We wish you a Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We do hope that you have a relaxing holiday and hope you

find the time to read the articles we have written about

school, the world, our lives, animals, food…

The Weeke Whisper Team (Year 5 & 6)

Christmas Baubles by Sam Ridgment

The Weeke WHISPER (Shhh!)

School magazine

CHRISMTAS edition 2017

CONTENTS SCHOOL

Bring Back Our Lively Library! Production in Production

‘House’ about a change in seating? Autumn Author Visits

THE WORLD The Santa Rosa Wild Fires

How should we treat the world around us? Catalonia Breaks Free!

Battling Boys World War III

Terrorism Christmas in France

A Visit to North Scotland Devon

POETRY CORNER Grounds Autumn’s Arrived

Forest School Days

Just Imagine… Elves

My Journey Fireworks Broccoli

Ophelia’s Coming ENTERTAINMENT

Horoscopes Christmas Animal Quiz

How to make a Lego stop-motion video Animal Photography

OUR LIVELY LIBRARY IS COMING BACK! The Y6 Junior Librarians

Since our librarian left last February, the pupil librarians and some staff have

worked really hard in their own time to keep the library organised. It is a

wonderful resource where we can expand our knowledge, find peace from the

busy school but, we discovered, it takes a lot of effort to keep tidy and

organised. We work in the library on a rota system.

The Junior Librarians, led by Anoush, Siena A, Adam B and Matthew, have

been returning books to the correct place. Fiction books are organised

alphabetically and non-fiction books are organised by numbers (numerically)

using an international system called the Dewey Decimal system. If you go into

a library in Brazil, France or Fiji, you will find the history books in the 900s.

They have also made sure the library is left in a tidy state. As it is a used by the

whole school, all children and teachers should use it carefully and responsibly

which sadly isn’t always the case.

The good news is that we have a new librarian, Miss Simmons, who will order

bar codes, sort out the Junior Librarian computer system, make sure we have

fresh books from the School Library Service, repair books, bar code books,

organised shelving and displays. We are really looking forward to showing her

the ropes!

PRODUCTION IN PRODUCTION Isaac Whitaker

The Year 5 teachers, Mr Bunch, Mrs Swales and Mrs Cummins, recently

revealed that Year 5 were to begin rehearsals for their annual ‘Music Through

the Ages’ production; they are now well and truly underway for the Christmas

2017 show. Whispered rumours show that the show will feature a unique

sketch from Thomas Jackson, an exciting rock and roll dance to Chuck Berry

and more! There’s even a reported rumour that John Lennon will make an

appearance.

To pull the show off, the Year 5s will be putting in lots of hard work and

commitment as well as pushing their abilities to the limit. But, with under a

week before it gets underway, ti still seems a miracle that we’ll pull it off! We

hope you get to see the show.

UPDATE: The Year 5 Musical Extravaganza has now been performed. The

Christmas themed popular songs, ranging from White Christmas to In the

Bleak Mid-Winter via Winter Wonderland and Slade’s Christmas hit, were well

received by audiences and hopefully put everyone in a Christmassy mood!

‘HOUSE’ ABOUT A CHANGE IN SEATING? Bethan Cooling

Are you bored of sitting in your house teams at lunch ties instead of with your

friends? Do you think this is a good system?

The teachers originally introduced the idea of sitting in house teams in an effort

to reduce the amount of mess on the floor at lunchtimes. At first, people were

fine with it, until some children started sneaking onto other tables to be with

their friends and pretending that they belonged to that house colour.

Ella, Y6, expressed her concerns about the changes: “I don’t like the system,

because none of my friends are in my house team, so I don’t get to sit with them

a t lunchtimes anymore.”

Layla and Ellie, Y5, said: “We are in the same team, but we don’t get to sit with

any of our other friends at lunchtimes.”

However, some people think it has had a more positive effect…

Evie, Y4, said: “I like the system. I think that it has really helped reduce the

amount of mess on the floor at lunchtimes; but I’d like the tables to be moved

around so we can sit in different places.”

