World Book Week 2010 - Rita Antoinette Borġ

Local author and story-teller Rita Antoinette Borġ visited the school and had a session with the Grade 4s and 5s. Ms Borġ started off by introducing Pepito, a cheerful and colourful parrot who lives in South America, and who loves to share his knowledge of geography and animals with children.

Next came a story session, during which Ms Borġ read one of her stories, Taqsamx it-Triq Fuxa! The children were engrossed as Ms Borġ narrated the adventures of little Fuxa who discovered that crossing a busy road is far from easy! The students loved the particular format of the flip-over books, where the same story is told in both Maltese and in English.

Ms Borġ also spoke to the students about the importance of reading. Besides it being a great past time, it also helps with getting ideas for stories and learning new words.

Click HERE to visit Ms Borġ's website.

World Book Week 2010 - Marianne Tabone

This year's World Book Week kicked off with a visit by Marianne Tabone, a local author whose books chronicling the adventures of Anġlu Piżellu are quite popular among the students. Ms Tabone started her session by talking about herself, what inspires her and how important it is for writers to keep on reading as much as possible. She also mentioned some characters from her childhood who, with a bit of tweak here and there, found themselves sharing the lively angel's adventures.

After her talk, Ms Tabone allowed a few minutes for questions, an opportunity upon which the students pounced. They asked a myriad of questions but the one which seemed to interest them most regarded the ever elusive issue of ideas: where do these come from? Ms Tabone answered that one can find ideas anywhere, you just have to look around. A quirky gesture or a random comment from a stranger can be enough to spark off an idea for a character or a story.

Ms Tabone concluded her session by reading one of her stories to the students.

Awesome Film based on Awesome Book

The Guardians of Ga'Hoole is an epic fantasy about owls who live during a time when humans have gone extinct. Owls can read, write and do other things that were previously done by humans. It is the tale of Soren who, together with other owls, is captured by the evil Skench and forced to do things against his will. He manages to escape and on his journey he makes new friends. Together they are looking for a mythical tree and once they find it new enemies emerge...

It is an awesome series of books and a must-read for fantasy lovers. It is coming out as a film (based on the first three books) on September 24th 2010...

Review by Ariane

Official Site for the Books

TRAILER:

Percy Jackson Film Preview

Merlin Library were kind enough to supply the school with 15 free tickets for the Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief film preview. The lucky winners, whose name was pulled out of a hat (or rather, a box) had a whale of a time. These are some of their comments:

I really enjoyed the film. Percy Jackson was my favourite character. I loved it when he fought against the hydra and then when he went to Las Vegas. The scene of Camp Half-Blood is very cool too. I really enjoyed this film and wouldn't mind watching it again.

Timothy

I liked the movie because there are two worlds and one of them is full of Greek gods. Many people don't know about it. Percy Jackson is the son of Poseidon and he goes on a quest to bring back his mother and to bring back Zeus' lightning bolt. It was a very exciting story.

Matthew

Percy Jackson is a teenager who goes on a quest with his friends. They have special powers and they need to save Percy's mother from an evil Greek god. But the gods think that Percy is the lightning thief. It turns out he's not.

Max

I think that Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief had amazing graphics! Also I think that if I was in the movie I would have loved to try and throw Poseidon's trident. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief was such a good movie that I want to read all the books and watch the next movie!

Paul

The film is adventurous and based on Greek mythology. Zeus' lightning bolt is stolen and Percy Jackson blamed for the theft. In the meantime his mother is kidnapped and Percy has to go to the underworld to save her. He needs to find three objects to get out of the underworld.

Rebecca

I really liked the film because it was adventurous. My favourite part was when Percy Jackson fought against Medusa. It was funny when Medusa's head was cut off but her eyes kept turning people to stone!

Christian

Percy Jackson is a very interesting and adventurous movie. It is one of the best films I have seen so far. Percy Jackson is a boy who is half human and half god as he is the son of Poseidon. This is what I found really interesting.

Emma

Percy Jackson books and film official site.

The Grand Prix Final (Story)

Fifteen years ago, my brother had gone to hospital because he was in a bad car crash!

It was the Grand Prix Final and he was the driver with the best chance to win. But in the last few seconds, someone crashed into his car from behind.

Now, it is my turn to take his place in the Grand Prix Final. I have a chance of winning, just like he had.

I was very careful so the same thing wouldn't happen to me. I kept checking my rear view mirror. There was this driver who was coming closer to me. I recognised that he was the brother of that other driver that crashed into my own brother!

I made sure that I wouldn't fall for the same trick so I swerved to the right and put him off track.

It paid off cause I won the race! I dedicated this victory to my brother.

