A Journey Through Our New City Centre

The first two weeks back at school have been very industrious. We wrote some poems about our experiences on the 22nd of February as they happened at school. By thinking about how we sensed each moment we were able to share ideas and memories that helped us settle back into the classroom and school life. We will include some of these at the end of this post.

First we would like to take you on a short tour of our new central city. We all decided that we wanted to have apartments in the centre so that families could enjoy some of the historical buildings that would have to be saved. Of course the Christchurch Cathedral would be restored and the Art Centre would also stay. There was a decision made to get rid of the grey flagstones that have been a part of the cathedral site for a long time now. We wanted to replace them with lawns and gardens that families, children and visitors could enjoy. The trams that were a part of the central city approximately one hundred years ago would also have to be returned. The city centre would have to be a fun place for children and families. We thought that a bit more colour would help lift the centre as well. We hope you enjoy the movie.





We have included some of our poems for you to read.

Mother Earth’s Shock

I had just finished my lunch
When the bags shuddered in the cloakroom
I felt myself shaking,
first to the left and then to the right
I was holding onto two bars
But realized that they were shaking too.
I could smell something like sewage
All the way to the cracked green field

I waited a long time before I saw my dad walking toward me
He picked me up and we stayed on the field for a while
Trying to cheer other children up.
After that we went home

Our house was such a mess
Broken glass everywhere
Pictures had fallen off shelves
The bookshelf had bumped into the wall
Making a nasty black mark.

I needed to sit on the couch and relax
I sat on the floor
Away from the candles
And watched tele.

Written by Robert



The Day Mother Earth Groaned

As my friend talked to me in the sandpit
The quake hit
Everything shook around me.
I saw people running to the field,
So I did too.
I waited for a parent to come for me
My nana turned up to get me.

After a couple of days I could taste the dust.
After a few more I could smell the sewage
The city would never be the same.

Written by Toby



When the Earthquake Struck

As I was going to start my delicious raspberry yogurt
That was when it happened!
I stood up, trying to keep my balance,
But fell over and hit the ground.

I heard the teachers stumbling out of the office block
They pointed to the field
So I too went stumbling to the field
I felt worried because the last earthquake had been bad
My cat had run away
Right now she could be anywhere

Lydia



Game is Over

As my hands touched the ball
I heard the earthquake
I tried really hard to keep my balance
But I gave up and put my hands down
I curled up.

A duty teacher said to go to the field
We lined up and waited
When mum came to sign me out
I was scared to go to my house
But we were okay.

Written by Bukhosi


Exciting Earthquake

I had taken a bite of my plum
When I saw the cracks opening in the ground
And the Earth rock from side to side.
The smell of sewage made me screw up my nose
I heard some screaming coming from the field
I thought the people were silly screaming.

I saw my Nan running to collect me
To keep me safe.
As we left school, I saw a car upside down.
That was when I knew that things were bad.


Written by Jake.