World War I by Cody

The Great War.

World War 1 was fought between 1914 and 1918. It was one of the most horrendous wars ever fought in the history of human civilize action. Initially it was called the Great War but a couple of decades after World

War 2 the term World War I came into use.

First of its kind

 World War1 was the first war to involve nearly all the leading powers of the world. It was also different from other wars as civilians were also roped in to fight for their country. World war1 saw the first ever use of several modern weal and machinery. It was also the first war to be fought on Land Sea and air. It is because of its global nature and impact that it is know as the World war.               

                         Europe in 1914. 

In the early 20^th century Europe had several empires like the United Kingdom Russia France Germany Austria Hungary Italy and turkey maintaining a balance of power. However at the turn of the century the European countries from med tow major groups called the triple alliance and the triple Entente. Britain Russia and France were on the Entente side while Germany Italy and Austria-Hungary were on the opposite side.

August 1914 was one of the most even full months of the war. It was in this month that the powerful European nations started attacking one anther setting panic waves across the continent.

The war continued after Christmas. As the war spread the colonies of powerful countries started to become affected.

The war escalated over the next few months all nations were frantic call developing the modern the modern technologies that they could use is war.

Many important battles of World war1 were fought between September and December 1915 as wall as virtually the entirety of 1915.

World war1 continued unabated even as 1915 come to an end and 1917 started thousands were killed thousands were destroying. But there was no sign of an end.

Finally the drawn out war ended. But not before it had calmed thousand of lives and ruined many nation economies. The money needy people and provided healthcare and infrastructure for millions.

 

Sockington by Laura

“…..8.9.10 ready or not here I come!” hollered Melanie.

“Hang on a minute I haven’t found a place to hide yet!” Kirsty yelled back. Kirsty raced to the cupboard under the stairs and swung the door open. She tip-toed into the tiny dark room shutting the creaky door quietly behind her. Kirsty cautiously felt around the wall for the light switch watching out for cobwebs. She flicked on the switch and crawled right into the corner so if Melanie came in she probably wouldn’t see her.

Melanie was kirsty’s younger sister she was a very annoying little 7 year old with long straight blonde hair with sky blue eyes she may look like an angel but she definitely has an evil side. Kirsty on the other hand was very shy and polite. She had wavy brown hair and emerald green eyes that sparkled.

“Are you ready yet” Melanie screamed.

“Yip” Kirsty replied. Kirsty knew she would be in there for a while so she leant back rested her head on a box of old toys and stretched out her legs.

Bang, bang, bang there was a loud knock on the door.

“Surely she hasn’t found me yet” Kirsty thought. She scrambled to her feet and opened the door just a crack there was no sign of Melanie. Kirsty sat back in the corner still wondering where the mysterious knock had come from. Suddenly a little trap door was pulled out from underneath her.

“AHHHHH!” Kirsty screamed as fell through the hole. She looked around there were patches of different colours stuck to the walls around her. There was blazing red and ocean blue plus candyfloss pink. Everything started to slow down and go blurry she gently closed her eyes and felt calm. Ten minutes later……

“w-w-where am I” Kirsty thought aloud

“You’re in Sockington” a little voice said

“What” Kirsty asked surprised to see a talking sock beside her. Kirsty gasped and jumped up. She looked around curiously. Above her was a very cloudy sky but there were little delicate snow flakes falling everywhere.

“Um why are you talking to me you’re a sock” Kirsty questioned.

“No, no I’m a Sockalonian” said the little red sock.

“Come on why don’t I show you around. My name is Sox by the way”

“My names Kirsty” she said still puzzled. Sox lead her to a small group of Sockalonian houses.

“So here it is” Sox shouted. Kirsty looked down at the plastic washing basket with a blanket draped over it that was supposedly a house.

“For some reason I doubt I’ll fit in there.” Kirsty giggled.

“Oh right I will take you to a place where you will fit it’s my favourite place in Sockington” Sox said with a huge woolly grin stretched across her face.

“So it must be winter here in Sockington” Kirsty said while being careful not to trod on other Sockalonians.

“Yes, and only five more days until Christmas” Sox squealed excitedly. Kirsty noticed sparkly red and green tinsel hung everywhere and little fairy lights hung around the outside of little houses.

Soon the two girls reached a small forest of fluffy pine trees. “Where are we?” Kirsty asked a little bit worried.

“My favourite place, Woolenfur forest” exclaimed Sox.

“Wow, I’ve never seen such pure white snow before and these are the greenest trees I’ve ever seen” Kirsty said brushing her palms against one of the pines.  

“Lets sit” Sox said.

“On the ground?” Kirsty answered.

“No silly over here” Sox said. Kirsty followed Sox to a great big log that had been carved into a seat.

“The design is so intricate and…. everything in Sockington is so wonderful”.

Sox and Kirsty chatted for hours telling each other about themselves and their families. “Come on I have so much to show you” Sox squealed.

“I probably should be getting home my sister might be worried” Kirsty sighed. Kirsty saw the disappointed and sad look on Sox face.

