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TRANSCRIPT
We wish you a Merry Christmas!
We wish you a Merry Christmas!
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We do hope that you have a relaxing holiday and hope you
find the time to read the articles we have written about
school, the world, our lives, animals, food…
The Weeke Whisper Team (Year 5 & 6)
Christmas Baubles by Sam Ridgment
The Weeke WHISPER (Shhh!)
School magazine
CHRISMTAS edition 2017
CONTENTS SCHOOL
Bring Back Our Lively Library! Production in Production
‘House’ about a change in seating? Autumn Author Visits
THE WORLD The Santa Rosa Wild Fires
How should we treat the world around us? Catalonia Breaks Free!
Battling Boys World War III
Terrorism Christmas in France
A Visit to North Scotland Devon
POETRY CORNER Grounds Autumn’s Arrived
Forest School Days
Just Imagine… Elves
My Journey Fireworks Broccoli
Ophelia’s Coming ENTERTAINMENT
Horoscopes Christmas Animal Quiz
How to make a Lego stop-motion video Animal Photography
OUR LIVELY LIBRARY IS COMING BACK! The Y6 Junior Librarians
Since our librarian left last February, the pupil librarians and some staff have
worked really hard in their own time to keep the library organised. It is a
wonderful resource where we can expand our knowledge, find peace from the
busy school but, we discovered, it takes a lot of effort to keep tidy and
organised. We work in the library on a rota system.
The Junior Librarians, led by Anoush, Siena A, Adam B and Matthew, have
been returning books to the correct place. Fiction books are organised
alphabetically and non-fiction books are organised by numbers (numerically)
using an international system called the Dewey Decimal system. If you go into
a library in Brazil, France or Fiji, you will find the history books in the 900s.
They have also made sure the library is left in a tidy state. As it is a used by the
whole school, all children and teachers should use it carefully and responsibly
which sadly isn’t always the case.
The good news is that we have a new librarian, Miss Simmons, who will order
bar codes, sort out the Junior Librarian computer system, make sure we have
fresh books from the School Library Service, repair books, bar code books,
organised shelving and displays. We are really looking forward to showing her
the ropes!
PRODUCTION IN PRODUCTION Isaac Whitaker
The Year 5 teachers, Mr Bunch, Mrs Swales and Mrs Cummins, recently
revealed that Year 5 were to begin rehearsals for their annual ‘Music Through
the Ages’ production; they are now well and truly underway for the Christmas
2017 show. Whispered rumours show that the show will feature a unique
sketch from Thomas Jackson, an exciting rock and roll dance to Chuck Berry
and more! There’s even a reported rumour that John Lennon will make an
appearance.
To pull the show off, the Year 5s will be putting in lots of hard work and
commitment as well as pushing their abilities to the limit. But, with under a
week before it gets underway, ti still seems a miracle that we’ll pull it off! We
hope you get to see the show.
UPDATE: The Year 5 Musical Extravaganza has now been performed. The
Christmas themed popular songs, ranging from White Christmas to In the
Bleak Mid-Winter via Winter Wonderland and Slade’s Christmas hit, were well
received by audiences and hopefully put everyone in a Christmassy mood!
‘HOUSE’ ABOUT A CHANGE IN SEATING? Bethan Cooling
Are you bored of sitting in your house teams at lunch ties instead of with your
friends? Do you think this is a good system?
The teachers originally introduced the idea of sitting in house teams in an effort
to reduce the amount of mess on the floor at lunchtimes. At first, people were
fine with it, until some children started sneaking onto other tables to be with
their friends and pretending that they belonged to that house colour.
Ella, Y6, expressed her concerns about the changes: “I don’t like the system,
because none of my friends are in my house team, so I don’t get to sit with them
a t lunchtimes anymore.”
Layla and Ellie, Y5, said: “We are in the same team, but we don’t get to sit with
any of our other friends at lunchtimes.”
