5 / 145
Editorial
Ms Danielle Cooper
Learning Leader
English
In the novel
I for Isobel
by Australian author, Amy Witting, the
protagonist spends much of her childhood and adolescence denying
and suppressing her talent for words and writing. It is not until the
closing pages that she no longer denies the ‘word factory’ and finally
acknowledges that she has ‘met someone’ – herself. In declaring ‘
I
am a writer
’, Isobel feels liberated. Studied in VCE English classes
this year, this novel delivers a strong message to budding writers.
Likewise, Marcus Zusak’s
The Book Thief
, studied at Year 8, endorses
the joy that comes from writing through his protagonist, Liesel,
who recognises that ‘
words had brought her to life
.’
The collection of writing in this year’s Scripsi once again
showcases the many Ruyton students with a talent for language and
writing. Through experimenting with a range of forms and styles,
students have been able to explore, reflect, create and contemplate
their world through powerful and precise images and descriptions.
Many pieces in this 2016 edition of Scripsi evolved from English
and Literature classes, or in response to the annual Isobelle
Carmody Short Story Competition. The Literature Club is to be
thanked for devising this year’s topics: The Coat, Clandestine and
Remember, which produced deeply stirring, thought-provoking
narratives. Ruyton was privileged to have the 2016 Vogel’s Literary
Award winner, Katherine Brabon, as the judge of the Carmody
stories. Katherine commended the students on their creativity and
originality, while encouraging them to pursue their passion for
reading and writing. The annual Orator of the Year competition
also produced speeches which moved, persuaded and shocked, as
students experimented with persuasive language and techniques. I
hope that you enjoy reading the winning speeches at each year level
as much as the School enjoyed listening to them.
Acknowledgements
The Ruyton English Department takes great pleasure in presenting
Scripsi
2016. Acknowledgements must go to the English teachers
who have supported and encouraged their students to pursue a love
of writing: Mrs Kiri Adams, Mr Tim Adams, Mrs Diane Berold,
Mr Jason Forrest, Mrs Alison Paisley, Miss Lilian Shen, Mr Paul
Upperton and Mr Walter Zavattiero. We are also grateful to Ms
Tonya Peters, Director of Development, who has helped to facilitate
this publication.
'
5