Book & English Week 

Whilst it was disappointing not to celebrate Book and English Week together this year, we made the most of it online with a slew of fabulous activities. The theme of Book Week was ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’ – a timely reminder of the magical power of books to transport us anywhere. We had many conversations this week about books we love and how, especially during a lockdown, it is stories that remind us what it is to connect with others, to dream, hope and be curious. 

Here is a little snap shot of the week:

A Shelford Book and English week would not be the same without Ms Coghlan’s quiz, and a more recent addition, the ‘Shelfie’ competition. The aim of the game was to match the Shelfie to the teacher with book vouchers to be won. 

Our daily lunchtime activities were a chance for booklovers across year levels to get together and share their favourites, such as Storybook lunchtime and the Speed Bookclub session. It was an absolute delight to hear Ms Adlard’s Grade 3 students read their beloved stories and hear Ms Brennan share the hilarious ‘Mister Magnolia’. Mr Trevaskis shared his knowledge of Katherine Mansfield’s short stories at our Speed Bookclub, and students across year levels traded reading suggestions. The Soapbox Challenge was a punchy way to end the week, with a feisty collection of sharp, witty rants on issues from animal testing, corrupt planning laws, women in government to inequitable COVID support. 

We also announced the winners of the 2021 Year 7–8 Principal’s Poetry Prize this week. Congratulations to Kyley Chen for her winning poem ‘Breathe’, and commendations to Caitlin Yang for ‘Ignored’ and Ruby Lochhead for ‘What Can or Must Be Done to Make the World a Better Place’.

Thank you to everyone in the English Faculty and all the wonderful students who made this week so enjoyable. 

Happy reading!

Chanie Stock

Head of English 7–10