The Literacy Challenge rigorously tested the creativity of both Staff and Year 12 Student participants. The competition imposed strict criteria: each participant had a mere 25 minutes to craft a micro story using 100 words or fewer, centred around the theme of bravery. Additionally, the story had to incorporate specific keywords—valour, stench, mock, and incredible—and include an action related to ‘tasting something sour.’

To maintain integrity, submissions were deidentified and subjected to AI and plagiarism checks. Mr. Stranieri anonymised and submitted responses from both students and staff to separate judging panels. Following the initial shortlisting process, our final panel, consisting of Mrs. Austin-Campbell and Mr. McMahon, selected the winner and runner-up from the four writing pieces presented. The winner and runner up are listed below:

Winner – Mr Quinlan with his response titled: Warriors

The days and nights preceding seemed a world away. Talk of valour and prestige was forgotten, dissipated by harsh reality. It was hot today, and a stench was already rising from the gathered ranks.
Weapons sharpened. Armour polished to a sheen. Still the enemy in front of them mocked them with an unflinching expression.
Their drill instructors had called them incredible, but how many years had it been since any of them had braved true battle? Those in the front line swallowed, as if tasting something sour. The battle cry sounded:
“Good morning Grade 12, your working time starts now.”

Runner Up – Harrison H in Walsh House with his submission titled: The Foolhardy, The Spirited
My hand clenches, the vein on my thumb taut and corded. I glance around, with the palpable weight of the tension heavy on my shoulders. Something slides down my face.
Sweat. Tears. Who knows.
All around me, they work. It's quite incredible. And yet it makes me sick.
I thought we had the valour to stand a chance. But their bravery and skill is too much. They are too good.
I now regret mocking them. I regret mocking them, indeed.
Some stench permeates through the room. I taste something sour in my throat.
It tastes bitter.
Because we have lost.

Well done to both Mr Quinlan and Harrison on your responses!

Congratulations and thank you to all participants who entered, our judging panels, the Shalom Literature Committee, Mrs Austin-Campbell and Mr McMahon.

After 4 competitions, Staff and Students are tied up 2 a piece in the 2024 Walsh Warrior Games between Year 12 Students and Staff. With 3 events remaining, it is going to be a very tight finish to a great competition!

Mr Ben Stranieri
Head of House - Walsh
Ben_Stranieri@shalomcollege.com