TEEN WAVES ~ New Voices for the 21st Century!

Teenager Climbs All Tall Mountains

2011-12-29T07:00:00.002+11:00

Jordan Romero is a teenager who has successfully climbed the highest mountains of seven continents.
He first climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa at the age of 10.
His final climb was the 4,897m (16,067ft) summit of Vinson Massif in Antarctica - completed last Saturday...
He is now just 15!

Photo: Jordan Romero in 2010 (Binod Joshi, +The Associated Press)
More details from the BBC HEREand Jordan's website is HERE!

2012 is close approaching:
1. What challenge would you like to experience in 2012? Describe details.
2. Draw up a plan for meeting this challenge.
3. What will you hope to achieve from this challenge? Will others benefit in some way?

Touched by a Wild Mountain Gorilla

2011-12-28T05:02:00.000+11:00

An amazing chance encounter with a troop of wild mountain gorillas near Bwindi National Park, Uganda.

As you wander the holiday season, record an amazing experience.
It could be:
1. Video of a trip
2. A story based on an experience
3. A song inspired by an experience

Try a Little Dreaming for the New Year!

2011-12-27T09:28:00.005+11:00

This video was created by a teacher in Canada.

Create a New Year video combining 2 or more elements
e.g.
1. Art and Music
2. A speech from a play and music

First Steps in Nat Sy's New Journey

2011-10-01T18:36:00.006+10:00

Nat Sy and Australian comedian Frank Woodley

(NOTE: Nat has just completed a very successful drama season in his first year post school.
I asked him to pen a few thoughts...1200 words later...)

“The riddle gets solved, and you push me up to this state of emergency. How beautiful to be?”

The last few months have been the most difficult times I’ve ever faced; so many transitions, so many changes, so many new challenges. Through these challenges however, I’ve been given opportunity, and within those opportunities, I’ve met some really great and genuine people.

My name is Nathaniel Sy, a Casey Grammar Graduate 2010. I’m currently studying Live Production, Theatre and Events at Swinburne University of Technology. Throughout the past few months, I’ve achieved so much more than I would have expected of myself; in the first 6 months, I set up and operated for 2 seasons of low budget student shows. During the mid year break; I was hired out by Mr. Frank Minniti, owner and founder of “After Dark Theatre Company” to operate sound for the entire season of “Limbo, a Circus Journey.”To be able to achieve this, and a few little things on the side, in my first half year of study left me astonished, and surprised at how far I have come, and how far I wish to go within the entertainment industry.

This last week however, I’ve exceeded my limits by pushing myself to the absolute edge mentally and physically. I volunteered to work for the National Institute of Circus Arts Australia in celebrating their 10th Birthday. To highlight this special occasion, NICAA honoured the Circus Arts by organising the first Melbourne Circus festival, which I was very privileged to be a part of.
Working with such people as:
The cast of: Circus Trick Tease

Picture from: http://www.circustricktease.com/images/ui/history-hero.jpg
Shannon McGurgan, Farhad Ahadi, and Malia Walsh were amazing people to work with, and just good people to have an all round good time. It was a great season lighting the trio, and drinks to the hilarious conversations on headsets with the brilliant Stage Manager - Bek Moore. Me Gusta!

Marko Respondeck in putting on NICA’s: Circus Cabaret:
Every day for the week, we would have an extremely quick tech rehearsal at 2pm and end at 4:30pm, as the show started every night at 7:30pm (and usually with a Circus Trick Tease show running at 5:30pm). The most challenging part of this was being able to plot different acts for every night, in such a short space of time. Marko Respondeck, being a world class Lighting Designer, was able to quickly liaise with performers and the Director, and plot lighting states in 15 minutes per performer, ready for the performance at night. To be able to witness this, and work alongside him was a huge privilege just to see what kind of level the professionals at. Marko really inspired me.
“...to be able to do this job, you first need a system your lights obey by; when you have the complicated maths out of the way, you can focus on vision. Not just the Artistic Vision, but using your mind to see what the lights must do to compliment the sound and music.” - Words of wisdom from the trusted Lighting Designer for Circus Oz.

The Circus Cabaret was mainly a display of Circus acts over candle lit tables, showing what NICA has produced of 10 years of Circus Art. The show was hosted by a different Ring Master every night from the best NICA entertainers, to Cath Jamison (Melbourne’s best Female Magician), to Australia’s very own Frank Woodley. It was a huge honour to be able to illuminate Mr. Woodley, and a defining moment when he thanked me onstage.

Meeting people from all years at NICA, and the crew behind the Circus Festival has inspired me to step up my game, and work harder towards what I dream to be. Even though throughout the festival, my schedule was working from Monday 26th of September, to Friday 30th of September – from 8:30am to 10:30pm every night, I did not complain. This was only a small taste of what the industry will be like, and I have realized there is soo much more to learn.

If this is what I have done in just my first year of study, who knows what opportunities lie out there in a full career? Just in one week, I’ve made a huge network of important people, but better yet, making friends and having a good time working with all of them. They have all inspired me and taught me what it is like to live a life making the stage work – to make the stage go from vision, to reality. I don’t think this is a dream anymore. By working hard, to the best of my ability, and using EVERYTHING I have learnt, and putting it into action, I have made this dream I have so whimsically dreamt, into the reality I want it to be.

To the kids at Casey Grammar reading this, I tell you now to not doubt the education the teachers there have to teach you. Their wisdom and guidance will shape you to the person you want to be. Even if you think they are wrong, it’s only a part of the learning process – to accept. The knowledge they pass onto you will never be left useless. When you leave school, you will meet people with a wide range of likes and interests – and everything the school has left with you comes into action.

Whatever field you wish to get into, be dedicated, passionate, and strengthen your resolve; do the research, put in the hours to learn – do this, and the dream melds with reality, because reality is whatever you want it to be.

