Sydney Writers Festival

On Tuesday 30 May, the students in Years 3 and 4 embarked on a memorable excursion to the Sydney Writers’ Festival at the Sydney Town Hall. This immersive experience not only allowed our students to delve into the captivating world of literature but also provided them with a unique platform to engage with esteemed authors and illustrators, gaining invaluable insights into their artistic process.

The girls had the pleasure of meeting Jordan Gould and Richard Prichard, creators of “Wylah the Koorie Warrior” series inspired by First Nations history and culture. The creators graciously shared their creative process with our students, actively involving them in designing a unique creature that may find its place into the pages of a future book.

Furthermore, our students had the privilege of attending a session led by A.F. Steadman, the esteemed author behind the thrilling tale, “Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.” This gripping narrative delved into the realms of heroes and dangerous unicorns, captivating the imagination of the entire audience.

Cristy Burne, a science-loving author, seamlessly blends storytelling with science in her books, creating an enjoyable fusion of education and entertainment. The girls were enthralled as they witnessed practical science experiments, including the mesmerising marshmallow shooting vacuum cleaner, leaving a lasting impression and sparking their scientific curiosity.

The program concluded with an inspiring session led by Maryam Master, a writer whose own personal journey as a refugee is beautifully encapsulated in her book, “No Words.” Through her heartfelt storytelling, Master instilled compassion and hope in our students’ hearts, encouraging them to embrace empathy and appreciate the power of literature as a medium for personal growth and connection.

One of the highlights of the action-packed day was the chance for some of the SCEGGS girls to step up to the open microphone and address both the authors and the entire audience!

We are pleased to announce that all the books showcased at the Writer’s Festival will be available for loan from the Primary Library, enabling our students to delve further into the worlds created by these talented authors.

Karen McBride
Primary Teacher-Librarian