“I guess I could stay for a little while longer” Kirsty said getting ready to cover her ears.

“YAAAAAAAY” Sox screeched.

“I’ll show you Lake Soggysocks” Sox shouted running ahead of Kirsty. They both zoomed to the lake.

“Here we are” said Sox. Lake Soggysocks was a perfectly round lake with sparkly, crystal clear blue water.

“It’s beautiful much better than the yucky murky lakes back home” Kirsty said as she wandered closer to the lake.

“Its fresh water too it runs straight from mount cottontop, so you can drink it” Sox mentioned. Kirsty cupped her hands and dipped them in the chilled fresh water. She poured into her mouth.

“It’s delicious” Kirsty exclaimed.

Ding-dong.

“What was that?” Kirsty gasped.

“Oh that’s just the clock tower from buttonly square” Sox said.

“I think I better go home now but I’ll come and see you tomorrow” Kirsty said reassuringly.

“Cool I’ll see you tomorrow then” Sox said excitedly.

“Ok see you” Kirsty yelled as she jogged off. Kirsty went to where she had first come into Sockington. She crawled up through the dark hole and up through the trap door.

“Now that was a great hiding place” Kirsty whispered. 

Going to Australia by Arneak

“Hooray” I shouted, “we’re going to Australia”. It was very bright and sunny outside and mum had just told me that we were going to Australia. “Go to bed already” mum said her voice filled with tiredness. “Tomorrows a big day”. Mum woke me up at about 3 pm and we jumped into the car and drove to Auckland airport. Standing in line, getting our luggage weighed and filling in forms took a long time. “I want to get on the plane,” I complained to my mum and dad for the hundredth time. “All passengers boarding NZ242 going to Australia please head to gate two,” boomed a voice in the loud speakers. “Yes” I hissed and started to run.

“I wanna sit in the middle seat…no I wanna sit in the window seat”. I stood there deciding where to sit. “Make up your mind Arneak otherwise I’m going to choose a seat first”, half-whispered half-shouted mum. Once in the sky I relaxed and turned on the TV and watched a movie. It was called Twilight.

The first words I spoke were “Man it’s out here”. As we walked down the terminal, excitement rushed over me all over again. “Don’t start going all hypo again” mum warned. In no time, we were making our way over to the rental car. I gratefully hopped in and turned on the AC. “The hotel is really close” explained dad. An hour later, we were still driving around trying to find the hotel. Turned out that we had driven past it. “Well we know we won’t be getting lost with you driving us around” mum joked to my dad.

‘Who wants lunch?” yelled mum. We had just finished unpacking and we were heading out for lunch. We brought pizza and ate it on the beach. Later we went for a swim and ended up staying there until dark. T hat night as soon as my head hit the pillow I fell asleep. “That was the best first day ever” I heard myself say.

“DO YOU WANT TO GO MOVIE WORLD OR NOT,” shouted mum in my ear the next morning. 

Opshop Concert by Lucy

“Brr it’s cold out here.” I shivered as we got out of the car on a cold Saturday evening.  Mum, my cousin Emma and I were going to a free OPSHOP concert held at the Opera house.  Excitement washed over me as we entered through the glass doors.  A huge stage was set up in the foyer complete with speakers twice the size of me.  My jeans didn’t keep out the cold temperature of the concrete we sat on.  We were slightly early because we thought it would be heaving but there weren’t many people there when we arrived.  Mum headed over to the counter to buy us some drinks and Emma and I talked about what we thought the concert would be like.  We agreed it would be exciting and super fun.  As I sipped my ice cold coke I felt myself getting more impatient.  A tall man wearing black strided onto the stage.  “OPSHOP are running 20 minutes late but we have some class entertainment for you in the meantime.  Please welcome the band DEVILS ELBOW!” he announced.  The audience collapsed into rapturous applause.  The lead guitarist slammed the electric guitar and I covered my ears as it was so loud!  We were situated right by the speaker and the booming of the drums was ringing in my ears.  The noisy strumming of the electric guitar was painful as they belted there song.  After a few of their painfully loud songs the tall man announced OPSHOP was there and I peered outdoors.  Emma and I gripped each other in excitement as they started setting up. OPSHOP stomped in and we sprinted into the middle of the foyer directly in front of the stage.  The lead singer told us that if we jumped around and looked like we were having fun as they played we might appear in their music video.  The music was blaring but I didn’t care.  We jumped and danced and had so much fun.  They started throwing out some cool OPSHOP gear to the audience.  A tee shirt flew by and I yelled “Get it!” we leaped upwards for it and Emma grabbed it.  She stuffed it in her bag and we screamed with delight.  A few minutes later another tee shirt flew above.  With strong determination I leapt to grab it.  When I felt the soft material of my shirt I was happy.  Now we both had an OPSHOP souvenir.  The tee shirts had the OPSHOP logo on the front and the band said they were worth $60.00 each.  It was such a fun evening and afterwards we managed to get photos with the band.

I loved the concert and I’ll never forget it.