Paul - 7.1

Hetty Feather

Despite her being a very prolific author, Jacqueline Wilson still manages to elicit a sense of excitement whenever one of her books is due to be released. Hetty Feather proved to be no exception.

This time round, Jacqueline Wilson's story takes us to London during the year 1876. Hetty is still a baby when her mother leaves her on the doorstep of an orphanage. However she must first live with a foster family before she is old enough to go to school. Hetty goes to live in the countryside where she spends a large amount of time with her 'brothers' Gem and Gideon. One day a travelling circus passes by and Hetty is mesmerised by the show.

The time comes when Hetty has to go back to the orphanage and she finds it really difficult to adapt to this kind of new life, involving school and terrible lunches. There is one positive side to this - now she can start looking for her real mum.

Jacqueline Wilson official site

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Author Rick Riordan's series of books featuring Percy Jackson are amongst the most popular titles with children. The thrilling adventures of this young boy as he tests his wits and courage against mythological creatures, have captured the imagination of many.

The story is as follows: Percy Jackson is always up to mischief and trouble, and in fact has been expelled from several schools. One fine day, during an outing, one of his teachers turns into a monster and tries to kill him. However he manages to stay alive thanks to a pen that magically transforms into a sword. Understandably, this disconcerts Percy quite a lot and a string of similarly odd occurrences does nothing to dispel his nervous mood. Going back home offers no solace either as his mother is at the moment living with this despicable man known as 'Smelly Gabe'. Some time later she is kidnapped by a minotaur. Percy does not know what to do but one of his friends, Grover, who turns out to be a satyr, takes him to Camp Half-Blood, which is a training ground for demigods. And the adventure continues.

As you can see, Percy Jackson's stories are breathtaking and leave one craving for what's coming next. Once you start reading a story, you simply MUST keep on at it till the very end. So imagine the reaction of many at the news of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief being turned into a movie! The trailer has been released and it looks awesome. The director, Chris Columbus, is the same one behind the first two Harry Potter installments. So this should be extremely good. :)

Percy Jackson Official Site

Rick Riordan

Author Visit

Ms Faye Cukier visited San Anton School to promote and talk about the book she's written called Fleeing the Swastika, a gripping true tale of her youth spent travelling all over war-torn Europe.

World War Two was a gruesome chapter in the history of the Twentieth Century. There was the rise to power of the Third Reich which eventually led to the beginning of a terrible war that embroiled all the countries of the world. However, as time goes by, events tend to move farther and farther away from memory. Sometimes this is beneficial, at other times it's not. Very few persons who lived through this terrible ordeal are still alive, and therefore it was quite a privilege to have the author of Fleeing the Swastika coming to school.

Ms Cukier is a charming and elegant lady of Jewish origin, whose gentle manners belie a difficult past replete with adventure and hardship. She remembers vividly the hasty moving from one city to another in order not to be discovered by Nazis during World War Two. But things had not always been like this.

Ms Cukier's life started full of promise. Her father was a successful businessman who could afford to raise his family in relative comfort. However, as the Nazi government gained in popularity, the Cukiers found it more and more difficult to get by. This forced Ms Cukier and her mother to leave Germany for Brussels. They made their move just in time as a few months later saw The Night of Broken Glass, in which Jewish homes, shops and synagogues were demolished.

Life in Belgium wasn't easy either. First of all Ms Cukier was told that she had to wear the Jewish yellow star, something she refused to do. However, acting upon the suggestion of a friendly policeman, she dyed her hair blonde so as not to look Jewish. During this time she also got involved in the diamond trade in order to help her family survive. It was an arduous period in which Ms Cukier had to be constantly on the alert.

But with the end of the war, her family was liberated and eventually got her lifelong dream of going to America. Still, some sad moments persisted as Ms Cukier had friends who had perished in the streets and in concentration camps. And this was one of the reasons why she ventured to write this book - as a tribute to all those who suffered during such a terrible war.

World Book Week 2009 - Short Story Poster

The theme for this year is A Picture and a Thousand Words.  Nowadays the world is being literally bombarded by larger than-life-images in the form of billboards, commercials, animations, logos, etc.  The book industry is no exception and it has seen an increase in the use of visual aids to get the message (or story) through.  Illustrators like Quentin Blake and Nick Sharrat, have work that is immediately recognised and associated with a particular author.  Many books are being accompanied by DVDs and, for the older ones, links to interactive sites where the story is developed beyond the pages of the book.  This also explains the increased popularity of comics (or graphic novels).

