The plunge

My heart rapidy beating, my mind, a muddled wreck, i step onto the metal platform, waving my last goodbye. Slowly rising, the ground beneath me getting more distant as i rise into the clutches of the sky. The people below, begin to fade, as the once tall figures  wipe away into blurred contures. Suddenly i feel the floor come to a sudden holt. As i nervously slide onto the open platform, feeling the cool breeze brush across my face, i lay in a moments petrified silence. Gathering what was left of my muddled senses, i plunged into the vast emptiness, not knowing the illfated consequences of  my actions. My face turning red with adrennalin, i let off a fearful scream, as i fell freely in mid-air, my now matted blonde hair, spread across my face. Continuously bobby over the rocky landscapes, i was eventually brought to safety, my head spinning out of control. For a moment or two, the surroundings seemed a muddled blur, as i lay on the ground, trying to recall what just happened.

Blurred but recognisable faces crowded around me as i lay listless on the cool cement. My father helping me up, i tried to steady myself my head numb and red to the peak. After about half an hour, my head had cooled and my mind had reached a level of steadiness. Wrapping his arm around me, dad walked me up to the main office to collect my bungy jumping certificate. As we were waiting, a large poster in the corner caught my eye. It read “To scare to bungy?” and in my mind i proudly replied “Not this teenage girl” !!

Task: Choose a song and write a story about it

beautifully broken hearted 

I was brought into the cruel harsh world a little to soon. When i was 3 my mum and dad would have fights, where they would yell and scream at each other, throwing plates and threatning to leave the family. A little too soon had i grown accustomed to the phrase “i hate you” and had witnessed a lifetime of slammed doors and cold silences. Being continually ridiculed at pre-school for my red hair and dorky glasses, added on my long list of “why i hate the world”

But, I am beautiful, not matter what they say, and words can’t bring me down, so don’t you bring me down, today

At the age of 7, i was sent to a foster home, as my parents were officially declared incapable. It was no surprise that a drug addict mother and an anger-ridden father, were financially not to mention mentally able to support a family. To be honest i was actually looking forward to the day when the department of welfare knocked on our door, anything to get away from that disfunctional family and not to mention the crummy apartment that smelt like rotten egg and mothballs.

I am beautiful no matter what they say, and words can’t bring me down , so don’t you bring me down today

At the age of 14, i was comfortably living with my new foster family, the jenkins. We would all sit around and enjoy a relaxing night with charades, movies and microwave popcorn, and for the first time i thought to myself ”So this is what it feels like to be loved” Finally i had found a placed where i felt like i belonged. A place without critisizim or judgement. A place which i had been longing to find for all my life. When at home, i felt stable and secure, but at school, it was a completely different story. When i moved to Collandra Heights high, i had arrived with a positve attitude. I hoped that this school was different- accepting and welcoming. Well i was wrong! On my 2nd day of arrival, the trouble and teasing began. His name was Bobby Turner. The school bully. Each day i arrived at school, he would  take my glasses and put me in the boys bathroom. I mean, i used to think being bullied in pre-school was tough, but after personal experience, with older, meaner kids, i began to think otherwise. My geeky glasses and matted red hair seemed to get me teased and bullied almost everywhere i went. I began to think about approaching a new look but realised:

I am beautiful no matter what they say, and words can’t bring me down , so don’t you bring me down today 

At the age of 20, i moved out of home, and rented a small aparment down by Myron Bay. It was no luxury, but it seemed to get me by each day. I found a job at the local fish n chip shop, only a 10 minute walk from my place. The people were lovely there. I was such a relief to be accepted for who i am. There was this really nice guy who worked there too, his name was Bobby. We clicked instantly, and have been in a relationship for a couple of months now. Theres something about him that makes me feel beautiful on the inside, as well as the outside. Even though i don’t wear makeup, or change my hair that offten, he will always unexpectadly pull out a compliment, and make me feel as if i don’t need thick foundation and heavy mascara to be beautiful. If things continue to go well, we might even consider marriage.

