ask? Because children, especially young ones, need someone to look up to. A friend is that someone.

When I was little and it was my first day at Glimmerview Nursery School I was scared. I remember walking in, looking around, seeing all those strange faces.

I had brought my teddy bear and was hugging him tightly.

There was one girl I'll always remember, Melissa Fox. She was the first person I played with, not including my Dad, and I really liked her. She was sitting playing with blocks when I saw her first. She looked and smiled a greeting to me and motioned for me to come and play.

After that we were inseparable. A few days later I made some more friends.

Sarah, Velina, and Renata. The five of us were the closest friends anyone ever had.

Even after P2 we were friends. Every day we would play. One day a new person joined our group. She was Jerr-Lynn. Now we had six people in our group and our games were even more exciting.

When I think of the adventures we had one in particular comes to mind. I was the time we saved three little lives. It started when the cat came along. She would come to school every day and beg for food. One day I got curious, not an unusual thing on my part, and I followed her into a grove of trees. Past the trees was a clearing with a stack of shutters put up there so there was a hole in hew centre. I peered through and saw a fuzzy thing moving inside. I got up and called Melissa. She came and we both looked but the fuzzy thing had gone.

I heard something and then turned around. I saw a movement and went closer.

There, in a hole, were three little kittens.

The next day Miss Clark gave us some food for them. I asked my Dad and Miss Clark if I could have one of the kittens. They said yes. The one I took was mostly Siamese, but partly ginger because her mother was ginger. Her brother and sister were black marble and ginger. This same cat is right by me this second as I write.

At school, one week later was Sports Day. Melissa and I were on the same team and in most events. When it was over we were very happy.

Melissa and I still keep in touch. Sara's away. Renata is in Norway, where she came from. Velina and I still talk. I treasure our friendships with all my heart.

I miss Renata and Sarah very much. I guess if you ask me what my favourite saying is I'd have to say it is... "There are no strangers here, only friends we haven't met.'' That is why, to me, friendship is the most important part of my life.

Helen Larzleer Age 11 Heron Bay School