2015 Bonjour!
Themes
Light.
hemes
The signature themes for Weetangera Primary School’s 2015 Writing Competition are:
Bonjour! Shelter. Light.
Bonjour.
A French word literally meaning “good day”. Taken from bon meaning “good” and from the Latin word jour
meaning “journey or day”.
Shelter.
“Something that provides cover or protection, as from the weather or danger; place of refuge; or the
protection afforded by such cover, such as a refuge; or, the state of being sheltered”. Examples of the word
shelter as a verb is “to provide with or protect by a shelter”; and, “to take cover, as from the rain; find
refuge”.
Originated in the 1580s, possibly from alteration of Middle English sheltron, sheldtrume meaning “roof or
wall formed by locked shields”, and a “structure affording protection”. Then in the 1580s it came to mean,
“to screen, protect”. From 1955, it evolved to mean, “to take shelter”.
Light.
Originated somewhere before 900 AD. From the Middle English word lihten, and Old English lihtan meaning,
“to make light, relieve of a weight”. And later from the Greek word leukos meaning, “bright, white”. Can
mean “something that makes things visible or affords illumination” (noun); or, “of little weight; not heavy”
(adjective).
Categories are: Years 3-4 and Years 5-6
Short Stories or Poems: 500 words or less
Final copy: Must be typed
Pictures: Illustrations may be included. However, the focus will be solely on the writing.
Open Interpretation: You will choose from one of the signature themes and write either a short story or
poem related to this theme. You may also choose to include one or more of the theme words in your writing.
Process: You will spend time in class writing your draft, ensuring you, your peers and teacher assists you to
edit and revise your work. You will then need to type your final copy.
Due Date: All entries must be in to your classroom teacher by Friday 11 September 2015 (End of Week 8).
Judging: Your writing will be judged based on its creativity, the quality of the writing, and the relevance to
and interpretation of the signature themes.
Junior Showcase: We are also excited to offer Years K-2 an opportunity to write a short story or poem. Those
judged by teachers and their peers to be the best, will be showcased in the library alongside chosen entries
from Years 3-6. So get writing and have fun!
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Approximately 6-8 entries will be chosen from each Unit.
Successful entries will be presented electronically for classes across the whole school, so that every class will have the
opportunity to spend quality time reading and discussing each entry.
1 x winning, runner-up and highly commended entries will be chosen from both Years 3-4 and 5-6.
Final announcement of winners and the presentation of prizes will occur in Term 4, Week 2 during Friday’s Whole School
Assembly.