The quote above is from a song I have been listening to on repeat since I got home from my last night of work. It’s a song that has prompted me to reflect on everything that has passed, and the people who have defined my character.

Charlotte sometimes would tell me “Things happen for a reason,” and being cynical, would brush these words aside. But as History develops, and as the story progresses, I realise that if it were not for the things that happened, and if it wasn’t for the people I loved and hated, I wouldn’t be writing this very piece about the things I have achieved in my first year out of school. She will always be my greatest inspiration.

What you wish to be is never out of reach, all your dreams and aspirations – keep them close with you. There will be times when you will tell yourself you can’t do – and if you leave it be, those words will haunt you. But when you hold your aspirations close to your heart, the plans in your head and the will to just do it – then you’re unstoppable.

News Alert! Check Out Schools on Stage! UPDATE!

2011-09-23T14:31:00.004+10:00

The vibrant city of Casey hosted this musical challenge for schools in the region!

Our judges certainly had a difficult task deciding on a winner, but
the performance of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “Jitterbug” were hard to beat and Casey Grammar School was announced as the ultimate winner of Schools on Stage!

‘St John’s Regional College were the runners-up performing from The Wiz, The Best Song Award went to Cranbourne Secondary College for “Adelaide’s Lament” from Guys and Dolls Junior and Endeavour Hills Secondary College won the Teamwork Award’.
- Excerpt from Media Release

A fantastic effort Casey Grammar!
CONGRATULATIONS!

Got Some Shakespeare in Your Life?

2011-09-17T08:25:00.005+10:00

So you thought that Shakespeare had some stuffy old language unconnected with your life today?
Think again!

A Tumblr blogger, a 20 year old girl named Becky from London - 12th September 2011 - said:
I still don’t know how something I scribbled in a hurry at 3am got so many notes in the space of a day? Shakespeare is clearly too awesome. I spelt “bated” wrong, awk :) Someone said this looks like a serial killer’s notebook, which made me laugh a lot. They’re not wrong, I’ve been a sleep deprived zombie lately.
This has, as they say, gone viral and in less than a week is stirring waves across the internet ocean.

And over on the Oxford Words Blog is a wonderful tool which lets you discover how Shakespearean you are! They say:
Enter some English text in the box below and click the button. Your words will be compared with all the words used by Shakespeare in his plays and our verdict will be delivered on its Shakespearean content. Why not paste song lyrics or dialogue from your favourite television show into the box to see how much overlap there is with Shakespeare’s English?

TRY IT AND HAVE FUN!

News Alert! Check Out Schools on Stage!

2011-09-13T10:34:00.004+10:00

The vibrant city of Casey is hosting this musical challenge for schools in the region!

Each school has selected two songs from their 2011 school musical to perform for Schools on Stage. The song choice is up to each school – the only rule is that at least one song is a chorus number.

After each school has performed their songs it will be up to the judges to make the tough decision: who will be announced the winner of Schools on Stage?

Hosted by Tim Campbell

Best known for his role as Dan Baker on Home & Away, Tim Campbell will be the host for this special event. An all-round entertainer, Tim has performed at Carols In The Domain, The Good Friday Appeal and Carols By Candlelight.

His experience in the world of musical theatre includes performing in Rent, Shout! The Legend of the Wild One and Wicked. Tim also took part in Dancing with the Stars in 2007 and has hosted The Million Dollar Wheel of Fortune and The Celebrity Singing Bee.

Four awards will be presented on the night:

• First place ($2000 cash prize)
• Runner Up ($500 cash prize, sponsored by Hal Leonard Australia)
• Best Song
• Best Teamwork

In addition, all participating schools will receive a discount voucher from Hal Leonard Australia, which entitles them to either 20% off a Broadway Junior ShowKit or 20% off their material hire bill for any Hal Leonard show performance in 2012.

ALL THE VERY BEST OF LUCK CASEY GRAMMAR!

News Alert! Check out The Archies!

2011-09-08T09:12:00.005+10:00

“The Archies” is a drawing competition that The Art/Design Department at Casey Grammar will be running this year.
It is based on the existing Archibald Prize which runs annually.
This competition is aimed at encouraging the artistic talents of Casey Grammar and to provide an opportunity for students to show their skills to the community and their peers. Not only students can enter, but teachers and parents too!
For this to happen we need you to support this competition and submit photos of yourselves for the students to draw. The portrait must be drawn and must not be computer aided. In order to participate students will need to sign a form which gives acknowledgement to the rules and conditions of the competition which has been attached to this email. The Art Department will shortlist the entries and will screen all entries.
On the night of the Art Show the public will vote on their favourite portrait. The Art Department will also choose nominate the most successful entry. Prizes will be received by both successful entrants.

The competition begins on the 12/09/2011 - Monday next week.

The Art Show is on Friday 14th October

News Alert! Check out WordWired!!!!

2011-04-09T18:56:00.002+10:00

Great news for creative Aussie teenagers!

WordWired will be launching the aptly titled WordWired magazine in Term 4 this year.
This magazine will offer teenage writers and artists a real opportunity to see their work in print.
Young journalists and creative writers across Australia who post their work to the relevant section of the WordWired forum by the 30th of June 2011 will be considered for publication in the magazine.

Click on the image to go to the website!!!

History Waves #6 ~ A Special Moment

2011-04-08T20:08:00.001+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Today, my wonderful little History class farewelled Helmi, an exchange student from Finland.
We will all miss her beautiful smile and spirit!

Happy journeys Helmi!
Stay in touch with Teen Waves!

Pic by G.W. aka P.A.
~

Just For Fun #1 ~ Rock Band + Album Cover

2011-03-31T21:45:00.004+11:00

My Rock Band ~ Rosa Sericea ~ and First Album Cover
~

Just For Fun #1
ROCK BAND + FIRST ALBUM

The Rules

1. - Go to Wikipedia and hit random. The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2. - Go to quotationspage.com and hit random. The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3. - Go to Flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”. Third picture... no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use Photoshop, picnik.com or picasa, etc. to put it all together.
~

Beyond the Box #3 ~ Music Monday

2010-12-13T09:09:00.006+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ edited in Picnik
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Beyond the Box #3 ~ Music Monday
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Imagine Monday is Music!

