Special 2nd Birthday Edition 2014

Visit from Far Far Away...

Was the mystery

solved?

Was the Evil

Queen guilty?

PLUS Witness interviews with the Genie, Dopey, Jessy and more!

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Our 2nd Birthday Celebration at Victoria Park Academy At Victoria Park Academy on 1st April there was a remarkable swap around as teachers switched places with magical fairytale characters. It was not known where these characters had arrived from... Could it have been from a different dimension?

After registration we all went into the hall – this however had been transformed into a court room. Each and every one of us was totally fl abbergasted to see every fairytale character we could think of in one place!

While we were trying to take this information in, an ugly beast jumped down from a tower in the court. It was Quasimodo (the Hunchback of Notre Dame). The day went on with surprise after surprise and every child in our school had their time of their lives. I know everyone will be looking forward to the next Academy birthday celebration.

By Usman Hussain – 6W

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My Experience of Fairytale Land DayI really enjoyed the day, as it was

creative, enjoyable and above all -

fun! It really helped Year 6 children to

write creatively about the experience;

especially because we had enjoyed

the day so much. My favourite part

of the day was when Captain Hook

and Robin Hood chased Dopey, the

villainous culprit, around the grand

marquee. I laughed so hard, I nearly

blew my socks off! My favourite

character on the day was Mary

Poppins, she is one of my favourite

story book characters and I like her

costume too. I think it was the best

VPA Birthday EVER! I would defi nitely

like to take part in this day again…

By Iqra Nassem– 6Mevery child in our school had their time of their lives. I know everyone will be looking forward to the next Academy birthday celebration.

Welcome to our very special 2nd birthday ʻFar Far Awayʼ edition of VP Zine! Weʼve

got some exciting articles about what happened on the day, plus interviews with our

fairytale witnesses....and suspects! We hope you enjoy it, and a happy birthday to

Victoria Park Academy!

celebration.

By Usman Hussain – 6W

celebration.

By Usman Hussain – 6W

In a Land Far Far Away.. . In a Land Far Far Away.. .

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Today has been a very exhausting day. A disaster happened on our playground; a wooden door had appeared over night, apparently from ʻFar Far Away Landʼ. It turned out that The Genie of the lamp was my teacher. He told us that we had to rub the lamp in a certain way and no one other than himself had the secret! He then went on to tell us that if we touched it we would not be granted our three wishes.

Lots of children were talking about this wacky situation in school; there was a court hearing as someone had poisoned poor Snow White. Shall I tell you what Iʼd heard? I heard that a year one child thought the Genie of the lamp was guilty! It was due to the fact that after watching the video evidence; it was clear that the Genie had got very mixed up with his evidence. First he had said that he

could hear the scraping noises while he was asleep; then when he was questioned further his reply was that he heard the noises just at the time when he was about to doze off to sleep.

I heard a rumour going around school that the Evil Queen had cast an awful, cruel spell to make many in the school believe that she was innocent. I keep on thinking about donkey; it makes me sad when I think about him. He was stuck in the closed door on the playground. It was not fair as he is one of my favourite fairy tale characters. When I think about how cruel that was it makes me want to cry.

Good night Diary, speak to you soon.

By Sara Saeed – 5B

Dear Diary Dear Diary

On Tuesday 1st April, Victoria Park Academy had a truly astonishing, unexpected visit from many fairytale characters: Woody and Jessie (from Toy Story), Merlin the Wizard, Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy, Nanny McPhee, Captain Hook and Pirates, Quasimodo, Belle, Mary Poppins and many many more! The pupils were stunned as they walked into the classrooms, only to fi nd out that their teachers had all been replaced by fantasy story characters.

It is alleged, that the arrival of these characters was most unexpected; even the schoolʼs Head Teacher Mr Morrish had no idea that this was going to happen! A very vile rumour has it that,

Mr Morrish became quite defensive when these characters arrived. He asked members of staff to help him to eradicate these people from his ʻOUTSTANDINGʼ school however, it was no use… they ransacked Victoria Park Academy and completely took over!

As the day progressed various staff members were found locked up and dumped in cupboards and behind doorways – eventually the school returned to normal as the fairytale characters retreated back to Far Far Away Land.