I am beautiful no matter what they say, and words can’t bring me down , so don’t you bring me down today 

At the age of 30, i had moved into a proper house, and had just finished paying the electricity and water bills. Bobby and i had broken up a few months back, and we both went our seperate ways. He was offered a highly paying job in California, and he insisted i come with him, to start up a new life together. But after the terrible news of my mothers death, i thought it was best if i stayed in Sydney, incase my father rang. After that, we never saw each other again. Every since i have been searching for the right guy, who made me feel special like Bobby did, but no man made me shiver, just like he did the moment i layed eyes on him.  

I am beautiful no matter what they say, and words can’t bring me down , so don’t you bring me down today 

At the age of 40 i had quit the fish and chip shop, and left Myron Bay, looking for a new adventure! And an adventure i found!. Moving into a new home in Bunderburg Estate was quite a nice change in scenery. It was a 2 story house, with a white tuscan balcony, overlooking the crystal lake and rocky landscapes. There on the balcony lay a flower pattened rocking chair, from which you could see the fresh green paddock, and the sturdy white horses roam freely around the open stables. Beginning the business of starting a new chapter of my life, i met the perfect guy while applying for a job, down by the local mall, a few months back. His name was Peter. He resembled an 80’s pop star, his long blonde hair, flamboyant style, and vivacious personality. When we’re at the mall, he will pick up the closest thing to him, prance around the shopping centre, holding the object up to his lips, miming songs, and immitating famous celebrity icons. I think i finally found someone who could not only make me smile and laugh, but could replace my agonising thoughts of Bobby. At this stage in my life, everything was running smoothy, the neighbours had continued to be supportive and welcoming, my job as a sales woman was paying well, and a new love was now in my life, so frankly. i didn’t have a care in the world!

 Reaching the age, where i am now catogarised as an “old woman”, i sit on my flower-patterned rocking chair, my matted red hair lining the edges of my face, my glasses hanging off the bridge of my nose, and as i glare at the brown, dusty paddock, the horses old and frail, i think to myself,

I am beautiful no matter what they say, and words can’t bring me down , so don’t you bring me down today 

By Jessica Aalders

 Steve Irwin- A man of bravery, dedication, passion and the apitimy of a steriotypical australian character, gave his life doing what he loved. A loving family man of 44, Steve irwin not only admired his family, but his other children of nature. Being involved in extreme conditions, where complete safety was not assured, Steve always perservered in order to pursue his goals with nature. Determination, bravery and infatuation and obsession for wldlife, resulted in a wild twist of fame and adventure, as well as a long, exhilirating journey acheiving the conservation and rehibilitation of Australian Wildlife and their habitat. Because of Steve’s commitment and dedication, the Australia Zoo has flourished and expanded under his guidance. 

It was on september 4th when Steve Irwin was unaware of his illfated death, to come. Plunging into the water of Batt reef. he came across what apperared to be another beautiful aspect of nature- A large stingray. Feeling vunrerable to the 2 men (the cameraman and steve), it instantaneously shot a deadly stinray barb whch pierced Steve Irwins chest. Falling unconsious, Steve Irwin was unable to be revived once being dragged onto the ship.    

Emotions of grief and shock as well as loving commemeration swirl inside each Australian, as we thank this true Aussie for his long-life commitment and dedication.

R.I.P STEVE IRWIN, WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!   

More than just an Australian

A hero of our generation

Ballet Dancer

Softly my body sways

to the calm rhythm of the music

im like an artist,

my body the paintbrush

my soul, the vibrant paint

splattering across the room

turning the dull walls into a bright pink

When i dance im like a bird,

my arms act as wings,

setting me soaring above in the sky,

my soul floating freely,

like a crisp leaf, being carried by the gentle breeze,

my soul spiralling up and down

landing on the tarnished dance floor

my body forming a gently curve

i crouch down, like a ball of electric emotions,

the enthusiam swirls inside me ,

waiting to be released

the only thing to do

is express my prevailing passion

by dancing away my heart and soul

suddenly i spring back up,

my once hunched body

transforming into a ray of streched curves and bends

slowly the rhytmic music slows to a gentle beat

until it eventually dims into silence

i pack my enthusiastic emotions

into a suitcase

which will once again be open

by the passion of dancing

By Jessica Aalders

WE ARE ONE, WE ARE MANY !!!!! 