1. What kind of music suits the spirit of your Mondays? Explain.
2. Write song lyrics for your Mondays.
3. On a scale of 1-10, where does your Monday rank?
Describe/explain what Mondays mean to you.

Toasted Cheese #1 ~ Challenge of the Unknown

2010-12-11T09:09:00.006+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Christmas lights on a neighbour's balcony
(edited in Picnik)
~

Today's prompt from Toasted Cheese is:
"I prefer to think of it as the challenge of the unknown."
~

Explore this idea with particular focus on what "it" means to you!
+
Try combining writing and photography/art/media in your post
~

History Waves #5 ~ Abraham Lincoln's Beard

2010-10-15T09:45:00.008+11:00

Perspectives of Abraham Lincoln
~
History Waves #5 ~ Abraham Lincoln's Beard~
Today, October 15th, 150 years ago, (1860) was a very special day.
An 11 year old girl by the name of Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln.
He was a nominee for President of the United Sates.
She suggested that he grow a beard.
On October 19th, Lincoln replied.
And by February 11th, 1861 when Lincoln was headed for the White House, he was sporting a beard.
Details of the letters and further events are on the Abraham Lincoln Research Site.
~

Imagine writing a letter to someone in a position of power. (real person)
(a) Write the letter.
(b) Report on the historical impact of the letter 50 years later.
~

News Alert! World Peace Day Today!

2010-09-21T08:20:00.005+10:00

News Alert! ~ World Peace Day Today!
+
Opinion Piece #10
~

From the United Nations website:
Finland: “ENO Treeplanting Day in Joensuu, Finland” http://www.enotreeday.net/ - ENO Tree Planting Day is a global tree planting event for children, youth and NGO's. Trees are planted for peace in over 130 countries on 21 September.
~

Write an opinion piece as a poem.
Some suggestions for ideas:
1. Is world peace attainable? How?
2. What does peace mean to you personally?
3. Is there a place for conflict? What kind? Does it stir the creative spirit?
~

Microfiction Pictures #1 ~ Bike Riders

2010-08-26T19:42:00.006+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Travelling the Nepean Highway near Rosebud, Mornington Peninsula
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Microfiction Pictures #1 ~ Write a microfiction using the photo
~

NOTE: "Microfiction" means a thumbnail story.
Think of drama skits, comic strips, or even jokes: complete stories that can be told in less than a minute.
For this series, the limit is 140 characters or even fewer - including spaces and punctuation. (This is the equivalent of a tweet on Twitter.)

Try Design 215's character counter, which will count for you as you type.

Who Are You? #4 ~ Be a Place

2010-08-07T10:27:00.006+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ A view from Point Nepean looking toward Bellarine Peninsula and Bass Strait, Victoria
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Who Are You #4 ~ Be a Place
~

1. Imagine that your personality is actually like some place ~ a real place! Describe and explain.
2. Imagine that your personality is an imaginary place. Describe and explain.
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Who Are You? #3 ~ Be a Colour

2010-07-14T15:41:00.008+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ A surfer at Gunnamatta, Mornington Peninsula, neonised in Picnik Fractal
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Who Are You #3 ~ Be a Colour
~

1. Imagine being a colour and imagine where you would like to be found.
2. What kind of personality would your colour represent?
3. Represent your personality as a fractal. (Even just load a self-portrait photo into Picnik and neonise it into your favourite colour??)
~

Who Are You? #2 ~ Be a Car

2010-07-14T08:35:00.007+10:00

Collage by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Cars at the Arthurs Seat Car Museum
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Who Are You? #2 ~ Be a Car
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Imagine you are a car! Describe and explain your details including origins and capabilities and uses. Where have you travelled? Where would you like to travel?

1. Be an old car
2. Be a car of today
3. Be a future car
~

Who Are You? #1 ~ The Secret You

2010-07-13T22:02:00.007+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ A moment in Dromana carpark, Mornington Peninsula
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Who Are You? #1
~

Creatively explain an answer to each of the following:

1. What famous person do other people tell you that you most resemble?
2. What vegetable do you most resemble?
3. Which cartoon character do you resemble the most?
4. If your personality could be described as a season and a weather pattern, what would you choose?
5. You can cast any actor now alive to play you in a film about your life. Whom would you cast in the role?
6. Select lyrics from a song which best describe your mood right now.
7. If you could be any age again for one week, what age would you be?
8. If you could have one superpower, which would you choose?
9. If you could wake up tomorrow in the body of someone else currently living, would you do so? Whom would you pick?
10. What dead person would you least want to be haunted by?

News Alert! Write Across Victoria

2010-06-15T18:22:00.004+10:00

Write Across Victoria
is a creative writing competition for Victorian students in years 7, 8 and 9.

Choose your favourite story starter and finish the story for your chance to win some fantastic prizes and have your story published online and in Express Media's Voiceworks magazine.

Story starters

#1 Andy Griffiths

'Are you joking?' I said.

'No,' said Mandy.

Behind us I could hear the lions roaring.

They were restless. I could tell it was close to feeding time.

'But a stunt like that could get me killed!'

'Yeah, I know,' she said. 'But I thought you said you loved me.'

#2 Glenda Millard

Samba was sixteen, scared of storms, gentle as a lamb and could melt your heart with a look. We buried the stranger to protect her. We found him outside our door on Friday the thirteenth. Samba straddled him, teeth bared, hackles raised with blood all over her beautiful white coat.

