ENGLISH FACULTY
Open for Entries: 2026 Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize
Do you enjoy writing stories or poetry? Entries are now open for the 2026 Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize.
The competition is open to students aged 8 to 17 years who live in Blacktown City. Entries may be submitted as either:* a poem (maximum 25 lines), or* a short story (maximum 500 words).
Theme: ALL OUT
Your work should be an original piece of fiction inspired by the theme. Winning and highly commended entries will be published in the 2026 Blacktown Mayoral Anthology.
Prizes* Student winners receive $200.* The winner's school will also receive $100 to support young writers.
Entries close: 11.59 pm, Monday 14 September 2026.
For the entry link and full competition details, visit the Blacktown City Libraries website or speak to Lili Head Teacher English. https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov....
Good luck to all aspiring writers!
NAIDOC Week Creative Writing Competition Opportunity
Students are encouraged to participate in the Kimberwalli Connection to Place Creative Writing Competition during NAIDOC Week. The competition invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and community members to submit an original creative writing piece exploring the theme of Connection to Place, including Country, community, culture, family, memories or significant places.
Entries are limited to 500 words and are open to four age categories: 5 to 10 years, 11 to 15 years, 16 to 20 years, and 21 years and older. Entries close at 4:00 pm on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
Students interested in participating can submit their entry via the competition link:https://form.jotform.com/kimberwalli/creative-writing-competition-entry
This is an opportunity for students to celebrate culture, identity and storytelling by sharing their unique perspectives and experiences.
Year 12 HSC Optional Examination Withdrawal - Action Required
Students who wish to withdraw from an optional HSC examination in English Studies or Mathematics Standard 1 must complete and return the signed withdrawal form.
Important details:
The form must be signed by both the student and a parent/guardian
Forms must be returned no later than Monday 29 June 2026
Return the completed form to Lili Ristevski (English) or Kumie Pather (Mathematics)
Location: Top of B Block - Common Staffroom
Please note that withdrawing from the optional HSC examination means the course will not contribute to an ATAR, but it does not affect satisfactory completion of the course for the HSC.
If you have questions, see Lili or Kumie as soon as possible.
Please Return Texts
Attention Year12 Advanced, Standard and EAL/D English Students. This is a friendly reminder to all Year 12 English students to please return your texts. Timely returns help us ensure that all students have access to the materials they need for 2027.