In May 2011, Year 9 and 10 students, accompanied by Director of the SLC Centre for Gifted and Talented Education Katherine Alpert, travelled to Sydney to attend the Sydney Writers’ Festival Secondary Day. The College was represented by Year 10 students Lawson Costello and Adam Cassidy and Year 9 students Martin Doyle, Christy Mulder, Anton Marentes, and Peter Condoleon. Held in the heart of Sydney, this event provided secondary students with a wonderful opportunity to engage with, and be inspired by, their favourite authors in an educational, fun and interactive day.
Our Lauries boys had the unenviable task of arriving at the airport at five o’clock in the morning.
Above: Safe and Sound: SLC Students arrive at the Sydney Airport
Above: A Flight to Remember: Adam and Lawson at the Sydney Airport
Their flight to Sydney was followed by a trip through “The Rocks” district until they arrived at the Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay. En route, our students were able to witness (many for the first time) some of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including the State Library, St Mary’s Cathedral, and its postmodernist art spectacles!
At the Sydney Writers’ Festival, students were introduced to four of Australia’s best authors of young adult fiction, including author of “Australian fiction” novels Belinda Jeffrey, and Michael Pryor, author of highly acclaimed fantasy series The Laws of Magic. As the day progressed, students were given the opportunity to hear each author speak about their craft, in particular the source of their inspiration and their methods as writers. Students were also able to meet the writers and have their books signed. Many of the boys were particularly thrilled to attend, as new releases by the authors were available for purchase at the venue.
Above: SLC Students and Ms Katherine Alpert with author Michael Pryor
Upon the conclusion of the Sydney Writers’ Festival Secondary Day, our Lauries boys travelled to the Rocks to view Sydney’s most iconic landmarks: The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Above: SLC Students in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Above: A Literary Escapade – Our Lauries boys let off a little steam at the Sydney Opera House!
I would like to express my congratulations to these boys for their outstanding performance as representatives of St Laurence’s College. The success of the College’s involvement in this notable event can be attributed to their whole-hearted commitment to maximising the learning experiences associated with this unique opportunity.
Katherine Alpert
Director of the SLC Centre for Gifted and Talented Education