The best way to learn is to experience, or at the very least to hear about others’ experiences firsthand. On Friday 9 August Shalom hosted its First Draft Festival for interested students in years 9 and 10 (for the senior session) and years 7 and 8 (for the junior session).

The juniors were treated to a session from senior English Head of Department Louise Hume and then a lively presentation from Sue Ellen Pashley.

The seniors were involved in an all-day event and were able to learn about all things writing and publishing from Sue Ellen Pashley, S.R. ‘Selena’ Silcox, Rikke Justesen, and Craig Mulhall.

The most gratifying part, say all our authors, is at the end when the students come down from their position in the audience and gather around their presenters full of questions and wanting to meet. And from an observer’s vantage, it’s very pleasing to see the obvious delight on our visitors’ faces when they are swarmed.

Also featured was the announcement of the winners of our Shalom College Literary Wonders Writer’s competition. These were invited to come and claim their prize by Local author Craig Mulhall, a duty he greatly enjoyed.

Here are the winners and runners up for each category:

7/8 short story:

Winner: Lillian T. - The Bridge of Retrospect

Runner up: Lillian T. - Something ‘Even Abracadabra’ Can’t Fix

9/10 Short story:

Winner: Waylen H. - The Bird

9/10 Poetry:

Asha D. - Magic

Gabrielle A. - Hidden in a Storybook

11/12 Short story:

Winner: Lexi B. - The Wind Will Be My Hands

Runner up: Callum M. - Reflections of Loss

11/12 Poetry:

Winner: Callum M. - Curie’s Magic

Congratulations to our worthy literary champions and thanks you to everyone that entered the competition.

Over the next few weeks of the term, we will feature some of these works in the newsletter.