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Grades 4 - 7 had a related activity going on.  The librarian read a short story to each grade during a library session.  The stories were the following:

Grade 4 - Henry and Margaret by Francesca Simon

Grade 5 - Something Different by Anne Fine

Grade 6 - The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde

Grade 7 - Don't Ask Jack by Neil Gaiman

Each class was then divided into groups and each group had to come up with a poster.  These posters are now on display in the library.  :)

World Book Week 2009 - Trevor Zahra & Mikiel

World Book Week kicked off with a very special guest.  Local author Trevor Zahra met the Grade 9 students to talk about his books.  At the moment they have Fuklar Qadim u Bnadar Imcarrta as a class reader and therefore they were very excited at the idea of meeting the author.  In conjunction with the librarian, they also prepared a small Powerpoint presentation about one of the chapters in the book.

Seeing that this year's theme is A Picture and a Thousand Words, Mr Zahra placed special emphasis on the illustration of his books, which he does himself.  He brought with him some samples of work he'd done and explained the various intricacies that such work entails.

At the end of his talk Mr Zahra was kind enough to sign books (and t-shirts sporting a logo in Maltese) for the students.

The younger students of the Junior Sector where on the other hand treated to story-telling sessions courtesy of Rita Antoinette Borg and Mikiel, the lovable mascot of Agenda Kids Club.  The children were enthralled during the whole time and absorbed every single word.  They simply loved looking at the big books and participating in the story as it unfolded.  And after each session, they simply had to go and hug Mikiel and Ms Borg!

Gnomes in the Garden

One morning, Jake wakes up and looks out of the window. He sees that his two gnomes in the garden are trashed. He wonders why but can't get an answer.

In the middle of the night, Jake wakes to the sound of a disturbing noise. He creeps out of bed and goes into the garden with his flashlight. He goes behind a bush, and in front of the bush he sees the two gnomes fighting. Jake is terrified. The gnomes are alive! So that's why they were trashed to bits. Then Jake jumps out and shines his flashlight on the gnomes. At once, they freeze and turn back into statues.

The following night Jake is ready for them. When the sun is down and the moon is up, Jake prepares himself behind the same bush. Then he hears them. The gnomes start fighting, as usual. Jake counts to three and jumpsout of the bush. But this time the gnomes are quick and run into the bushes. But Jake follows them. He crushes through the bushes and catches up with them.

Suddenly, Jake stops. In front of him is a porthole. The gnomes are on the other side, ready to jump in. Jake tries to shine the flashlight on them, but they have already gone through the porthole. Jake closes his eyes and does the same.

He falls to the ground and gets up. He looks around and realises that he is right outside his house in the garden. Then Jake quickly turns around expecting to see the gnomes. But instead he sees two statues. They are his parents. How can this be? Is this another world? He hears noise coming from the house. And then he understands. He has jumped into a porthole that transported him into another world. A place where everything is switched around. His parents are the gnomes frozen outside in the garden, and inside the house are the two gnomes alive.

Jake knew what he has to do. He opens the front door and waves at the gnomes. And they see him. Then Jake runs into the garden and waits. The two gnomes run out and stop, rooted to the spot. They are frozen. They have turned back into statues.

Jake knows this was happening because this world is the other way round and his parents are frozen in dark not sunlight, like the gnomes. So the live gnomes that are in the house will get frozen in the dark. Then Jake starts feeling stiff. He can't move his legs. He is turning to stone! Into a statue!

Julian - Grade 7.3

WINNER of WORLD BOOK WEEK 2008 Short Story Competition

Good Deeds Bounce Back

One bright sunny morning in July, a man named Alan McGregor was walking on the beach. The sun shone in his face as he walked across the golden beach. As he was staring out at a calm, blue sea he spotted two bobs of gold paddling their way across the waves. As they came closer, Alan saw that they were two dogs. He jumped into the sea and rescued them. When he brought them back, he saw that they had name tags. He returned them to their owners and to say thank you, the owners gave Alan one of their puppies. He named the puppy Pink.

Alan went everywhere with Pink and they soon became the greatest of friends. Alan felt secure when Pink was with him. In the afternoons, Alan took Pink to the beach with him and used to meditate. Alan felt even more secure beacuse cars could not drive through to the beach. That afternoon, a car drove through the beach without noticing the signs. Since Alan was meditating he could not see or hear the car coming. Only Pink noticed the car coming their way. Pink barked, but Alan was still lost in his meditating.

Pink put herself directly in the way of the car. Just as Alan became aware of what was going on, the man in the car saw Pink and dodged her. This further strenghtened Alan and Pink's friendship. This just proves that since Alan saved the dogs and brought them back to their home, Pink, the daughter of the dogs saved Alan's life. It proves that every good deed that we do bounces back at us.

Matthew - Grade 7.3

RUNNER-UP WORLD BOOK WEEK Short Story Competition

The Day Everything Disappeared

One day there was a lovely blue bird in an oak tree, there was a flock of sheep running in a meadow. There were pretty pink buterflies flying in the air.

