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Editorial
Ms Danielle Cooper
Dean of English
‘
Curiosity, empathy. The humility to listen and the courage to speak.
’ These are
the qualities a good writer should have according to Hannie Rayson,
the Australian playwright and author. Now in its ninth year, the
EnglishDepartment’s anthology of student writing,
Scripsi
, continues
to showcase the very best student writing in the Senior School.
Offering anopportunity for students tobe recognised and celebrated,
the literary publication enables our talented writers to demonstrate
their interest in, and passion for, writing.
The Ruyton English Department is proud of the achievements
of the students whose work features in this year’s publication. The
range of ideas explored, and the thought-provoking subjects
broached, reveal the Ruyton students as definitely having the
‘
courage to speak
.’ Highly imaginative and original, the pieces also
demonstrate complexity and maturity in terms of literary skills
and expression. The culture of creative writing at Ruyton continues
to be nurtured and celebrated both within and outside the
classroom. Reading widely, thinking deeply about issues and closely
observing the world we share and the people in it are integral in
providing inspiration for the talented writers selected for this
year’s publication.
Included in this anthology are the winning pieces of the Isobelle
Carmody Award for Creative Writing, this year judged by author,
Hannie Rayson. In announcing the winners, Hannie stated that the
majority of the stories were powerful, creative, confronting and well-
crafted. When reflecting on the writing process, she impressed upon
the students the importance of dialogue, plausible characters and
plot. Hannie also encouraged the students to ‘
make the hearts of their
readers swell.
’ These stories will undoubtedly do exactly that: unsettle,
move and delight you. The English Department hope you will enjoy
this year’s superb collection of student writing.
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the help of the following staff who have
been instrumental in
Scripsi Volume 9
:MsNatashaAnderson,MsTonya
Peters and Miss Claire Waide in the editorial process, and the English
teachers who have aided in supporting and focusing the creativity of
the students: Mrs Kiri Adams, Mrs Diane Berold, Miss Jessica Kitt,
Mrs Alison Paisley, Mrs Elaine Rogers, Ms Alison Shackell, Mr Paul
Upperton, Miss Claire Waide andMr Walter Zavattiero.
'
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