Achievement Highlights

The Waitakere Libraries Art Competition invited illustrations based on the Picture Book Finalists in the NZ Post Book Awards.

There were 3 age categories, and Acorn Academy won places in all three.

Here are the results of the competition:

5 -7 years	Third Place	Mitchell Adams
8-10 years	First Place	Caitlin Turnbull
	Second Place	Perry Wilton
11+ years	First Place	Loi Fuimaono
	Second Place	Arielle Wakelin
	Third Place	Marc Pritchard

Yes, Acorn Academy’s Junior Book Quiz team scored a decisive win at the Final of the Great NZ Book Quiz on Saturday. Our team competed against teams from Flanshaw, Green Bay, Kaurilands, Titirangi and Woodlands Park schools, and Acorn Academy won every round, finishing with final score of 45 out of 50, 8.5 points ahead of the second-placegetter.

Contestants were quizzed on New Zealand children’s literature, including picture books, fiction and non-fiction.

Our team comprised Caitlin Turnbull, Kirsten Turnbull and Perry Wilton, with Jack Streat as reserve. Perry made a very capable team leader and all team members co-operated very commendably to achieve a real team effort.

All of the four children involved received a bag of prizes, and the school also received a generous allocation of Whitcoulls vouchers to help up build up our already impressive collection of books here.

Our next ‘book quiz’ challenge will be on Wednesday, 8 June, when four of our intermediate pupils will take part in the Kids’ Lit Quiz at the Auckland Town Hall (12.30 – 3.30pm).

Photo of proud winners

Pictured, from left to right, the proud winners: Kirsten Turnbull, Jack Streat, Perry Wilton, Caitlin Turnbull.

In the Waitakere Libraries Limerick Competition, two current and one past pupil of Acorn Academy, were successful with their submissions.

In the Children’s Category, Samantha Knight won the third prize, with Perry Wilton being highly commended. And in the Adult’s Category, former pupil Christopher Penk was also highly commended.

Their limericks are shown below. If you would like to read the limericks of the other contestants, please see All Limerick Results from Waitakere Libraries

CHILDREN

3rd Prize - Samantha Knight

I went to the Waitakere fair

There was candy floss everywhere

It tasted very sweet

But some fell on my feet

And I also got some in my hair

CHILDREN

Highly Commended - Perry Max Wilton

There was a young man from the west

Who was sent on a difficult quest

to save all the trees

he did so with ease

The green-fingered man from the west

ADULTS

Highly Commended - Christopher Penk

Everyone from Alice to Zachary

Would swear til they’re blue and blackery

That great growths of greenery

(if you know what I meanery)

Wind wonderfully within Waitakere

Congratulations to you all.

Terence Penk, one of the foundation pupils of Acorn Academy when it began in 1996, is really starting to make his mark in musical circles.

Terence is principally a pianist, though he also plays several other musical instruments, including the oboe and piano accordion. For many years he has played in music groups of all kinds, from full orchestra to jazz quartet and duos.

He has given concerts and played for shows of all types, and he is also an experienced Musical Director.

Terence has impeccable examination credentials, with a Distinction Pass in Grade 8 piano (Trinity College) and an Honours Pass in Practical Diploma in piano (NZ Modern School of Music). He is also an accompanist for other performers, including the current choir of Acorn Academy.

Recently he has added a CD of piano classics to his list of achievements.

This 17-track CD features ragtime to classical - with everything in between! One of the many high achievers who attended Acorn Academy, Terence is a credit to his former school.

Front of CD Cover

Click here to view the flier for further details on featured songs and price and ordering details.