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Austinmer Public School
Past Events - 2006 - Koala Awards

KOALA DAY at Taronga Zoo  
   
Last Friday the 20th of October a group of children and teachers consisting of Kaitlyn B, Angus T, Genni P, Bethan A, Kate D, Robert B, Dylan S, Mrs Nichols, Mrs Gleason, & of course myself went to the 2006 Kids Own Australian Literature Awards at the Taronga Zoo Conservation Theatre.

For those of you who don’t know what KOALA is. It is a non profit organization that works to encourage kids to read, and allows children and  adults to  participate in voting for the books they want. Not the books a panel of judges want to win.

We had to travel the awards ceremony there using all three modes of public transport. We travelled on a train, a ferry & a bus. Though surprisingly, and because of Mrs Gleason’s wonderful planning all three modes of transport were perfectly synchronised. We literally stepped off the bus and onto the ferry.

When we arrived we saw two amazing examples of wildlife, a snake and a leaf insect before entering the theatre. When we entered, the authors were questioned by students about things from their writing stye to what made them want to become an author.

After the awards ceremony there was a rush to get autographs and to buy books. Yet the day was far from over, we had the return journey to go.

After saying our goodbyes we jumped on a bus, a ferry and finally a train. We pondered the authors, read our books, and thanked Mrs Gleason for the chance to experience such a great day.

CONGRATULATIONS! To:
Younger Readers
  • Girlz Rock! Series: Julie Mullins, Shay Kettle, Jacqueline Arena, Holly Smith Dinbergs.
  • Older Readers
  • Dragonkeeper: Carole Wilkinson
Picture Book
  • Dougal the Garbage Dump Bear: Matt Dray

Alexi Polden
For more information go to: www.koalansw.org.au