Thousands of school students from northern NSW and south-east Queensland are at home today as their communities brace for Tropical Cyclone Alfred to make landfall.
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More than 900 state and public schools are closed, not including Catholic, independent and private schools.
Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from the local news teams of the ACM network, which stretches into every state and territory. Today's is written by eight-year-old Max Poolman from Lismore in the NSW Northern Rivers.
Hi my name is Max and I live in Lismore and I am in Year 2 at Wyrallah Road Public School.
I love going to school and I feel sad about not being at school because of the cyclone.
I miss seeing all of my friends and playing handball. And learning!
I like to learn about cyclones. I have a book about extreme weather.
I think it's cool that cyclones have names, and Alfred is a good name for this one.
Windows taped, trampoline tied down
Some people might feel worried because we had a big flood in Lismore a few years ago.
It was very sad for our town. We are lucky because we live on the big hill.
We've been looking at the radar and seeing where the cyclone might go.
It looks very big and swirly.
When I look out the window, I can see the trees blowing around and it is very rainy.
There are some birds getting blown around! I hope they are okay and find a safe spot.
We taped up my windows in my bedroom because they blow open when it's windy, and it's very windy now.
We also made sure my trampoline was tied down tight and we brought in everything that was outside, so it won't blow away. We put things in the garage.
I hope it doesn't get worse
I don't feel scared because I'm safe at home with Mum and Dad.
I actually feel a little bit excited about the cyclone, because it's the first one I have seen. I hope it doesn't get too much worse though.
I don't want any trees to blow onto our house or for anyone to get hurt.
I'm a little bit bored because I'm not at school. I've built a big fort in the lounge room with every single pillow I could find!
I've been playing Nintendo with Dad. I sometimes win at Mario Kart! I also beat Mum at Monopoly!
I hope everyone is safe and that they don't feel too worried.
