creamy,
its waves have a lovely curl,
it moves so quickly like a wild pig being chased by ferocious owners.

The lagoon makes a cold splash when I jump in,
dive bombing from a nearby ledge,
my toes and fingers old and numb,
I safely swim to the shore.

The adults are playing cricket,
up on the beach 
the ball rolls through the air with speed, hit by Uncle Fred
and lands in the sea, fetched by other children.

Sweeping over rocks, the tide is like a prowling cat,
pulling away sticks, stones and driftwood,
we’re heading for the shore.

We take a break from swimming,
and walk along a large track on the hills,
hidden behind harakeke and wind grass

Okains Bay is home to pīwakawaka, kererū and kingfisher,
chasing each other around the dense pine forest,
it contains memories I will never forget,
camping, rafting, nature walks,
with my friends and family.

As we pack up our tent, barbeque and boogie boards
I reflect on our wonderful time in this amazing bay,
even though we are all sunburnt, worn out and covered in mosquito bites,
I will never forget this mind blowing place!


Oliver Peters | Year 4 | age 9yrs


Monday, 3 August 2020

Published Authors and Illustrator in the Making

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!

Benson's sample illustration, submitted to Toitoi.

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Second Place in Top Spot Competition!

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!



Wednesday, 29 July 2020

Red Room Poetry Object Shortlist!





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:


Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Celebrate Matariki 2020

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.





















Thursday, 23 July 2020

Writers Shortlisted for 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.


Saturday, 30 May 2020

Russley School's Astonishing Bubble Time Poems

Paula Green has written a beautiful post on Poetry Box, about these talented Russley writers:

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

Paula emailed me to say, "These poems are magnificent... I love the music, the detail, the flow, the mood, the shared expereince. These are the best and most moving things I have read all year."

Read more on the Poetry Box blog:

https://nzpoetrybox.wordpress.com/2020/05/30/poetry-box-may-challenge-russley-schools-astonishing-bubble-time-poems/

Paula is sending a copy of her book, Groovy Fish, to each of these students. Congratulations to all!

Saturday, 16 May 2020

Published on Poetry Box

More of our Russley Writers have had their work published on Paula Green's website, Poetry Box. Congratulations to:

Ella-Rose - Daisy
Eabha D - Cat
Liam Bond - Mingles, my Pet Cat
Reuben Veenstra - Millie
James de Wit - Explaining a Cat to an Alien | Ocean
Oliver Peters - The Prowler of Night
Lillia Poh - Greygrizzledog
Henry P - Things that Wake Me in the Night
Willow Rentoul - Going to the Sea

These students have been picked by Paula to win a copy of her book, Groovy Fish: Liam, Reuben, Lillia, Henry and James.

Congratulations!




Tuesday, 12 May 2020

Cat Poems

This is Enzo,
who goes on adventures and finds himself in unusual places.

Here are some clever cat poems, written by our awesome Russley Writers, and some photos of our family cats.


My cat
has a friend

She's called Luna
and my cat Millie
admires her

They play a lot
climbing  menacing trees
darting between scruffy bushes
catching unsuspecting birds
together
forever

Until
we moved

I know Millie misses Luna
maybe we’ll visit sometime
But for now
Millie will just have to make some more friends

by Reuben V (Year 8)


Creeping down the hall,
Out of sight
Making a lot of noise,
In the night
Dancing on the roof,
Hold on tight
It’s your little kitten,
THAT CAN BITE!

by Eabha D (Year 8)


Greygrizzledog

She howls like the wind,
As grey as an hb pencil,
She purrs like a train engine,
She's as still as a statue
As wiggly as a worm
Her eyes are like cameras capturing everything we do
But she is my cat and I love her to bits!

by Lillia P (10yrs)


Explaining a Cat to an Alien

Welcome to earth
this is a cute cat
A cat is a tiny skeleton wrapped in fur
They have triangle ears like illuminati symbols

There is a long bone that sticks out of their behind,
when they walk past it tickles
They have eighteen keen claws to scratch a couch
Cats have tiny white teeth for crushing mouse skulls

Their glowing eyes can cut through the dark
No matter what height they fall from
they always settle on four landing pads
They sound lethal but they are only awake
for 37 minutes everyday

 by James dW (8yrs)


Mingles, my Pet Cat 

His feet are as white as snow
He has radar ears that flicker to any sound
Slithery tail like a snake
His eyes are as green as freshly grown grass
which light up when I rattle his food

by Liam B (11yrs)


The Prowler Of Night

She prowls around like a burglar
and slips through fences like a bar of soap

With pointy ears and a long smooth tail
her Midnight coat makes her invisible to human eyes

Long whiskers illuminate her face
her tail curls around branches

Her teeth shine in the moonlight,
as sharp as a gorse bush

The icy wind brushes against her coat of warm fur
she stalks her prey like a jaguar

Her yellow eyes sparkle like a sapphire
she leaps high like a pogo-stick

When the sun begins to rise from the east,
she sneaks back through her cat-flap

and snuggles up to sleep on the soft cushions on Mum’s chair

by Oliver P (9yrs)

Introducing Ziggy:
you could not find a more relaxed cat.

Mischief and Ziggy:
snuggled up on a cold, Autumn day.
Ziggy again:
My cat likes to sleep in egg cartons. Seriously.

Friday, 8 May 2020

Poetry Box Poets

The following Russley writers have had their poems published on Paula Green's Poetry Box website. 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!


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


Paula also published two of our Pass the Poem pieces...

Team Roto Writers (Mrs K, James, Lucas Y, Emilia, Henry, Oliver, Amber & Sam)
Pass the Poem - Ninja Cat

Team Awa Nui Writers (Mrs K, Lillia, Aaliyah, Sophie, Lily T, Therese)
Pass the Poem - Button Moon