Ivy Heap is a talented Brisbane Catholic Education student who has been awarded first place in the 2022 Water Stories Writing Competition - Upper Primary category.
Inspired by her recollection of the Brisbane floods earlier this year, the Year 4 student from St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School Tarragindi, impressed the judges with her short story ‘The River of Loss’.
“In February, Laura Street Park became flooded, and I wanted to share how water impacted people in my local community,” shared Ivy, on why she was motivated to enter.
“Water is a precious resource but, on this occasion, it left many people in a vulnerable position.” The Water Stories Writing Competition was sponsored by Urban Utilities, encouraging participants to share their connections to water and to think about the importance of using water wisely.
Open to students from Prep to Year 6 within Urban Utilities’ five service regions, Ivy’s story was among thousands of entries across Queensland.
In addition to her story being published on the Water Talk website, Ivy’s prize included a $100 gift card and $250 water-themed book pack donated to the St Elizabeth’s Tarragindi school library.
Competition judges called Ivy’s story “unique, giving voice to her observations and personal experience during this time.”
They also commented that it stood out because it was “beautifully written and incorporated creative and descriptive language”, along with “vivid details, figurative language, and thoughtful organisation.”
St Elizabeth’s Tarragindi Principal Mrs Jenna Webb said the achievement was a pleasing testimony to Ivy’s creativity and work ethic.
“Ivy’s achievement is very special,” she said.
“Everyone in the St Elizabeth’s community is so proud of her efforts. I’m sure other students within our school community will be inspired to continue writing as well.”