Mrs Goodwin, Y2, stated: “It has made a really positive impact on the

children’s behaviour in the lunch hall and everyone knows where they will be

sitting.”

Lunchtime Supervisor: “The system ahs worked well. Children have been so

much better behaved at lunchtimes. They are obviously motivated to take back

the privilege of sitting with their friends again! I wonder if poor behaviour will

return if this happens?”

So, what do you think? Should we be petitioning to change the system or do

you think that the system has worked to reduce mess and improve behaviour in

the lunch hall?

AUTUMN AUTHOR VISITS

MEGAN RIX Megan Rix gave a talk to KS2 in October. She has written lots of books with

animals (usually dogs) as main characters. She doesn’t write soppy animal

stories, far from it, but has animals doing heroic things in war zones and helping

people in tricky situations. She is very involved with training Assistance Dogs

who help people with disabilities live full lives. Megan brought her dogs to see

us in the school hall which caused quite a stir! The dogs were really calm and

well-trained.

Megan Rix was full of unusual facts and I was amazed to learn that Winston

Churchill was a great animal lover and had a pet pig! Also that in World War

II, dogs parachuted into enemy territory carrying messages. We watched a film

clip of this so I know that it may be strange, but it’s definitely true.

SEAN TAYLOR Sean Taylor visited KS1 and Y3 and

read stories, got the children dancing

and wrote a poem with 240 children!

Some lucky children got to buy one

of his books and get it signed too.

Read it here:

SPOOKY CASTLE POEM!

Our scary story poem has Count Dracula in it. He’s dreadful.

He’s a vampire.

Our scary story poem has a bat in it. It’s horrifying.

It’s large and spiralling.

Our scary story poem has a dragon in it. He is petrifying.

He is deadly.

So let’s leave them in the poem and go back to our classrooms

where it’s nice and comfy and cosy

and SAFE!

By all the Key Stage 1 children at Weeke Primary School, working with Sean Taylor, October 2017.

THE WILDFIRES IN SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. Amelie Grigorian

At 2am on Monday 9th

September 2017, disaster struck Santa Rosa in

California, U.S.A. which is where my relatives live. There were high winds and

these, combined with the hot weather, created perfect conditions for fire to

spread. The fire that was conjured up was absolutely huge and it spread into the

city of Santa Rosa destroying thousands of homes! One morning, my Aunty

Shirley and Uncle Bob were evacuated from their home to a church and only

just in time! Later that day, they found out that the whole of their

neighbourhood had been burnt down by the fierce flames. The next day, they

visited their house to find only ashes where their lovely home, garden and

summer house once stood. It is going to take them a long time for them and

their community to rebuild their lives and houses. What a disaster.

THE WORLD AROUND US – HOW SHOULD WE TREAT IT?

Emily Smith and Sienna Wells

Do we own the natural world, is it ours to do what we like with? No, because we did not create the world, the world created us.

What will happen if we do not look after the world?

If we don’t look after the world, we’re not looking after ourselves.

How do we treat the world?

Some people treat it disrespectfully, like it’s rubbish, and throw litter out of car

windows. Some treat it as if it’s as important to them as their home and take

their litter home or put it in bins.

How should we treat the world?

We should respect, love and care for the world because if we don’t, the world

will eventually die away. Think about the plastic water bottle you are chucking

away – where will it go? What energy will be used in producing another one?

How long will the plastic take to decompose?

Anonymous: My dad buys plastic water bottles most days, that’s over 350

bottles a year that he throws away. The energy, time and cost of recycling them

is huge and if he drops one as litter, it takes over 200 years to rot away. Plastic

water bottles, as well as other plastics, are littering our oceans and are a huge

global problem just like global warming.

CATALONIA BREAKS FREE!

