Literacy News

Calling all creative writers in the CPS community!

I am excited to share two wonderful opportunities that the talented young writers at Carnegie Primary School may be interested in. The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards and the My Brother Jack Awards. These prestigious competitions provide a platform for students to showcase their creativity and literary skills on a local and national level.

The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards:

Named after the renowned Australian poet Dorothea Mackellar, these awards celebrate poetry and creative expression among school students across Australia. Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are invited to participate by submitting original poems on various themes. Budding poets are encouraged to take inspiration from wherever they may find it, however if they are looking for some direction, they are invited to use this year’s optional theme to inspire their entries. “Listen, I have an Idea” has been selected as the 2024 theme.

As always, it is an optional theme. Students are encouraged to write about topics and experiences that spark their poetic genius (in whatever form they choose.) 

Entries are now open. For more information on the competition and how you can enter, visit:

https://dorothea.com.au/entry-information/

My Brother Jack Awards:

The My Brother Jack Awards is a short story and poetry Award for anyone who lives, works or studies in our local area of Glen Eira. The awards are an initiative by the Glen Eira City Council to honour the literary legacy of the esteemed Australian author George Johnston and his novel "My Brother Jack." Students in Prep to Grade 6 can enter this competition by crafting short stories and or poetry that captivates and inspires. Entries are now open. For more information on the competition visit:

https://library.gleneira.vic.gov.au/whats-on/my-brother-jack-awards

Both of these competitions provide a valuable opportunity for our students to showcase their writing skills, gain recognition for their talents, and foster a love for creativity, literature and storytelling. Participating in these events is voluntary however I would encourage all interested and motivated students to check out the competition details in the links provided and submit an entry to take part in these enriching experiences. 

Genevieve Murtagh

Literacy Coordinator