Speech Competition 2015

Speech subject - 'New Zealanders in WW1'

(Image: Wikipedia)

The subject 'New Zealanders in WW1' embraces Kiwis who served or were involved in WW1.

Prizes

Regional winner receives 

• $1000.00 
• a framed Certificate 
• Youth membership to the RSA.

National winner receives 

• a trip to Gallipoli with a chaperone to attend the ANZAC Day 2015 commemorations 
• a $1000.00 travel fund, a laptop and digital camera to record their experience
• a winner's trophy

If you are Year 12 or 13 next year and this interests you please go here for more details and how to enter. 

Entries open: 10 November 2014
Entries close: January 30 2015.

An invitation

You and your friends at Nga Tawa are invited to the Author's Apprentice

A unique online platform for readers aged between 13 to 17 to work with an international best-selling author on an original novel over the course of a year. (Source)

(Image: Wiki Commons)

• Be involved in the creative process to the very end
• Vote on the genre, names of the characters, direction of the plot development, and jacket design
• Improve your writing skills
• Get a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of publishing

Do you have what it takes to be The Author's Apprentice?

Go to The Author's Apprentice to sign up.

Learn more about the author Stephen Hunt and his novels.

Three new books to tempt you

The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter

The Finisher is a thrilling fantasy adventure story that follows one girl’s quest beyond her known world and into a dangerous realm full of magical beasts.

Welcome to Wormwood: a place where curiosity is discouraged and no one has ever left.

Until one girl, Vega Jane, discovers a map that suggests a mysterious world beyond the walls. A world with possibilities and creatures beyond her imagining.

But she will be forced to fight for her freedom. And unravelling the truth may cost Vega her life. (Image and Source:Pan MacMillan)

 Jeff Hinkley, undercover investigator for the British Horseracing Authority, is looking into the shady activities of a racehorse trainer. But as he's tailing his quarry through the Cheltenham Racing Festival, the last thing he expects to witness is a gruesome murder. Could it have something to do with the reason the trainer was banned in the first place - the administration of illegal drugs to his horses? Days later, it's discovered that many more horses test positive for prohibited stimulants, a scandal that could throw horse-racing into disrepute. (Image and Source: Penguin Books)

(Image: Penguin books)

Izzy is hoping for a memorable year of happiness, but for her impulsive big sister, Alex, life is much more colourful. she always writes to Izzy in a violet pen, which suits her dramatic personality. 

When one of Alex's letters delivers a bolt form the blue, Izzy fears the future will be less than rosy. Will Alex's new boyfriend spoil their sisterly bond, or does every cloud have a silver lining? (Back cover)

2014 GoodReads Choice Book Awards

GoodReads is a website that allows you to search for and browse books, to read reviews, to create your own library of books you have read and post your own reviews, plus more.

At present, you are able to vote for the best books of the year in GoodReads Choice Book Awards, awards that are decided by the reader.

Join up and cast you vote now. 

There are a number of books on the list that are held in the library. 

(Image: Allen and Unwin)

(Image: Walker Books)

If you haven't read them yet, issue one and find out why they made the list. Leisure reading may be just the antidote for the pressure of study and exams.





Other titles held in library include:

• I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
• Panic by Lauren Oliver
• The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

 (Image: Text Publishing co.)

Which book would you like to read?

These books have arrived this week and will be on the shelves soon. See any titles that you have been wanting to read? Or ones that appeal to you? Come in to reserve it.

One Minute's Silence

One Minute’s Silence (available in the library) is a wonderful tribute to the soldiers who fought and died at Gallipoli and an important reminder of the humanity of the soldiers of both sides of the conflict. 

'In one minute's silence, you can imagine the great crop of crosses the ANZACS left behind...
and the promises given to never forget the boys who would not wake to the hushed footsteps or the whispered farewells. But can you imagine, in one minute's silence, when the Turks rose that morning to discover there only remained...the perfect lack of sound of a war that had ended' (Excerpt from the book.)

Today is Armistice Day, the day that World War One ended in 1918. 

Conservation Week

Conservation Week 2014

(Image: Wikipedia)

This year’s theme is 'Discover the world where you live' and it’s about getting out and enjoying your local treasures. These are the local campsites, scenic reserves, wetlands, forests, walking tracks and other areas that have conservation values that can be found right on your doorstep.

Conservation Week gives you the opportunity to celebrate the natural environment and make a connection with your local special places. There are heaps of special places in New Zealand that you can visit all year round with your family and friends. (Department of Conservation)

These Pinterest boards feature categories such as Take a Hike', 'Push Play', 'Conservation dogs' 'Eating Out' as well a lots of amazing images and links related to the New Zealand environment.

An event planned in this area on Saturday 8 November is a trip to discover Coppermine Creek near Woodville. If this appeals to you go to Coppermine Creek for more information.

There are still a couple of days to take part in The Great Kereru Count, there is definitely one or two that sit in our trees out the front. Watch the video to find out more.