Libi Simons Catalonia is a region in North East Spain. It

has its own language (Catalan), its own

parliament and its own national anthem. The

capital city is called Barcelona, which is a

popular tourist destination, and it is home to

one of the best football teams. The people of

Catalonia (Catalans) are extremely proud of

their identity and many consider themselves as

separate to Spain.

Last month, a vote took place in Catalonia over whether the region should break

away from Spain and become an independent nation. You may remember that

Scotland took part in a similar referendum in 2014 when the Scots were given

the chance to decide whether or not they wanted to become separate from the

U.K. Unlike the Scots, most Catalans voted in favour of independence. The

vote was met with anger from the Spanish government in Madrid, as they did

not give permission for it to go ahead. The national government said the vote

was illegal and tried to stop it from happening.

Some polling stations (places where you vote) were closed down by the Spanish

government and ballot boxes (where you put your voting paper) were taken

away. That meant that just 2.2 million people voted out of 5.3 million Catalans

who could have done so. The disagreement led to fighting between some voters

and the police. Catalans protested in opposition to the Spanish government’s

actions. The Catalan parliament then held a vote and declared independence.

However, in response, the Spanish government sacked the Catalan leaders and

took over their parliament and announced a regional vote on the 21st December.

I wonder what the outcome will be

BATTLING BOYS! Sam Ridgement

The raging argument between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, the dictator

who rules North Korea is being urgently discussed around the world. Many

people have been airing their views on social media and in the newspapers,

including here at Weeke School! Many people think that the argument between

the two world leaders about nuclear weapons will result in World War III.

Personally, I think that they are just two boys who are showing off to each other

about their weapons and might – let’s just hope that it all stays in the ‘world

playground’ and no one loses their temper and presses ‘The big button’. (I

think they need to be kept in at playtime).

WORLD WAR III? Ewan Johns

As you know, Donald Trump was elected as the President of the United States

of America just over a year ago, and has been aggravating all sorts of people,

including North Korea’s King Jung-un who is very easy to wind up and an evil

leader who was not elected to power democratically (by the people). Donald

Trump’s election win was strange too. Hilary Clinton got more votes but due to

the way that they count their votes in the U.S.A., Trump won the presidency.

North Korea and the U.S.A. both have nuclear weapons targeted on each other.

If Trump chose to ‘push the nuclear button’, he could easily blow up North

Korea but this action would not be without consequences.

The nuclear explosion could harm America’s allies (friends). China, North

Korea’s only ally (friend), could declare war on America and other countries,

including the U.K. could be sucked into the argument. Let’s hope these mad

men use diplomacy (talking to each other) to sort our their disagreements about

who is the most powerful.

TERRORISM Neve Willis

On Tuesday 31

st October this year, a rare yet devastating event occurred in New

York, U.S.A. A car driver drove into a group of pedestrians and killing eight

and injuring eleven. The driver, who was arrested, did this to gain attention for

his cause, the Islamic State, who are a terrorist group who want the world to live

according to their very extreme religious views. It’s important to understand

that the Islamic State do not represent the religion of Islam which is a peace-

loving faith.

World leaders, like Trump and our Theresa May, sent their condolences

(feelings of sorrow) to the people affected in New York and agreed to fight acts

of terrorism together by using spies, police, armies and peoples’ everyday

observations to spot terrorist before they strike.

I think that people need to be more accepting and understanding of each other

and always treat others with respect and kindness.

CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE Amélie Jackaman

In France, some people would celebrate Christmas

on the 24th

December – it is called Revéillonner -

although most celebrate on the 25th

December like

in the U.K.

Common Traditions Normally at Christmas, people spend time with

family and friends. It’s a lot about the food as

well. With my family, we spend a lot of time at the dinner table and enjoy

different meals. Some French people have a tradition of skiing at that time of

year, when of course it’s been snowing!

Christmas Food In England, we have Brussel sprouts. Instead, the French eat green beans.

