Library 

Oh what a week it was! The Children’s Book Week Council of Australia’s Annual Book Week is arguably one of the largest celebrations in any library’s calendar. And of course, Overnewton rose to the occasion. Celebrations of this notable event were carried over two weeks as we don’t do things by halves! 

Yirramboi Campus Celebrations 

Article by Jodie Warner - Library Leader, Yirramboi Campus

We were incredibly excited to welcome two author guest speakers to Yirramboi to kick-start the celebrations. Middle School assembly hosted young author and poet Solli Raphael. Solli came to fame in 2017 when, at the age of 12, he won the National Poetry slam, performing at the Sydney Opera House. Solli performed some poems from his new book, Starlight, which is available to borrow from our libraries. He spoke with students about the importance of writing, creativity and expression. Students enthusiastically asked questions and listened attentively.  

Senior School students were treated to author George Green’s inspirational life story, with his message focusing on journey, redemption and finding faith. Students were inspired by George’s life story, with many commenting on how his story resonated with them.  

Over the course of the week, we celebrated with many activities for students to engage with: colouring competitions, micro-fiction competitions, mask-making, literature-themed Kahoots, scavenger hunts with cryptic clues and book review writing. The pinnacle, of course, is the annual Book Week dress up day. This is gaining momentum at Yirramboi and this year we were thrilled to see students of all years dressed as an homage to their favourite book character. The students raised $570 for Shepherdson College, Galiwinku, which will be used to support literacy programmes.  

Congratulations to Middle School Newton students who won the most house points for having the most students dressed up and the best dressed. We love that you embraced this celebration!  

Next week we’ll provide a run-down of all the individual competition winners- stay tuned! 

Canowindra Campus Celebrations 

Article by Maria Muse - Canowindra Library Manager

The theme of Book Week this year was “Book an Adventure”. The theme inspires all readers to explore the world within books, to embark on fantastical journeys and embrace the adventurous spirit of storytelling. Nothing beats an engrossing adventure story! 

The Junior School was thrilled to welcome some Year 9 students to conduct story-telling sessions during lunchtimes throughout Book Week. On Friday, Year 9 students were invited to wear “a touch of character” and join in the street parade. A number of Year 9 students enthusiastically participated in the Book Week competitions.  

A number of authors and illustrators visited students, to offer insights into creating children’s books. 

The Prep and Year 1 students were visited by author Patrick Guest who has written several picture books, including Windows, Greg the Galah Superstar!, Baboon in a Balloon, The Second Sky and Rabby the Brave.  

The Year 2 students exercised their “imagination muscle” during their session with author Alex Miles. She has written the Zac Power Spy Camp, Olive Black and Girl Geeks series.  

The Year 3 students participated in a session with author Emma Bowd, an award-winning and internationally published author of books for children and adults. Her picture books for children include Children’s Book Council of Australia notable book Wonderful Shoes, The Day You Were Born and This Is My Happy place. They were especially delighted by a preview reading of her upcoming book The Christmas Tree Catastrophe. 

The Year 4 students were highly engaged in their session with Martin Chatterton, an author and illustrator with many books to his credit, including the Middle School series and the picture book Winter of the White Bear.  

A sense of fun and adventure was in the air throughout the Junior School on the morning of Friday 22nd August. The school was abuzz with anticipation of the annual book week street parade. Students and staff had a joyous time parading around the school grounds in their creative character costumes. At our book week assembly on Friday afternoon, the result of our book week voting was revealed in addition to the announcement of Book Week competition winners.  The shortlisted books were celebrated and students were thrilled to help the Library Pirate Crew find the hidden treasure! 

Overall, a joyful and inspirational Book Week was experienced by all the students on Canowindra Campus.