! Written for the children The Laser/ by the children Edition 2011

The Laser/Easter Edition 2011

The Real Meaning of Easter by: Poppy Trevithick, Yr2/ Gabri- family and friends to share a Sunday and that is why a lot el Cadogan,Yr3/ Sydney Lai, Yr4 meal and eat chocolate. of people believe that East- er‟s name should be changed

to distance it from its pagan There is a real meaning to Easter is always on a Sunday naming. Easter that many Christians regardless of the fact that believe to be the most im- it has a moveable date which portant event on the Chris- varies from year to year be- Pagan traditions give us the tian calendar. Customs, such cause it is based on the lunar English word "Easter" which as the Easter bunny and calendar. It is celebrated on comes from the word Easter egg hunts, have be- the first Sunday after the "Eostre". The Anglo-Saxon come part of the holiday's full moon (also the first day word for April was "Eostre- modern celebrations and are of Spring), on or after March monath" (the month of open- often observed by Christians 21st. ings). However, it should be and non-Christians alike; so remembered that Christians even if you‟re not Christian celebrated the resurrection you may still want to know a The name Easter originally of Christ long before the bit more about this festival came from Esostre who was word "Easter" was used, and and how people celebrate it the Anglo-Saxon goddess the word they used for the and what it‟s all about. Read worshipped in Spring. It is celebration was "Pascha", on to find out more. thought that this goddess which is derived from and saved a bird whose wings linked to the Jewish festival were frozen by turning it in- of Passover. At Easter time Christians to a magic hare that could remember the last week of lay eggs cementing her sta- Jesus' life also known as the tus as the goddess of new According to Bede, the Eng- 'Holy Week'. It signals the life and fertility. lish monastic historian, the end of , the traditional English word Easter comes time of fasting in the Chris- from the Anglo-Saxon name tian calendar, and starts with Eostre is not connected in for the month of April, which Palm Sunday, going through any way to the religious story was known as "Eostremonath" Maundy Thursday, Good Fri- of the resurrection celebrat- in the Anglo-Saxon tongue day and ending in Easter ed by Christians on Easter and since Pascha was most Sunday when we gather with

Continued on page 2 The real meaning of Easter cont’d

Cont’d from page 1

often celebrated in Eostre- Good Friday on Good Friday. Many go to Church monath, the English Chris- on that day to give thanks to God Good Friday commemorates the tians began calling it day that Jesus Christ was killed for saving Jesus. Church bells are "Easter". on the cross. Good Friday is a sad rung and flowers are hung in cele- day when churches do not deco- bration. Families get together to Palm Sunday rate with flowers and there is a celebrate and children enjoy East- Palm Sunday commemorates sombre meditative mood. Some er hunts, coloured Easter eggs and Christ‟s arrival Christians believe that on Good chocolate bunnies. in Jerusalem. In Friday after Jesus Christ was the bible it is executed his body was taken The origins of Easter said that when down from the cross, and buried traditions Jesus entered in a cave. The tomb was guarded Jerusalem on and an enormous stone was put The Easter Bunny his donkey, over the entrance, so that no-one the crowds could steal the body. laid palm branches at his On the following Sunday, some feet. So these days in many churches, during Palm Sunday women visited the grave and services, large palm branches found that the stone had been are carried in processions in moved and the tomb was empty. remembrance of that day. Jesus himself was seen that day, and for days afterwards by many Maundy Thursday people. His followers realised This is the Thursday before that God had raised Jesus from Good Friday. It commemo- the dead. rates the last supper that This bunny is sometimes Jesus had with his disciples. known as the Spring Bunny in Derived from the Latin word Easter Sunday the US. It is believed to bring “mandatum”, meaning baskets filled with coloured "commandment," Maundy re- This is a happy day for Christians eggs, candy and toys to chil- fers to the commands Jesus because they be- dren the night before Easter. gave his disciples at the Last The eggs are usually hidden lieve that it is the Supper: to love with humility around the garden for the day that Jesus rose by serving one another and to children to find the next day remember his sacrifice. from the dead af- when they wake up. Rabbits ter being crucified are also a reminder of Spring

Continued on page 3

Page 2 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 The real meaning of Easter cont’d

