Double Literary Triumph at Cobram
Cobram Anglican Grammar School Chinese Teacher, Mr Geoff Brown, recently reached a significant milestone in his career: overseeing the publication of two books – one for Chinese Teachers in Victoria and one for students. Over the past year, Mr Brown has worked towards this goal as part of his involvement in the Victorian Teaching Innovation Fellowship Program.
“I want these resources to be easily accessible for all Chinese Teachers across Victoria, especially those in rural areas where access to these types of materials can be limited.”
Mr Brown highlighted the books’ versatility: “Teachers can read these to students to model language.
“They have curriculum links that fit into the curriculum for Chinese and cross-curriculars for Science.”
The resource book includes assessment and extension activities for Years 3-6 students.
Mr Brown said he followed a rigorous process to develop the student book, “It took a bit of time as I wanted to make sure that the language I was using was appropriate for a Year 1-2 age level in English and in Chinese as well.”
In considering the space themed illustrations for the book, Mr Brown, who also teachers cartooning, explained that he wanted to have easy-to-draw icons, such as aliens and spaceships, “…that would appeal to younger children and look quite quirky and funny.”
A BOOK FOR MORE THAN JUST BEDTIME
In Term 1, Trinity Anglican College celebrated the achievements of their Year 4 Teacher, Mrs Eleanor Pearson, who recently became a published author.
Eleanor shared the journey of writing her debut book, Books are NOT Just for Bedtime, with the Junior School students and explained, “Around eight years ago, when my children were young, I conceived the idea for this book.”
In 2022, she submitted her manuscript, accompanied by Illustrations by Ms Angela Perrini, to a publisher. The story’s purpose is to convey that books are more than bedtime tales; they’re companions for every moment.
As part of her book release, Eleanor held a competition for students to create a new scene for her book. This activity proved a huge hit with students, and many wonderful scenes were created! Winners were awarded a signed copy of Eleanor’s book at the Junior School Assembly.
FROM STAGE TO PAGE
Ms Peta Flanigan, Drama Teacher and Artistic Director of Snapshot Youth Theatre Company, is succeeding on her mission to share the power of storytelling with the world? She is the author of over twenty books and stories in print and the founder of an independent publishing company, Gumnut Press.
Her work has earned her numerous accolades over the years. In 2023, she won the following awards:
- Gold in the Best Blogger/Author/Writer category and also in the Hustle & Heart category at the ROAR Awards
- Silver in the Women in Literature category at the Women Changing the World Awards
- Third place in the Paranormal Short category at the National Excellence in Storytelling Contest
- Finalist for her novel Cupcakes and Cauldrons at the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards
- Finalist in the Side Hustle Superstar category in the ALIBI Awards (Australian Ladies In Business Initiative)
With an impressive array of awards and a bookshelf brimming of her own work, Ms Flanigan inspires storytellers and students alike.
