Local students help launch book awards

TWO young students from Dublin 15 have helped launch a creative writing competition that’s rooted in primary and secondary school pupils’ love of books.  

Sophia Glackin (7) from Scoil Ghráinne and Rory McDermott (8) from Mary Mother of Hope NS were joined by Little Red Riding Hood (Alison Dennan) and The Wolf (Stephen Holland) to announce details of Scéal Eile.

Now online at www.anpostschoolbag.ie, Scéal Eile is the An Post Education Awards, which is now in its 35th year promoting literacy and learning for generations of Irish students.

Scéal Eile will see students of all ages across Dublin revisiting some of their all-time favourite books with the task of creating their own alternative storyline or ending.

This year, students from junior infants right through to sixth year, will have the help of two of Ireland’s most inspiring children’s authors – Sarah Webb (author of Blazing A Trail – Irish Women Who Changed the World) and Dave Rudden (author of Knights of the Borrowed Dark).

 “We want to help school-goers to develop a real love of books so that they can experience the power and pleasure of reading throughout their lives,” said Aileen Mooney, An Post Education Awards Manager.

“We make sure to align the An Post Education Awards with the national curriculum and we are proud to once again demonstrate our commitment to education, to principals, teachers and future generations.”

INTO General Secretary, Sheila Nunan welcomed Scéal Eile on behalf of primary schools.

“We are delighted that An Post is once again supporting the power of reading and writing in schools, whilst introducing a fun, creative twist,” she said.

“An Post and INTO are very proud to work together and promote literacy through creativity and competition. There are wonderful prizes on offer and we encourage all children to participate in the competition. 

“INTO members should also make use of the great classroom resources available to download on www.anpostschoolbag.ie.”

The competition is open to junior and senior level schools nationwide with national and regional prizes to be won for the winning pupils, teachers and principals. 

Every school entered will be in with a chance of winning an writing workshop with a well-known author. All national winners will be awarded at a ceremony in the GPO in May.