Some enjoy oysters or snails for starters. Foie gras is also traditional, which is a

pate made from goose livers. French people enjoy different wine with different

dishes. Turkey is traditional too. A typical desert would be La Bûche De Noël

which has a log-like base and the topping can be any flavour.

Most people use a chocolate or chestnut topping, but champagne and

decorations can also accompany the dish.

Common French Gifts There are not many traditional fits. What used to be traditional was giving a

pair of shoes or slippers. Also an orange!

My Family’s Traditions

In some towns the French have a lantern walk when you buy a lantern and

parade around your town with it on the 22nd

or 23rd

of December. We like to do

this when we are in France. This tradition is now in Winchester, but is held

much earlier, in late November.

A VISIT TO NORTH SCOTLAND

Thomas Jackson

Miserable skies loomed

above, waiting to release an

ocean upon me. No longer

could I walk, my neck

swollen with midge bites.

But no, I went on. And what

was for dinner? Neeps,

tatties and haggis of course!

Seven Up or Iron Bru? I must choose one. I can’t have both. Sheep’s

stomach, squishy and soft, filled with porridge. And meat too. That’s haggis

for you!

Back on the road again but this time well-fed. Farewell Scotland! See you

again soon.

DEVON Rhys Petch

The brown fish and golden chips tasted

like heaven. The diamond blue sea

reflected the rays of the sun as we ate

on the hot, grey concrete. The clear

sky was a mirror image of the sea.

Walking on the soft sand was like walking on a soft cloud. The water in my

mouth was a salty as my chips. Devon heaven.

AUTUMN’S ARRIVED Katie Levell

Autumn’s arrived

Colliding with winter

A time of year to visit the theatre

Where popcorn sleeps and children peep

As they eat their sweets.

Others play in the leaves

Which have fallen from the trees

Children throw and catch

While animals hibernate in their patch.

SCHOOL DAYS Peter Thomson

Growing up this day and age,

With fee expression all the rage,

Our young ones learn when starting school,

That’s why reading’s fun and maths is cools.

While writings not the least bit boring,

It really is so much like drawing,

For every child it is essential,

To realise their full potential.

And teachers always do their best,

To stimulate children’s interest,

When schooldays end at last,

With examinations passed.

Will children reminisce,

And say “Our schooldays we will miss,”

And as the final day arrives,

“They were the best days of our lives!”

JUST IMAGINE… Sam Ridgement?

Just imagine you could reach and touch the stars,

Imagine you could dive into the murky depth.

Imagine you could save a thousand souls,

Imagine you could win Olympic gold.

Imagine if you could bounce on fluffy clouds,

Imagine the world you live in is perfect,

Just the way it is.

TIMBER! Sam Ridgement

There I was, looking at the tree

There was my dad, cutting in down

And yelling “TIMBER!”

As it fell to the ground.

MY JOURNEY Libi Simons

I dream of a journey to my own land,

Where carrots fly and there’s cheese in my hand,

Libi is flying past my face as

Me and the strawberries run a fast race,

Over hills of orange pears,

Pat the bins where NO ONE CARES

LIBI cackles and flys away

As I follow her in a pile of hay

I’m starting to feel that I’m tossing my head

So I’d better return to my snug safe bed.

ELVES Libi Simons

Away he crept as silent as night,

To give the family an awful fright.

Into the study he flew like a flash,

Opened the bag, and took all the cash!

Next he tiptoed to the parlour

And stole the bead for his Aunt Carla!

FIREWORKS Teo Arvai Morris

Set them off at the dead of night

The loud ones will give people a fright!

Set them off, it will give a big scare

Only light them if you dare…

Beautiful colours

Orange, blue and more

Colours will fill eyes

Some might cry

Set them off! Create a deafening sound

So loud it shall pound and shake the autumn ground.

BROCCOLI Isla Murdoch

Broccoli! Broccoli! Broccoli!

How I hate green old broccoli!

I always seem to get more than my fair share,

Please help me, I’m writing in despair!