On the 19th July, Carlingford high school came together in an array of nationalities in celebration of their very own International day as they flamboyantly expressed their personal view of multiculturalism. The students celebrated a wholesome day of unity and acceptance by exploring the many cultures and their diversity, through performances and international food stalls. 

During periods 3 and 4, the large and eager crowd was ushered into the hall, which created a charasmatic atmosphere as they awaited the brilliant performances. Backstage, panicked performers darted in and out of the crowded change-rooms, touching up makeup and giving their hair a final spray before preparing to dazzle the audience with their individuality and unique talent. Costumes, teeming with brilliant swirling colours, hypnotised the audience  as teachers and students roamed around the stage, displaying their traditional clothing. Taiwanese and korean love songs enthralled and entranced the audiece, and added a sense of romance to the perfect, harmonious day, while German slap dances unsettled the audience, and disturbed what was the peaceful, romantic atomsphere, replacing it with humour and electryfying fun and excitement. The unique performences gave the students and opportuntiy to understand the many cultures and their diversity.

During lunch and period 5, the students themselves were able to experience their true cultural backgrounds by establishing many food stalls, and perfoming a variety of traditional games in the quad. The musical entertainment was provided by the Senior Korean band which inspired the students to get their groove on! The Students and teachers alike were able to work together and contribute to the wonderful day, achieving optimum entertainment and fun!

The harmony and acceptance throughout the whole day shows that multiculturalism at Carlingford high school is alive and well!

Movie Review-  

The Corpse Bride is a fascinating tale of Love, betrayal and life in the Victorian Era surrounded by dark shadows of gothic romance.

The story begins with Mr and Mrs Everglot who have been forced to bankrupcy and have to take drastic measures in order to save their family from poverty as well as their position in society. Fortunately along came Victor, a shy, quiet newcomer who just so happened to be the Neuvoeu Riche. As a result, the Everglots arranged a marriage between their daughter and the oddly charming Victor. Victor and Victoria are more than slightly nervous about their looming arranged marriage, until they meet. For the first time, both find hope that a ray of light will come shining into their gloomy and loveless worlds. On the eve of their wedding day, the faltering groom-to-be walks through the woods practicing his muddled-up vows. Finally, the words come perfectly, and he places the wedding ring on what apperars to be a branch. Unfortunately, the branch turns out to be the finger of a corpse - a corpse bride - and she is not about to give up her new husband. Now married to of one of the dead, Victor finds himself among the morbid creatures of the underworld. He must now try to find a way to make things right, so he can return to his true love. After travelling to the living world Victor informs Victoria of his unfortunate situation. Despite the ghastly circumstances, Victoria vows to help him.

Victor’s decomposing bride turns out to be quite sympathetic, though, and Victoria must deal with evil forces at work in the land of the living, as a mysterious newcomer manipulates the strange events to assure that things go his way. This then results in a series of twisted and unexpected events which entrance and enthrall the audience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this animation because it uses reverse phycology when referring to the colour schemes and appearances of the 2 contrasting worlds-living-dead and every little detail resulted in the many pieces of the puzzle to fit perfectly in which spread the message of love and setting others free to the audience. I would recommend this movie for all ages, as the some what frightning scenes have a soft and humerous approach.  

             Emily & Victor                  Victor & Victoria

Kovco’s Body  Bungle !! 

    private jake kovco              

         To lose a loved one is truly tragic but to open the coffin and find a different body inside is unimaginable. The poor family of Private jake Kovco battle their emotions as well as the swarming media as they anxiously await the arrival of their beloved dead soldier. It was thought that he had accidently shot himself while cleaning his gun during a war in iraq but the media, newspapers and television broadcasts all tell a different story.  

