As an avid reader, I love being transported into new worlds where possibilities feel limitless, characters rise above every challenge and each page offers the chance to discover rich and exciting new language. Writing in the junior years is about so much more than neat handwriting or correct spelling - it’s a window into how children think, imagine and make sense of their world.
Our Junior School teachers are continually building their skills in writing instruction so they can better support students as they grow into confident young writers who can tackle the challenges of this important skill. As students begin to see themselves as writers, they gain the confidence to take risks, play with language and share their unique voices.
Here are two opportunities for your child to develop these skills outside the classroom.
1. The College Junior School Writing Competition
This annual Writing Competition, coordinated by Mrs Saville, has the theme, ‘Discover’ using this picture stimulus to provoke some ideas.
The final entries for Prep-Year 2 are due on Thursday May 8, and Years 3-6 on Tuesday 31 March. Details have already been published in The Way or contact your child’s classroom teacher if needed.
2. The annual WriteOn competition
This is another wonderful opportunity run by the NSW Government in conjunction with the State Library of NSW for students from Year 1-6. Through the competition, students develop their skills in writing to express ideas and perhaps become a published author. The topic for this year is:
Students create an imaginative text of up to 500 words, using the above theme. It is due by Friday 19 June 2026. If you are interested in challenging your child in this area, please click on the button below:
I look forward to seeing the growth and progress in each student’s writing over 2026.