On Tuesday 24 June, we had the privilege of hosting a range of talented authors across every class from Prep to Year 6.
Prep and Kindy were delighted by Lisa Shanahan, who captivated students with her dazzling stories about animals and the world around us. Lesley Gibbes inspired young writers in Year 1 with her descriptive writing workshops, encouraging students to use vivid language to make their writing more engaging. Penny Reeve explored the art of creating interesting characters and settings, and encouraged Year 2 to collaborate and share ideas to strengthen their storytelling.
Year 3 students were so inspired by Louise Park’s writing session that one class continued to write well into the afternoon, producing their best work of the year. Year 4 enjoyed interactive sessions with Ashleigh Barton, who shared how to turn ideas and inspiration into compelling stories.
A highlight for Year 5 was meeting one of their favourite authors, Deborah Abela, whose engaging session helped students create imaginative worlds and dynamic characters. Year 6 explored the depths of the writing process with Tim Harris, who brought energy and insight to their storytelling.
Our Two-Day Prep students also had a special visit from Deborah Abela on Thursday 26 June. Her storytelling session was both entertaining and inspiring, ensuring our youngest learners didn’t miss out on the literary fun.
The week concluded with a special workshop for our Writing Competition winners, who received tailored guidance from Deborah Abela to help elevate their writing to the next level. The pieces below reflect just how much our young writers were inspired by the experience.
“What was that,” asked my sister. We were camping in the forest and there was a weird roaring sound. I went outside to check but saw nothing so went back to sleep. I heard it again but this time it was louder. I went back outside and saw a brown thing next to a tree. I screamed. It was a bear! I ran for my life, down the pathway, past the park and down to the shopping centre.
- Oscar R (Year 1)
As I rest in my bed, I hear glass shattering and soft whispers filtering through. Soft, careful steps echo in my apartment. While I stand up, heart pounding in my chest, I rush to the kitchen and grab a pan. I navigate my apartment, slowly turning on the lights, attempting to find these people.
I walk into the living room and freeze. Dark silhouettes walking around. Blood rushing so fast I could hear it pounding in my ears. I prepare to strike…
“Danny! I told you not to..” He froze. Was that my brother and my friends? They all stood there sheepishly, scratching the back of their heads. Decorations hung from the ceiling and a mushed-up cake stood alone on the living room coffee table.
“What are you guys doing in my apartment?” I say, lowering my pan, both frustration and confusion lacing my voice.
“We heard it is your birthday soon!” Danny, my brother says, tyring his hardest to avoid eye contact. “It already has passed.” I reply, bluntly. Danny looked bewildered before whispering to one of my friends, Jake, about the time.
- Oliver I (Year 6)
It was a truly inspiring week of creativity and imagination, leaving students motivated to keep writing and dreaming big.
Mrs Kylie Stroud
Years P-2 Coordinator