The following day there was a magician at a boys' birthday party. The magician wanted to make a ball disappear but the trick went horribly wrong because he was so so rushed by the children, that he made everything disappear.

The children in the party disappeared, the blue bird disappeared, even the oak tree disappeared, the sheep stopped running and disappeared, the pretty pink butterflies disappeared, every living creature, every country, state, continent and planet disappeared, the whole world disappeared. Everything in the universe disappeared. So there was nothing else to disappear, not even a pretty pink butterfly.

Max - Grade 7.1

RUNNER-UP WORLD BOOK WEEK 2008 Short Story Competition

Me and My Books

I am sometimes teased,
and not very pleased
because I read books
which don't improve my looks.

I just can't help it,
I'll go and sit
take a book,
and give it a good look.

Time flies when I'm reading a book,
so I don't bother to give the clock a look
when we go back to class
I wonder how the time passed so fast.

On Book Day,
some children try to stay away
when books are such fun
especially if you have more than one.

In the end it was their loss,
I showed them who is boss;
with books I am always on top
that's why I will never stop.

Dawn - Grade 6.1

WINNER of WORLD BOOK WEEK 2008 Poetry Competition.

The Wizard's Story

Once, there was a wizard,
who swallowed a lizard
and got caught in a blizzard.

His name was Fay,
he was born in May,
and, they say,
was born in a barnyard of hay.

He lives in a number of flats,
his neighbours have rats
and lots of bats.

He flew to the moon
on his broom
while holding a spoon.

Later, he went to Pluto,
and found a creature called Muto,
which was half hog and half dog.

Then, he coughed the lizard,
so more bad luck for the Wizard!!

If you look at the sky,
you will see someone saying bye,
on a star so far,
on the Milky Way;
if you look closely,
that is Fay.

Bettina - Grade 6.1

RUNNER-UP for WORLD BOOK DAY 2008 Poetry Competition.

My Dream

Last night I had a dream,
of dolphins in the sea.
Strange creatures in their team
all waiting for their tea.
Shining diamonds in the sky
and aliens flying by
all waving me goodbye.
Hope I'll see them again next time.

Andrew - Grade 6.4

RUNNER-UP for WORLD BOOK DAY 2008 Poetry Competition.

In The Name Of Science

As dawn crawls quietly across the morning sky

The hounds pretend to sleep; silent they lie.

They know that when the door will let in rays of light

The one that will be taken won’t live another night.

When sudden brightness comes and overwhelms the room,

It brings with it the shadow of one unlucky hound’s doom.

They choose at random; any animal will do.

The one that is chosen has eyes of brightest blue.

Men take him to a place where surfaces gleam bright.

The hound struggles and thrashes with all his might.

Then he feels the needle; it’s way too sharp and cold

And he’s engulfed in blackness, far too vast and bold.

And those who’ll finish like him yowl in despair,

Because their grief and sadness is too much to bear.

Their howls cleave the silence, but the world pays no heed.

For people only care about what people need.

Over the hound which for the sake of science died,

No soul, no person, no one has ever cried.

Giulia 9.3

World Book Week

Last week was World Book and Copyright Day. The 23rd of April was chosen to celebrate books and reading for a very specific purpose. William Shakespeare, the most famous playwright ever, was born on this day. He became famous for his absorbing plots and superb command of the English language. Therefore it seemed quite fitting that his birthday would be chosen to make people more aware of the wonderful world of books.

San Anton School decided to go a step further and instead of devoting just one day to this event, a week full of activities was planned. All the school was involved, from the very young ones in the Junior Sector to the oldest students in Senior Sector. A number of guest authors also visited the school... but let's go through the whole event day-by-day.

On Monday, Mikiel, the popular children's mascot of Agenda Kids Club, together with story-teller Rita Antoinette Borg, visited the Junior Sector. Children and teachers were thrilled at the sight of the big friendly giant dog and his companion. After much cheering and clapping, Ms Borg then proceeded to read a story to the children.

As this was going on, the Grade 5 were busy with their Class Atlas. This consisted of a worksheet wherein each class had to put down the topographical details of their classroon. Width, height, number of chairs, doors and windows, subjects they study - EVERYTHING. By the end of the activity they had a fact sheet of their classroom.

Next was the Grade 7s turn. They were treated to a very interesting talk by Joe Attard about the goings about of publishing a research book. Mr Attard is one of the local authorities about Maltese flora and fauna and his talk proved to be a stimulating experience.

The Grade 7s were busy the following day as well. They had a Short Story Competition. The librarian visited each class and expalined the rules of the competition, after which the students had an entire lesson in which to write their own, original story. The best one of the Grade shall win a prize.

Local children's illustrator Marisa Attard visited the school and did a workshop with the Grade 5s. This proved to be a huge success as the children were awed at Ms Attard's dexterity with her pen and were very keen to try their own illustrations. The library was transformed into a hullaballoo of activity as children posed, sketched and giggled at each other's drawings.

