Once upon a time — one of the most universally recognised and best loved of all opening lines in literature — also opens this collection of stories. Once upon a time is a phrase that resonates with readers young and old alike, but for the young listener it is the key that unlocks a world of fairytale fantasy.

It is my privilege to present this collection of fine creative writing by Class 12 students who undertook to prepare original stories for the youngest pupils at school, and share these with children in the kindergarten and classes one to three.

The stories are both original and inspired. Each writer has created memorable characters and storylines, in the best tradition of storytelling — one of the very oldest art forms found in all cultures, combining elements of oral tradition and entertainment.

Many of the stories reflect strongly their New Zealand origin, bringing characters and settings that represent the language and nature of Aotearoa. So these are stories by young New Zealanders for even younger New Zealanders beginning their educational journey.

The reader and young listener will encounter both new and familiar characters and scenarios, and venture into new worlds of imagination, all the while experiencing familiar problems and challenges. Through the actions and engagement of the protagonists, the obstacles are overcome and exemplary behaviours are demonstrated, leading to the much anticipated happy endings.

It is hoped that this collection will nurture further growth in the fine storytelling tradition that is at the heart of all Waldorf education, and each young child may find a story or character they are able to relate to, forming new friendships in the world of the imagination.

The concept of this project is to publish new children’s stories in a small storybook as a gift to our Class 1 children as they are welcomed into our school and begin their educational journey.

When designing the cover concept and writing the project proposal, I spontaneously decided to call it The Zigzag Collective as it is a compilation of work by a collective of authors who have completed a journey all the way up the iconic “Zigzag Path” that zigzags up through the bush at the heart of our school. To me, it also symbolises the special character of the school, and the journey which is like a challenging climb, but gets easier the older and more experienced one becomes. It’s not a straight path to a destination but one where each turn allows the wanderer to briefly pause and enjoy nature all around. As with all good travel, it is the journey as much as the destination that makes it so rewarding.

As we come to the end of our journey together, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my class, for their support and encouragement, and for contributing their fantastic stories for this book.

My thanks and appreciation also goes to our English teacher, Amelia Minogue for teaching us storytelling, and kindly assisting with editing, and to the Kindergarten and Lower School teachers who welcomed us into their classes and offered their guidance.

I am pleased to be able to present this volume, along with members of my wonderful class as a parting farewell gift for the benefit of teachers and students of today and the future. 

There are also some copies on sale for $20 each, and you can view the book in the reception office.

With best wishes for a long and happy ever after.

Emanuel Nolden (Class 12)