#3 Simmone Howell

Dad had gambler's hands and itchy feet. The day I turned twelve he said, "Big Boy, take care of your mother." He pressed a key into my palm and disappeared himself. The key was to Dulcie, our mint green VW kombi van. Dad said she was magic. I was about to find out why.

Prizes
Over $3000 in cash and prizes to be won! And the chance to have your story published in Voiceworks magazine and online at The Age, Melbourne Writers Festival and Express Media.

The overall winner will receive:

$500 cash
Books to the value of $500
Books to the value of $500 for your school
A subscription to Voiceworks magazine

The finalists, one guy and one girl from each year level (Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9), will each win:

$150 cash
Books to the value of $100
A subscription to Voiceworks magazine

***Submit your story by completing the online ENTRY FORM before entries close at 7 pm Monday 6 September 2010.

History Waves #4 ~ Unbelievable! Change can be changeless!

2010-06-12T07:49:00.007+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Pelican in the process of a proud pose at Hastings, Westernport Bay, Mornington Peninsula
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History Waves #4 ~ Unbelievable! Change can be changeless!
~

Pelicans have sported big beaks for at least 30 million years, the discovery of an ancient pelican fossil reveals.
Researchers uncovered the remains of the earliest known pelican, including a preserved beak, in southwest France.
What has surprised them most about this ancient pelican is that it is almost identical to modern species...
Few other flying animals appear to have survived unchanged for so long. The only other good examples, says Dr Louchart, are bats, which have a body shape that appears to have survived unaltered for around 50 million years.
~ Archaeology Daily News June 11, 2010

Read the full article by following the link.
Write a creative newspaper article (which sounds possible) as to why the pelican has never really evolved into new forms.
~

Creative Sport #3 ~ Design a Track

2010-06-09T20:00:00.010+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ My photo of a bike rider enhanced in Picnik with a neon effect.
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Creative Sport #3 ~ Design a Track
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Imagine that you have been given the opportunity to design a bike track for competition
1. Design the outline of the track keeping in mind the terrain and desirable season
2. Include place, length of track, obstacles, public observation area etc
3. Include any other unusual features
4. Photograph your design and post it on your blog
5. (a) Design a competition programme as a leaflet - photograph it or actually create it in a programme like Microsoft publisher and post it on your blog.
(b) Include a logo.
You may like to try the Picnik programme for different effects - including a Clip Art effect!
~

Weave a Picture from the Picture #5 ~ Eyes Upon Eyes

2010-06-08T18:27:00.006+10:00

Collage by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Multiple exposure of my beautiful Shadow's face
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Weave a Picture from the Picture #5 ~ Eyes Upon Eyes
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Dive into any writing style - maybe mix and match - and explore the power and possibility of EYES!
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Opinion Piece #9 ~ Typical Teenager?

2010-06-05T11:43:00.005+10:00

elitesuperhaxor — February 19, 2008 — a funny Aussie outback song about a typical teenager
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Opinion Piece #9 ~ Typical Teenager?
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Create a song of your own which reflects the typical teenager.
Are there a few identities?
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History Waves #3 ~ First Lady of the Waves

2010-05-16T09:34:00.012+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ A still from the TV coverage of Jessica Watson's entry into Sydney Harbour ~ Saturday 15.05.10
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History Waves #3 ~ First Lady of the Waves
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Just a week before docking in Sydney Harbour, intrepid 16 year old round the world voyager, Jessica Watson, wrote these words on her blog:

I've had lots of that lovely sunshine stuff lately and today I'm over the moon to see the cabin temperature sitting on 20 degrees! It's been a while since it's been that warm.

But not everything's going as well as the weather.

The fuel system on the engine is still giving me grief, so I can't get the engine to start. This isn't the end of the world, it just means that I've got to be extra careful with power usage. If I can't get it going again, then Jesse and Mike will just have to row Ella's Pink Lady up to the dock after the finish line. No, only kidding, we'll work something out. I would be very nice to motor in under our own steam, so I'll keep trying.

Since I gave up on the food bag system and went for all my favorites a while ago, I'm starting to run out of good food. I've had to start eating the stuff I'd normally leave (I know it serves me right!), but on the up side, I've got so much spare fresh water, that I've been able to use it for washing. Other than that, the dunny has also decided not to play nicely, which is also ore annoying than anything. I mean couldn't it wait just one more week before refusing to work?

Last night the AIS also picked up the first ship I've seen since under Africa, but it didn't come close and I'm pretty surprised that it's the only one I've seen.
~ Sunshine, a Ship and Engine Problems - Saturday May 8, 2010
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Pic by G.W. aka P.A.
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1. Read the full post on Jessica's blog.
Tuning in to your own personality, write a diary entry about how you would cope in this situation.
AND
2. Send Jessica a creative "welcome home" message. Go to her blog HERE and on the left sidebar you can fill in a message.
Maybe identify you are from Casey Grammar in Victoria + your first name and last name initial ONLY. (No more detail than that for security reasons!)
~
3. Read some of her posts on her blog and make a comment there!
Maybe identify you are from Casey Grammar in Victoria + your first name and last name initial ONLY. (No more detail than that for security reasons!)
~
P.S. I wrote a poem called It's been a long walk on the beach celebrating Jessica's journey and homecoming.
It may be found on my blog HERE!
~

Pic by G.W. aka P.A.
~

Beyond the Box #2 ~ Secrets of the Kimberley

2010-05-14T20:55:00.012+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Unusual shapes and designs in the rocks at Somers beach, Mornington Peninsula.
Somehow, designs like these always stir the imagination.
What secrets do the rocks of Earth hold?
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Beyond the Box #2 ~ Secrets of the Kimberley
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Archaeology Daily News reports in the article Scientists document painted portals to a vanished past in Kimberley:
Across the Kimberley, hundreds of thousands of paintings lie in rock overhangs and caves, often behind curtains of tropical vines. Dappled light plays over the surface of hauntingly beautiful images that have made the region famous: Gwion Gwion or Bradshaw paintings depicting slender dancing figures in mulberry coloured ochre or younger images of Wandjina spirits, wide-eyed and startlingly white despite the passage of years.