Cont’d from page 2 and new life. Buns marked with a cross ciples (Judas is therefore were eaten by the Saxons left out). during their spring celebra- Easter Eggs tions - it's believed that the Why not try our Simnel bun represented the moon and recipe this Easter? The recipe the cross the moon's quar- can be found in our RECIPES ters. Christians continued the section. tradition but to them the cross symbolises Jesus' cruci- fixion. Good to Know !!!  Simnel Cake In Greece, lamb is the traditional food at Easter. In Poland, they eat sau- sages and poppy seed cake; the poppy seeds are Eggs have always been a sign a symbol of new life. of fertility in history.  The first eggs to be given as The celebration of the gifts in the UK were hen, duck Jewish festival of Passo- or goose eggs. Later they ver, which commemorates were replaced by artificial This cake is eaten at Easter the exodus of the Jews eggs. Chocolate eggs only ap- and particularly on Mothering from captivity in Egypt, peared in the late 1800s. Sunday which falls on the has been intertwined with fourth Sunday of Lent. It is Easter from the begin- The tradition of colouring believed that in the past girls ning and the Hebrew Easter eggs dates back to the working as domestic help were word „Pesach‟, originally Middle ages when people given the day off to visit meaning Passover, came would paint the eggs differ- their mothers. They would to mean Easter as well. ent bright colours to symbol- usually take a simnel cake ize the start of the Spring  In Poland, Easter Monday back with them as a present. season. is known as “Wet Mon- This cake is particularly asso- day”. This is because of Hot Cross Buns ciated with the practice of going to and is traditionally a fruit people‟s homes and the cake with two layers of al- boys would throw water mond paste, its top is deco- on the girls that they rated with 11 balls fancied. to symbolise the faithful dis-

Page 3 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 The real meaning of Easter cont’d

Cont’d from page 3

What is the Royal Maundy Service? O n

Maundy Thursday in England the custom of serving senior citizens (one man and one woman washing feet by the Monarch was carried out until for each year of the sovereign's age), usually cho- 1689 in commemoration of the time Jesus washed sen for having done service to their community. the feet of his disciples during the last supper. Up They receive ceremonial red and white purses until then the King or Queen would give food and which contain coins made especially for the occa- clothing and even wash the feet of the poor on sion. The white purse contains one coin for each Maundy Thursday in Westminster Abbey. The year of the monarch's reign. The red purse con- last monarch to do so was James II. tains money in place of other gifts that used to be In Britain today, the sovereign takes part in the given to the poor. Ceremony of the Royal Maundy. This ceremony This year The Maundy Service will take place at involves the distribution of Maundy money to de- Westminster Abbey on 21 April, 2011.

How to paint your times through the smaller hole, so that most of Easter egg the contents come out. - Put the egg in a container containing a mixture of water and some vinegar - let the egg become The tradition of painting eggs and using them half full of water. as decorations or gifts is not common in the UK - Shake the egg gently and blow it again, until as it is in some other European countries or in the shell is empty. the United States, but it is becoming increas- - Clean the shell by leaving it for a while in a ingly popular in recent years. If the egg is to be mixture of water and vinegar (about 3 times as used as a decoration the contents need to be much water as vinegar). removed from the shell. - Leave the egg to dry overnight. The process is as follows: - Once it is dry, decorate the shell with paint or dye.

- Place a thread through - Put the egg into an empty egg container and the smaller hole and out hold it firmly in place with one hand. the other end. - hold a needle in your other hand and use it to - Hang the egg, either make small holes at the top and bottom, one end from one end of the larger than the other. thread (by tying a knot) - Use a long needle to mix together the yolk and or by pinning both ends the egg-white. of the thread. - Place the egg over a bowl and blow several

Page 4 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 The real meaning of Easter cont’d

Take our Easter quiz by: Zita Akande, Yr2/ McLeod, Yr2

Test your knowledge with our quiz and see how much you know about Easter. Why don‟t you ask the questions to each member of your family and see who gets the most correct. The an- swers are at the bottom of the page. Good luck!!

1. Where is the Easter story in the Bible? 2. Why does the date of Easter change from year to year? 3. What is the name given to the period of fasting before Easter? 4. Easter is the end of Lent. How long does Lent last (not including the Sundays)? 5. Who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver? 6. Which sport takes place at the White House each year on Easter day? 7. Which type of cake is usually made on Easter day? 8. Can you guess how many eggs were sold in the UK in 2007. Was it 70 million, 80 mil- lion, or 100 million? 9. Where did the legend of the Easter bunny originate? 10. Easter Island is a special territory of which country? 11. Where was the Last Supper held? 12. The Easter Rising was a rebellion staged in Ireland in Easter Week of which year? 13. What food is made on Shrove Tuesday? 14. What is the flower of Easter? 15. What is “Pysanka”?

Answers 1. Mark Chapters 14 to 16, or Luke Chapters 22 to 24 and in the gospels of Matthew and John/ 2. Because it is based on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon, on or after March 21st / 3. Lent / 4. 40 days / 5. Judas Iscariot / 6. Egg rolling / 7. Simnel cake / 8. 80 million / 9. Germany / 10. Chile / 11. Jerusalem / 12. 1916 / 13. / 14. Lily / 15. The act of painting eggs.

Page 5 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 School News

Meridian Primary performs for charity by Miriam Kenedy, Yr3 & Lulu Pennicott-Banks, Yr3 Illustrations by Miriam Kenedy

―A concert is a good way of her inspiration for the songs bringing lots of people together from olds books she’d had for and also to raise money for years or from music websites. charity,‖ explained Elaine Pen- Asked what she thought of the nicott-Banks, one of the concert concert she said she was ―very organizers who is already think- pleased‖ and wished there was ing of plans for next year’s con- more time and energy to do lots cert that will see children from more. Meridian’s Guitar Club joining in.