The body of Private Jake kovco was accidently left in Kuwait after contractors had sent the wrong body on a flight to Australia. Finally, after weeks or waiting, the plane carrying the correct body touched down at sydney airport at around 7.30 am. Covered in the Australian flag, the silver coffin was carried by eight soldiers from the 3RAR. About 300 soldiers wearing black armbands saluted as the coffin passed through a guard of honour across the tarmac. Private Kovco’s family was also at the airport, as were Defence Force chiefs and Defence Minister Brendan Nelson.   Private Kovco’s family is planning a funeral for the 25-year-old in his home town in Victoria and they will at last, have a true burial for their beloved son.

SPEECH TIME HERE AGAIN!!

 As i drift off into a calm, relaxing trance, imagining myself in tropical paradise having succulent grapes being dropped into my mouth, being fanned with a large palm leaf by tanned, muscular males, the dreaded words “its speech time again” pour out of miss raynors mouth as she gave the students a spiteful sneer. Suddenly i drift away from my romantic getaway to find myself back in the english classroom surrounded by disappointed children, looking at miss raynor in annoyance and frustration. Not another assignment” they complain as their once bright and content faces wipe away, contrasting into dull, listless expressions. I then pack my bag without a hint of enthusiam as i process what i have just heard. The piercing school bell, prevents me from entering another trance, planning to escape from the bad news!!

End of school !! FINALLY!! Once arriving home, i begin to think of what topic i should choose for my speech…i noe!! sophie Delezio! I stare at the blank peice of paper, as i think about what to write. After I hour, a blunt pencil and a thumping headache, the piece of blank paper had transformed into a bunch of meaningful words. Yes! Im finished, now i can finally relax…..

As my repetitive and anoying alarm blasts into my ears, i pull of my bed covers and get ready for school..speech time! I grab my award-winning speech reciting it in my cracked bathroom mirror a final time. With sweat gathering on my forehead i sit myself at the desk near the back of the classroom. As Miss raynor pulls out a name-tag from a tattered old school hat i cross my fingers and hold my breath, hoping that it isnt me!! “Jessica Aalders’ she calls out. “phew, im glad thats not me..wait..that is me!!! i unstick myself from the seat as i gather my nerves and head up to the front of the class. I clear my throat, and steady my posture, as the many glaring eyes focus on one object ..me!! Here it goes…

  Sophie Delezio

My speech:

Bravery, hope courage and survival. words, justs words. But little sophie needed these words to hold on to while battling through her most difficult times in hospital. On the 15 December, 2003, John Mcneal suffered a seizure and lost control of his white commodore which ploughed into the starlight childcare centre. The horriffic accident trapped sophie and another child, Molly Wood underneath the vehicle which then burst into flames minutes later. The 2 severly wounded children spent months in hospital recovering from shocking burns. Molly sustained burns on 40% burns on her body while tragically sophie sustained burn on 80% of her body, lost both feet, her right ear and several fingers.

Then day by day the little girls were getting better. First molly, then sophie were allowed to go home, to begin the business of beginning their lives over again. But then the worst imainable news- Sophie was hit by a car. A car that was too careless to cinsider stopping at a PEDESTRAIN CROSSING, a car that was too thoughtless to prevent yet another series of life threatening operations for dear sophie. In the impact she had been thrown through the air, sustaining serious head and chest injuries.

What wrechedness of luck of circumstance could allow such a thing to happen to an innocent 5 year old girl TWICE. This incident has made me question life and its series of twisted and unfortunate events. Why are some people able to live a happy, accident-free life while sophie and her family have been drowned in a world of sorrow. Were they to decide to abondon hope, to give up everything, to go mad with grief with the unfairness and cruelty of it all then who could blame them for that. For no reason, sophie and her family have been drowned with sorrow which is truly beyond the capacity of the human heart. The is not one heart today which will not be filled to bursting for the tragety and cruelty of it all. But the human spirit does go on as Ron Delezio, Sophies immensly brave dad was saying they would not give up hope, not give up on their Sophie. With the absence of her ear, feet and finges, Sophie will go on, as an inspiration to those in doubt, accepting the fact that she, unlike some others, was just plain unlucky !  

