Literacy News
At Heathmont College, we champion literacy as fundamental for children and teens. Literacy serves as the cornerstone of education, unlocking pathways to comprehensive learning and critical thinking. Through reading and writing, students gain access to shared knowledge, enhance communication skills, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Heathmont Library supports literacy through dedicated programs, resources, and initiatives tailored to nurture students' reading and writing abilities, empowering them to thrive academically and beyond.
Heathmont College Writing Club
The Heathmont College Creative Writing Club meets every Monday lunchtime in C9.
The club is a great place to develop your creative writing skills and share your ideas with other students. Activities include games and workshops that will expand your imagination and spark ideas. It is also an opportunity to meet and hang out with other students that share similar interests.
Students can get support and feedback on their creative writing allowing them to shape their ideas into short stories, micro fiction, novels, comics, poetry, lyrics, film scripts, creative nonfiction, journaling, free writing, and more. Once they have refined their writing, assistance is provided in publishing online and entering creative writing competitions.
The creative writing club meets every Monday lunchtime in C9 with Mr McClare - All are welcome.
The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards
The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards celebrate Australian students' poetic talents, inviting entries from Kindergarten to Year 12.
With over 6,000 submissions annually, the competition showcases the literary prowess of young Australians. Entries, limited to 80 lines per poem, span various themes, with the optional 2024 theme being "Listen, I have an Idea."
The competition is held until the 30th June 2024 with the winners announced on the first Friday in September 2024.
For more details and entry guidelines, visit 2024 Entry information - Dorothea Mackellar
The What Matters? Writing Competition
The What Matters? Writing Competition, inspired by Gough Whitlam's dedication to youth involvement in shaping Australia's future, has been amplifying young voices since 2004.
In its 20th year, the competition invites students in years 5 to 12 to articulate their perspectives on any topic of importance. Entries, spanning fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or prose, are capped at 600 words and submitted online. This platform empowers students to contribute to societal dialogues regardless of their age, background, or viewpoint. Entries close 17th May 2024.
Join us in celebrating youth voices and sign up for updates Whitlam Institute What Matters
2024 Insight Creative Writing Competition
Welcome to the 2024 Insight Creative Writing Competition! This exciting event invites high school students from across Australia to delve into the realms of imagination and storytelling, fostering a love for creative expression and nurturing the voices of tomorrow.
If you're a budding wordsmith eager to showcase your creativity, we eagerly await your submission. Participation in the competition is completely free, offering entrants the chance to vie for a share of over $3000 in cash prizes! This year's theme is "Beauty in the Unknown". Entries close 1 September 2024.
For details on how to participate, go to:
2024 Insight Creative Writing Competition – Insight Publications
Premiers' Reading Challenge 2024
Get ready for an adventure with the Premier's Reading Challenge!
Dive into books and aim to reach the set target. Since 2005, over 4.3 million students have read 60 million books! We want to hear about the ebooks, novels, and stories you're enjoying. Every book counts! Expand your horizons and win prizes.
The challenge starts soon and ends in September. Let's make this year's Challenge the best one yet!
To enter, register at the LRC!
YA Write & YA Book Club
Whitehorse Manningham Libraries, Young Adult Write and Young Adult Book Club.
This writing club for teenagers offers a space where participants can engage with one another and explore their literary interests.
During the inaugural session, attendees had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their reading and writing preferences, shaping the direction, and scheduling of future club activities. The session kicked off with a brief writing exercise and continued from there. Following the initial session, another gathering is scheduled for May, offering teenagers another opportunity to engage with the writing club. Attendees will continue to shape the club's direction and activities based on their interests and preferences. Like before, participants are encouraged to bring their writing materials.
While the event is free, booking in advance remains necessary to secure a spot.
Home Whitehorse Manningham Libraries (wml.vic.gov.au)
Mr McClare & The LRC Team