Elizabeth Taylor (no relation to the late movie star – we think) who played a huge part organ- izing the school choir and who boasts a love of all music rang- In February Meridian Primary ing from Stravinsky to Red Hot School held its 2011 Charity Chilli Peppers, to name a few, Concert in which the school attributes her love of music to managed to raise over £600. her days when, as a child, she The donations were split be- was part of the Scottish Junior The concert this year saw a big tween two charities; Water Aid Singers choir. Although lead by collaborative effort not only on and Save the Children. an ―excellent but intimidating the part of the organizers and Agnes Duncan‖ she received performers but also from par- lots of singing and performing ents and carers who showed up Many people took part in the skills. She now boasts one of in abundance to support the concert that offered music, the best singing voices at the event. One such was parent singing, poetry and dance. It school. and well-renowned cartoonist was a fun evening with lots of Jeremy Banx who provided the cake to go round donated by illustration for the concert pro- parents from across the school gramme and posters advertis- served in the Bottom Hall to the ing the event in the local com- delight of all. munity.

This is the second time that a Teaching Assistant, Sharon charity concert takes place at Crawford also stepped in to of- the school, the first having been fer her help in many areas one for raising funds after the Haiti of which was her computer disaster back in 2009. Organized skills. by former headteacher Dave Suttle and parents David and Rianka Kenedy and Elaine Pennicott-Banx, Elizabeth also organized the ―I put my computer skills to the concert has gone from school choir that performed at strength to strength. the concert and says she got Continued on page 5

Page 6 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Meridian Primary performs for charity cont’d

good use and I pro- duced the programme for the night using Banx’s cartoon, infor- mation about the charities we were rais- ing the money for and of course, the list of all the performers and what they did on the night. There was a lot of information to squeeze this year, with some last minute changes, but I just about managed it.‖

There were many magical moments on the night, some quite emotional, but all in all it was a very lovely night that managed to seal the sense of community at the school and we can’t wait for next year’s show.

Water Aid works in 26 countries across Africa, Asia and the pacific region and transforms lives by improv- ing access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. Save the Children works in more than 120 countries, saving children’s lives, fighting for their rights and help- ing them fulfil their potential. ―I did play the clarinet at school for a short time. It was great to see so many children and adults playing at the concert. As they were so inspiring, perhaps one day I will have a go.‖ — Sharon Crawford on whether she played any musical instrument.

―I played around with the idea of someone asking for money and came up with the trumpet idea. But first I had to beat my head against the desk a few times.‖ — Cartoonist Jeremy Banx on how he came up with the idea for the charity’s poster.

Page 7 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 School News Monster invasion on Red Nose Day by Yousef Bouran, Yr3 & Krisha Beyka, Yr5

were prizes to be had at as- and that it made sembly that day, the teach- choosing a favourite very ers sadly didn‟t win any be- very hard. We made over cause the prizes were just £500. for the children. All day we learnt about Red The costumes on the day were Nose Day and about when it AMAZING; from monster post started and how the money boxes to robots and from creepy raised by everyone on that brides to clowns and a shark, day goes to building schools everyone seemed to have put in a for children and even makes lot of work and thought into people in care homes happier. Red Nose Day was cele- their costumes. So even though How great is that! brated in style at Meridian prizes were given to the Primary School on Friday best costumes everyone still 18th March with a proper looked great. And then of invasion of pupils dressed up course there were two as monsters showing up to teachers who stood out: Comic Relief attend school that Friday Mark & Christine who were morning. The theme for Red in a category all on their Nose Day this year was mon- Comic Relief is a British own. Talking to many chil- charity organization that sters and monsters there dren at the school most was founded in the UK in were all around the school. 1985. It raises money all agreed that if there had year round not just on Red

been prizes for the teachers Nose Day. “I was scared to come to as- that day they would have sembly this afternoon with definitely won. Comic Relief is the name of the amount of monsters the charity; Red Nose Day around the school today,” is the name of the events on There was a cake sale on the said Headteacher Jo Graham the day to raise money for day and we all donated £1 Comic Relief. The first Red at assembly that afternoon. each because we know how Nose Day was on February th important a day like today is 5 ,1988. Nearly everyone at the because the money we raise school joined in to dress up transforms lives across the Every two years, thousands for the day and that includ- UK and Africa. What a treat of people do something fun- ny for money. They do it at ed the teachers who only to have a cake (or two) dur- home, at work, in schools saw it fit not to miss out on ing school though. There was and, well, just about every- the occasion. Although there such a big selection of where.

Page 8 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Monster invasion cont’d

Red Nose Day 2011

Page 9 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Interviews Q & A with acting Headteacher Jo

erate, keep hands, feet and objects to yourself, follow instructions (given by all adults), walk silently around school, and finally take care of everyone and everything in our school.

