1 Hour And A Half On The Ice

By Max Netten

THE lights dimmed as Rm 1 and Rm 17 of Ponsonby Intermediate shuffled into Paradice
Ice Staking rink, in the early afternoon of Wednesday 28 February, bracing themselves against the cold air.
As they crowded up to the ice skate rental, shouting shoe sizes into the window, the shoe men were resorted to using spares.

Alex Brunton was the first person on the ice, and also the first to fall over, sliding comically on his knees.
As the rest of the students clambered onto the ice, a voice came booming over the speakers:
“Remember to keep your skates tight around your ankles to reduce the chance of an accident, thank you.” As the announcement died away, the neon green laser lights snapped on, filling the arena with a green glow.
After 1hr of skating the students then decided to make a train, which ended in a heap of people untangling themselves from the ice, muttering and grumbling.

When 30 minutes had passed since the train incident the booming voice once again ceased all the students’ chatter, “Ponsonby Intermediate please get off the ice!” The 2 classes headed towards the rink gates, climbing out their boots (which were later labelled “sweaty and uncomfortable by several students.) And lining up, finally climbing up the steps to the bus
Once again.