By Tamara McMahon
This term, Stage 3 students have jumped into the world of literature and creativity through their study of Colin Thiele's beloved book, "Storm Boy." As part of their English curriculum, students were tasked with an engaging at-home project to create a representation of either a pelican or a humpy, inspired by the themes, characters and narrative story telling.
On Thursday, 3 April, the hall at Grenfell Public School buzzed with excitement as students showcased their impressive creations to the entire school community. Classes from all grades gathered to view the wonderful pelicans and humpies, each crafted with care and creativity.
Students had the opportunity to present their work, explaining their artistic choices and the stories behind their projects, while their peers and teachers asked thoughtful questions.
The event also welcomed parents, who were thrilled to see their children's hard work on display. This interactive showcase not only highlighted the students' talents but also fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating their engagement with "Storm Boy" in a truly memorable way
Among the impressive creations was Logan Glasheen's remarkable pelican. Logan meticulously gathered materials to bring his vision to life. He expressed that his favourite moment in "Storm Boy" was when the main character discovered Mr. Percival, the pelican, showcasing the joy of newfound friendship.
However, the story's emotional depth struck a chord with him, especially during the heart-wrenching scene of Mr. Percival's death.
Georgina Nowlan embraced a hands-on approach by using paper mâché and chicken wire to craft her pelican, reinforcing it with duct tape for stability before adding a vibrant coat of paint.
Ethan Browne took an innovative route by transforming a milk bottle and a styrofoam container wrapped in tape into his pelican, demonstrating resourcefulness and creativity.
Meanwhile, Josh Cartman opted to build a humpy, explaining, “My humpy is constructed of both natural and recyclable materials. It has several layers making it strong. It has a door and windows opening to allow airflow. It also has a chimney allowing smoke to exit the humpy, therefore it can stay warm in the cold.”
His thoughtful design highlights his ingenuity.
Tristan Douglass created a stunning 3D pelican sculpture using thick cardboard boxes, placing it proudly on a stump that juts out of the water. The art piece captures the essence of the story, with a tail of a fish visible in the rippling water, inviting viewers to imagine the world of "Storm Boy."
Payten D'ombrain also constructed a humpy, describing it as, “A small house usually made from timber and iron sheet found on or near the beaches of Australia.”
Payten's humpy features a timber verandah, iron sheeting, timber walls, and an indoor fireplace, making it a cosy retreat by the shore. Notably, she soaked paddle pop sticks overnight in coffee to achieve an authentic old wood colour, showcasing her attention to detail.
The creativity displayed by these students not only reflects their understanding of the book but also highlights the importance of engaging with literature in a hands-on way.
As they continue to explore and express their interpretations, these projects serve as a testament to the imaginative spirit of Stage 3.
In a delightful surprise, Mrs Joyce and Mrs Forde brightened the day for Stage 3 students by presenting them with a specially crafted "Storm Boy" cake during morning tea. The cake featured intricate fondant pelicans.
The students also enjoyed a charming humpy made entirely of chocolate biscuits, bringing a sweet touch to their literary celebration. This thoughtful gesture not only rewarded the students for their hard work on their projects but also reinforced the sense of community and joy that comes from sharing their love for literature. The delicious treat was a fitting tribute to their exploration of "Storm Boy," leaving everyone with smiles and a deeper connection to the story.
A Narrative About My Humpy
By Henry Dawes
Here stands a rusty old iron house that I have named ‘Henry’s Outback Shack’. Let me tell you a story about how it withstood its first big storm.
I, Henry, built this outback shack 10 years ago. It had never seen a drop of rain until this day. The day started like any other day – dry and hot. I was out looking for wood because the winter was coming up soon.
Suddenly, I felt a drop of water on my head. I looked up and saw dark, grey clouds. I rushed straight to my humpy to get it ready.
First, I put all the wood I had collected away. Because outback storms come with a lot of strong wind, I had to put everything on the verandah away. Next, I locked the windows and doors. It started pouring huge drops of rain and the wind got stronger.
It was happening – my Humpy’s first storm! I hoped my humpy didn’t blow away.
As I hid inside, the storm sounded very loud. It made all the iron sheets flap and bang around. I felt scared. It felt like it lasted forever but really, it was only 20 minutes.
After the storm, I went and checked if my humpy was damaged. Surprisingly, it wasn’t damaged. My outback humpy survived its first storm and my tank was loaded with water!