So it was even worse when out of the blue,

A flying clump of broccoli whizzed by, who knew?

It picked me up and flew away,

To a land where broccoli danced and played.

It sped along like a rocket jet,

What was going to happen next?

I came upon a field of broccoli and trees,

And slowly sank to my knees.

I gasped and sighed in complete awe,

(My knees were now getting sore!)

I stood back up to find a band,

Playing music from a faraway land.

But now it is time to go,

And now I really certainly know

That broccoli is actually an alien life form.

And goes extremely well with bean and sweetcorn!

OPHELIA’S COMING Gabriella Pearson

A devil’s eye staring down at me.

Ophelia’s coming.

Tomato soup about to pour.

Ophelia’s coming.

Snow White’s apple up in the sky.

Ophelia’s coming.

A hell portal wanting to suck you in

Ophelia’s coming.

A pool of poison pulling me towards it.

Ophelia’s coming.

A stairway to death up in the sky.

Ophelia’s coming.

Slowly, slowly, she creeps through the night

Ophelia’s coming.

Is it the end of the world?

Ophelia’s here.

HOTEL FOR DOGS

Alex Raishbrook

I have written a short story all about two stray dogs who end up living in a

disused hotel in America. Some children look after the strays and my story

deals with the goings-on in this unusual hotel! My story is based on a film

which you might have seen called ‘Hotel for Dogs’.

As my story is several pages long, it was too lengthy for this short school

magazine, so a copy of my story is on display in Beech Class (Year 5) for

anyone to come and read. Check it out!

HOROSCOPES Thomas Jackson Y5

Do you know what star sign your birthday falls under? What has the coming

month got in store for you? Read our accurate horoscopes to find out what the

future holds…

ARIES (21 March – 19 April)

Love may strike after the sight of white berries.

TAURUS (20 April – 20 May)

Good things await you under trees.

GEMINI (21 May – 20 June)

You will get all you want for Christmas!

CANCER (21 June – 22 July)

Beware! Your friends will betray you.

LEO (23 July – 22 August)

You will come into money.

VIRGO (23 August – 22 September)

Prepare! Hard times await you.

LIBRA (23 September – 22 October)

You should watch your tongue.

SCORPIO (23 October – 21 November)

Strange things await you…

SAGITARIUS (22 November – 21 December)

Do not insult or annoy anyone for it may put you in danger.

CAPRICORN (22 December – 19 January)

Everlasting luck awaits.

AQUARIUS (20 January – 18 February)

Wash your largest pair of socks to bring good fortune.

PISCES (19 February – 20 March)

Don’t eat yellow snow or else…

CHRISTMAS ANIMAL QUIZ Bethan Cooling

What is the Labrador puppy called in “The Hero Pup” by Megan Rix?

A. Stripes B. Marine C. Patch What are baby reindeer called?

A. Fawns B. Calves C. Pups How many eggs do penguins hatch at a time?

A. 1 B. 3 C. 5 What do frogs do in the winter?

A. Hibernate B. Freeze C. Burrow underground How many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh, including Rudolph?

A. 7 B. 9 C. 11 What is a male donkey called?

A. A jack B. a jenny C. a foal How old will a robin redbreast chick be when in leaves the nest?

A. 13 days old B. 5 days old C. 10 days old

How many of the animals in the boxes above can you identify?

HOW TO MAKE A LEGO STOP-MOTION VIDEO

Casper Spencer

Try making this film over the Christmas holidays!

Firstly, you need a Lego base (when I say base, I mean a base plate). Secondly,

get a camera or mobile phone and make sure it has a video recording setting.

Thirdly, get some Lego mini-figures and place them on the base. Fourthly, you

need to create some sort of background picture on paper or card to go behind

your scene. Finally, move the mini-figures and take a shot on the video setting

of your film whenever you move them. You have now made the film and just

need to play the video to watch the mini-figures move! Impressive!

SAM RIDGMENT’S ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY