Celebrating the value of literature

Marg Moran Acting Head of Library

The Carey Celebrates Literature Festival, which takes place over the course of a week each year, has developed into a dynamic wholeschool program that includes a series of events and activities that engage students, teachers, parents and the wider School community. In 2011, just three writers came to Carey for our very first Literature Festival; this year we had 40 creators throughout the week to inspire us and help us share our own stories. This festival extends and reinforces the wonderful work Carey’s teachers, librarians and parents do every time they engage us and our students in story. Award-winning author Mark Brandi launched our ninth Literature Festival with a thoughtful presentation which left his audience thinking about the purpose of his writing, beyond the stories themselves. He writes about contemporary issues with the aim of shifting perceptions, to make the reader see the world differently, especially for marginalised people. During the Literature Festival, students were treated to a variety of Australian literary talent. Mark Brandi commented that ‘You would be hard pressed to find a more diverse and talented line-up in any festival around Australia.’ Classes guided by award-winning young-adult authors developed writing skills for staff and students alike; they left not only inspired, but equipped with specific techniques to improve their stories. ‘I liked how Davina Bell came and we read All the Ways to be Smart. We made a paper aeroplane and we drew what we are smart at. I drew a picture of me doing a bridge in yoga.’ – Ivy, Prep ‘Our Carey Celebrates Literature workshop was very creative because George Ivanoff’s imagination went wild and we got to watch him create a Choose Your Own Adventure book. I learnt that you don’t have to stick to easy ideas in your writing.’ – Ava, Year 4

‘Stories connect us to the rest of the world. Adults and adolescents alike marvel at the insights a writer can have and their ability to communicate so eloquently.’

Elective workshops encouraged students to explore storytelling through theatre, art, film, graphic novels, computer programs, poetry, songwriting, music, sport, humour and zines. Students gained insight into the creative process and how approaching stories in different ways deepens the connection to characters. Students spoke of these sessions as helping them to focus their ideas, add dimension to characters and become aware of different perspectives of the same scene. It also helped the students increase their confidence and commitment to their ideas, improve their time-management skills, and provided a way to express their creativity. ‘The theatre workshop made me think about what my characters might be doing, feeling and thinking. It really made me aware of more dimensions to characters in my writing.’ – Jared, Year 8 ‘In the process of creating a sculptural animal, I connected to its personality. It is a unique way of developing the characters of a story.’ – Alice, Year 9 ‘The songwriting workshop inspired me so much I went home and wrote more.’ – Kaitlin, Year 7 Students chose one of 13 elective workshops to explore ways to tell a story. A highlight for Middle School students was hearing from Shawn Andrews from Indigicate. Shawn spoke to us about Indigenous storytelling, and challenged us with ideas about Indigenous reconciliation. ‘Sometimes you have to know or do your ending first, so you know what journey the character goes on.’ – Will, Year 9 The impact of the festival is far-reaching and beyond measure. Students are still borrowing the books of our guests, and confronting the challenging themes many of these address. Stories connect us to the rest of the world. Adults and adolescents alike marvel at the insights a writer can have and their ability to communicate so eloquently. We learn and we empathise, and this helps us become better people. This celebration shines an light on the value of literature in our lives. Look out for news of next year’s program and get involved.