Library News
BookWeek 2024
WINNERS
Book Week - Short Story Competition
The following students delivered exceptional work and made judging very difficult.
A judging panel of 7 staff finally agreed to the following:
In 3rd place – a tie:
Sharanky Sivakumar
Sanvi Patel
Anisha Patil
Kaya Miskulin
In 2nd place and runner up is:
Louis Benedetto
In 1st place, and the winner of our hamper worth over $80 is…
Vigashni Murugananda of 7E
"Unknown Truth:
At the northern tip of Sri Lanka, there is a city were history and culture dance in brilliance. Jaffna. The streets of Jaffna bustle like a vibrant, colourful markets, with Tamil Street shops crowded. Ripe, green fields stretch out like a fluffy, cozy blanket, while the gentle breeze pushed against the trees, colder than ice. Ancient temples and churches rise like proud soldiers as they represent our heritage. The beautiful trees sway and enjoy the monsoon weather.
As the clock struck 12, I stood at the NCG bus station, drenched and weary. The streetlights transformed into scintillating silver ribbons as I perceived two white, lights approaching my direction. I was eager to arrive at Jaffna as my family was eager to see me. Clutching an old leather-bound book, I had found earlier that week in Mr Perera's antiquarian shop, I waited for the bus. Mr. Perera had a shop filled with forgotten stories. I couldn’t wait to arrive at Jaffna and see my family.
As I carefully opened the book, the spine creaked. The pages were filled with handwritten notes and faded illustrations of the “Talisman of Imagination”. Each wish fulfilled by the talisman came with a hidden cost. As I turned to the final pages, I discovered a detailed family tree within the wet pages. My great-great-grandparents had been the last custodians of the talisman. Their personal notes, in Tamil and Sinhala, described their struggles and sacrifices, revealing the profound toll the talisman’s power demanded on them.
A pain struck my head. The bus headlights cut through the rain as I looked up, my mind racing. Inside, I sat by the window, where the rain created soothing patterns against the window. Beside me was Dr. Rajan, a historian with a deep interest in Sri Lanka’s ancient artifacts. We had worked together on local history projects, and he noticed my troubled manner.
“Priya, you seem deeply troubled,” he said, his voice laced with concern. I hesitated but eventually shared the book’s contents. Dr. Rajan listened intently, his expression growing serious. “This is extraordinary,” he said. “Your family’s connection to the talisman is fantastic. It seems your ancestors were safeguarding its power. You must approach this with caution.”
As the bus journeyed through the drizzled night, Dr. Rajan and I discussed the book’s contents. He explained the ancients mentioned and offered to help decode the passages. His insights provided clarity amidst my confusion.
By the time we reached Jaffna, my family’s secrets felt immense. The book had brought my thoughts to life, and I realized I had to act swiftly to control this power before my thoughts manifested uncontrollably. Determined to honour my ancestors’ legacy, I resolved to explore the rituals described in the book and find a way to manage its influence.
Walking through the gentle drizzle of Jaffna, the city’s familiar sights and sounds provided a comforting backdrop to my transformative journey. With Dr. Rajan’s assistance and my growing resolve, I embraced my heritage with purpose."
Congratulations Vigashni… your story was fabulous.
RUOK Day? – RUOK Day was on September 12th 2024
The Library displays were filled with wellbeing books to assist and support our students and staff.