On this day, the Write-A-Story activity kicked off as well. This is activity consisted of a big book with the beginning of a story. Starting from Grade 0.1, the book is going through all the classes in the Junior Sector, and each class has to read the story so far, add its bit, and pass it on to the next class. Thus, in the end, there will be a story written by the entire Junior Sector.

On Wednesday, Trevor Zahra visited the school. He is undoubtedly the most prolific of children's authors and well-loved by readers of all ages. It was quite an honour to have him over to speak to the Grade 9s. The latter, in collaboration with the librarian and the Maltese Department, prepared a surprise for Mr Zahra. A number of students stayed after school hours and filmed a trailer for Fuklar Qadim u Bnadar Imcarrta, the book they are presently doing in class. Mr Zahra was extremely pleased with this and congratulated everyone involved on doing a great job.

Later on the Grade 6s had a Story-Telling Session with Ms Vicki, the Head of San Anton School. She chose a beautiful and challenging story written by Malorie Blackman that dealt with bullying. The children were absorbed in the story throughout the entire session and one could tell that they were paying attention to every single word.

During break there was a book sale. This proved to be an enormous hit. The stand was literally stormed by children, eager to buy a book. The selection, supplied to us by Merlin Library, was superb and therefore there was something for everyone. There were many students who left the stall with a satisfied grin and a book clutched in their hands. (A big thank you goes to all the members of staff who volunteered to help during this activity.)

Thursday kicked off with the Grade 6s Poetry Competition. Once again, the librarian popped over to each class and explained the rules. The students had one lesson in which to write their original poem., which was then collected by the class teacher. The best one of the lot shall be awarded a prize.

As this was going on, Ms Vicki was conducting a workshop for parents. She used her own experience both as a mother and as an educator to share strategies on how to get children enamoured with books and reading. The parents found this extremely helpful and their enthusiasm was obvious during the group exercise at the end of the session.

A couple of hours later, Ms Vicki was once again on the centre stage as she read a story to the Grade 11s. She chose a supernatural story by Ray Bradbury. It was a very intense experience and there were a couple of students who actually jumped during some moments of the story. So kudos to Mr Bradbury as a writer and Ms Anastasi as a story-teller.

On the last day of World Book Week, the school in general and the Grade 10s in particular were given a very special treat. Merlin Library chose San Anton School to launch a week-long tour by authors Simon Bartolo and Lorrane Vella, whose book Wied Wirdien hit the bookshops that very day. It was a very special moment as their previous book, Sqaq l-Infern, had sold over a thousand copies in a couple of days. Also, a television crew came over to film the event. It was a special moment that was enjoyed by everyone around.

Next came Spot the Dog. The latter is a very popular and much beloved character amongst the younger students of the Junior Sector. Merlin Library had kindly supplied the school with a number of Spot the Dog beanies, together with a certificate of adoption, and therefore, the librarian, together with Ms Maria Pia Galea, the Head of Administration, went round the Grade 0 and Grade 1 classes to give a Spot the Dog to each class. He will be the class mascot and whenever they read a story, they can use him to animate his adventures.

Last but not least on the agenda, were the Grade 4s. Each class came to the library and they did a session about bookmarks. The librarian explained what a bookmark is and how to use it and then proceeded to give each student an empty bookmark. They had to draw on it pictures about their favourite books. Not only this, but Merlin Library supplied the school with a number of freebie books, and therefore each child went home with a book and a bookmark.

Besides the above activities, there were other sessions being held throughout the school. The French and Italian departments had book review and book author projects going on, which are at the moment being displayed in the library. The English and Maltese departments, on the other hand, had short stories and fairy tales which are also beng displayed in the library.

It was an eventful week packed with activities and it was clear that the children were enjoying every single bit of it. Reading and story-telling is an enjoyable experience that stimulates and excites one's imagination. Nurturing the latter is as important as having food on the table. Imagination is an essential tool towards the intellectual and emotional development of any individual.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicles will soon be released in the local cinemas. This is a fantastic adventure based on the series of books by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. The film tells the story of Simon and his brother Jared who, together with their sister Mallory and their mum, go to live in the secluded mansion owned by their great great uncle Arthur Spiderwick. There is some seriously creepy stuff going on and everyone seems to be blaming Jared. However, when he and his brother and sister start to investigate the strange occurences, a sinister explanation is unraveled...

To go on the Official Movie website CLICK HERE.
To go on Holly Black's site CLICK HERE.
To go on Tony DiTerlizzi's site CLICK HERE.
To go to the Spiderwick site CLICK HERE.

And here is the Trailer:

New Titles in the Library!