Charlotte: What other things are you going to do for the kids here? Jo: Listen to people and always do what is in the best interest of the children.

Charlotte: When did you first arrive to Meridian Meridian Primary School has role and I am also very Primary School? just appointed Jo Graham as its proud of the position. Jo: I have been at Meridian new Headteacher. Parents and children alike are thrilled at the Primary School for close to Miriam: Was it a shock news as most of them have eleven years now, since when you were told the known Jo for many years September 2000. I came to news? now. The Laser got togeth- from Sheffield er with Jo for a quick chat Jo: Not a shock at all but I to take on the post of dep- and uncovered a few things thought that it was exciting uty head teacher at this you may not have known and I was extremely school. about Meridian Primary‟s pleased. new Headteacher. Miriam: Are you going to James: What new rules change anything in the will you introduce into the school? Kate: How does it feel to new school? Jo: I am going to keep all be the new Headteacher Jo: I think we already have that is good in this school of Meridian Primary very good five rules around and aim to build on these School? the school which are very good things and make them Jo: It feels very exciting useful and important to all even better. My goal is to to be taking on this new of us; Be polite and consid- make Meridian Primary

Page 10 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Interviews cont’d

School an outstanding very good at cross country Miriam: What is your favourite school in the area. running. Then as I grew older I food and do you cook? was into horse riding. Unfor- Jo: I love Thai food be- tunately these days I am Kate: What inspired you cause I enjoy spicy dishes. too busy to do any sport at to go into teaching and My partner does all the all but I do enjoy watching what is your favourite cooking because he is an ex- the horse races on TV. subject? cellent cook whereas I am very good at doing the laundry. Jo: I have always wanted to be a teacher, ever since Miriam: How do you spend working with the Halifax your free time? James: What do you like Building Society, because I Jo: I spend all my free time about Greenwich? really love children. My fa- with my family. The kids and Jo: I like the river vourite subject would have I go to Greenwich Park or [Thames], love Greenwich to be Art and English. we take the London train to Park and the museums and visit a museum or an art gal- old buildings. I enjoy the lery. Zita: What is your favourite restaurants and shops in book? the area very much. But most of all what I love in Jo: I have hundreds of Charlotte: What is your Greenwich is Meridian Pri- books at home for me and favourite colour? mary School. the children. When I read a Jo: I love pink because I book I always have to keep think it is a cheerful colour. it and when I move house If I could I would paint my Kate: What is your favourite they are the first things whole house pink. But I also animal? that I unpack. As a child I like to wear blue. Jo: I have always loved loved Enid Blyton and the dragons. Famous Five. As I grew old- Zita: Do you like jokes? er I enjoyed Fantasy books. My favourite book of all Jo: Yes I like good jokes by: James Thorogood,Yr2 though has to be To Kill a but I never seem to remem- Charlotte McLeod, Yr2 Mocking Bird because it really ber them and always falter Kate Chollet, Yr2 makes you think. with the punch line. So real- Paarth Maheshwari, Yr2 ly I like hearing them but Zita Akande, Yr2

not telling them. Miriam Kenedy, Yr3 James: What sport do you

like? On the day of the interview Kate: What is your favourite Jo: I was very sporty at Paarth was not there because ice-cream? he was ill and away from school and was very good at school but he did take part in the long jump because I had Jo: Strawberry. preparing the questions. very long legs. I was also

Page 11 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Interviews The Laser masthead gets a make-over

TL: Did you enjoy creating the recipes I make a really mean by: logo and did it take you a long lamb curry. Rosie Delap Yr3/ Yousef time to finish? Bouran, Yr3/ Katelyn Lai, Vic: I enjoyed working on it TL: What is your favourite place in very much and though it took a Yr2/ Krisha Beyka, Yr2/ Kai Greenwich? couple of hours, I was very Ring, Yr4 satisfied with the finished Vic: I like Café Rouge and Piz- work. za Express and my children Siddy (Yr3) and her brother Bill Vic Haidar, graphic designer, par- enjoy eating there too. ent of Siddy, Yr3, and the brains TL: Why do you like living in behind The Laser’s new logo Greenwich? TL: What is your favourite colour? popped in to have a chat with Vic: I like living here because it members of The Laser Newspaper is a very friendly community Vic: Turquoise Club. He discussed the idea be- very similar to where I grew hind the newspaper’s new logo up. I also enjoy Greenwich and what elements were used to TL: What’s your favourite music/ Park and walking by the river song? come up with the finished design. Thames. Vic also gave a live demonstration Vic: I like all sorts of music and and talked about graphic design as my favourite song has to be a profession and how big publish- TL: How long have you been It’s a Perfect Day by Lou ing companies apply graphic de- working with computers? Reed. sign to produce their publications. It Vic: It has been 20 years. was a very enlightening and useful afternoon. We were also able to TL: What do you think of the de- slip in a few other questions unre- TL: What is your favourite sign of the London Olympics 2012 lated to the logo, read on to find out food/recipe? logo? more… Vic: I always enjoy a good Vic: I don’t like the logo much BBQ but I also like Spanish because it is far from modern and is not dynamic. The Laser: How did you come up and Indian cuisine. In terms of with the design for The Laser’s masthead? Vic: I tried to keep it simple and to think of the three ele- ments I wanted to include in the design; Your newspaper’s title [The Laser], the laser beam [the inspiration behind the name of your newspaper] and finally the Royal Observa- tory [the source of the laser beam]. I put all those together using design and balance then I drew the illustration and chose the font.

