08 Feb 2012
Two of Merimbula Public School's Year 6 students have been recognised for their exceptional writing skills after having entered an arts festival late last year. Their works are now published in ‘Wakakirri's Biggest Book of Short Stories'.
The Wakakirri Festival they entered their works in is a National Story Festival that challenges young Australians to create and share stories through song, dance, writing, film and visual art. Established in 1992, Wakakirri is Australia's largest arts challenge for schools, involving over 20,000 students in every state and territory.
Thousands of students entered their work in the recent festival, however only 80 young authors from across the country were selected. Morgan and Melia from Merimbula Public School were selected and published in the story book. Bursting with creativity, friendship and adventure, their short stories highlight their outstanding imaginations and exceptional writing ability. Here's a taste!
‘The Horse that couldn't be tamed' by Melia…Finally Dad's car pulled into the driveway, but this time with a horse float attached to the back. I slumped against the fence, my mind was racing, trying to find the answer to this situation. Dad stopped the car and hopped out. He walked up to me and stared into my eyes. Silence…
‘Tiger' by Morgan…A young colt stood silently nibbling at an old tuff of grass and flicking away the bugs with his tail while he watched his mother wearily fall to the ground. She was a mess; you could say she had been ripped apart and put back together by a two year old. She was an old brumby darker than the night sky…
Both girls were extremely elated at the news that their stories were selected, "It was the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me because I never thought I'd ever get published," said Melia.
Morgan shared, "I was excited and really proud of myself and my family were extremely happy with my results."
Miss Manda Hensman, a Year 5 teacher at the school, encouraged her class to enter the competition as part of their narrative writing unit of work. "This Festival was a great way to help extend students interests in the classroom and it complimented the schools writing programs. I was so excited when I heard the news that I purchased one of the books for myself! I have already got my book signed from our up and coming young authors!," said Miss Hensman.
The book, featuring all 80 short stories, has recently been published. To get yourself a copy contact your local bookstore.