A new book, a library, a new role, another storyteller, and much more - Sydney Story Factory

 

Cold Days, Hot Writing A polar vortex rolled into town last week, freezing the east coast and sending us all scuttling inside to stand as close as we can to the heater. In our extensive experience there's no better way to spend a chilly day than reading and writing, and we have both options covered here at Story Factory! In the newsletter below we’ve got updates on new publications, holiday workshops, job opportunities, recent student writing and updates from the wide world of writing. We hope it keeps you warm inside and out! Onwards, Story Factory

Our Storyteller Appeal This end of financial year we’re asking for your support to help fund more storytelling. To get a glimpse into just what our storytellers do for kids across Sydney we asked Russ to tell us about a typical day. ‘I’m Russ and I’m a proud descendant of the Ngarrindjeri people. I’m actually a graduate of NIDA and have been performing stories for the last 20 years. I’ve also got a Masters in Teaching from UWS. After a few years at NIDA as the National Program Manager for children and youth, I joined Story Factory as a storyteller.  My day usually starts with a car trip. Story Factory is lucky to have great relationships with a whole range of schools and their teachers spread throughout Western Sydney from Mt Druitt to Campbelltown, however it does mean lots of travel!’

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Simply the Best   Close your eyes and imagine you're us. You've watched your students deal with the disaster of the pandemic, schools closing, and life changing so dramatically. You've also watched them write through it, writing beautiful, vulnerable, funny, wise things. Then imagine you get the chance to compile this extraordinary writing into a beautiful book - our very first 'best of' anthology of student writing. You're imagining all that? Because then you'll know just how proud we are, and why you need this book (and writing) in your life. Butterfly by Muntana  (Birrong Girls High) My name is Muntana But you can call me Munti I may be young But I know who I am and who I wanna be One day I’m gonna travel the world and study dermatology I will become great and be there for my family I am full of joy, like a cup of ecstasy I am growing Growing like a caterpillar in a canopy Waiting for a new stage in my life Like a butterfly, I will learn to fly and be free

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School Holiday and Term 3 Programs School holidays are hurtling towards us and with them some free writing programs for students. Our free writing workshops are created specifically for young people in under-resourced communities and at severe risk of being left behind. If you know a young person who is struggling with accessing resources but who would enjoy participating, you can read about the options available on our website.

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Our Collections, Our Stories   In our partnership with the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) and the State Library of NSW, we invited our students to immerse themselves in a world of books and history. In regular site visits to the Library (pictured above), students created a collection of micro-fiction pieces inspired by rare artefacts housed at the State Library. At the end of this Big Project, video recordings of the student’s writing combined to create short films, presenting art, writing, film and history.

We're Hiring We’re recruiting for someone special to join the Story Factory team - could we be looking for you? We’re looking for an exceptional individual to be our first Aboriginal Liaison Officer, working with our fabulous Indigenous students and their families.  This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference, click through to read more about the role and how to apply.

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The Cherry on Top Our volunteers tell us every day how rewarding it is to feel like you're making a difference to young people - that you're earning trust, and how patient encouragement can yield spectacular things. But messages like the one above (given to our wonderful volunteer Sherine this week) really can make all the effort feel wonderfully worthwhile.

But Wait, There's More... Get yourself down to Gleebooks Sunday 27 June to catch our brilliant storyteller Priyanka Bromhead in conversation about her latest collection of writing - Mozhi.  21 - 27 June is Working With Children Week, and if you haven't completed your Working With Children Check, now's a great time to do it. Congratulations to our brilliant volunteer Dr Susan Lever who was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for Services to Literature. Well deserved recognition!