Page 12 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Creative Corner Short Story

The Pegasus

Early one morning I took a stroll to the park. The gates were closed but I climbed over them and walked towards the lake. As soon as I was there, something strange began to happen. There was a statue coming to life. It rose out of the water, its body glistening in the sunlight. It had a silver mane, a tail that glittered and flapping wings that beat hard against the wind. What was it? I looked at the thing carefully studying it closely. Its blue eyes gazed at me giving me the feeling I was being X-rayed. Why wasn‟t it flying away? Suddenly, I noticed its legs. They were chained to a log with heavy bolts that I couldn‟t undo even when I tried. Luckily, I had a spanner on me because I was going to the mechanics‟ shop later on. The bolts finally off, the Pegasus was free. I watched joyfully as the Pegasus galloped around trying to get used to the feel of its legs again. As I was hoping it would stay, it gave a sudden flap of its wings that saw it soar into the sky. I watched it go wishing that it could have stayed instead. Head hung low, I trumped slowly back towards the mechanic‟s shop. Suddenly the Pegasus was in front of me. I clambered onto its back and we went soaring high up into the sky. We went up higher and higher until suddenly I didn‟t know where I was. The next thing I know I‟m fast asleep on the flying Pegasus. Where are we going? Who knows? The End

by Miriam Kenedy, Yr3

Easter Jokes

What did the rabbit say to the carrot? Nice gnawing you! What do you get if you pour hot water down a rabbit‟s hole? Hot cross bunnies! What kinds of books do rabbits like? One‟s that have hoppy endings! by George Edwards, Yr3

Page 13 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Out & About Things to do this Easter break

Come rain or shine, there‟s loads to do during listen to what your adult says. the Easter holidays as James Thorogood (Reception) and Kate Chollet (Yr2) are find- Eat Out ing out. We love to eat out during the holidays and es-

pecially when we get to have a treat from time Greenwich to time which is so much You could go on a fun. We recommend donkey or horse McDonald‟s or Chinese but ride up near the there are other choices Blackheath gates too. of Greenwich Park or you could do Mudchute Farm boating at Greenwich Park. Of course you can always take a picnic with you and make a day Did you know that if you live in Greenwich, it is out of it. Don‟t forget that you can take your so easy getting to Mudchute Farm just by us- ball, scooter or even your bike and that way ing the Greenwich Foot tunnel? They have you‟ll have fun and get in some exercise too loads of animals to look at and pet and you can which is really good for you. run around in the park by. But please do not feed the animals as the people who take care them say it can harm them and may even kill Blackheath them. They have to stick to their own special Every year at this time food. the Circus and funfair come to visit town. They A train ride are up on the heath in Blackheath which is really Why not hop onto a train to London and go see close to Greenwich Park. the , the London Aquarium or There are loads of great the horse guards parade at Buckingham Palace? rides and cotton candy. Who knows, you might get to see the Queen if The heath is also a great she‟s passing by on that day. place to fly a kite but make sure you take an At home adult with you to help because it could get tricky. If you are riding your bike there make Why not have a lie-in? It is the Easter holi- sure you wear a helmet and be very careful days and no need to rush to school. You can when you cross the road. Look both ways and always ask your parents if you can play games

Page 14 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Out & About cont’d

on the computer or if they‟ll let you watch You can go there for free and they have a lot of some TV. You could make some crafts togeth- activities for children. We love going round er or bake a cake or even read your favourite and seeing all the huge boats on display. May- book again. You could always ask mum or dad be you can even spend some of your pocket to arrange for you to have some friends over money at the gift shop (if your mum and dad or maybe even have a sleepover. So much fun agree). and cake is guaranteed. Read a book or watch a movie Visit the Museum Check out The Laser‟s reviews section for in- Right next to our spiration. school, only a few minutes‟ walk away Whatever you decide to do we hope you is the National have a lot of fun and see you after the Maritime Museum. break.

Wooden Spoon Puppet—Bunny

You will need: Wooden spoon Pink paint Pale and bright pink craft foam Pink pompom Wiggle eyes Glue Pink heart or circle sticker Pink pen

Instructions: 1. Paint the wooden spoon pink and leave to dry. 2. Cut two ears from craft foam. Cut two inner ears from a contrasting shade of pink foam and glue these to the centre of the ears. Glue the ears to the top of the spoon. 3. Glue a pink pompom to the handle for his tail. 4. Stick the pink sticker on to the back of the spoon for a nose and stick on the two wiggle eyes. 5. Finish off by drawing on some whiskers with pink pen.