My Brother's Famous Bottom Gets Pinched!

by Jeremy Strong

'Now then, where's my fabulous bottom?' 'It's behind you,' said Dad. 'Where else could it be?'

Nicholas's brother's bottom is so famous it's going on tour. The TV people are taking the family on the road - but somebody has to look after the goat! And when the Bumper Dumper tour bus is kidnapped by giant babies it's up to Nicholas to save the day - can he get there in time?

To go to Jeremy Strong's site CLICK HERE.

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Spiderman 3 : The Movie Novel
by Jasmine Jones

Everything's going great for Peter Parker - and Spiderman - until some mysterious black goo oozes into his life. It forms into a new black suit that leads Peter down a dark path of pride and revenge... and into the clutches of fearful villains Sandman and Venom. Will everyone's favourite hero ever be the same?

To go to Spiderman 3's site CLICK HERE.

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The Tide Knot
by Helen Dunmore

I can't go back in the house. I'm restless, pricking all over. The wind hits me like slaps from huge invisible hands. But it's not the wind that worries me. It's something else, beyond the storm...

Sapphire and her brother Conor can't forget their adventures in Ingo, the mysterious world beneath the sea. They long to see their Mer friends once more. But a crisis is brewing far below the ocean's surface, where Saldowr, the wisest of the Mer, guards the Tide Knot. And soon both Sapphire and Conor will be drawn into Ingo's troubled waters...

To go to Helen Dunmore's site CLICK HERE.

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Steven Gerrard : My Story
by Steven Gerrard

Have you ever wanted to be a football hero? To play for your favourite team, or even England?

This is Steven Gerrard's story - from kick-arounds woth his friends on the street outside his house to becoming captain of Liverpool and a vitally important player in the England team.

Did you know that when he was nine, just after he'd started training at Liverpool, Gerrard had an accident that nearly ended his career before it had even started?

Find out what it feels like to win the FA Cup, to walk up the tunnel at Wembley with the crowd going crazy and to score for England in Steven Gerrard's exciting autobiography!

To go to Steven Gerrard's site CLICK HERE.

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101 Fantastic Things To Do With Your Computer
by Tony & Liz Wheeler

Jam-packed with jokes and other activities, this book helpsyou get the most from your computer. Easy-to-follow instructions mean the book and CD-Rom work together, to help you have all the kinds of digital fun.


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The above information was copied from the blurbs of the respective titles.

Parents' Day Bookstand

The Junior Sector had Parents' Day on Friday the 15th and, as usual, the Librarian put up a bookstand. The latter has by now become a familiar beacon amidst the steady current of mummies and daddies who eagerly rush to confer with their child's teacher. On their way back, most parents cannot resist taking a peek at the numerous titles on display and, hooray hooray, purchasing a book or two.

The Librarian gets the said books from a supplier (a different one for each Parents' Day) who would offer to pay a commission to the school for every book sold. These would then go towards purchasing more resources for the library. Therefore the students get a double treat: a book to read at home and more books to read from school.

Last Friday sales went extremely well. In all, the school made around €180 profit, which is one of the highest ever in the venerable history of Parents' Day bookstands. An enormous thank you goes to Maria Pia and Agnes who helped tremendously throughout!

Ħrejjef

Il-klassi tal-Malti tal-Grade 8 ingħatalhom proġett li fih kellhom jagħżlu żewġt iħrejjef li jridu huma u jamalgamawhom flimkien. Għalhekk inkitbu stejjer fejn Sindirella u Pinokkjo ltaqgħu; fejn is-Sbejħa Rieqda u l-Qattus biż-Żarbun kellhom avventura; fejn Ġaħan u t-Tlett Iqżieqeż daħlu f’bawxata nobis; u ħafna u ħafna oħrajn.

Ix-xogħlijiet ta’ l-istudenti, apparti l-immaġinazzjoni fertilissima, għandhom preżentazzjoni mill-aqwa. Imżewqa b’bosta kuluri, disinji, stampi u rimiżolji oħra, fihom verament daqqa t’għajn sabiħa hekk kif tidħol fil-librerija.

Prosit tassew Grade 8!!

Innocent - Book Review

Since I really like to read and it's one of my favourite hobbies, I'd like to write about a book which I really enjoyed.

Last month I read a book called Innocent written by Anne Cassidy. This book is really interesting. I had never read any books by Anne Cassidy before so I didn't really know what this book was about exactly. However I decided to read it because my classmate had suggested it. Before she gave it to me, she told me a bit about it, and I got really interested.

This book is about a family - a brother (Brad), a sister (Charlie) and their dad but there wasn't a mum. Their dad was trying to take care of them both. But one day the police came to their house and they took Brad to the police station. They were asking him questions about a crash that happened but he didn't know anything about it. Charlie was trying to help him but he didn't want and so she knew that he was innocent. She also knew who was the guy to blame - it was her brother's best friend, Denny, with whom she used to go out.