However, some people think it has had a more positive effect…
Evie, Y4, said: “I like the system. I think that it has really helped reduce the
amount of mess on the floor at lunchtimes; but I’d like the tables to be moved
around so we can sit in different places.”
Mrs Goodwin, Y2, stated: “It has made a really positive impact on the
children’s behaviour in the lunch hall and everyone knows where they will be
sitting.”
Lunchtime Supervisor: “The system ahs worked well. Children have been so
much better behaved at lunchtimes. They are obviously motivated to take back
the privilege of sitting with their friends again! I wonder if poor behaviour will
return if this happens?”
So, what do you think? Should we be petitioning to change the system or do
you think that the system has worked to reduce mess and improve behaviour in
the lunch hall?
AUTUMN AUTHOR VISITS
MEGAN RIX Megan Rix gave a talk to KS2 in October. She has written lots of books with
animals (usually dogs) as main characters. She doesn’t write soppy animal
stories, far from it, but has animals doing heroic things in war zones and helping
people in tricky situations. She is very involved with training Assistance Dogs
who help people with disabilities live full lives. Megan brought her dogs to see
us in the school hall which caused quite a stir! The dogs were really calm and
well-trained.
Megan Rix was full of unusual facts and I was amazed to learn that Winston
Churchill was a great animal lover and had a pet pig! Also that in World War
II, dogs parachuted into enemy territory carrying messages. We watched a film
clip of this so I know that it may be strange, but it’s definitely true.
SEAN TAYLOR Sean Taylor visited KS1 and Y3 and
read stories, got the children dancing
and wrote a poem with 240 children!
Some lucky children got to buy one
of his books and get it signed too.
Read it here:
SPOOKY CASTLE POEM!
Our scary story poem has Count Dracula in it. He’s dreadful.
He’s a vampire.
Our scary story poem has a bat in it. It’s horrifying.
It’s large and spiralling.
Our scary story poem has a dragon in it. He is petrifying.
He is deadly.
So let’s leave them in the poem and go back to our classrooms
where it’s nice and comfy and cosy
and SAFE!
By all the Key Stage 1 children at Weeke Primary School, working with Sean Taylor, October 2017.
THE WILDFIRES IN SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. Amelie Grigorian
At 2am on Monday 9th
September 2017, disaster struck Santa Rosa in
California, U.S.A. which is where my relatives live. There were high winds and
these, combined with the hot weather, created perfect conditions for fire to
spread. The fire that was conjured up was absolutely huge and it spread into the
city of Santa Rosa destroying thousands of homes! One morning, my Aunty
Shirley and Uncle Bob were evacuated from their home to a church and only
just in time! Later that day, they found out that the whole of their
neighbourhood had been burnt down by the fierce flames. The next day, they
visited their house to find only ashes where their lovely home, garden and
summer house once stood. It is going to take them a long time for them and
their community to rebuild their lives and houses. What a disaster.
THE WORLD AROUND US – HOW SHOULD WE TREAT IT?
Emily Smith and Sienna Wells
Do we own the natural world, is it ours to do what we like with? No, because we did not create the world, the world created us.
What will happen if we do not look after the world?
If we don’t look after the world, we’re not looking after ourselves.
How do we treat the world?
Some people treat it disrespectfully, like it’s rubbish, and throw litter out of car
windows. Some treat it as if it’s as important to them as their home and take
their litter home or put it in bins.
How should we treat the world?
We should respect, love and care for the world because if we don’t, the world
will eventually die away. Think about the plastic water bottle you are chucking
away – where will it go? What energy will be used in producing another one?
How long will the plastic take to decompose?
Anonymous: My dad buys plastic water bottles most days, that’s over 350
bottles a year that he throws away. The energy, time and cost of recycling them
is huge and if he drops one as litter, it takes over 200 years to rot away. Plastic
water bottles, as well as other plastics, are littering our oceans and are a huge
global problem just like global warming.
CATALONIA BREAKS FREE!
