The month of May is earmarked for ATC's annual week-long literary festival, a dynamic celebration of words and creativity spanning all year levels. It kicked off with featured playwright David Burton and cartoonist Simon Deshon, captivating students with their blend of storytelling and visual artistry at a special College Assembly. Simon demonstrated his incredible skills with caricatures and conducted small group workshops with Middle School students.
On Wednesday, First Nations authors Auntie Rhonda and Trevor Fourmile shared indigenous perspectives, deepening cultural understanding for our boys. Auntie Rhonda conducted workshops with Junior School boys, sharing stories about her culture and her writing process, and Trevor Fourmile spoke with our Junior and Middle school students about the power of story. He also conducted workshops providing practical writing tips and inspiring boys to write from the heart.
Edwina is a creative dynamo, spinning tales that leap off the page and dazzle on the screen. Whether she's penning novels, short stories, or screenplays, her work crackles with authenticity and emotion. With her knack for setting the scene and an eye for detail and specifics, she's a storyteller who knows how to hook you from the first word, kept the boys enthralled until the very end. Edwina conducted imaginative writing workshops with our Year 8 and 9 boys and presented to all of our Year 8 students, igniting creativity and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
Thursday featured talented Fantasy writer Zachary Ashford who used to be a teacher and then decided to follow his passion of writing! Slam poet, Anisa Nanduala inspired our young writers to explore diverse expressions.
An Evening with Nick Earls
One of the highlights of the week was our father and son event 'An Evening with Nick Earls,' which attracted nearly 100 book lovers who delved into the craft of writing. Nick's anecdotes and charm illuminated the creative process, sparking discussions and fostering a love for storytelling among seasoned readers and aspiring writers alike. His involvement in our Literary Festival underscores our mission to ignite imaginations and celebrate the power of narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the dads and boys who attended.
The festival concluded with animator Lachlan Creagh and short story writer Edwina Shaw, enriching students' literary journeys with imaginative worlds and profound insights. Lachlan, (Wolf Girl, Ahn Do) animator, doesn't just animate, he's all about sharing the magic of storytelling with budding creators. He was right in the mix, presenting to Junior School boys first before running workshops with Year 7-9 students. Lachlan wasn’t just about making cool animations to show; it was about passing on the spark of creativity and getting the boys excited about bringing their stories to life.
Kristy Reynoldson
Head of Library Services
