Learning and Teaching
St Roch's Parish Primary School 
Year 1 ANZAC Poetry
We are proud to share some of our Year 1 students’ poems, created as part of their learning about ANZAC Day. Through their writing and artwork, students reflected on the sights, sounds and feelings associated with this important day of remembrance. Their poppy paintings and poems show thoughtful understanding and respect for those who have served and sacrificed. We hope you enjoy this special showcase of their learning.
Writing Competitions - Share Your Voice!
We have several exciting writing competitions available for students who enjoy writing and would like to challenge themselves creatively. These competitions are a wonderful opportunity for students to share their ideas, imagination and unique voice with a wider audience.
Students are warmly encouraged to take part. If your child is interested in entering, they are welcome to share their writing with me for feedback and support. I am very happy to help students develop their ideas, refine their writing and assist with submitting their entries.
What Matters? Writing Competition
Applicable Entrants: Years 5–12
Competition Dates: 10 February – 15 May
Entry Fee: Free
This competition asks students to write about something that is important to them. It could be an issue in the world, something happening in their community, or something they care deeply about.
Students can write up to 600 words sharing their ideas, opinions and experiences. Pieces may be persuasive, reflective or creative — the most important thing is explaining why the topic matters to them.
This competition is a great opportunity for students to share their voice and thinking with a wider audience.
https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards
Applicable Entrants: Kindergarten – Year 12
Competition Dates: 1 March – 30 June 2026
Submission: Entries can be given to Mrs Gray for submission
Winners Announced: 4 September 2026
The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards is a national poetry competition for students across Australia.
Students can write a poem about any topic. There is also an optional theme each year; this year’s theme is “The Traveller.” Poems can be up to 80 lines and must be the student’s own original work.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students who enjoy playing with language, imagery and ideas through poetry.
Have a go — you never know where your writing might take you!
“Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic.” — J. K. Rowling
Rachel Gray
Literacy Instructional Coach and Leader
Mathematics Coach and Leader