ANZAC Day by Lucy

“Come on Poppy!  We are going to be late.” said Dad.  We were going to the ANZAC Day service just me (Poppy), my younger sister Misti and my Dad because my Mum was on a work trip in Paris. 

“Okay!” I yelled downstairs from my bedroom.  I sprinted down the stairs and into the kitchen.  Dad opened the front door, we quickly exited and clambered into Dad’s little purple car.  Dad slammed his foot on the accelerator and we zoomed out the driveway. 

“So what’s so important that we are speeding for?” asked my five year old sister.  “My grandfather fought in the war and was killed in action.  We are going to an ANZAC Day service to commemorate him.” explained Dad.  Misti nodded but didn’t look like she truly understood.  We stopped outside a flower shop and Dad hastily dashed in.  After a few minutes he appeared with an armful of flowers. 

“Poppies for Poppy, tulips for Misti and daffodils for Dad!” he said as he passed us our bouquets. 

As we arrived at the venue for the service we respectfully found a seat.  The air was so cold it almost hurt to breathe. 

“Welcome everybody to the ANZAC service to commemorate the New Zealand and Australian soldiers who lost their lives in fighting for our country.  Now please rise to sing the national anthem.”  The man at the front boomed.  As everyone stood Dad gasped.

“Are you alright Dad?” I asked concerned.  He reached for his asthma inhaler but it wasn’t there. 

“Dad you’re not having an asthma attack are you?” I asked him starting to panic. 

“I think so!” he croaked. 

“Misti, Dad is having an asthma attack, what shall we do?” I asked my little sister.  She started screaming for help as Dad fell to the ground.  I crouched down beside him indicating Misti to keep yelling. 

“He‘s not breathing!” I screamed People rushed over and started to do CPR.  Someone reached for their phone and rang the ambulance service. 

“How old are you sweetie?” someone asked. 

“Twelve and she is five.” I cried. 

“Is there anyone you can ring?” asked another. 

“No!” I said.  Mum was over in Europe on a work trip and wasn’t due to be back for 2 weeks.  Gran and Grandpa were on holiday in Wellington and they didn’t have cell phones and my cousins, Auntie and Uncle were staying at their batch in Taupo.  I heard sirens screaming and an ambulance zoomed into the car park.  Two paramedics rushed over to Dad carrying a stretcher and loaded him on.  We followed them into the ambulance and took a seat.  They started giving him oxygen and tried to restart his heart and get him breathing again.  Fifteen minutes later they gave up. 

“I’m sorry kids your Dad’s gone.” the paramedic informed us.

“No!” we started wailing and they comforted us.  They whisked Dad off and the police came to talk to us.  I told them Mum’s cell phone number and they punched the numbers in.  They passed the phone to me obviously not wanting to break the bad news. 

“B’ring b’ring.” the phone rang loud in my ear.

“Hello, Sylvie speaking.” My Mum answered the phone.  It broke my heart to hear her talking so cheerfully.  I paused for a moment not knowing what to say.  “Is anyone there?” Mum asked.  “Hi Mum it’s me Poppy.” I said quietly.  “Hi darling!” she hollered back.

“There is some bad news.” I said and burst into tears.  The police prised the phone from my hand and started muttering.  All I heard over the tears was

“I’m so sorry… come back quickly if possible… Oh I see… Oh dear… Thank you, bye.” and with that the policewoman hung up. 

“What’s wrong?” I sniffed not wanting to hear more bad news. 

“Your Mum can’t get back because of the volcanic ash in the air, the planes aren’t flying its too dangerous.” Minnie explained as that was the woman’s name.  I gripped Misti who was still bawling. 

“I heard about that on the news, so she is stranded in Europe?” I wailed. 

“I’m afraid so.” The policeman with a gruff voice whispered.  Misti dug her fingers into my back and squeezed me tightly. 

“You don’t know any other family here?” the man questioned.  I shook my head.  “Friends?” and I nodded.  As we drove back home in the police car Minnie rung my friend Angel. 

“Angel and her parents will look after you in your house until your Mum gets back.” Minnie assured me.  Usually it would have been awesome if Angel stayed at my house but it just felt like the world was going to end.  I was also worried about Mum over in Europe trying to cope with it by herself.  At least I had Misti and she had me.  I looked at Misti to see what she thought of the arrangement but she had drifted off to sleep.  Angel, Tatum (Angel’s brother), Stephen and Marnie (Angel’s parents) were outside our front door when the police car pulled up.  As I stepped out the door Misti woke up and Angel raced up and hugged Misti and I.  They looked after us for a week and then one morning a taxi pulled up outside.  It was Mum!  Misti’s eyes were still ringed with red from crying but she looked moderately happy for the first time in a week.  We rushed outside and hugged her.  Several days later was Dad’s funeral.  One quiet afternoon Misti, Mum and I visited Dad’s grave.  Mum placed the daffodils Dad had bought the day he died and Misti placed the tulips.  They walked off.  When they had left I placed the poppies my hair whipping round my shoulders.  I looked at the distant sunset and whispered

“I love you Dad.”  I headed over to Mum and Misti and we linked arms and walked off towards the sunset without saying a word.