Primary school story writing competition winner announced

The winner, Grade 5 student Asim Ismet, also received a certificate for his winning book ‘What is Your Superpower?’ which will now be included as part of the local book bag program for 12 months and handed out to children attending their 3.5 year Maternal and Child Health visit.

The book competition is an initiative of the Greater Shepparton Early Years Language workgroup which is part of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Best Start program. This is the ninth year the workgroup has run the competition, which is open to all Grade 5 and 6 students attending a school in Greater Shepparton. The workgroup wanted to include a local story as part of the book bag program and to celebrate young local talent.

Council’s Manager Early Years Sally Rose said nearly 1,000 children receive the bag each year from their Maternal and Child Health nurse.

“Reading is such an important and enjoyable activity and the program hopes to encourage a love of books and reading amongst children and their families,” Ms Rose said.

Students were asked to write and illustrate an original story and could partner with another student if they wished. Primary schools could select up to three entries from their students to put forward for judging.

“We received thirty entries from eleven different primary schools which is a wonderful result. The quality of the entries received was very high and the creative and colourful illustrations really added to the stories,” Ms Rose said.

“An independent, three-person judging panel had the difficult task of selecting a winner and each said it was extremely tough.”

The panel consisted of an early childhood educator, a librarian and a speech pathologist. In the end all three judges selected ‘What is your Superpower?’ for its clear and appealing illustrations, engaging content and imaginative thinking.

A copy of all 30 stories will be placed in the Shepparton Library for the community to read and appreciate the young talent we have here in Greater Shepparton. A copy of the winning story will also be sent to every primary school in Greater Shepparton.

Congupna Primary School also received a $100 voucher to purchase books. In addition to the winner, there were two honourable mentions, who will receive a special certificate.