The day provided not only an enrichment opportunity for students but also a professional learning opportunity for teachers thanks to working with the multi award-winning author Felicity Castagna.

As well as being a successful writer, Felicity holds a PhD from Western Sydney University, has served as the National Ambassador for Literacy and is currently a Director at WestWords, a company that aims to promote and encourage reading, writing and story-making for children and young people living in Western Sydney.

She is a former high school teacher who has both taught and marked Extension I and Extension II English, as well as having taught creative writing in schools, universities and writers' centres all around Australia.

Attendees included students from All Saints College, Maitland; St Francis Xavier, College Hamilton; St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton and St Clare’s High School, Taree.

“This day will act as a catalyst for students to affirm and firmly cement their ideas as they begin the process of creating their English Extension 2 major work,” said Christine Chapple, Education officer at the Catholic Schools Office.

“At the same time, it provides valuable professional learning for teachers to assist in improving student outcomes.”

This is the second year the event has been held, with hopes it will become an annual event.

An additional day will take place in July next year when Felicity will return to work with students to refine their project and develop their reflection statement, ready to be submitted for external marking in August 2019.

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.