Students bind together and raise $5100 for Kids Cancer

St John Fisher College

​Collaboration, concentration and communication were key to St John Fisher College students writing 15 books in one day

IT was a massive ask – write, illustrate and publish a 4000-word book in one day.

However, 133 budding authors at St John Fisher College, Bracken Ridge, were up to the task, completing 15 child-friendly books in one day while raising more than $5000 for the national Kids Cancer Project.

The enthusiastic writers took part in the national Kids Cancer Project, 'Write-A-Book-In-A-Day', as part of the college's Literary Festival: Girls Write Now,

The young wordsmiths united together to write, illustrate and publish their 4000-word books in one sitting, from 8am to 8pm.

The mammoth effort was supported by Writer-in-Resident, Bri Lee, who was a great source of inspiration for the young writers, helping them focus on story concepts and brainstorm ideas.

Year 12 St John Fisher College student Alicia said it was an exhilarating day.

“We all came together as a team to produce a book that we were all very passionate about and proud of," she said. 

Fellow student Tilly Hill said the it was pretty tiring towards the end of the day.

“But thinking about the money we were raising for the Kids Cancer Project and knowing that our efforts were going to a good cause, made it all worthwhile," the said.

Write-A-Book team member Caitlin Rorke said they were also shouted to a free Maccas lunch courtesy of Bracken Ridge McDonald's “which kept energy high".

St John Fisher College English/Languages/Literacy Curriculum Leader Rikki Stanton-Cook said it was a massive effort put in by the students.

“The girls showed great resilience throughout the 12-hour stint and we are very proud of their efforts," she said.

“The ability to effectively collaborate, to create an end product that is not only well-written, but beautifully illustrated and enjoyable to read, is no easy feat.

“We especially loved involving some talented Year 3 girls from various local primary schools, who enjoyed a presentation from 'Cartoon Dave' and sought inspiration on all things literacy, from their 'St John Fisher sisters' for the day."

Rikki said the completed books would be donated to children's hospitals across Australia.

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