Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/54710
Inspired and tested Hi Upstart, First off, your magazine! It is simply amazing! I subscribe to it every year and enter the competitions whenever possible. Why, your mag is so awesome it's even inspired me to start my own kids' magazine when I am older. Just recently, I entered the ILAS tests. These tests are sent to schools all around New Zealand, all the way from Sydney, Australia, to give kids a challenge for their brains. It is great for your learning (even if it does cost a bit). I entered the maths, English, spelling, writing and computer skills tests. – SOPHIE WILSON, 9, Ellerslie Primary School, Auckland I met Stan Walker! Hi Upstart, I went to the Christmas in the Park concert in Christchurch. I saw lots of performances. I also danced to some songs. While I was dancing to a song performed by Stan Walker, the brand manager of Coca-Cola saw me dancing and asked if I would like to go and meet Stan Walker. I really enjoyed going backstage and meeting all the people and seeing all the hard work they were doing to make the concert a success – RINAY CHANDRA, 10, Karoro School, Greymouth Here's a photo of me and Stan Walker taken backstage. Sue says: WOW!!! Awesome! You must have been doing some pretty cool dance moves to be asked backstage! You lucky thing, you! A trip to Tauranga Hi Upstart, Thank you so very much for your awesome magazine. I really enjoyed searching for the hidden Smurfs in a recent issue. I have just had a holiday in Tauranga and my family and I stayed with my Nan and Pa. I enjoyed gardening with Pa and Dad and also going to the park and pools. I was so sad about the oil spill that has killed the animals and birds – BIANCA GRANT, 6, Turuturu Primary School, Hawera Sue says: Yes, Bianca. The oil spill is very sad. Many good people are working hard to continue to save the wildlife and help clean up the beaches. SHOUT OUT to Room 13 and my teacher Miss Murcott at Kirkwood Intermediate last year – the best class EVER! You rock! – GEORGIA HATRILL, 11, Christchurch My Uncle Fred, he likes to fart, he does it everywhere. He farts when he is shopping and he doesn't really care. He does it in the car and makes terrible stinks. He does it when he coughs and sneezes and even when he thinks. He does it while he's walking, it makes a funny sound Just like a motorbike rumbling along the ground. He farts at the dinner table and never says pardon me, He just giggles a little and says pass the ketchup please. Don't get me wrong, I love old Uncle Fred, with his hairy face and big belly. I just wish he wasn't quite so smelly! – JODIE EVANS, 12, Opiki School, Palmerston North www.upstartmag.co.nz 15 A couple of weeks ago I received my results. I got a credit in English, and a distinction in everything else. I'm very proud of myself! – CONNOR McLEOD, 11, Mercury Bay Area School, Whitianga Sue says: Well done Connor! That's an awesome result! You obviously worked very hard. Well deserved! My Uncle Fred Illustration: GRANT BROWN