By Hassan Ali – 6A

Far Far Away NewsFar Far Away News

On the 1st April, 2014 to be exact, the outstanding pupils of the ʼlegendaryʼ Victoria Park Academy attended their school, as per usual. Little did they know what surprises and events awaited them…

The unsuspecting students ventured to school, only to fi nd their regular teachers swapped with lively, obscure inhabitants of a certain ʼFar Far Away Land .̓After a short period of time, spent on getting to know their ʼnewʼ teacher for the day, the pupils attended an ordinary assembly (or so it seemed!) Instead they were actually attending a speech by his Honour, Judge Morrish. Captain Hook told our crew: “Iʼll pull outʼ guts, the scurvy landlubbers.“ Moments after quoting this, Captain Hook fainted with excitement.

The mystical fairy land creatures (the replacement teachers for the day) attended too. During the assembly, Judge Morrish explained the troubled situation: someone had attempted to poison the beautiful Snow White.

All accusations were cast upon The Evil Queen. As everyone made their way back to the classrooms, a certain child, Prabhjot Mangat, quoted on behalf of the assembly. “I am so excited. I have a strange feeling that The Evil Queen did not poison Snow White. Maybe its just me?

All of a sudden, an intelligent girl, Iqra Naseem from 6M, cleverly noticed a diary which belonged to Dopey. As Lord Morrish opened the book, his face was struck with fear. He hastily read out the entries, revealing Dopeyʼs/Sleet Greyʼs true feelings. It was Dopey who had poisoned Snow White. The police are still investigating this crime.

By Iqra Nassem – 6M

DOUBLE 0 - DOPEY’S TRUE IDENTITY DISCOVERED!

OUR SCHOOL BIRTHDAYOn Tuesday 3rd April 2014, the whole school celebrated its 2nd birthday since becoming an Academy. All the teachers dressed up as fairy tale characters these included: The Genie of the Lamp, Woody and Jessie from Toy Story, Snow White, the Evil Queen and the Seven Dwarfs. Merlin the Wizard, Cinderella and the Ugly Step Sisters, Little Red Riding Hood, Mary Poppins, Nanny McPhee, Peter Pan and Pinocchio to name but a few.

Everyone met in the hall in the morning and were told that the fairy tale characters had come from Far Far Away Land. In addition to this, we were told that Snow White had lost her innocent voice. A question was raised by the Judge (Mr Morrish) could this wicked act have been carried out by the Evil Queen? During the afternoon we all had lunch in a marquee and the trial continued.

After we had eaten our lunch the key witnesses were asked questions which continued...

Tuesday 1st April 2014 FREE

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DESPERATE DWARF DIPS APPLE IN POISONYesterday at Victoria Park Academy, fantasy characters appeared at this outstanding school. Apparently they had travelled from Far Far Away Land…

Characters from fairy tale stories and fi lms arrived at the school during the morning. The likes of: Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, Merlin, Dopey, Grumpy, Snow White, Quasimodo and many more appeared as if by magic...

Still unable to understand what had happened an unnamed pupil reported, ʻWhy on earth did this happen today?ʼ

As the morning proceeded Lord Morrish summoned the pupils to the court room as a major crime had been committed in the fairytale world.

Lord Morrish explained to the children what had happened and that someone had poisoned Snow White; the poison had rendered her speechless! The culprit was thought to be the Evil Queen. back onto the stage and cast a spell over Snow White. Immediately she got her voice back. What an amazing day!!!

Like hyenas that hunger after the smell of blood; the children investigated who they thought had committed the crime. They listened to various witness statements and conducted their own investigations.

Later that day the pupils reconvened in the court room and each of the witnesses were requestioned. After Dopey had been questioned for the second time; a member of the public came forward with new evidence – Dopeyʼs secret diary had been found.

Shock HORROR a stony silence fell over the courtroom. As the judge read extracts from the deceitful dwarfʼs diary, the court room was as silent as a grave yard. The culprit had been found. It was revealed that Dopey was indeed Sleet Grey - the long lost hateful cousin of Snow White.

Merlin and the Genie of the Lamp used their magic power and wizardry to create a spell to help snow white to regain her voice. The evidence had fi nally been gathered and the Evil Queen was released.

