3 Minutes Silence

Yesterday our class joined in a nation wide (New Zealand) initiative to remember all the children who have been abused. The recent death of a little girl from child abuse prompted the country to have a silent protest about child abuse. At 12 minutes past 12, we stopped what we were doing and joined others in silent thought. Why 12? Because, on average, 12 children a year die from child abuse.

Here are some of our thoughts:
"I feel very sad that people can do these things to little children."
"It makes me so angry - these little kids can't look after themselves."
"It makes me want to cry."

Miss Dillon, our principal, read us this poem

A People Place

If this is not a place where tears are understood,
Where do I go to cry?
If this is not a place where my spirits can take wing,
Where do I go to fly?
If this is not a place where my questions can be asked,
Where do I go to seek?
If this is not a place where my feelings are heard,
Where do I go to speak?
If this is not a place where you'll accept me as I am,
Where can I go to be?
If this is not a place where I can try to learn and grow,
Where can I just be me?

William J Crocker