On Saturday morning I had the privilege of attending the local Wollondilly Writers Awards to support Nikita O'Mara in Year 6.

More than 150 stories from a number of different schools across the Wollondilly Shire were submitted. Nikita was the only student from St Antony's to submit a story and she was awarded with a commendation. Only 15 students were recognized with awards on the day, which is a huge achievement.

Well done to Nikita and all the educators who have been a part of her learning journey at St Anthony's.

Mrs Hope Prioste.

My leg vibrated and jiggled as I peeked up to see what was behind the thick, leafy trees. A metal monster was appearing before my eyes, I was cornered. My heart skipped a beat, my clammy palms were shaking. 

The grey, clunky beast locked eyes on me, then the ground. Its large, grisly feet were pointing right at me. I wanted to step forward but I just couldn’t. I glanced in the sky and saw clouds, large gloomy clouds. It was intimidating to see how many people were screaming and bellowing around me. I’m just eleven years old, I have more to live for.

Suddenly, I get the urge to run, run for my life. At this point, I didn't know what to do. I saw a cloud in the distant sky moving quickly, too quickly. I hear people yelling  out “They’re gonna kill us all!” They’re? There's more than one? All of a sudden, a dark, dusky cloud formed into a single bolt, then a screw,  then transformed into another hideous machine!

My fear level was at the top of Mount Everest. I tried to stay calm but I couldn’t. I felt like screaming my lungs out. Was this the end of me, the world? Another suspicious cloud was moving unsafely. Then, in the distance, one more robot appeared before my eyes. All this anxiety and horror was built up inside of me. I couldn’t hold it in anymore, so I bursted like a balloon.

My scream was so loud, I got all three robots' attention, and now they were focused on my big, brown eyes! One beast tilted its head as if it was some sort of plan signal. I felt so frightened I stepped back but then the figure stepped forward. What have I got myself into? ‘GRUMBLE’ Is that what I think it is? I glared up and saw a furious storm approaching. Lightning lit up the sky, and I could see the monsters suddenly starting to suffer. Before I knew it, all I could see was steel and metal, piled up on the dry dirt. The bolts of light must have punched under their feet. The life saving storm was obviously too strong for these creatures.

Sirens fill my ear. Police force vehicles all screech as they pull up. I feel a quick breeze float across my shirt. I spun around to see what was behind me. Mum! Dad! Words can’t describe how overjoyed I am. The air fills with love as Dad picks me up. I launch up and I feel Mum's soft hand on my leg. As we stroll home, I see the bricky footpath ahead and all the yellow flowers blooming. A strand of dad's golden hair flushes in my face, and now I feel free. 

By Nikita O’Mara, ST Anthony’s Picton :)