07 June 2024
On Friday 31 May the Junior School hosted two literary events showcasing the value and enjoyment that we get from books and reading. The first event was the Behind the Book Festival whereby students gathered inspiration from predominately, South Australian leading authors / illustrators. There was much excitement and learning about the creative processes in creating a book.
Students in Years 1 to 5 worked with two creators. Prep and Reception students were enthralled with learning drawing techniques from Claire Richards, while the Year 6 cohort had extended online sessions with interstate authors George Ivanoff and Aleesah Darlison. There was such a buzz around the School as students learnt the secrets behind the books that creators talked about. Students loved hearing about how stories evolved from little ideas into fully formed books.
There was wonderment and sheer joy in connecting with famous creators and this is reflected in students enthusiasm to borrow books by the creators that were at the event.
The second event was the Luminary Lunch which is the brainchild and work of Literacy Consultant Tracey Grice. Schools from around Adelaide are invited to participate in this event and this year the following schools were in attendance: Concordia College, St Peter’s Girls School, Wilderness School, Pulteney Grammar, Christ the King School, Seymour College and of course St Peter’s College.
Students spent time chatting with book creators while enjoying a scrumptious lunch. As part of the experience students were invited to wear costumes and arrange table decorations that are reflective of the creators work. The costuming and decorations were amazing, and creators were humbled by what students created.
The St Peter’s College students dined with illustrator and animator Greg Holfeld and were dressed as the hero of his three part series – a gorilla named Captain Congo. It was a joy to see so many rich conversations about book creation, story ideas, writing, illustrating and what inspires us to create.
A big thank you goes to the following talented creators who inspried our learners and provided such rich, engaging experiences: Claire Richards, Andrea Rowe, Andrew Joyner, Tania Ingram, Adam Cece, Greg Holfeld, Janeen Brian, Vaughan Duck, Mandy Foot, Jane Jolly, Aleesah Darlison and George Ivanoff.
Alison Winter
Teacher-Librarian
