A record number of 60 St Paul's College students attended the Secondary School Writers Festival at the Aotea Centre last week. The Year 7 & 8 students went on Tuesday 13 May and enjoyed the four writers they heard from immensely.

Nico Bentley, Seron Stanley and Kaedyn Tumahai-Fox wrote about their experience as follows: 

'As we entered the auditorium, the M.C. announced that we would be hearing from four different writers. Each one shared their unique journey from what it was like growing up, to how they became writers, and what writing means to them now. Some had rough childhoods, one didn’t even like writing at first, and others had more “normal” upbringings. It was really interesting to hear such different stories, and overall it was an awesome experience. Out of all the writers, we had two favourites, Jessica Townsend, an outgoing writer from Australia and best known for her fantasy writing and her deep appreciation for the power of imagination, and Anton Clifford-Motopi who emphasised the importance of writing from personal experience and drawing on real-life events. 

In conclusion, we had an amazing day listening to and learning from all the authors. They spoke with great mana, compassion, and honesty. Each author shared how their writing is inspired by their own life experiences and cultural backgrounds, which made their stories even more powerful and meaningful. A big thank you to all the teachers, who supported and looked after us during the trip, and a special thanks to Miss Washer for organising such a valuable and unforgettable experience.'

Neil Fernandes (Year 12) joined the Year 9 to 13 group on Wednesday 14 May and wrote about the event as follows:

'Last week, a group of boys from all year levels attended the Writers' Festival in Auckland. It was a great experience for us to encounter writers, hear motivational stories, and have a taste of different writing techniques from all writers, including Scotty Cotter, Neal Schusterman, Lee Murray and Harriet Walter. Many of us departed with the motivation to read and write more. Overall, it was an inspiring and unforgettable experience.'

A special thanks goes to Ms Eniata and Ms Chambers who accompanied the Year 7 & 8s, Mr Rice, Ms Bragg and Ms Walker who attended with the Year 9 - 13s, and Ms Brough on reception for all her administration support. I would also like to acknowledge the Writers Festival School Transport Fund, generously supported by the Potter Masonic Trust, who contributed the full cost of the bus transportation to and from the event.  

At the beginning of the term we had a Library Committee Meeting, and a delicious morning tea, run by our Library Leaders Matthew Blanch, Neil Fernandes and Kainen Fuimaono. We discussed new book purchases, best shelving practices and how to display new books prominently and recommend them to students. A big part of the committee's function is Pastoral Care, as the Library is a safe space where all are welcome, and encouraged to play games, catch up with friends, and read quietly.

The Library Events planned for Term 2 include:

• The Chess Competition in Week 5
• Cook Island and Samoan Language Week Kahoots at lunchtime 
• Book Club in Week 8

As the all-time great Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."