As part of their Academic Talent Program a group of students from Sunshine Beach State School recently attended Voices on the Coast Literary festival.
This annual event is a high-calibre festival which opens the student’s eyes to not only the literary and illustration world, but the Sunshine Coast University location, showing them a taste of what a university future could be.
The opportunity to engage with authors and illustrators is a highly beneficial experience for this talented group of students.
Wildlife photographer and author Jan Latta, author and wildlife photographer of 17 True to Life Books, shared stories of her extraordinary experiences and her daily encounters with wildlife. Her entertaining delivery brought those stories to life about many endangered species.
Jasper, a Year 5 student from the school, was impressed by Jan’s life story.
“Jan’s adventures are so amazing! She has looked eye to eye with a lioness, escaped in a jeep from a charging rhino and she’s been to Africa eleven times,” Jasper said.Award- winning author Aleesah Darlinson spoke of how her latest books champion the cause of animals, the environment and child self-empowerment.
A captivated Mia, also in Year 5 was very excited to have the opportunity.
“The whole day was so good! The university was amazing, I’m so proud I got the opportunity to go.
The program for the day was completed with an incredible talk by multi-platform storyteller Lucas Proudfoot.
His highly interactive session captured the students’ imagination with his interactive presentation.
A few of the students from the school were lucky enough to join him on stage.
Fascinated throughout the performance, Year 6 student Grace said “Lucas’ presentation was the highlight of my day.
“He was hilarious, interacting with the audience exceptionally well.
“I also enjoyed buying books from the pop up stand – and there were author signings,” Grace said.
Sunshine Beach State School ensures through its respected Academic Talent Program that all students are motivated and challenged in their learning. With what they discover, the school is confident that students continue their studies empowered in many skills.
Throughout the year, students attend various events and this literary festival inspired and motivated students to develop further their love of reading and writing.
Callum in Year 6 couldn’t have agreed more ‘Voices on the Coast couldn’t have been better,” he said.