But who were these prodigious artists, when did they come and what other traces did they leave of their presence? Such questions are among the most crucial in Australian archeology, according to Morwood and Ross. Like Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, they say, the Kimberley may hold vital clues to understanding the origins of the first Australians.
~ Read more of the article HERE
~
NOTE: The Bradshaws - The Australian Kimberley is home to a mysterious form of rock art known as the Bradshaws. The art is dispersed in around 100 000 sites spread over 50 000 sq. km. Although the art's pigment can't be dated, a fossilised wasp nest covering one of the paintings has been dated at 17,000 + years old. This makes the art at least four times older than the pyramids.

The Bradshaws depict people with straight hair and poney tails. One painting even depicts a boat, with a rudder, and 29 people on board. Unlike other Aboriginal art, it is not known what purpose the Bradshaw paintings served. Graham Walsh, the foremost expert on them, has suggested that they might be a form of iconography (picture writing) painted by a now extinct Asiastic race.
SOURCE: Unusual Australian facts - Mysteries

1. Research the rock art in the Kimberley.
2. Write a feature article in a newspaper OR an article in a select magazine on the true meaning of the rock art in the Kimberley.
Include who created this art and why.

Beyond the Box #1 ~ Mummies

2010-05-02T18:57:00.006+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ My Egyptian cat ornament
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Beyond the Box #1 ~ Mummies
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Archaeology Daily News has reported that:
Mummifying animals was a common practice among ancient Egyptians, who embalmed thousands of crocodiles and buried them in mass graves as offerings to the crocodile god Sobek, according to the museum.
~
Imagine that you are to choose a particular animal for mummification.
1. What animal would it be?
2. Why would you choose it?

Write your response as a
short story OR
poem OR
feature article for a newspaper
~

Opinion Piece #8 ~ Requiem for Beauty or Beast?

2010-04-06T18:32:00.017+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Cover of a book I read over the Easter holidays.
It closes with the words:
For there is another darkness coming. See those clouds out there? They bring the storm, the battering rain and the wind. But the storm is also a nurturing thing, a thing that allows the land and the people to grow again. We all have to stand in the rain, however long it lasts.
~
(Sonia Helbig wrote a fascinating review of the book in March 2008.)
~
But this post is not about the book.
These words are just an introduction to tantalise your thoughts as you view the video called The Future of Publishing.
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Opinion Piece #8 ~ Requiem for Beauty or Beast?
~

A. In any form you choose:
What do you think?
Do books have a future?

B. There is some interesting information behind this video.
(a) PenguinGroup USA — March 09, 2010 — This video was prepared by the UK branch of Dorling Kindersley Books and produced by Khaki Films (http://www.thekhakigroup.com/). Originally meant solely for a DK sales conference, the video was such a hit internally that it is now being shared externally.
(b) jibyollee ~ Shameless copy of the original video called 'Lost Generation'. So the future of publishing is stealing an original content? Thanks, Penguin.

C. Here is Lost Generation:

D. Does the added information modify your opinion? Explain.
~

How To #2 - How to Master Descriptive Writing

2010-04-01T21:15:00.006+11:00

How To #2 - How to Master Descriptive Writing
~
Essentially, a descriptive piece of writing uses words in fresh ways!
There is an element of surprise.
But avoid over-using descriptive words in one paragraph!
Overkill is cumbersome, even nauseating!
~
Here are some examples of descriptive expressions from
The Great Fire – Shirley Hazzard – (Winner of the Miles Franklin Award), Virago 2003

p.4 climate of family life

p.14 the fallen scraps of war
A crumpled linen man, a crumpled cast of a man.

p.19 the day dying in the wet window.

p.20 the gramophone bawling.

p.22 crystal morning

p.24 shabby darkness

p.65 Peter Exley looked down the green mountain to the town scribbled along the shore:

p.66 The July air was a blanket, summer weight.

p.67 The mirror, unreflecting, was like the draped pelt of some desiccated leopard.

p.104 oblique view of the sea

p.109 Indoor light was shrouded by elderly curtains.

p.114 the long orange afternoon

p.118 Only when the Equator had been crossed did he feel safe. There was Colombo now, and Bombay, Aden, Port Said: all the sacred places of pilgrimage, the stations of the Australian cross.

p.120 The Hong Kong evening, its air like broth, was charged with Asia’s unapologetic smells.

p.123 His father had, at most, tinkered with the parental role, taking it up sporadically like a neglected hobby and allowing it to lapse.

p.127 The wind that shook the car was fierce enough to be blowing islands along a steel horizon, as clouds across rough water.

p.131 They ordered cheese omelettes and disinfected salads, which came with brittle, noisy triangles of toast.

p.136 The city appeared to sway on its own silt.

~

How To #1 - An Approach to Annotation and Analysis of a Newspaper Article

2010-04-01T18:01:00.011+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A.
~
How to #1 ~ An Approach to Annotation and Analysis of a Newspaper Article
~

When evaluating a newspaper article, it is important to ask questions and highlight evidence.

1. Who or what organization is the creator of the article?
2. What is the context of the article? e.g. cultural/political or is it a public issue? AND what type of article is it to suit the context? Editorial? Feature article? Opinion piece?
3. What newspaper published this article and when? (This will impact on style! e.g. "Herald Sun" = tabloid and "The Age" = broadsheet + often weekend articles are longer than weekly ones.)
4. What attention-getting/PERSUASIVE techniques are used? AND Are they effective?
5. Is the language formal or informal? Name examples. Does the language suit the purpose?
6. Is the language simple or complex? Everyday language or metaphorical, descriptive language? Name examples.
7. Is the article structured? Complex? Confusing? Gathers momentum or loses direction?
8. Are graphics included AND do they enhance or detract from the article?
9. Does the article represent a "small" sphere of interest or is it informative to an audience on a larger scale? Explain and describe what audience would connect with this article and why.
10. Is the article tasteful or distasteful? Name examples.
11. Does the article offer insights into the future or is it a passing piece of information? Explain.
12. What belief systems or points of view are presented, or, (just as important), not presented in the message? Explain.
13. How will different people/different age groups interpret the message?
14. What is the purpose of the message? Is it clear? challenging?
15. What is the tone? Does it change? When and why?