Libi Simons Catalonia is a region in North East Spain. It
has its own language (Catalan), its own
parliament and its own national anthem. The
capital city is called Barcelona, which is a
popular tourist destination, and it is home to
one of the best football teams. The people of
Catalonia (Catalans) are extremely proud of
their identity and many consider themselves as
separate to Spain.
Last month, a vote took place in Catalonia over whether the region should break
away from Spain and become an independent nation. You may remember that
Scotland took part in a similar referendum in 2014 when the Scots were given
the chance to decide whether or not they wanted to become separate from the
U.K. Unlike the Scots, most Catalans voted in favour of independence. The
vote was met with anger from the Spanish government in Madrid, as they did
not give permission for it to go ahead. The national government said the vote
was illegal and tried to stop it from happening.
Some polling stations (places where you vote) were closed down by the Spanish
government and ballot boxes (where you put your voting paper) were taken
away. That meant that just 2.2 million people voted out of 5.3 million Catalans
who could have done so. The disagreement led to fighting between some voters
and the police. Catalans protested in opposition to the Spanish government’s
actions. The Catalan parliament then held a vote and declared independence.
However, in response, the Spanish government sacked the Catalan leaders and
took over their parliament and announced a regional vote on the 21st December.
I wonder what the outcome will be
BATTLING BOYS! Sam Ridgement
The raging argument between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, the dictator
who rules North Korea is being urgently discussed around the world. Many
people have been airing their views on social media and in the newspapers,
including here at Weeke School! Many people think that the argument between
the two world leaders about nuclear weapons will result in World War III.
Personally, I think that they are just two boys who are showing off to each other
about their weapons and might – let’s just hope that it all stays in the ‘world
playground’ and no one loses their temper and presses ‘The big button’. (I
think they need to be kept in at playtime).
WORLD WAR III? Ewan Johns
As you know, Donald Trump was elected as the President of the United States
of America just over a year ago, and has been aggravating all sorts of people,
including North Korea’s King Jung-un who is very easy to wind up and an evil
leader who was not elected to power democratically (by the people). Donald
Trump’s election win was strange too. Hilary Clinton got more votes but due to
the way that they count their votes in the U.S.A., Trump won the presidency.
North Korea and the U.S.A. both have nuclear weapons targeted on each other.
If Trump chose to ‘push the nuclear button’, he could easily blow up North
Korea but this action would not be without consequences.
The nuclear explosion could harm America’s allies (friends). China, North
Korea’s only ally (friend), could declare war on America and other countries,
including the U.K. could be sucked into the argument. Let’s hope these mad
men use diplomacy (talking to each other) to sort our their disagreements about
who is the most powerful.
TERRORISM Neve Willis
On Tuesday 31
st October this year, a rare yet devastating event occurred in New
York, U.S.A. A car driver drove into a group of pedestrians and killing eight
and injuring eleven. The driver, who was arrested, did this to gain attention for
his cause, the Islamic State, who are a terrorist group who want the world to live
according to their very extreme religious views. It’s important to understand
that the Islamic State do not represent the religion of Islam which is a peace-
loving faith.
World leaders, like Trump and our Theresa May, sent their condolences
(feelings of sorrow) to the people affected in New York and agreed to fight acts
of terrorism together by using spies, police, armies and peoples’ everyday
observations to spot terrorist before they strike.
I think that people need to be more accepting and understanding of each other
and always treat others with respect and kindness.
CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE Amélie Jackaman
In France, some people would celebrate Christmas
on the 24th
December – it is called Revéillonner -
although most celebrate on the 25th
December like
in the U.K.
Common Traditions Normally at Christmas, people spend time with
family and friends. It’s a lot about the food as
well. With my family, we spend a lot of time at the dinner table and enjoy
different meals. Some French people have a tradition of skiing at that time of
year, when of course it’s been snowing!
Christmas Food In England, we have Brussel sprouts. Instead, the French eat green beans.
