Across Campus

McAuley Resource Centre

Award-Winning Author Visits Our Library

The MRC was thrilled to welcome award-winning author Danielle Binks on Thursday, 23 October for an inspiring session with all our Year 7 students.  

Danielle captivated our young readers with fascinating insights into her creative process, sharing how she discovers and develops ideas for her stories.  Students were engaged throughout the presentation as she walked them through the journey of writing a book, from that initial spark of inspiration to the final published product.

Her honest and enthusiastic approach to discussing the writing process resonated strongly with our students, many of whom left the session feeling motivated to explore their own creative writing.  Danielle's ability to connect with young audiences and demystify the work of being an author made this a truly memorable experience for our Year 7s.

We are grateful to Danielle Binks for taking the time to share her expertise and passion for storytelling with our school community.  Events like these remind us of the power of books to inspire imagination and the importance of supporting young writers.

Don't forget to check out Danielle Binks' books in the Library – they are available for borrowing now!

Ms Cathy Bennett

MRC Learning Leader

Konnichiwa! Exchange Students' Update

Currently, I am a student on a two month exchange in Kyoto, Japan.  Everyday, I go to the Academy's sister school, Kyoto Nishiyama High School, with my host sister, Miu. Everyone is so kind and welcoming, always helping Freddy and I feel comfortable and included.  The school is quite large, and consists of an enormous outdoor sports field and indoor gymnasium.  One major difference between the Academy and Nishiyama High School is that students change into uwabaki (indoor shoes worn only inside the school) upon arrival.  Another major difference is that there is only one designated break for lunch, but short 10-minute breaks between classes.

Each day begins with attending homeroom with my regular Year 11 class.  Many classes that I am a part of are physical or practical, including different art classes, sport, dance, childcare, and home economics.  Nishiyama High School also has a kindergarten next to it, and every Wednesday, Freddy and I go over there to play games with the children, read stories (in Japanese), sing songs and eat lunch.  Miu is also part of the Wadaiko club (japanese drumming), and therefore I have watched and participated in many fun and loud rehearsals and events.  Furthermore, I was extremely lucky to have partaken in the sports festival, and to have been involved in two sporting events.  One of the most memorable experiences of this trip is that everyday, my classmates teach me Japanese slang and in return, I teach them Australian slang.  These moments are always fun and laughable, and allow me to teach my culture while learning the culture of Japanese teenagers. 

On the weekends and some school days, my host family or Nishiyama High School take me to various places, including Fushimi Inari, Eigamurau and USJ.  Another major highlight is the multiple karaoke sessions that Miu and I have done together with her friends.  

From the beginning of this exchange, I have been beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity to experience the school life of Japan, and to improve my Japanese.  To this day, I look forward to the new experiences that each day brings, as well as the encounters with my friends, classmates and host family, as they have truly made these two months so enjoyable and memorable. 

Audrey R - Year 11

Ms Karen Fogarty

Japanese Teacher