As the Judge summed up with his closing statement he advised the court to ʻNEVER judge a book by its cover!ʼ

By Naeem Mahmadi – 6A

the children had put together; so that the Judge could ask, hoping to catch the real culprit. Dopey was the last character to be asked questions. When he walked off stage his secret diary fell onto the fl oor. The Judge had a look inside; all along it was Dopey who had poisoned Snow White! Then he revealed his true colours,

he was actually Snow Whiteʼs long lost cousin Sleet Grey. After that, Merlin came back onto the stage and cast a spell over Snow White. Immediately she got her voice back. What an amazing day!!!

By Sabrina Junejo - 5B

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Some Photos

from the Day!Some Photos

from the Day!

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Some Photos Some Photos Some Photos Some Photos

Questions for Genie

What is so special about your lamp?It has magic powers to grant 3 wishes to the person who rubs it.

If you let someone else use your lamp what wish would you not let them have?They wouldnʼt be able to wish for immediate wealth or any extra wishes to the 3 that are already given.

If you could be someone else from a fairy tale who would it be and why?Iʼd be the Pied Piper of Hamelin because he taught a good lesson about honouring promises.

Who is your favourite character from fairy tale stories?My favourite character is Rumpelstiltskin.

By Armaan Ashfaq - 5B

Questions for Quasimodo

If you didn’t see the evil queen giving the apple to snow white and poison her, why are you giving an account as a witness?I saw her heading towards the cottage with the apples; I put 1 and 1 together and made 2.

When you were ringing the bells did you see anyone else walking nearby where you were?I saw a lot of folk however; no one else famous springs to mind.

In detail what did you see on the day of the crime? Watch the video evidence again and listen to my statement!

When you were ringing bells did you see anything peculiar?Apart from several dwarfs and a wicked queen, no. DING DONG!

By Jaskirat Kaur – 5E

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Witness Interviews Witness InterviewsFollowing the morningʼs initial accusations, where the witnesses provided their original statements, members of the VP Zine team decided to question the witnesses further. Hereʼs what they found out!

Questions for Merlin the Wizard

How did you feel when the judge was asking you questions at the trial? I was a little bit scared as the Judge was sooo serious. But then I just thought about nice things and the worry vanished into thin air!

How did it feel when you were asked to give your statement about what had happened?I felt okay for most of the time as I was just telling the truth. I began to get slightly worried as the interview went on as the clerk who was asking me the questions was also very serious and didnʼt smile.

How did it feel when you were in your costume? Did you feel like your normal self or did you feel like the actual character?What do you mean? I was my normal self... Merlin born and bred!

Was it fun acting as a character or would you have preferred to be your normal self on the day?I had GREAT fun on the day; Merlin doesnʼt get out much (I have to stay in King Arthurʼs Court conjuring up spells) so it was lovely for me to meet other people.

By Sabrina Junejo – 5B

Questions for Woody

Initially, did you think that your suspicions about the evil queen were right or wrong?All along, I thought that the Evil Queen had hurt Snow White, because sheʼs so evil!

Where were you and Jessie heading to, while riding on your horses?We were on a hunt for Stinky Pete the old prospector, who was stealing diamonds from the dwarfs mine.

Did you see anyone else apart from the Evil Queen?Yes, we saw some rabbits, bulls, short fellows, mostly animals. We had to be very quiet.

In detail - what did you see on the day of the crime? Please be exact.We were hiding in the long grass and we saw the Queen go to the cottage door and knock on it. One of the dwarfs opened the door and the Queen started shouting at him about the animals and the messy cottage. The dwarf just stared back at her while she went on and on and on at him. He tried to steal her apples but she stopped him. We could see Snow White in the background; it looked like she was asleep on the bed. Anyway, after fi ve minutes of bawling and shouting the Queen got fed up and turned around and left.

By Rupinder Kaur – 5E7

Questions for Grumpy Dwarf

Did you really believe that The Evil Queen was guilty?Yes, I did! She has ʻEvilʼ in her name, so she mustʼve been guilty!

Why are you so grumpy, when your brothers are not?Itʼs just the way I was made. I canʼt help it.

Do you enjoy Snow White’s company, or do you think she does not like you?I fi nd Snow White rather annoying. All the singing that she does then the animals appear; even letting squirrels dry the dishes with their tails! Disgusting behaviour!

Have you been grumpy all your life?Yes, all of my life; in fact all of the time. Iʼm even grumpy when Iʼm asleep.