Some enjoy oysters or snails for starters. Foie gras is also traditional, which is a
pate made from goose livers. French people enjoy different wine with different
dishes. Turkey is traditional too. A typical desert would be La Bûche De Noël
which has a log-like base and the topping can be any flavour.
Most people use a chocolate or chestnut topping, but champagne and
decorations can also accompany the dish.
Common French Gifts There are not many traditional fits. What used to be traditional was giving a
pair of shoes or slippers. Also an orange!
My Family’s Traditions
In some towns the French have a lantern walk when you buy a lantern and
parade around your town with it on the 22nd
or 23rd
of December. We like to do
this when we are in France. This tradition is now in Winchester, but is held
much earlier, in late November.
A VISIT TO NORTH SCOTLAND
Thomas Jackson
Miserable skies loomed
above, waiting to release an
ocean upon me. No longer
could I walk, my neck
swollen with midge bites.
But no, I went on. And what
was for dinner? Neeps,
tatties and haggis of course!
Seven Up or Iron Bru? I must choose one. I can’t have both. Sheep’s
stomach, squishy and soft, filled with porridge. And meat too. That’s haggis
for you!
Back on the road again but this time well-fed. Farewell Scotland! See you
again soon.
DEVON Rhys Petch
The brown fish and golden chips tasted
like heaven. The diamond blue sea
reflected the rays of the sun as we ate
on the hot, grey concrete. The clear
sky was a mirror image of the sea.
Walking on the soft sand was like walking on a soft cloud. The water in my
mouth was a salty as my chips. Devon heaven.
AUTUMN’S ARRIVED Katie Levell
Autumn’s arrived
Colliding with winter
A time of year to visit the theatre
Where popcorn sleeps and children peep
As they eat their sweets.
Others play in the leaves
Which have fallen from the trees
Children throw and catch
While animals hibernate in their patch.
SCHOOL DAYS Peter Thomson
Growing up this day and age,
With fee expression all the rage,
Our young ones learn when starting school,
That’s why reading’s fun and maths is cools.
While writings not the least bit boring,
It really is so much like drawing,
For every child it is essential,
To realise their full potential.
And teachers always do their best,
To stimulate children’s interest,
When schooldays end at last,
With examinations passed.
Will children reminisce,
And say “Our schooldays we will miss,”
And as the final day arrives,
“They were the best days of our lives!”
JUST IMAGINE… Sam Ridgement?
Just imagine you could reach and touch the stars,
Imagine you could dive into the murky depth.
Imagine you could save a thousand souls,
Imagine you could win Olympic gold.
Imagine if you could bounce on fluffy clouds,
Imagine the world you live in is perfect,
Just the way it is.
TIMBER! Sam Ridgement
There I was, looking at the tree
There was my dad, cutting in down
And yelling “TIMBER!”
As it fell to the ground.
MY JOURNEY Libi Simons
I dream of a journey to my own land,
Where carrots fly and there’s cheese in my hand,
Libi is flying past my face as
Me and the strawberries run a fast race,
Over hills of orange pears,
Pat the bins where NO ONE CARES
LIBI cackles and flys away
As I follow her in a pile of hay
I’m starting to feel that I’m tossing my head
So I’d better return to my snug safe bed.
ELVES Libi Simons
Away he crept as silent as night,
To give the family an awful fright.
Into the study he flew like a flash,
Opened the bag, and took all the cash!
Next he tiptoed to the parlour
And stole the bead for his Aunt Carla!
FIREWORKS Teo Arvai Morris
Set them off at the dead of night
The loud ones will give people a fright!
Set them off, it will give a big scare
Only light them if you dare…
Beautiful colours
Orange, blue and more
Colours will fill eyes
Some might cry
Set them off! Create a deafening sound
So loud it shall pound and shake the autumn ground.
BROCCOLI Isla Murdoch
Broccoli! Broccoli! Broccoli!
How I hate green old broccoli!
I always seem to get more than my fair share,
Please help me, I’m writing in despair!
