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2200 children go to University for a day
The University of the Sunshine Coast campus will be bursting with keen young writers and readers tomorrow when 2,200 children attend the primary school day of the annual Voices on the Coast literature festival.
After popular sessions for high schoolers today, regional students from Years 5-7 will descend on the Sippy Downs lecture theatres from 9am to 2.15pm on Tuesday 7 June.
The busiest time will be 10.30am when students flock to favourite authors such as:
- Tristan Bancks of “Mac Slater” and “Nit Boy” in Lecture Theatre 1;
- John Flanagan of “Ranger’s Apprentice” and theatre company Shake And Stir adapting Shakespeare, both at the USC Innovation Centre;
- Oliver Phommavanh of “Thai-riffic!” in Room J210.
Coordinator Kelly Dunham said Oliver Phommavanh, also a comedian and teacher from western Sydney, was a standout from today’s workshops after enthralling students with his humour about growing up Asian in Australia.
“There has been lots of book signing and interaction between authors and kids,” Ms Dunham said. “It’s wonderful to see how many students are not only writing stories but sharing them with others.”
She expected the public lectures at USC tomorrow night to attract enthusiastic audiences, with speakers such as USC Education student Rebecca Belfield-Kennedy, an American screenwriter who has worked with Hollywood celebrities.
The 16th Voices on the Coast festival is coordinated by Immanuel Lutheran College in connection with USC. For details contact 5477 3437.
– Julie Gatehouse