From the English Coordinator

Spring Poetry Festival 2025 Success

On a beautiful sunny November morning it was fitting to gather with students, teachers and families from around South Australia for the launch of the 2025 Spring Poetry Festival anthology. Run by the South Australian English Teachers Association (SAETA) for the past 50 years, the Spring Poetry Festival is open to students from Reception to Year 12, encouraging a love of poetry. Guest poet, Rory Harris, shared great advice with the young writers about the important elements for successful writing – having a dedicated place to write, the process of drafting and crafting, the value of reading your work aloud and having a trusted person with whom to share your writing. Given the quality of writing produced by SAC students each year, in this and other competitions, I’m sure our poets have all these necessary elements.

The Festival convenors received over 400 entries, from which a select few are included in the annual anthology. Congratulations to Mila (8AM), Joy (8JT), Aanya (5AC) and Gloria (4BM) whose work was published this year.

A range of prizes are also awarded to select young poets. Congratulations to Chloe (7AC) who won the Budding Poet Prize. Jude Aquilina, in presenting the award, commented that Chloe’s writing had eloquently “captured the silent frustration and fears harboured by so many young people”. Given that Chloe has previously experienced success with her poetry, we look forward to reading more of her work in years to come!

Asked to reflect on poetry writing and having their work published, the students shared the following:

I enjoy the freedom poetry can give you. To me, poetry is like music and it feels like a way you’re able to speak your thoughts in another, more lyrical way. Many times, it challenges your thinking in finding the right words to fit a mood to let your reader really dive into your writing. I find it amazing that I will be able to share my poetry. (Joy Julianto 8AM)

I was very surprised when I found out that my work was being published, it was a dream come true for me and my family. I love poetry and it’s my passion! (Aanya Weerawardhane 5AC)

Congratulations to our successful writers. We look forward to continuing to share your passion for poetry!

Ms Genevieve Pelekani
English & Literacy Coordinator

Year 7 stundet, Chloe, Budding Poet Prize Winner

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