Students embarked on an exciting journey to become published picture fiction writers through an intensive writing workshop. They began by deconstructing a picture fiction book, carefully analyzing its structure, themes, and illustrations before crafting their own unique versions. As a group, they selected a book from the current CBCA Notable list, immersing themselves in its storytelling techniques. Throughout the process, they explored key aspects of publishing, from developing engaging narratives to designing memorable main characters that brought their stories to life.
The workshop placed a strong emphasis on reading and discussing CBCA Notable books from the Children’s Book of the Year: Picture Fiction and Children’s Book of the Year: Early Childhood categories. Students examined these titles closely before deciding which book would serve as their mentor text. In 2024, they chose If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall as their inspiration, using its rich storytelling and artistic style to guide their own creative projects.
To celebrate their achievements, students hosted a book launch, inviting a friend to share in the excitement of their newly published works. Their self-published books quickly became some of the most popular titles to borrow, with students taking great pride in seeing their names catalogued in Bookmark, the library’s circulation system. The joy of holding their own book in the library collection was a rewarding reminder of their journey as young authors.

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• Book Week 2024 was a truly magical celebration, embracing the theme Reading is Magic. The library was transformed into an enchanting space, adorned with floating stars and magical hats that set the scene for a week filled with wonder. Students engaged in a variety of creative activities, including making bath salts and magical potions during lunchtime sessions. Junior primary classes decorated their own magician’s hats, while primary students tested their knowledge with a Kahoot based on the CBCA Shortlisted Books.
• A highlight of the week was the stunning display of artwork created by the Shadow Judging classes. Inspired by the Reading is Magic theme and the shortlisted books, students expressed their interpretations through vibrant and imaginative pieces that decorated the library. The whole school came together for a special Book Week Assembly, where each class contributed a performance or presentation inspired by either the 2025 theme or notable shortlisted books.
• The excitement of Book Week began with a spectacular magical performance by South Australian magician Simon Skinner, captivating students with tricks and illusions that tied into the wonder of reading. Adding to the unique celebrations, the library teamed up with the Science Department to present Science Meets Sorcery, a special event that blended scientific experiments with literary magic, making Book Week 2024 a truly spellbinding experience for all.

There are 6 classes participating in CBCA's Shadow Judging program. They are taking a close look at the  Early Childhood category and discussing and celebrating the books.
​'Gymnastica Fantastica!' inspired this creative response.

Loved this play tray created by one of our wonderful Foundation teachers, Liz. This was inspired by the 2025 CBCA shortlisted book 'One Little Duck'.

Foundation classes have been getting in to the Shadow Judging zone with their fun creations around 'One Little Duck' and 'Bear and Duck are Friends'. 
These wonderful paintings will also go on display during Book Week and will be special Christmas presents to families at the end of the year.

Many of our students at Ardtornish were luck to hear Tristan Bancks talk about his books and creative process. Tristan is a film maker as well as an author and uses his skills to create book trailers. He gave our students advice on creating book trailers for themselves. Here are their excellent 'Scar Town' book trailers.

6 classes at Ardtornish Primary School are CBCA Shadow Judges.
Danny Snell came to our school to talk about his work and highlighted the illustrations on the 2024 CBCA Shortlisted book 'One Little Duck'.
Both Danny and author Katrina Germein are both South Australians!
​Here are some the student's creative reponses.

The Children's Book Council of Australia Shadow Judging has started for 2024.
We have a huge group of classes involved this year. 
6 classes are studying CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood
1 class CBCA Book of the Year: Picture Book
1 class CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers.
8 groups in total! Amazing! Their ages range from Foundation to year 5
As part of the Shadow Judging Process, students read and discuss books and provide a creative response to share with other SJ groups around the country.
The SJ winners will be announced on the same day as the CBCA Book of the Year Awards on Friday, August 16th.

Ardtornish Primary School's Writers' Weeks comes to an end. What a wild ride!
This has been an exciting 2 weeks, as each student had the opportunity to hear 3 children's book authors or illustrators talk about their work.
Our award winning visitors included Janeen Brian, Tania Ingram, Charlie Archbold, Mike Lucas, Danny Snell and Tristan Bancks.
The benefits of having students hear children's authors and illustrators are huge-improves literacy, encourages reading for pleasure, enthuses pupils in their own writing and illustrating,
broadens knowledge of literature and allows pupils to meet a favourite author/illustrator. Our students have enthusiastically borrowed books and are excited to read the stories highlighted in the author's talks.
Organising an event at your school is much, much cheaper than taking students to an off campus event.
Thank you to Becky's Literary Bookings for our creative superstars!
Thank you to the ARDPS community for supporting this worthwhile event.

​National Simultaneous Storytime is held every year throughout Australia.  Schools and libraries all hear the same story at the same time, on the same day. This year, on Wednesday, May 22nd at 11:30 am, 'Bowerbird Blues' by Aura Parker was shared throughout the nation and Ardtornish PS joined in the fun.
​A special reminder treat as given to every staff member!
Students also had the opportunity to enter 'the count the number of items the bowerbird has collected' competition.
​Congratulations to Alex who wins a copy of the 'Bowerbird Blues' book to keep. Enjoy!