Literacy
Membean Vocabulary Program
Improved vocabulary leads to improved reading, writing and general literacy skills. Therefore, all Year 7-11 students are taking part in a trial with Membean, a program to improve vocabulary. Students will be provided with a class link by their English or Literacy teacher. They will be given some class time to practice, but they are also expected to at least two practice sessions of 15 minutes at home each week.
Please let Miss McCarthy know if you have any questions.
Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Writing
The Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Writing (NPCW) is a biennial writing award.
The 2026 Prize builds on the Shire's strong tradition of supporting contemporary Australian writing. It is offered in partnership with Writers Victoria and Yarra Plenty Regional Library.
Entries are open from 1 July to 30 September 2025 in the following genres.
Short Story
- Up to 2500 words
- Theme: Echoes
- Open, Local and Youth categories
Poetry
- Any form
- Up to 60 lines
- Theme: Echoes
- Open, Local and Youth categories
Prizes and awards
The prize awards the best work in each genre under each category. The prizes are monetary plus publication in the NPCW anthology which is launched at the public awards announcement held in May 2026. The prizes amounts are the same for both genres.
| Category | Prize amount |
|---|---|
| Open | $5,000 |
| Local | $2,500 |
| Youth | $1,000 |
The Alan Marshall Short Story Award is awarded to the best short story in the Short Story Open category.
A Mayor's Award ($500) is also awarded from shortlisted entries in the Short Story Local category.
All entries in the Local category are automatically entered into the Open category.
Laura McCarthy
Literacy Learning Specialist