Geelong students can participate in an inspiring literary program and meet celebrated children’s authors.
State Library Victoria’s Young Regional Writers’ Program will bring students and authors together for a term of story writing and creativity across the state’s west, including Geelong and the Bellarine.
State Library Victoria acting chief executive John Wicks said the program combined online and in-person workshops with year five and six students, with a focus on writing and reading.
“We can now reach even more students across the state, at no cost to parents or primary schools,” he said.
“The Young Regional Writers’ Program provides a real-world classroom experience for students and teachers in rural and regional Victoria, promoting vital writing and literacy skills.”
Students from the Anakie, Balliang East, Bell Park North, Lara Lake, Geelong East, Hamlyn Banks, Lethbridge, Portarlington and Lara primary schools, as well as Bannockburn P-12 College, will participate in the program.
Author and illustrator Jess McGeachin will work with students at Lara Lake Primary School and Geelong East Primary School and said he was looking forward to participating in the program.
“Encouraging children to read and to have confidence in their own self-expression and storytelling is so important,” he said.
“It’s exciting to see kids embrace their imagination and creativity, and I’m really glad to take part in this unique program.”
The program was initially trialled in primary schools last year in northeast Victoria, with the Victorian Department of Education providing over $250,000 in funding to expand the program.