By Iqra Naseem - 6M

Questions for Jessie

Why do you think you and Woody make a

good team?We make a good team because we get on so well and we use our collaboration tool to help us work together. We notice a lot too as his eyes are my eyes and my eyes are his eyes!

What do you like to do as a hobby when

you’re not with Woody?I have lots of hobbies; riding my horse, quad biking, rock climbing and paintballing (I love shooting!)

What did you ACTUALLY see at the crime

scene, on the day that Snow White was

poisoned?Well, to tell you the truth I didnʼt feel too well that day; I had a poorly eye and I couldnʼt see out of it too well. All I know is that something suspicious was going on that day!

Do you over exaggerate when you are with Woody?Well Iʼm not sure thatʼs how Iʼd describe it... When I see that Woody, my heart goes bumpety, bumpety, bump!

Do you think you and Woody would ever

get married?Well, I wouldnʼt rule out marriage to Woody, but somehow I donʼt think he would want to marry me – I think heʼs looking for someone far more sensible than silly olʼ me!

By Coy Hetherington-Ricketts – 6W

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Questions for the Judge

Why did you choose to become a judge?Sadly, I didnʼt become one, because I am from Far Far Away Land, I am created.

Why do you hate the Evil Queen?Because she has never done anything for our land and well, sheʼs evil!

What is the most important thing in your life?Well, it is the hickory dickory dock!

Why do we have judges?To keep law and order and to make sure that no crime is being caused.

By Daijon Brown – 6W

Questions for Snow White

How did you feel while you were dressed up? Did you feel like the real character?On that day I didnʼt feel very well at all – I had lost my voice a little as I truly had got a sore throat; all in all, I felt that I could have been poisoned for real! I was pleased with my costume as it made me feel as though I was in character on the day.

Did you think it was the Evil Queen at first who had poisoned you or someone else?I think like most people, I thought it was The Evil Queen because it seemed like something she would have been up to rather than anyone else.

Did you enjoy the day? If yes was it fun?Although I wasnʼt feeling my best, I thoroughly enjoyed the day especially when we attended the court case in the afternoon and we had a sing and a dance. It was great to see all of the questions which the children had come up with to ask the witnesses – I was really intrigued by them.

Why do you think we all thought it was the Evil Queen who had poisoned you?Most people assumed it was her because they are aware of the reputation of her character and the way she behaves and of course her ̒ mean streak .̓ We are all guilty sometimes of ̒ judging a book by its coverʼ so, thinking about what kind of person she has been like in the past people would presume that she was more than capable of committing this awful crime. I think it was a big surprise to people to fi nd out the big twist at the end, with the culprit actually being Dopey!

By Rabia Akhtar – 5E9

Questions for the Evil Queen

Why are you such an evil person?I am not evil at all, people think I am because I wear dark clothes and I very rarely smile.

What is the background to your evilness?Well, when I was a little girl, I did something bad and people havenʼt forgotten it so, they judge me but I know the truth and I am actually a really nice as a person deep down inside!

Do you deny that you poisoned Snow White?Of course I do! Why would I poison Snow White? After all she is my stepdaughter; I canʼt say that we get along particularly well, but I would never do such thing as that!

Who did you think had committed this evil crime and why?I thought it was Woody and Jessie because they have weird accents; also they were there in the woods acting very shifty indeed!

By Kashif Mohammed – 6W

Questions for Dopey/Sleet Grey

Why do you carry your diary everywhere with you?It has important dates in and helps me to remember things.

Why did you want to poison Snow White? Was it just because she called you Dopey? No, that is not only the reason – She knew I was Sleet Grey but never told anyone.

When she refers to you as Dopey, Why don’t you turn around and tell everyone who you really are?When we came to Far Far Away Land, I was called Dopey - no one believes me when I tell them Iʼm Sleet Grey.

Why don’t you live with your family?They banished me to Far Far Away Land - They said that Iʼm bossy!

Which dwarf do you like? Why do you like that particular dwarf?I like grumpy, she makes me happy.

What would you do if you had killed Snow White?Then I would fake my own death, return to Far Far Away Land, where I would have been the true leader.

By Usman Hussain – 6W 10

Can you name all of the fairytale characters from Far Far Away Land?

Can you name all of the fairytale characters from Far Far Away Land?

Join us again for the next magical edition of VPZine!

Join us again for the next magical edition of VPZine!