Resource Centre

Week 10

On Monday, our visiting author gave four fascinating sessions to all our Primary and Year 7 students.  

Phil Cummings, author of many highly-acclaimed books, entertained the students with anecdotes from his childhood: he was the youngest of eight children growing up on a farm. 

He showed snippets of first drafts written on whatever paper came to hand, from envelopes to a paper bag (unused) from a plane. He explained that he “collects” ideas from people, places and events around him and tries to record first impressions immediately with a flow of language which may, one day, find itself in a new story. 

He also showed typed pages that he’d submitted to publishers. They were covered with marks and suggestions from editors. He urged the children to take encouragement from comments teachers might make on their pages, too, as they are to help make the writing better. 

Phil provided slides on how illustrations had developed in various books and shared a song he wrote and sang with the SA Symphony Orchestra about the first moon landing.

He gave laughter, enrichment, inspiration and encouragement to our students. At the end of the day he said he had had a wonderful day because the children had been wonderful. They were engaging and well-behaved and showed their connection to the presentations with thoughtful questions.

Last night, Mr Croser and I talked about the day. We felt very proud of the students and everyone who had been involved in preparing for the day. A special shout out to Mr Hood and Mr Kent for their support, too. 

A comment from the Resource Centre. Last week the Year 3 students brought down a copy of their new book of poems with matching personal portraits. I showed Phil Cummings and he expressed delight to see the exciting range of words being used by the students in their descriptions. Well done, Year 3. 

And finally, we should all thank Mrs Fergusson for work she has put into submitting the details of all the students who took part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Despite frequent website failures, she managed to get everything submitted in time. 

We wish you all a happy and safe holiday. 

Mrs Jo Croser

Resource Centre Support Officer

Premier's Reading Challenge

Congratulations to all students who succeeded in completing the Challenge this year and thank you to all teachers, parents and helpers who supported and encouraged our students to accomplish their goals. 

We didn’t reach our 2018 record, but across Primary and Secondary this year we had 141 students hand in completed PRC forms. 

Well Done!!

All data has now been entered on the PRC data base, and now the wait begins.

As usual awards will arrive, and be distributed, in late November.

Again, WELL DONE all.

Marie Fergusson

Resource Centre Support Officer & 

PRC Co-ordinator