ENGLISH

ENGLISH HELP CLUB

Every Thursday lunchtime at East in V2.9, Year 8 & 9 students can get help with English. Students can bring their lunch and questions to get 1:1 support from current English teachers. Many students come to get feedback on plans and drafts for upcoming Learning Tasks. Students may also like to extend themselves by working on Writer of the Month or other writing competitions. 

The location is conveniently close to the East Library, where students can get advice on their next book for wide reading. We are so pleased to be able to provide this extra support for all students. 

Ms Gillian Goldworthy and Mr Lee Laskaridis

English Teachers

KAREN COMER ENGLISH PRESENTATION

The year 8 cohort were lucky to meet the author Karen Comer who writes the verse novel Grace Notes being taught in English classes. Karen’s presentation was warm and friendly as she explained her motivations behind writing the novel, choosing the style of text to write in and her own exploration of identity and belonging within her life as an author and the characters she has created. 

She gave our students some beautiful encouragement about finding their own passions and offered some interesting advice such as ‘if you do the verb, you deserve the noun’. It was wonderful to see our year 8s engage so well with the presentation. 

There was a line as long as the Gym at the end to ask Karen further questions or to have their book signed by her personally, which Karen was very generous and happy to do. But don’t take my word for it, here are some reflections from year 8 students. 

Ms Charlotte Douglas

English Teacher 

"In this incursion, I enjoyed getting the opportunity to interact with the author of one of my favourite books. I also felt deeply connected to a piece of advice she gave us; "if you do the verb, you deserve the noun." 

Agapi Sempelidi, Year 8

"I think this incursion gave me a clear visual for the story. I also found it very interesting to listen to Karen Comer discuss the process of writing and publishing a book." 

Elliot Mulholland Pyle, Year 8

"This was such an incredible moment because it's very rare for an author to come and talk to you, but it also helped me understand the book better. It was a great morning." 

Tamar Elboher, Year 8

“I loved how she expressed her book like she was talking to a friend.” 

Charmaine Chu, Year 8

“...we got to explore her hardships in becoming an author and her thoughts and process into making such incredible pieces of literacy” 

Meredith Zhu, Year 8

“I loved how she told us funny stories including when a leech got into her mouth! And the whole process about making Grace Notes which was amazing to hear.” 

Scarlett Sifris, Year 8

“She had a flaming passion for creating stories and had an ability to connect with the audience. She talked about her childhood and added photos to make her presentation link to us at this age.” 

Hugo Ko, Year 8