Published on: 22 August 2013



Boys across the School had a chance to hear from two different storytellers last week in the Senior and Preparatory School libraries. The Prep boys welcomed Aboriginal storyteller, singer and painter Josie Boyle while the Senior boys delved into the world of fantasy with author Michael Pryor.

Josie, who shares the stories and traditions of the Wongi people, gave boys from Pre-Primary to Year 6 an insight into the many different ways Aborigines have communicated stories over the centuries. These included telling stories using sand, singing and miming, and even reading her own book Bubbay.

Teacher Librarian Mary Hookey said Josie told wonderful stories off the cuff. “She taught the boys how to tell a story using sand, played her guitar and sang in her language, and she mimed stories and explained the different signs’ meanings,” Mrs Hookey said.

During the interactive sessions, Josie also taught the boys some of her language and got them to sing along to Advance Australia Fair and Heads and Shoulders, Knees and Toes. She also got the boys to have a go at miming and telling their own sand stories.

Michael Pryor was the Senior School’s author-in-residence last week. Teacher Librarian Lia de Sousa said Michael presented sessions to boys in Years 7 to 9, providing insight into how he writes, the publishing world and what makes a good story.

“Michael also presented sessions on genre writing, specifically fantasy, explaining the elements of a good fantasy story,” Ms de Sousa said. “He even shared some magic tricks with the boys that left them eager to learn more.“

Michael was also a special guest at the second Library Long Lunch – a celebration of reading in the tradition of a long table lunch for students and staff.