So it was even worse when out of the blue,
A flying clump of broccoli whizzed by, who knew?
It picked me up and flew away,
To a land where broccoli danced and played.
It sped along like a rocket jet,
What was going to happen next?
I came upon a field of broccoli and trees,
And slowly sank to my knees.
I gasped and sighed in complete awe,
(My knees were now getting sore!)
I stood back up to find a band,
Playing music from a faraway land.
But now it is time to go,
And now I really certainly know
That broccoli is actually an alien life form.
And goes extremely well with bean and sweetcorn!
OPHELIA’S COMING Gabriella Pearson
A devil’s eye staring down at me.
Ophelia’s coming.
Tomato soup about to pour.
Ophelia’s coming.
Snow White’s apple up in the sky.
Ophelia’s coming.
A hell portal wanting to suck you in
Ophelia’s coming.
A pool of poison pulling me towards it.
Ophelia’s coming.
A stairway to death up in the sky.
Ophelia’s coming.
Slowly, slowly, she creeps through the night
Ophelia’s coming.
Is it the end of the world?
Ophelia’s here.
HOTEL FOR DOGS
Alex Raishbrook
I have written a short story all about two stray dogs who end up living in a
disused hotel in America. Some children look after the strays and my story
deals with the goings-on in this unusual hotel! My story is based on a film
which you might have seen called ‘Hotel for Dogs’.
As my story is several pages long, it was too lengthy for this short school
magazine, so a copy of my story is on display in Beech Class (Year 5) for
anyone to come and read. Check it out!
HOROSCOPES Thomas Jackson Y5
Do you know what star sign your birthday falls under? What has the coming
month got in store for you? Read our accurate horoscopes to find out what the
future holds…
ARIES (21 March – 19 April)
Love may strike after the sight of white berries.
TAURUS (20 April – 20 May)
Good things await you under trees.
GEMINI (21 May – 20 June)
You will get all you want for Christmas!
CANCER (21 June – 22 July)
Beware! Your friends will betray you.
LEO (23 July – 22 August)
You will come into money.
VIRGO (23 August – 22 September)
Prepare! Hard times await you.
LIBRA (23 September – 22 October)
You should watch your tongue.
SCORPIO (23 October – 21 November)
Strange things await you…
SAGITARIUS (22 November – 21 December)
Do not insult or annoy anyone for it may put you in danger.
CAPRICORN (22 December – 19 January)
Everlasting luck awaits.
AQUARIUS (20 January – 18 February)
Wash your largest pair of socks to bring good fortune.
PISCES (19 February – 20 March)
Don’t eat yellow snow or else…
CHRISTMAS ANIMAL QUIZ Bethan Cooling
What is the Labrador puppy called in “The Hero Pup” by Megan Rix?
A. Stripes B. Marine C. Patch What are baby reindeer called?
A. Fawns B. Calves C. Pups How many eggs do penguins hatch at a time?
A. 1 B. 3 C. 5 What do frogs do in the winter?
A. Hibernate B. Freeze C. Burrow underground How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh, including Rudolph?
A. 7 B. 9 C. 11 What is a male donkey called?
A. A jack B. a jenny C. a foal How old will a robin redbreast chick be when in leaves the nest?
A. 13 days old B. 5 days old C. 10 days old
How many of the animals in the boxes above can you identify?
HOW TO MAKE A LEGO STOP-MOTION VIDEO
Casper Spencer
Try making this film over the Christmas holidays!
Firstly, you need a Lego base (when I say base, I mean a base plate). Secondly,
get a camera or mobile phone and make sure it has a video recording setting.
Thirdly, get some Lego mini-figures and place them on the base. Fourthly, you
need to create some sort of background picture on paper or card to go behind
your scene. Finally, move the mini-figures and take a shot on the video setting
of your film whenever you move them. You have now made the film and just
need to play the video to watch the mini-figures move! Impressive!
SAM RIDGMENT’S ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY