Children’s Book Week

It all began in 1945 when the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) was founded. These were days when children’s books were not abundant as they are now, and their authors were not well known. In 1946 the CBCA established annual awards to promote the growth of this sector of Australian literature, celebrating books of high literary and artistic quality. This fostered an increase in the production of stories rich in Australian social history and told in Australian voices.

The CBCA awards are presented to books of literary merit, for their contribution to Australian children’s literature. A panel of experts selects books in age-related categories that meet the vision of the CBCA which is to create a community that celebrates quality Australian literature for young people.

Annually, throughout Australia, children and books are brought together to celebrate Book Week. A program of activities plays out in schools and libraries all around the nation creating engagement, entertainment, and memories. Most parents will remember an episode or two of the last-minute Book Week parade costume.

This year at the Shalom junior library, library staff in collaboration with the English faculty hosted lots of fun and games at each afternoon teatime through the week, except for Shalom Day on Thursday.

Shalom Literary Wonders

The English department/Library Literary Committee have also run the annual Shalom Literary Wonders writing competition this term. The winners were announced last Thursday afternoon in the Beerarlem library. All winning and runner-up entries received a copy of the printed anthology and a certificate, first place winners also received a Dymocks voucher each while runners-up were awarded tuckshop vouchers.

Year 7-9 Poetry
1st place: Four, Six, Seven, Zero by Laylah J
Runner up: The Big Sweet Potato by Khoda S

Year 7-9 Short Story
1st place: Stay True by Desilva D
Runner up: Dug the dog who loves strawberries by Faith W

Year 10-12 General English and Literature Poetry
1st Place: Yellow Kangaroo by Amelia T
Runner up: Bundaberg’s Tapestry by Callum M

Year 10-12 Essential Poetry
1st place: Hazed Surroundings by Corey J
Runners up: Dancing Wind by Meg G
Lonely Paradise by Owen H

Year 10-12 Short Story
1st place: The Physicist by Steven P
Runner up: The Rain of Redemption by Callum M

Year 11-12 Literature Short Story
1st place: Preservation by Alexandria B
Runner up: The Heinous Deeds of a Yearning Soul by Candace W

Congratulations to everyone that participated.