16. Is the article conclusive or would you expect that there may be a follow-up article? What are the cues for your answer?

17. Does the article have historical, political, economic or social value? Explain.

18. Is the article a reliable resource for its topic? Why or why not?
19. Media messages use specific language and strategies unique to the media industry. Do you recognise common features? e.g. short paragraphs and sentences.

20. Discuss the title of the article. Hidden or double meanings? Paradox? Satiric? Metaphor? Cliche? Evasive? Suits the article?

AND FINALLY

To evaluate its success, consider the strengths and weaknesses of the article!

Creative Sport #2 + Weave a Picture from the Picture #4 ~ Ummm...Boating?

2010-03-29T07:27:00.010+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ In the last days of summer warmth, a boating challenge was held at Dromana beach, Mornington Peninsula
~
Creative Sport #2 +
Weave a Picture from the Picture #4 ~ Ummm...Boating?
Now that the Easter holidays are here, there is more time to write!
And it's raining today! Great time for writing!
~

Your challenge is to write a descriptive, lively, unusual story about what is happening here in
ONE SENTENCE!
Yes! ONE SENTENCE!
~

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Here is another view of this momentous event!
~

News Alert! Write4Fun ~ Poetry + Short Stories + Art Competitions

2010-03-06T10:07:00.006+11:00

Country: Australia
Start Date: 8th February 2010
Closing Date: 31st March 2010
This year - there is no theme!!
Entrants are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and get their creative juices flowing to write on ANY TOPIC and in ANY STYLE.
Students from ALL GRADES are welcome to enter - Kindergarten to Grade 12.
One talented writer in each division (poetry & short story) will receive $1000 as First Prize (with $500 going to the winning school and $500 to the student) PLUS the choice of either a Nintendo Wii, a Sony Digital Camera, an Apple iPod Nano or a Nintendo DS.
We will also be awarding one Second Prize in each division of $250 and one Third Prize of $150. There will be 15 Finalists in each division who will each receive $20.

For more details + online entry form, click on the Writers' banner!

Status: Open
Country: Australia
Start Date: 5th March 2010
Closing Date: 7th May 2010
Entrants are encouraged to let their creativity run wild as artwork can be in the form of a painting, drawing, photograph, collage, charcoal art or computer designed original art (please no 3 dimensional pieces).
There is no theme to the competition this year so entrants can choose to create their masterpiece as they please!
The First prize is AUD$1000.00 to be divided AUD$500.00 to the school and AUD$500.00 to the winning student plus their choice of either an 8GB Apple Ipod Nano & $100 music voucher or Nintendo Wii + game or Nintendo DS LITE + 3 games, or a Sony Digital Camera + 1GB memory card, and a complimentary book and plaque. The winning piece will be displayed on the front cover of the 2010 art edition.
There is one Second prize of AUD$300.00 + complimentary book and art pencil set.
There is one Third prize of AUD$200.00 + complimentary book and art pencil set and 15 finalist prizes of $25.

For more details + online entry form, click on the Artists' banner!

News Alert! Hexapod Haiku Challenge!

2010-02-26T18:07:00.003+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Delightful creepy crawlie on my verandah in the Dromana Hills, Mornington Peninsula
~
hexapod haiku -
short poems that celebrate
most Arthropoda

North Carolina State University is hosting the Hexapod Haiku Challenge. (Check out the link for details!) They also "definitely accept minor departures from traditional haiku "rules" (i.e., the 5-7-5 onji composition). We'd also love to see more haiga (a haiku that is accompanied by an image) and senryu (short poem about human and/or, in this case, insect foibles) though they will be judged as haiku equivalents."
What's a hexapod?
The word Hexapoda refers to all insects and their six-legged arthropod relatives (springtails, diplurans, and proturans). We're calling this contest the Hexapod Haiku Challenge only for alliterative purposes. We would love to have haiku that feature any familiar arthropod associated with the field of entomology, including those arthropods without six legs (e.g., spiders, millipedes, centipedes, and scorpions).

Haikus should be submitted by 11:59pm, March 20th either...
1. as an email to ncsuinsects@gmail.com OR
2. as tweets (be sure to start each tweet with @ncsuinsects #HexapodHaiku) OR
3. as 3x5 cards (one per haiku; cards will not be returned) mailed to the following address:Hexapod HaikuNCSU Insect Museum
Department of Entomology
North Carolina State University
Box 7613Raleigh, NC 27695

History Waves #2 + Opinion Piece #7 ~ The Hobbit Connection

2010-02-25T18:38:00.011+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ A window on other worlds at Melbourne Museum
~
How a hobbit is rewriting the history of the human race is an article written on 22nd February, 2010 Guardian UK in the Archaeology Daily News.
Here is the introduction:
The discovery of the bones of tiny primitive people on an Indonesian island six years ago stunned scientists. Now, further research suggests that the little apemen, not Homo erectus, were the first to leave Africa and colonise other parts of the world, reports Robin McKie...
~
Click on the link above and read the whole article.
~
Try ONE of the following:
* Create a possible scenario explaining the origins of these "little people" and how they managed to be at Flores. (Try to be both creative and logical.)
OR
* Write an opinion piece exploring the historical value of the hobbits.
~

NEWS ALERT! Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition 2010

2010-02-18T20:21:00.007+11:00

Junior Secondary (Years 7 – 9)
Winner: $500 and trophy
Runner-up: $300 and trophy

Senior Secondary (Years 10 – 12)
Winner: $500 and trophy
Runner-up: $300 and trophy

Schools’ Award
For schools whose entries demonstrate a high overall standard.
Winner: $1000 and trophy
Runner-up: $700 and trophy

A National Presentation Ceremony will be held in Gunnedah, north-west NSW on Friday 3rd September 2010.