If you've never read the book, I suggest you do!

Thank you!

Emilia

A Note Of Madness - Book Review

A Note Of Madness tells the story of Flynn, a talented young pianist who is reading for a degree at the Royal College of Music. One of his lecturers recommends him for a prestigious concert, which for Flynn would be the opportunity of a lifetime. He is eventually chosen but this means that there are hectic weeks ahead of him. Together with his mentor, Flynn opts for Rachmaninoff's 3rd concerto, one of the most difficult pieces ever written for piano. Therefore he has to cope with strenuous rehearsals, besides his coursework.

At first he is doing just fine, but before long, pressure starts mounting and Flynn finds it increasingly difficult to manage. He becomes hyperactive, moving from one thing to the next without ever pausing. These manic moments are intercut by episodes of extreme depression where he starts feeling that he is not good enough and will not be able to play properly. Flynn's mood swings drive Harry, his flatmate, nuts, and even his friend Jennah starts worrying about Flynn's lifestyle.

Tabitha Suzuma's book deals with manic depression. This is a condition where a person would be feeling on top of the world one moment, and very depressed the other. It is a good book that despite being derivative, tackles the issue of mental health in a very sensitive and humane manner. Recommended for readers 14+

The Mysterious Dog

There is a dark alley close to our house. It is haunted by our dog.

Last year Emerald died. Emerald was our pet dog. We called him Emerald because of his emerald-like eyes. When he died we buried him in the garden and put a tombstone reading R.I.P. Emerald did not rest in peace - he came back in peace!!!

This time his dark black fur had disappeared but it had turned bright emerald green!!! I was shocked. My eyeballs felt like popping right out of their sockets with amazement!! But even though he was a ghost I still played fetch with him.

My neighbours were left with their mouths open. I do not blame them. Have you ever seen a boy with a ghost dog?

After two weeks he disappeared. We could not find him anywhere. Then I thought of the alley we used to walk through when he was alive. When I went there he jumped on me and licked my face.

I started visiting Emerald every day. You must know the saying 'A dog is a man's best friend'!!!

Gabriel

My Tear Drop

My tear drop
Is going down my face
Down my cheeks
And past my lips

My tear drop
Is going down memory lane
When I first heard your name
When we first fell in love

My tear drop
Is on the tip of my chin
About to tumble
About to die

My tear drop is fallin
I'm calling your name
I'm losing everything about you
Even your smiling face

My tear drop has died
It crashed to the ground
Scattered into a million crystals
As I frown

I guess it will never be
Just you and me
You are lost
My tear drop is gone

Tamsin

BMXcitement

I love doing tricks and combos on my custom-made BMX. I spend a lot of time practicing the barspin, and I wish I could do the tailwhip or a 360. I like Mike Spinner a lot because he is awesome on a bike and he manages to do incredible stunts.

My favourite trick is the frontflip tailwhip which was only landed twice last August, by the second best biker Scotty Cranmer. He is considered to be a machine because he can do practically anything and he is merely 21 years old. He is definitely my favourite rider cause he amazes me so much at what he does.

The worst fall I've seen was a crash on a double backflip on the trails. The biker who crashed was Stephen Murray, a sensational dirt rider who is truly a guy to watch.

The best trick I've learnt until now was a 180 fakie. The worst fall I've ever had was trying out a new gap. The trick I want to learn at the moment is a 360.

Andrew

Dark Angels and the Emperor

Dark Angels are like any other Space Marines. They fight for the Emperor against chaos. Chaos are twisted marines who are being controlled by the Evil Emperor. There was once an epic fight between the Emperor and his son (who is in fact the Evil Emperor) and it was told that hundreds of thousands of years ago the Emperor's son walked away from the palace and got lost in the Forbidden Land. And after a while chaos corrupted his mind and when he went back to the palace the Evil Emperor and his father had a fight and the Evil Emperor the Emperor's heart and slashed down to the hip. (That's where two hearts come in handy.)

Dylan

Literacy Programme Presentation

Yet another activity in the library. This time round, Ms Carmen Muscat delivered a talk about San Anton's Junior literacy programme, what it involves and how it is implemented by the staff. The presentation was intended for Grade 1 parents, of which there was a very encouraging turnout. Judging by their response and feedback after the session, the exercise was a success.

ACTS

Members of ACTS visited the school and spent a very interesting hour and a half with the Grade 12 students. There was music, videos, games and, most importantly, much to think about.

A considerable chunk of the session was taken by the video presentation, which was powerful and to the point. ACTS tackled issues that are part and parcel of every adolescent's life but which, due to rampant media exploitation, might easily be misunderstood. Self-worth, peer pressure, drug abuse, intimacy, one's perception of his/her body image - these are topics that constantly challenge us and it is of utmost importance to have the right attitude to deal with them.

