Today was the first day back at school after our terrifying earthquake. Although many parts of Canterbury have been badly damaged, here in Springston we were really lucky to have sustained little damage. Power, water and sewerage services were restored very quickly. Amazingly the children's news this morning was about pet lambs and new toys.

These are some memories that the children have about the earthquake.

Ben:-

My dad found all the fish on the carpet. We picked up all the stones and stuff. And then our next door neighbour came round to check our house. The fish tank broke.

Aria:-

Our pictures fell off the walls. We had cracks in the concrete outside our house. The wine

glasses fell off and broke.

Rule Number One:- we have to wear shoes in the kitchen!

Raewyn:-

When we had "the big one" we moved into Graeson's bedroom and Mum slept there too.

Some of my toys fell down on the floor.

Jaimee:-

All of our food fell out of the pantry. Lots of glass was broken.

Gus:-

All of our stuff fell off the shelf. I went to hide in Mum and dad's bed. When it got light we

got up and saw all of our stuff. We put on our slippers.

Lachie:- (It was Lachie's first day at school today!)

My mirror smashed in the bathroom. My puppy was in my bed. My puppy was shaking.