On Friday, February 14, 348 students from our College had the privilege of attending the inaugural Words out West Readers and Writers Festival and the Western Downs Library. The Friday program was specifically for school students and we were extremely excited to have given every OLSCC student from Prep to mid Year 7 the opportunity to participate in workshops with authors, illustrators, narrators, cartoonists, journalists, story tellers and musicians. The sessions were very interactive and were well received by the audiences. Even Mr Cuskelly and Mr Cullen ended up as part of the show! It was a rare opportunity for students to be able to have such close interaction with professionals of this calibre and to be able to learn from their personal journey into the literary world. Our students are to be commended on their excellent presentation and behavior at this public event.

Miss Crow reported that the Middle Years students who attended were thoroughly engaged by Stig Wemyss as he described his journey as an actor and narrator of children's storybooks. The Middle Years students also participated in 'The Panel' which was chaired by Mrs Walton and featured Dalby locals Lydia Burton, a past student of the College and Sophie Volker. During this session, the students learned about the journeys of both ladies who have become very successful in the field of journalism. Sophie and Lydia were keen to discuss their pathway stressing that they had no disadvantage coming from the Western Downs region. 

Our College was the most represented on School Day at the Festival and from the amazing feedback and excited students who attended, we can't wait until next time. A huge thank you must go to the Western Downs Regional Council for hosting this event and providing our young students with such an engaging and enjoyable taste of all things 'words'.

Thanks to Ange Strling for some of these beautiful images.