Page 15 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Reviews

Movies with Charlie

Russell Brand, the comedian, is the cause they need mothers person who did the bunny's voice. to raise their children. Milo Your mum will really like it chases the space ship and gets At the Cinema too, because James taken away himself. He Marsden is in it. (He's then makes friends with a from Enchanted and 27 human space pirate who helps him to get his mum Hop Dresses. 27 Dresses is a film that your mum will back. have seen). This film is really enjoya- ble to watch and it is fun- ny.

Mars Needs Moms An Easter Special

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Opens Friday 1st April. If you're looking for a film to see over the Easter Holidays, how about 'Hop'? Hop is about a funny rabbit who is able to poo jelly beans. He doesn't want to be the Easter Bunny. Mars Needs Moms is all If you like Alvin and the about a boy called Milo. Chipmunks, you'll like this film because it's directed He has a row with his mum, by the person who directed and a bit later his mum is This is an old film made in Alvin and the Chipmunks. taken away by aliens be- 1988, so you can get it

Page 16 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Reviews

from the DVD shop. For those under 6, you should Have you watched a Roger Rabbit is a really silly not watch it because there is good movie lately? Why bunny and is framed for a a lot of violence in it. not let us know at The murder. He then meets a de- Laser and we can tell tective and the detective others all about it. tries to help him get the po- Promise! lice to believe that he didn't By Charlie Thorogood, Yr 2 commit the murder. It's really clever because of Wii Game Review the way Robert Zemeckis (the director) combined cartoons Super Smash Bros Brawl with real live people. By George Edwards, Yr 3 On DVD Super Smash Bros. Brawl offers masses of charac- ters, levels and game modes The Chronicles of to explore, the music is fantastic Narnia: The Voyage of and the gameplay is great.

Among the new characters in the game are Meta Knight, the sword-wielding nemesis of Kirby; Pit, the angelic archer from Kid Ica- rus; Zero Suit Samus, the powerful Metroid series heroine minus her versatile armour and Wario,

One secret cheat for the game is to win ten brawl matches to win Marth.

This is the next instalment This game is amazing but of course, you can't really go in the Narnia series. The wrong with Nintendo games. I rate it 5 stars. children go back to Narnia where they go on a voyage on the Dawn Treader.

Page 17 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Reviews: Books

The Longest Whale Song filling in countless Wool- worths‟ exercise books as she by Jacqueline Wilson grew up. As a teenager she reviewed by Rosie Delap, Yr3 started work for a magazine publishing company and then imaginative and it tells you went on to work as a journalist what life is like when your on Jackie magazine (which she mum is away and your original was told was named after dad broke up with your mum. her!) before turning to writing When your step-dad isn‟t very novels full-time. One of kind to you it can‟t be very Jacqueline‟s most successful nice at all. and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in I hope you enjoy this book as The Story of Tracy Beaker. much as I did. Jacqueline‟s books are loved and cherished by young read- Jacqueline Wilson ers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total stands at over Ella is feeling painfully alone. 25 million! Her mum is in a coma not mov- ing, her best friend has gone In 2002 Jacqueline was off with someone else. Can awarded the OBE for services things possibly get any worse? to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children‟s Laureate. In 2008 Ella‟s baby brother is getting she became Dame Jacqueline most of the attention and is Wilson. keeping her and her step-dad up until 10 o‟clock. Then she gets put into after-school club with horrible Martha and they get into a fight. Martha rips up Ella‟s whale project. But Jacqueline Wilson was born in what will happen to Ella‟s Bath in 1945, but spent most mum? of her childhood in Kingston- on-Thames. She always wanted

to be a writer and wrote her I liked this book because it is first „novel‟ when she was nine, Check out www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk

Page 18 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Scrumptious ½ Tsp. vanilla essence from the oven and let the cake cool in the tin be- by George Edwards 55g (2oz) sultanas fore you take it out. Method 10. Carefully take it out of 1. Preheat the oven to 190 C/ the tin and when it is cold Gas 5 add an orange icing. 2. Lightly grease a square tin

(18cm/7in). To make orange icing 3. Line the base of the tin. 100 g 4. In a bowl mix the butter and sugar together until 2 tsp. grated orange rind light and fluffy. 2 cups icing sugar sifted 5. Beat in the eggs. 1-2 tbsp. fresh orange juice Ingredients 6. Add and fold in the , Yellow & red food colouring 140g (5oz) butter or margarine baking powder, orange drops for orange hue (optional). 140g (5oz) soft brown sugar zest and juice, grated car- rot, vanilla and sultanas. 2 large eggs Cream the butter until light and 7. Scoop the mixture into 225g (8oz) self-raising flour fluffy. Add the orange rind and the tin. mix through. Beat in the icing 2 tsp. baking powder 8. Bake in the oven for 45-50 sugar gradually. Add the orange 1 orange minutes until golden brown. juice. Finally, add the colouring 175g (6oz) grated carrot 9. When it‟s ready, remove if desired.

