Home > News and Events > 2025 > August > Year 6 author from St Matthew’s School shares the spotlight with Felice Arena

21 August

Book Week at St Matthew’s School in Fawkner North had a star-studded start when acclaimed children’s author Felice Arena, co-creator of the much-loved Specky Magee series, visited the school to share his passion for storytelling.

Among the eager audience was 11-year-old Ross, a Year 6 student who’s no stranger to the world of writing. Ross is already a published author of four sport fitness gratitude journals under the title Rolls & Goals.

Ross’s work encourages young people to embrace gratitude and mindfulness.The journals have goal-setting tools and confidence-building strategies, and provide motivation through quotes and challenges – lessons that apply on and off the sporting field. Ross says he found journaling helped with the anxiety he experienced before big sporting events and he saw an opportunity to write professional motivational journals for other young people.

His efforts caught the attention of Nine News, which featured his story as part of its coverage of Children’s Book Week – this year celebrating its 80th year. The budding author said meeting Arena ‘didn’t feel real’, while Arena expressed admiration for Ross’s commitment to inspiring his peers through writing. ‘That kid is beyond his years. That kid is incredible! I was very, very touched that he loved my presentation and Specky, and that he was also drawn to one of my historical novels.’

The moment was more than just a brush with fame; it was a showcase of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Vision for Engagement in action. Ross’s achievements reflect the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging creativity and supporting student empowerment.

Book Week is one of the highlights of the school calendar, bringing students and staff together to celebrate the joy of reading. For Ross, this year’s celebrations were particularly special, offering him a chance to share the spotlight with an author who inspired his own journey as a writer.

The full Nine News story featuring Ross can be viewed via www.instagram.com/reel/DNhv7vRCe8e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MXZsM2dyeG51MW16Ng==.