Our class, 8R, has been studying a novel called Holes. This novel is about an overweight school boy named Stanley Yelnats, who has been accused of stealing a pair of dirty, worn sneakers that were currently being auctioned in a homeless shelter. These sneakers had belonged to a famous basketballer known as Clyde Livinstone or as some may call sweet feet. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, caused stanley to end up in Camp Green lake, a juvenile detention centre for teenage criminals. Altough the title mentiones a lake, the camp is just an arid deserted wasteland situated in the middle of nowhere. As punishment, the Warden (owner of the camp) forces the boys to dig a hole, 5 metres in depth and 5 metres in width.

Personally, i believe that this punishment is not suited to Stanleys Crime. So what do we do with Juvenile law abusers? The answer is simple. Verbal punishment. Alert them of all the possible risks and punishments involved with the crime and describe in full detail, how leading a life of crime is wrong and how it would dramatically change each of their lives. Make them write a 500 word essay on why they commited the crime, if any peers were involved and let them describe their idea of the punishment that should be given. When dealing with a juvinile offender, another option is communtiy service. Contributing within the community may give them a clear view of the many opportunities in life and they may even feel personally rewarded by helping others. If necessary, an experienced councillor may be hired to explore the individuals and help them through the experience. In the novel, Mr Pendanski played a poor role as a councillor, continually ridiculing Stanley and his inmates.

I believe that with sheer determination, we can lower the percentage of crimes commited by teenagers within Australia.

Remember, Crime is never the answer!!!

CHOCOLATE…FRIEND OR FOE?????

A little of what you fancy does you good - especially if it’s chocolate. Instead of feeling guilty for indulging, you can now feel relaxed, as chocolate is officially beneficial for health.

Chocolate contains compounds called flavonoids that can help maintain a healthy heart and good circulation which can reduce blood clotting.

Since flavonoids help prevent heart disease and cancer, the idea of eating chocolate sounds like a tempting and delicious way to better your health.

The reason chocolate gets the ‘thumbs up’ from researchers is because it contains large quantities of antioxidants - chemicals that help to neutralise some of the harmful chemical reactions occurring as part of our metabolism and during exposure to pollutants. Chocolate also contains flavanoids which help us maintain a stable energy level throughout the day.

Eating chocolate also makes you feel good. It increases brain levels of several chemicals including mood-altering and PEA. Chocolate is also virtually unique in that it melts in the mouth at body temperature, producing a silky, luscious sensation that adds to its appeal and, according to psychologists, is one of the main reasons why chocolate proves so addictive. In conclusion, as long as you sensibly portion your intake, you can induge in the ultimate chocolate experience!

Cummon…treat yourself….you know you want to ..

Fortress is a truly inspiring and dramatic novel which highlights a cruel and harsh world and that someone has to experience the cruel and harsh punishment that those have offer. Unfortunately that person was Sally and her small band of pupils. Class commenced as usual and Sally stood at the front of the class, assigning every child with their own important Job. The classroom was filthy and the inspector was due to arrive tomorrow. Every child had either a mop, broom or cloth, slowly wiping away the dust and dirt that turned the desks a charcoal brown. With sore hands, dirty mops and a proud look on everyones sweaty face, the classroom was spotless. The children sat in a circle on the clean carpet, their sparkling eyes layed on their beautiful teacher Sally, until 4 masked figures wiped the smile from their faces. The men held a gun to Sally’s head, forcing her and the children into a van and little did they know, they had now enetered a 48 ordeal of terror, strategy and torment. After being forced into a desolate cave, Sally and the class keep their wits about them as they make numerous attempts to escape but are continually greeted by the abductors eg. “As sally turned, Father christmas levelled his shotgun”. ….

 Exciting and twisted even such as these, weave there way in and out of the book, making the book entrancing and enthralling. Gabrielle Ford used short, blunt sentences to add a sence of fear and shock, which is an effective technique.

The ending was sharp and dramatic, that used descriptive language to make the situation appear realistic and gruesome.

Overall, Fortress was truly inspiring, capturing every moment perfectly. The novel made me understand the imporance and meaning of life, and that you have to make the best ofi every situation!!!

 I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up as some scences are very discriptive and may frighten young children. But a word of warning, do all your homework before reading this book because it will keep you hanging on the end of your seat all night!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME!!!

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