Quick shortbread 2 teaspoons vanilla extract fluffy. Stir in vanilla; add flour and mix well. by Katelyn Lai, Yr2 500g plain flour

Makes 12 Method Roll out to 1cm thickness and cut out desired shaped with bis- Ingredients Preheat oven to 180 C / gas cuit cutters. Bake for 10-12 500g butter, softened mark 4 minutes 200g caster sugar Cream butter and sugar until

Page 19 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Easter’s marvellous Simnel cake by Sydney Lai, Yr4

2 tsp. ground ginger half the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. To serve  Take one third of the marzi- 450g/1lb golden marzipan pan and roll into a circle the 3 tbsp. apricot jam same size as the cake tin, 1 egg, beaten place the circle on top of the cake mixture. Spoon the re-

maining mixture on top of To decorate the marzipan and level the Ingredients Flowers such as primroses, narcissi or surface. 175g/6oz light Muscavado sugar violets  Bake for about one and 175g/6oz butter, softened Egg white three-quarter to two hours 175g/6oz self-raising flour Caster sugar or until golden brown and firm in the middle. If toward 3 large eggs the end of cooking time the 25g/1oz ground almonds Preparation cake is getting too brown, 2 tbsp. milk  Pr e- heat oven to loosely cover with a piece of 100g/4oz sultanas 160C/320F/Gas 3 foil. Allow the cake to cool in 100g/4oz cherries, quartered,  Grease and line the base the tin before turning onto a washed and dried and sides of an 20cm/8in cooling rack. 100g/4oz dried apricots, snipped deep, round cake tin with  When the cake is cool. Brush into small pieces baking parchment. the top with a little warmed apricot jam. Roll out half the 100g/4oz stem ginger, finely  Measure all the cake ingre- remaining marzipan to the chopped dients into a large mixing bowl and beat well until size of the cake and sit it on 1 tsp. mixed spice thoroughly blended. Place the top. Crimp the edges of

Page 20 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Simnel cake cont’d Garlic chilli chicken with cardamom rice

the marzipan and make a lat- 1 onion peeled & finely chopped 1/2 tsp. chilli powder tice pattern in the centre of 3 green chillies, finely chopped 4 chicken thighs, cut into the marzipan using a sharp 4 garlic cloves chunks knife. Make 11 even sized 4cm piece ginger, finely grated 80g bag spinach, roughly balls from the remaining chopped marzipan and arrange around Sunflower oil Butter or oil the edge. 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 4 cardamom pods, squashed  Brush with beaten egg and 1/4 tsp. turmeric glaze under a hot grill for 1 teacup Basmati rice about five minutes, turning the cake round so it browns Cook the onion, chillies, garlic and ginger for 5 minutes in 2 evenly, so the marzipan is tbsp oil. Add the spices and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tinged brown all over. You can chicken pieces, season and cook for 5-7 minutes until they also do this with a blow torch start to colour a little. Add the tomatoes and a splash of if you happen to have one water. Bring to a simmer, then cover for 20 minutes. Add lying around the house. the spinach and cook for another 10 minutes.  To crystallize the flowers, lightly whisk the egg white in Meanwhile, heat a large knob a bowl then carefully brush of butter or 1 tbsp. oil in a over the flower petals. pan with a lid. Add the car- damom pods and cook for 2  Sprinkle over caster sugar so minutes, tip in the rice, add the sugar sticks to the egg a large pinch of salt and white. Leave to harden in a cook for another minute. warm place, such as a shelf Add 2 teacups of water us- above a radiator until dry and ing the same cup to measure. firm. Bring to the boil, turn down  Carefully remove from the to a gentle simmer and put rack and arrange in the cen- on the lid. Cook for 15 minutes until all the water is ab- tre of the cake. sorbed. Fluff up the rice and serve with the curry.

Page 21 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011

21st May—20th April 21st April—21st May 22nd May—21st June 22nd June—23rd July

Greek God of War Chocolate may not be your You‟re a great friend be- You‟re a fun–loving, chocolate- you‟ve a strong charac- favourite thing but that‟s cause around you there‟s loving, Easter-loving person. You ter and you like to have not the only way to get in never a dull moment. But like to live life to the extreme and your own way; so why to the Easter spirit. How being the centre of atten- to be the centre of attention so not let somebody else about you go egg-rolling tion isn‟t everything so how about taking life more seri- have theirs this with your friends? pipe down and give your- ously (only a bit!) and giving some- Easter? self some time to relax. one else the spotlight?

