Children

South Korea

Seoul is the seventh largest city in the world. Courtesy: Google

Officially known as the Republic of Korea, South Korea occupies the Southern regions of the Korean Peninsula. It is encompassed by North Korea in the North, China in the West and Japan in the East. South Korea dominates many contemporary fields like Information Technology, Space Programs, Automobiles and Robotics, which makes it a leading name in the world.

South Korea showcases varied topography. It is mountainous towards the East, with harbours on the mainland and offshore islands towards the Western and Southern sides.

South Korea has the world’s highest estimated national IQ, with leading rankings in mathematics, science, problem solving and reading, as declared by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). South Korea has the most sophisticated IT infrastructure in the world and is world-renowned in information technology.

It is one of the five most popular automobile makers in the world and also earns credit for being the largest shipbuilder in the world.

Courtesy: Google

Another new school year

Dear Children,

Are you enjoying the new school term? I am sure most of you children may have already met new friends and a new class teacher. After the long holidays sometimes children might find it difficult to get up early in the mornings specially with the chill in the air but don’t worry you will get used to it.

School time is considered the best period of one’s life. However, going to school does not mean studying only. It is important to participate in sports and other extra curricular activities like debates, dramas, singing competitions and other cultural activities. This will help the physical and mental growth of a child.

Don’t forget to have a nutritious meal specially for breakfast that will give you children the necessary energy to be active throughout the day. Children should try to avoid taking junk food and soft drinks but eat home cooked meals.

Dear children, don’t forget that you must keep to your New Year resolutions. These resolutions should be simple and practical so that you can achieve them easily and avoid disappointment.

Let me wish you a fantastic year ahead and may all your dreams come true in your studies and extra curricular activities.

Burj Khalifa

Dear children did you see the spectacular opening ceremony of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest man made building in the world which was shown live on all international TV channels? The Burj Khalifa Bin Zayed Tower which cost an estimated US $ 1.5 billion is 2,717 feet high and has more than 160 storeys. Construction work on this skycraper began on September 21, 2004, with the exterior of the structure completed on October 1, 2009 and the building officially opened on January 4, 2010.

The tower is part of a 490 acre complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Bye for now.

Aunt Anji

Striding to the ‘Rock of Wisdom’

- Part 5

By Uncle Sachi and Aunt Ruwi

In ‘Kid’s Den’…

Four children, Pramodaka, Nalaka, Champika and Chinthaka, go on a trip to the woods with their parents for their school holidays. In the middle of the night the children are awakened by a strange noise. On following their dog, Scooby, Chinthaka is snared by the spell of the ‘luring stones’. Pramodaka departs with Ruwi, a pixie, to recall a book of spell to cast off the spell while the others remain behind with Sachi, a gnome. A storm breaks and the kids are scattered.

Meanwhile Sulo, the goblin who is always trying to make trouble for the mythical creatures, comes up with a nasty plan. She rushes off gang up the rest of her pack and reveals an age old secret.

However the group discovers that it is not only Sulo’s secret that is uncovered by the storm. Something dark and deadly had been hidden in the depths of the earth waiting to release itself and return for revenge...

(‘Return of the Kids’ is the sequel to ‘Kid’s Den’)

Within a couple of minutes a pack of brownies, gnomes, pixies and forest animals were making their way towards the ‘Rock of Wisdom’.

“What do you suppose all this fuss is about?”

An old badger named Juddy asked as he grazed at Dudders the hedgehog.

“Only Jay knows what is coming about in here. Some misfits have crept into the woods and are trying to ruin us. Why those days…”

Angela, the chipmunk joined in. She was tired of Dudders and his bickering. If Dudders started unravelling his thoughts on ‘those days’ he would go on for hours.

“I wonder if it had anything to do with the storm…” she muttered.

“Of, course it had got everything to do with it. Have you ever heard of the gale blowing at this time of year? It must be at least five months early this time. Thos days…”

“I bet Gerry knows all about it. Look here he comes…” Sujesh the stag interrupted hastily.

“Yo! Gerry. Why do you think Jay wanted a sudden meeting?” Juddy asked as soon as they were within ear shot.

“Haven’t the foggiest,” Gerry, a rather plump gnome who usually sported a cheery smile replied.

“It must be serious. Jay does not call a meeting for all the leaders often. He prefers to speak to us in groups,” his wife, Annie, a plump gnome wearing a long orange robe pondered.

“Do you suppose HE is invited? Or worse still Pradesh?” Dudders asked suddenly, his face screwed in disgust.

“We will find that out once we get there,” Iza, a tall, slim and handsome gnome appeared at Gerry’s side.

Gerry and Annie looked around suspiciously.

“Where is your boy, Zira? Not sneaking around trying to follow your footsteps I hope.”

“Hopefully not. The last time I looked he was by the river. The little scamp was trying to locate hidden treasure at the bottom of the river,” Iza chuckled.

This brought a smile on everyone’s lips. Only Dudders looked stern and grumpy. “I was just on my way to the ‘Mythicscope’ when I was called off. Dear, dear. I am already late and now this! I will have to work like the wind to get everything settled for tomorrow,” he grumbled.

“Ah, Dudders. Complaining as usual?”

A lean brownie appeared at his elbow followed by an equally tall but much fatter companion.

Dudders eyed the other with some alarm.

Reggie was a genius with a remarkable memory and an equally sharp tongue. The only problem is that he kept on repeating the same thing when he was in an especially chatty mood. Emmie and the brownies were used to the trait but Dudders found it exceptionally annoying.

To be continued

My brother

My brother

My brother is Kemira

Hasinda Hettiarachchi.

He is four months old.

My brother is very cute.

He always smiles.

I love my brother.

Venura Santhush Hettiarachchi

Grade 5A

Ramasingha Vidyalaya

Dalugama, Kelaniya

Beautiful Scenery	Animals
M. A. F. Aksha 5C Sailan International school Negombo	Thurithavi Hasheendra Perera 2G, Musaeus College, Colombo 7
Octopus	Fish
C. Milani Grade 7, Kingston College International, Colombo 15	Thevni Weerasekara Nursury D, Bishop’s College, Colombo 3
Butterfly	Ship
Tathya Dakshini Ranasinghe 2A, Kaburagalle M.V. , Ruggahawila	Udeepa Wijemanne 2E, Royal College, Colombo 7

Colombo Yasodara Balika Vidyalaya students who were successful with ‘A’ passess at the GCE (A/L) examination together with their counterparts who obtained highest marks at the Grade five scholarship examination are seen with their principal Himali Rajakaruna and Deputy Zonal Director of Zonal Education office Jayantha Nanayakkara. Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

‘Swara Ranga’ a cultural show was held at the Isipatana school hall on December 7. Here Year Two students performing ‘Pooja’ dance.