The overall message was staggeringly simple: when confronted with choice, one must apply a spiritual context to it, otherwise it becomes empty and meaningless.

Welcome Back!!!

New look, new year and new stuff going on!

The blog, as you must have noticed, has changed look. The various colourful shapes that characterised the previous layout have now made way for a more relaxing blue. Relaxing, but no less fun. The blog will still house rambunctious ramblings about events happening in the library. The first of which was...

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... the Grade 8s meeting.

Activities in the library started earlier than usual as the newly promoted students of Grade 8 were rounded up for an orientation day. This took place one day before the rest of the students commenced the scholastic year. The idea behind this orientation day was to familiarise the students with the Senior School grounds prior to the hullaballo that obviously accompanies the beginning of the year.

The students were gathered in the library where they were addressed by Ms Vicki, the Head of School, and Mr Joe, the Assistant Head for the Senior Sector. Eventually they were assigned to their respective class and accompanied on a tour of the premises by the class teacher.

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As for the other stuff... you just keep on watching this space!!

A Way To Freedom

To be liberated
To be emancipated
To get away
To find a way

To be freed
We're all in need
Of freedom some day
We'll find a way

To be free to leave
Not one of us is a thief
We will not stay
We'll find a way

This dream we've got
We will not let it rot
Come what may
We will find a way

To be let out
And be able to shout
"We're free today!"
We will find a way

Marco

Blessing

Splashing, slopping, lashing, swishing, sweeping,
gushing, whistling, crashing, bashing;
the watery depths - swallowing,
and the angels - weeping.

Continuously, for months, the water plumes,
indulging in its gleaming wet world.
The day is cold as the night, and just as dark and dreary
and the lightning curls, flickers piercing,
and the wind and rain are never weary.

On and on, this deluge seems to be without refrain
the land drunk, lifeless and cold in the February rain,
and the gale beats a rhythm upon the window panes
and viciously rips the catkins off the poplar trees
as an entire nation waits for the sun...

Yes, there is such a longing that blossoms for the mellow breeze!
Trapped inside, all day children huddle in corners, praying
and peering woefully at the storm outside:

The storm which twists and coils and clutches at the shrieking panes
and brings seas of wan white mist to enfold the land,
swirling slowly as they feign a tender embrace...

The same storm which leaves the few, pitiful vultures,
those too feeble to fly away,
harping mournfully as they look upon the drunken land
and see reflections of only desruction in the rippling puddles,
puddles like a looking glass,
where everything seems upside down as the black clouds overhead pass...

Aye, 'tis the self same storm which savages and ravages the helpless trees
and brings the sick leaves reeling down in throngs
pained shreds of the tattered, tumbling skies that,
like a dream,
seem to be falling into the skyline...

The Lord Thunder roars a solo in clashes of angry voices
and the Lady Wind shrieks back a chorus -
treble, tenor and bass.
It is a wild call, wailing heart-break in its song
as the stage, once thriving, turns desolate.

Then comes a queer, silent hushing...
The chill wind becomes languid as though in pain,
and the silver, liquid drops slow to a whispering lullaby.

Frantically they search for someone to hear their story,
their first and last secret before they hit the ground -
like precious pearls that, from heaven, fall amid squalor -
Listen. Listen Hear their tales of fleeing clouds, storm-bruised and frightened...

Disbelieving, a crowd seems to magically appear,
heads upturned as all ages surge out over the saturated fields.
Kneeling in the sodden loam, arms raised to the sky,
the beaten people hail the first, glorious sunbeams, mouths open,
tasting heaven on the little rainbows that peek shyly from the clear, blue sky.

Hillary

My Shadow

The black shadows came over me
They controlled my mind and soul
My body is being covered by the shadow
Whilst the light of the angels die out
Hell is winning
And heaven is losing
Let my life turn into hell
And bring me darkness
My loving heart
Lost in the dark
Hoping to see the light again
God backs out and turns away
My hatred is too powerful and strong
Satan tries to win me over
But he is killed by me
The universe goes black
I am lost in eternal darkness
Walking alone
There is no speck of light
Just a black dark shadow with no feelings
Behind my back
Haunting me forever...

Tamsin

Down a hole

Down,
Down,
Down,
into the Dark,
into obscurity.
I can't see,
I can't touch,
I can't hear,
I'm gone...
I'm Down...
I'm away...
The wind lashes
my face like a whip.
The wall compresses me...
I can't breathe
I'm plunging deeper, and
I feel as though I'm on
a rollercoaster
Will it stop?
Will it end?
One wild Rollercoaster!

Raquel