Rev. Sister Marie Cecile who was my music teacher passed away in May 2008.

Very hard indeed to believe that you have gone,
Never to see or be heard again,
But Sister, it isn't a falsehood, that you will stay in my heart,
As a wondrous image blended with the sound of music.

You did scold me many a time, you punished me too.
Yet you remained a great shadow Behind me,

my hopes and aspiration
And my desires and successes.

I feel you're still with me
And will live in my heart forever.
Dear Sister, Teacher, Musician and great Pianist,
I love you!

Alas! Your last day on earth
I realized your greatness, your worth,
And your talents,
Truly Sister, you were so
priceless.

May your music echo and
re-echo within me,
And may you join the band of those great musicians high above,
To sing the praises of the Lord in heaven forevermore!

Dearest Sister you showed me the way through music

Good bye then,
You have gone, I shall follow,
Meeting you somewhere faraway,
Someday beyond the sunset!!!

The rise and fall of the Vikings

By Praveesh Peiris (12 years), St. Joseph's College

Once there were some people called the Vikings. In 1685, they started to make swords and sailed to Europe to fight their enemies, the Red Pirates.

They won the battle and seized farming lands. The Vikings started to improve and handle guns. They won many battles but many were killed by their enemies.

In 1837, the Vikings and another powerful army, the Black Fighters got ready to battle against each other. The Black Fighters had a fortress made of thick rocks. They too had guns but were not as developed as the Vikings.

The Vikings broke the huge door of the Black Fighters' fortress and entered it. The fight went on for six days and finally the Vikings won the battle.

The Vikings got very powerful and large in number. They kidnapped people and asked for large ransoms. They killed people, wrecked ships and stole the riches. They became fierce and more strengthened. The people were scared of the Vikings.

The Vikings fought another battle with one of their old enemies, the Trojans. The battle was won by the Trojans and the Vikings were killed. That was the end of a strong leadership of a feared group.

Royal Botanical Garden

By Faheemul Hasan (Grade 7), Paragahadeniya M.M.V., We-Uda

The Royal Botanical Garden is situated in Peradeniya. It was established in 1821 by Mr. Alexander Moon. It is 147 acres in extent.

There are about 100 indigenous and exotic species of ferns in the Fernery. Many varieties of orchids can be seen in the Orchid House. The Great Lawn and the Java fig tree are the unforgettable features in the garden. Some of the oldest nutmeg trees, planted in 1840 are still in full bearing.

There are over 200 species of palms in the garden. Among them the Double Coconut Palm, brought from the Seychelles is the most remarkable palm. Ferns, Begonias and African Violet etc., are displayed in the plant house.

Over 800 species of Cacti Xerophytic plants can be seen in the Cactus House. Many more species of plants, flowers and spices can be seen here. The Royal Botanical Garden is our national wealth. So let's protect it as well as our eyes.

When Raja became violent

By Nihara Wijeratne (11 years), St. Bridget's Convent

Whenever my grandmother is with us, she tells us various stories. This interesting story is about Raja of the Dalada Maligawa.

This happened in around 1954. One day, a bus was carrying about fifty passengers from Kurunegala to Kandy. When the bus reached the village called Nugawela, the driver noticed that some people were running about and shouting, "Aliya kullappu wela!"

The elephant has gone mad! Using his brains the driver had turned the bus to the Nugawela Aluth Walawwa which is situated at a higher level. He did this to avoid the elephant.

When the elephant saw the bus, it followed. The bus went right up and stopped at the entrance to the walawwa. Upon hearing the noise, my great grandfather, Vincent Nugawela – Ratey Mahaththaya had come out to see.

The passengers who were scared to death had all got of bus and stormed inside the walawwa. My great grand father was bewildered.

Meanwhile the angry elephant had come up to the entrance and climbed up three steps. But, when he saw the picture of "Seewali Hamuduruwo," on the wall, he had trumpeted and gone back.

The elephant had destroyed a lot of coconut and jak trees and after four hours was captured by the people in the village.

"The elephant had got violent because the mahout was drunk and his behaviour had angered the elephant," recalled my grandmother.

A rainy day

By Michelle Huybertsz (14 years), Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya

The earth was hot and the sun was burning. The trees were dying and the birds appeared to be lifeless. Everyone was eagerly looking forward to the monsoon.

It was a surprise that suddenly, the sky was overcast by dark clouds. Soon, with thunder, the rain started. The earth started smelling in a nice manner. Lifeless trees came back to life. The rain washed the buildings and roads.

People, cars and trees looked attractive with their reflections in the water. People with bright umbrellas and raincoats of various colours, created an interesting scene. Birds had started singing and the peacocks were dancing with joy. Everyone was happy to see the rain.

When the rain stopped, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. The rainy day was like a dream.

My school sportsmeet

By Shenal Fernando (10 years), St. Joseph's College

My school sportsmeet was held on February 12, 2009. It started at 12 noon. My friends and I went to our respective houses. There are four houses. They are Marque, Coudert, Bonjean and Melizan. They are named after four bishops in Sri Lanka. I am in Marque house.

The sportsmeet started. It was very exciting. The events in the sportsmeet were Relay, Long Jump, High Jump, Hurdles etc. We cheered until our voices were hoarse. The sportsmeet was jamming away with excitement.

When the Enderamulla branch was performing we went to have some fun. My friends and I went to buy some food from the trucks that were supplying food for us. After that, half-time came and we played some cricket. Our sportsmeet finished at 6 p.m. It was a memorable and a happy day for us.

Myself

By Nithila Logathas (5 years), Alethea International School

My name is Nithil. I am five years old. I have one little sister. Her name is Nivitha. I go to Alethea International School.