6 December 2023

The senior students at St Paul’s School, Coburg, have celebrated the launch of a collection of their creative writing.

Titled Creative Anthology, the book features short stories and illustrations by the school’s Year 5 and 6 students. As part of the Author Pen Pals program in 2023, students had the opportunity to work with local author Mary Anastasiou to develop and refine their writing. ‘As an author, it’s always a thrill to be welcomed into the classrooms of teachers dedicated to nurturing literacy’, wrote Mary. ‘The fact that I get to meet and inspire future authors is a real honour.’

The students worked with Mary throughout the year on character development to help focus their skills in writing and illustration. ‘A huge congratulations to the amazing students who not only embraced the Character Development workshop that was presented to them, but far exceeded my expectations in terms of their final stories and illustrations.’

Mary recently visited the school with hard copies of the book for the launch. From inception to publication, the process of creating the book has been a source of immense joy and pride for the students, as well as the entire school community.

‘Our students live and learn in one of the most vibrant parts of Melbourne, and their stories reflect that local inspiration as well as their wonderful imaginations’, said Principal Maria Mercuri. ‘I can’t wait to see what our young writers come out with next.’