23rd July—22nd Aug 23rd Aug—21st Sept 22nd Sept—22nd Oct 23rd Oct—21st Nov

You are very popular at the You adore animals especially You love science and have just You‟re a born leader and you al- moment and people really those with stripes. Do you like had a great idea but try not to ways know what‟s best for your enjoy your company. You bunnies? Why don‟t you bore people to death about it group but people often find you are fashionable and cool but find out about the real over Easter break. And for a bossy; so why not rest on your some are jealous so make meaning of Easter? You change try to share your laurels this Easter and let some- sure you include every body. may find it interesting. Easter chocolates. one else take charge?

22nd Nov—21st Dec 22nd Dec—20th Jan 21st Jan—19th Feb 20th Feb—20th Mar You are very fashion con- You are bouncy, friendly You are creative, fun You love animals so very much and scious and you adore shoes. and fun and you are a and love to draw. Why that is why you are thinking of But style isn‟t everything so great friend although you not colour in one of the becoming a vegetarian. That may why not stop thinking about like to switch around peo- many designs in The not be everyone‟s thing but it could the way you look and think ple to play with. Why not Laser newspaper? It be just the thing for you. about more important try to include everyone will be fun. things instead? this Easter? Written by Bea Delap, Yr5

Page 22 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 I enjoy things that some children at I’m really worried about my end of my school find uncool. I’m not sure year test. What if I don’t do well? what to do. Help!

Let me give you the best advice I was given So much time and energy are lost when I had the same problem. Here it is. worrying over things that have hap- Ready? “Who cares what anyone else thinks, pened or might happen in the fu- it‟s what you think that matters!” ture. The difference is that you can never change the past but you can always work on making the future the best it can Let‟s be honest, “cool” and “uncool” would mean noth- be. ing if the people around didn‟t reinforce its meaning. I understand it can be hard not to care about what oth- ers think and say sometimes but always remember it In other words, instead of worrying your- is always better to be yourself and to hang out with self sick, concentrate on your work, put in the real friends who respect you and what you do and the time to learn and remember what you who do not care about labelling people. These friends need to do to pass those tests. Give it your will stand by you and support you in whatever you best shot so that you won‟t regret it in the choose to take up in life and will guide you and offer future and I am sure that your hard work you positive advice. will be rewarded.

It could also be time to change those so-called If you feel you are struggling with the work friends who think you are uncool and hang out with or there is something you do not under- more positive people. And remember to never change stand you can always ask for help from who you are and what you think just to please other teachers at school or from family members. people. Stay true to yourself and you‟ll be just fine. I am sure they will all be more than happy to help you . Lastly, maybe it would do to explain to some who you care about and want their friendship It is only normal that you be a little nerv- more about the activities you do. Maybe if they ous before exams but if you are well- understood more about it they could join in and prepared then on the day of the test, take share in your hobbies and interests. Sometimes a deep breath, concentrate and you‟ll find all it takes is for us to take the time to explain that you know the answers and your nerves things to others. You would be surprised how will calm down. people are ready to accept things once they learn more about them. I am sure you‟ll do just great.

Page 23 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Easter bonanza wordsearch

Page 24 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Maze The Easter egg needs to roll on home in time for Easter Sunday. Can you help show it the way? by Yousef Bouran, Yr3

Page 25 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 www.ActivityVillage.co.uk

www.ActivityVillage.co.uk

Page 26 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Easter Colouring Have a go colouring in these great designs drawn by some of the The Laser team members. They’re great for a rainy day or to give as presents to family and friends. Have fun!

By Sophie Edwards, Yr1 By James Thorogood, Reception

Paarth Maheshwari, Yr2

Page 27 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Easter Colouring cont’d

Kate Chollet, Yr2

Sophie Edwards, Yr1

James Thorogood, Reception James Thorogood, Reception

Page 28 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 Comic Strip

By Lulu Pennicott-Banks, Yr3

Page 29 The Laser/Easter Edition 2011 SPORT Champion wrestler ‘Edge’: a profile

By Kai Ring, Yr4

 He was trained by Ron Hutchinson and Sweet Daddy Siki.  His billed height is 6ft 5in.  He has won 31 championships in WWE including 11 world champion- ships.  He has five ring names: Adam Copeland, Adam Impact, Conquista- dor Uno, Damon Striker, Edge and Sexton Hardcastle.  His debut was on July 1st 1992  He has a signature called „Inverted boot‟ and his finisher is called „the spear‟.  Copeland has appeared in the 2000 fantasy film „Highlander: Endgame‟ and made guest appearances on tele-  Adam Joseph Copeland, also known vision shows, including The Weakest as „Edge‟ is a wrestler and actor. Link, Deal or No Deal, and MADtv.   He was born on October 30, 1973 in He is currently World Heavyweight Canada. Champion on WWE.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this newspaper We’re on the web! possible and we look forward to producing many more issues. www.meridian.greenwich.sch.uk Special thanks go to Rianka Kenedy & Ellen Edwards for their help and support at Thursday‟s Newspaper Club. Another special thanks goes to Vic Haidar for all his sup- Meridian Primary School, Old port with the mastheads and some of the graphics in Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NY this issue.