The entry fee is $15.00 per school which includes GST.
Payment must accompany entries which must all be submitted in a single envelope.
Entries must be posted on or before 2 June 2008.

Judging will take place in
July/August enabling announcements regarding the winning entries to be made during
Literacy and Numeracy Week 1-7 September 2008.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR GOOD COPY/TYPED ENTRIES TO MS ADAMS
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards
PO Box 113, Gunnedah NSW 2380 Tel (02) 6742 1200

Welcome to Year 10 Boys 2010

2010-02-18T11:44:00.006+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ 2010 Swimming Carnival at Frankston
~

A feast of stimuli awaits you here to feed your creative spirit!

Try an analysis!

Try an opinion piece!

Dare to write in a style you have never tried!

For starters ~ What about a haiku?
5 syllables
7 syllables
5 syllables

e.g. The swimmer's challenge
Long lanes fears and deep waters
Barrier breakdown
~
NOTE: Once you make a first comment here, I can link to your blog on the sidebar!
That way there is a permanent link to your blog from this base!
ENJOY!

Opinion Piece #6 ~ The Carnival Is Over

2010-01-04T08:38:00.014+11:00

Dead Can Dance video "The Carnival Is Over" directed by Ondrej Rudavsky.
[From "Dead Can Dance" box set 1981-1998 ].
The original song was taken from "Into the Labyrinth" album.
Ondrej Rudavsky Biography + Dead Can Dance Biography
~
Opinion Piece #6 ~ The Carnival Is Over
~
Answer any or ALL of the following:
1. What is your interpretation of this video?
2. Is this just a visual and aural experience or does it have meaning?
3. Connections with Cirque du Soleil?
~
LYRICS FOR THE CARNIVAL IS OVER
Outside
The storm clouds gathering,
Moved silently along the dusty boulevard.
Where flowers turning crane their fragile necks
So they can in turn
Reach up and kiss the sky.
They are driven by a strange desire
Unseen by the human eye
Someone is calling.
I remember when you held my hand
In the park we would play when the circus came to town.
Look! Over here.
Outside
The circus gathering
Moved silently along the rainswept boulevard.
The procession moved on the shouting is over
The fabulous freaks are leaving town.
They are driven by a strange desire
Unseen by the human eye.
The carnival is over
We sat and watched
As the moon rose again
For the very first time.
~

Opinion Piece #5 ~ Christmas is in a rut

2009-12-16T18:27:00.006+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ 2009 (red background on walls) and 2008 Christmas decoration outside the Dromana Hub Shopping Centre, Mornington Peninsula.
These dolphin images grace the entrance and outside walls of the shopping centre. Each is decorated in the same way.
~
Opinion Piece #5 ~ Christmas is in a rut. Do you agree?

~

Weave a Picture from the Picture #3 ~ Wireless?

2009-12-16T17:36:00.009+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Distant view of Dromana pier reaching into Port Phillip Bay.
The shot is taken from my verandah.
I tried to work around intrusive wires.
~
Weave a Picture from the Picture #3 ~ Wireless?
~
Create your choice of writing in response to the paradox of the title and any other small features you notice in the photo.
~

History Waves #1 ~ The Ghost and the Darkness

2009-11-21T13:11:00.011+11:00

This film is based on a true story.
In 1896 Irishman Lt. Col. John Paterson, a construction engineer from the British Army, was sent to East Africa to build a railway trestle bridge across the Tsavo River (in today's Kenya) for the British East African Railway. (This would help to expand the empire a little more.) During the construction of the bridge, two lions would enter the workers' camp to kill. The locals name them 'The Ghost' and 'The Darkness'. It is believed that from 35 to 130 people were killed by the two lions in nine months. The claims are varied.
NOTE:
1. Lt. Col. Patterson owned the skins and skulls of the two Tsavo man-eaters. In 1924, Patterson sold them to the Field Museum in Chicago for $5,000.
2. The title of the book is 'The Man-Eaters of Tsavo', and is one of two books Colonel Patterson wrote. The second book, 'In the Grip of the Nyika: Further Adventures in British East Africa' was published in 1909. The latter never became very popular, and is long out of print.
~

Mix writing styles
* A little history and song lyrics?
* Poem and a letter?
~

Opinion Piece #4 ~ Wildlife are becoming too urbanised

2009-11-08T12:20:00.005+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Magpie on my verandah railing in the Dromana Hills, Mornington Peninsula
~
Opinion Piece #4 ~ Wildlife are becoming too urbanised.
They are losing their wild spirit.
Do you agree?
~

Rock-a-Quote #1 ~ from "The Men in Black"

2009-11-06T19:47:00.007+11:00

Rock-a-Quote #1 ~ from The Men in Black ~ Release Date: 11th. September 1997 (Australia)~ Quite an auspicious date!
Tagline: Protecting the earth from the scum of the universe...
~
Zed: "You'll dress only in attire specially sanctioned by MiB special services. You'll conform to the identity we give you, eat where we tell you, live where we tell you. From now on you'll have no identifying marks of any kind. You'll not stand out in any way. Your entire image is crafted to leave no lasting memory with anyone you encounter. You're a rumor, recognizable only as deja vu and dismissed just as quickly. You don't exist; you were never even born. Anonymity is your name. Silence your native tongue. You're no longer part of the System. You're above the System. Over it. Beyond it. We're "them." We're "they." We are the Men in Black."
~

