It has been a dynamic year so far in the world of words in the upper years! In class six we have examined the relationship between sound and meaning in oral and written texts, leading us to an understanding of literary devices such as alliteration and the use of onomatopoeia. We then applied this knew knowledge to writing striking poems about natural forces such a storm fronts, fire and water. We have since turned our attention to oral presentations in order to gain confidence at finding and amplifying our unique voices. This has been great fun and seen students share their passions about a variety of subjects, including 3D printing, interior decorating, soccer, make-up artistry, bird watching, fishing, mountain biking and so much more!

 

With the Class 7 and 8 students on Mondays, we have been looking at the theme of ‘Wish, Wonder and Surprise’, building on previous learning experiences for the class eight students, while introducing the class sevens to this rich inroad into literature. We have learnt a Celtic blessing that helps us hold a space for Jack B. and his family while Jack is on his journey of recovery. We have also written considered and insightful poems expressing our compassionate intentions towards ourselves, each other and our planet. Here and two beautiful examples from Abbie and Faith:

 

Wish Poem

by Abbie

 

For you I wish the light of tomorrow

may it stream through your windows

banishing the shadows of worry and night

let the promise of tomorrow be a comfort

 

For you I hope for all the wildflowers of springtime

may sweet smelling roses fill the vase by your kitchen sink

may they fill your house with the joy of new life

let the hope of spring coming warm your winter

 

For you I dream of a forest of karri trees

may they steady you when your body grows tired

from carrying the burden of life

may the fresh forest air fill your lungs

let the strength of karri trees

stay with you.

 

 

Wish Poem

by Faith

 

I wish for a path

I wish for light to follow everywhere you go

like an unshaken shadow

I wish the running waves to splash

creating ripples that swim on the surface

for you I wish morning sun filled with warm colours

covering you like a fuzzy blanket

I wish for the glimmering dew drops that fall

into the greatness of the world

for you I wish the ferns that curl and coil

to spread unconditional love.

 

In the last few weeks during Creative Writing with Class 8 and 9 students, we have been learning to make explicit narrative choices through learning about present and past tense, as well as learning to write from first, second and third narrative points of view. This builds our awareness of narrative techniques used in both our reading and writing. Next month we are very lucky to be having a visit from a well-known West Australian author during which we will get to hear about her creative process and journey as a fiction and non-fiction author, so watch this space!

 

Reneé Schipp

High School English Teacher