IRC News

Book Week - Reflection

This year’s Book Week, themed “Book an Adventure,” was a vibrant and memorable celebration that inspired students to explore literature in fresh and creative ways. The week featured exciting challenges, thought-provoking author visits, and countless opportunities for students to spark their imagination—all while celebrating the joy of reading.

A true highlight was welcoming acclaimed authors Alice Pung and Danielle Binks, who captivated students through engaging lectures and hands-on workshops. They not only shared valuable insights into the writing process but also motivated budding writers with practical tips to refine their craft.

Throughout the week, students embraced the spirit of reading with enthusiasm, showing both friendly rivalry and strong teamwork in their house groups. Among the many activities, the dress-up competition stood out as a favourite, with staff and students transforming into colourful literary characters. The energy was further lifted by music and dazzling Bollywood performances from our talented students.

The fun continued with challenges such as the candy jar guessing game and the interhouse quiz, which built camaraderie and excitement. Creativity also took center stage through the book cover design contest and the writing competition, giving students a platform to showcase their imagination and storytelling flair.

To conclude the festivities, staff and students contributed to a giant balloon basket, each balloon inscribed with the title of a book they were currently reading—a joyful and vibrant symbol of our shared love for literature.

Overall, this year’s Book Week was a resounding success, leaving our school community inspired, connected, and ready to embark on new literary adventures.

Tiffany Chiu & Viha Manjunatha

IRC Leaders

Creative Writing

Last week, the Year 9 students had the chance to hear from Danielle Binks, who not only shared her personal journey into writing but also gave us a hands-on taste of the creative process. In the lecture, she told stories about her early attempts at writing, the moments that inspired her to keep going, and introduced some books I will definitely rethink putting on my to-read list. It was fascinating to see how a relatable, ordinary path, full of ups and downs, could lead to something as exciting as publishing a book. 

Afterwards, a small group of students moved into the creative writing workshop. She introduced the quote “There are only two plots in all of literature: 

1. A person goes on a journey. 

2. A stranger comes to town”, 

which, at first, most people didn’t believe. Instead of just saying “be creative”, she showed us checklists for scene setting and world building, two important aspects of creative writing that many people often neglect. We also had a go at drawing a prompt with a partner without talking. The artworks came out unexpected and unique. 

I found the experience valuable because it made writing feel more approachable, rather than a mysterious talent only selective people have. The author showed us that storytelling is a skill you can practice, refine, and enjoy. We walked away not just inspired, but with real tools to use in our own writing.

Cathy Wang

Year 9

Book week bought, free dress, parades and more, but our lecture from Alice Pung was the highlight of Book Week. We learnt about the importance of language to convey our identity, and how it makes us individual and unique. She spoke about her multiple experiences and encounters with racism, and opposition throughout her life, particularly in her school years. Alice used these experiences to show us how she developed her voice and personality when writing, specifically through her diary. She urged students to take initiative in making sure they had a voice not just when writing but in their lives. One moment that particularly spoke to me was when Alice spoke about the stark difference between essays that she wrote at school and her personal writings. It emphasised the importance of writing for yourself rather than others, to use your heart rather than what is deemed correct by standards. We were left with understanding that everyone, no matter writing ability, should develop their voice, be it through entries or manuscripts.

Ramika Loku Gamage

Year 10

Students recently took part in an engaging writing workshop with acclaimed author Danielle Binks. She began by introducing the timeless idea that all stories stem from two foundations – a character who desperately wants something, and the obstacles that stand in their way. Without this tension, she explained, a story loses its spark. Ms. Danielle Binks also encouraged students to “show, not tell” in their writing, going beyond description to include overlooked senses like smell, and reminding them that only 7% of communication is verbal – the rest is body language and tone. By weaving these into their stories, students can create more authentic characters and interactions. The workshop also explored fantasy writing and worldbuilding, distinguishing between the “macro” rules and dangers of a world and the “micro” details of scene-setting. Students left with practical tools, fresh insights, and inspiration to elevate their storytelling.

Rudra Patel & Grisha Chernov

Year 11