1. Write a story based on this idea

2. Comment on the advantages and disadvantages of being A Man in Black.
~

Weave a Picture from the Picture #2 ~ Locked in Time Passing

2009-10-31T17:59:00.005+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Old clock towering over Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne
~
Weave a Picture from the Picture #2 ~ Locked in Time Passing
Create your choice of writing in response to the paradox of the title and any other small features you notice in the photo.
~

Continue the Poem #2 ... Enlightenment

2009-10-31T15:08:00.008+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Just watching the waves at Dromana beach, Mornington Peninsula.
~
Continue the Poem #2 ~ Enlightenment

Copy the following poem onto your blog.
**Give credit to the writer (including date) as indicated below.
By taking on a persona, continue the poem by giving it an answer!
~

Don't speak of nothings
Let the waves bring you whispers
Ideas from afar
~
Avoid illusions
Secrets from the horizon
Tangible dreamings
~
Stand tall beside me
Gaze deep into the waters
You and I are there
~
I may be a child
But I feel Nature's rhythms
Do you remember
~
Lead me to your dreams
And I will give them heartbeats
Connect with my waves
~
But please stay silent
Words will just steal the moment
And I'm just a child
~
**Poem by G.W. aka P.A.
It first appeared on Greyscale Territory 6.09.09
~

Continue the Poem #1 ... Worlds Without Namaste

2009-10-31T09:45:00.014+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Stormy night skies in the Dromana Hills, Mornington Peninsula
~
Continue the Poem #1 ~ Worlds Without Namaste
Copy the following poem onto your blog.
**Give credit to the writer (including date) as indicated below.
Coninue the poem in your own words.
~

Here is a line from
the 1998 movie Aliens:
We'd better get back, 'cause it'll be dark soon, and they mostly
come at night... mostly.
It was integrated into the following poem by
** G.W. aka P.A. on Gemma's Greyscale Territory.
~ 25.10.09

Formless shapes
Like hollow silhouettes
Drifting on the whispers of evening
~
Cold whispers
Like darkness visible
Echoing another far dimension
~
Fear marching
Like heartbeats scrunching shells
Breaking into worlds without namaste
~
Get back now
'Cause it'll be dark soon
And they mostly come at nightfall...mostly
~

Creative Sport #1 + Opinion Piece #3 ~ Sport is Too Competitive

2009-10-31T08:35:00.005+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Riders competing in the Round the Bay bike ride in October 2008.
Here they are passing through Dromana shopping centre, Mornington Peninsula
~
Creative Sport #1 +
Opinion Piece #3 ~ Sport is too competitive, too stressful. There is no fun anymore.
Do you agree?
~

Weave a Picture from the Picture #1 ~ Sailing

2009-10-31T07:00:00.003+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Boat sailing on Port Phillip Bay between Sorrento and Queenscliff
~
Weave a Picture from the Picture #1 ~ Sailing
Create your choice of writing in response to the photo and maybe use the title as a symbol of...?
~

Opinion Piece #2 ~ The darkness of night

2009-10-24T21:33:00.005+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A.
~
Opinion Piece #2 ~ The darkness of night links with dark minds.
~

Do you agree or disagree?
Write in any form for a specific context.
~

Opinion Piece #1 ~ New school subjects?

2009-10-10T14:02:00.006+11:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Dive Victoria boat leaving Portsea pier
~

Imagine you have the opportunity to present some new school subjects.
1. What would they be?
2. What age group?
3. Core or electives?
4. Link with university/TAFE courses?

Write an article on this subject for a teenage newspaper.
~

Word Play #4 ~ Illusion

2009-09-19T11:04:00.004+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A.
~
Word Play #4 ~ Illusion
~

* Use this word in a piece of writing.
It may be the topic or may be mentioned in your writing or even be a theme!
~
A few suggestions:
Poem
Song lyrics
Diary entry
Front page feature article
Short story
Flash Fiction of 50 words
~
NOTE: If you choose to use this prompt on your blog, don't forget to come back to name your post in a comment below.
~

Word Play #3 ~ Journey

2009-09-17T18:16:00.006+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ Old train at Queenscliff, Bellarine Peninsula
~
Word Play #3 ~ Journey
~
* Use this word in a piece of writing.
It may be the topic or may be mentioned in your writing or even be a theme!
~
A few suggestions:
Poem
Song lyrics
Diary entry
Front page feature article
Short story
Flash Fiction of 50 words
~
NOTE: If you choose to use this prompt on your blog, don't forget to come back to name your post in a comment below.
~

Word Play #2 ~ Shadow

2009-09-11T19:43:00.004+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A.
~
Word Play #2 ~ Shadow
~
* Use this word in a piece of writing.
It may be the topic or may be mentioned in your writing or even be a theme!
~
A few suggestions:
Poem
Song lyrics
Diary entry
Front page feature article
Short story
Flash Fiction of 50 words
~
NOTE: You may even like to combine this with Word Play #1 ~ Light
~

Word Play #1 ~ Light

2009-09-07T18:36:00.002+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A. ~ The shape of an owl on a flag pole in the moonlight ~ Mornington Peninsula
~
Word Play #1 ~ Light
~
* Use this word in a piece of writing.
It may be the topic or may be mentioned in your writing or even be a theme!
~
A few suggestions:
Poem
Song lyrics
Diary entry
Front page feature article
Short story
Flash Fiction of 50 words
~

An old dream becomes reality!

2009-09-05T17:58:00.002+10:00

Pic by G.W. aka P.A.
~
For a long time I have wanted to create a database of student writing, but somehow allow students to keep their own portfolios.
I wanted a place without intrusive ads.

At last, I think I have found the answer.

Students have their own blogs to represent a portfolio of writing.
They link their blog posts here!

There are stimuli (such as the Writing Arcade widget) to encourage the flow of creativity!

This is the beginning of a dream becoming reality!

WELCOME!

NOTE: All photos are mine unless otherwise stated!