|
  
|
So far this year,
we have received consistently positive feedback from our bookings.
Following is a sample of what teachers have been saying.
These reviews are from Secondary schools, but we will be adding more
as it comes in,
so if you've had a speaker visit your school recently, please
let us know how it went.
We also have some photos taken from a recent school festival - go
to images directly.
NEW FEEDBACK - JULY 2006
MICHAEL GERARD BAUER
Author (The Running Man, Don't Call Me Ishmael), Brisbane-based
more...
|
"It was an absolute delight to have Michael as our writer-in-residence. He was easy to negotiate with and flexible, as well as being able to smoothly adapt sessions to accommodate any last minute hitches. I have no hesitation in giving Michael my highest recommendation.
"All students rated his workshops either 9 or 10 out of 10! Michael's obvious literary talents, skillful teaching techniques, charming interpersonal skills and sense of humour enabled him to establish a quick rapport with our students. He encouraged and nurtured them to produce some outstanding writing."
-Judy Salk, The Cathedral School Townsville
(Residency with Yrs 7-10) |
"He engaged the kids from the start and kept them interested for the whole session... The students absolutely loved Declan... I really appreciated the recommendation from your staff as Declan was the best choice for the type of speaker we wanted. Thanks."
-Debbie Carmichael, Newhaven College.
(Talk to Yr 10s on Academic Success)
|
DECLAN FAY
Motivational Speaker, Comedian.
more...
|
Feedback from the students at Newhaven:
"Brilliant. Funny. Engaging."
"Better than any other guest speaker."
"Fantastic. It was good that he had everyone's attention the whole time"
"So funny, really good. I'm still grinning."
"A good motivation for students to know that if you put your mind to something, it is possible to achieve what you set your mind to. A realistic, humourous and enjoyable speech which left everyone in a good mood."
"He got the point across in an enjoyable and funny way."
"His chocolate story was "Gold"."
"He is an absolute legend. Make sure he comes back for further talks."
"One very funny performance that I was interested in from beginning to end."
------ |
|
"Your presentation was entertaining and inspiring and many of us who were very stressed leading into the exams were able to let out a bit of tension through laughter... I know you have had rave reviews from College students before and this year is no exception. If your busy schedule allowed for it, we would love to have you back to break the tension again."
-Geelong College students.
(Motivational talk to Yr 12s) |
|
MARCUS ROBERTSON
Motivational Speaker, Medical Student
more...
|
"Marcus was excellent - his presentation provided a timely message for our own Year 12s to motivate them to 'Be the Best they Can Be' - his presentation was interesting, relevant, varied and kept their interest for the hour... The majority of students indicated that the presentation was of value to them and that it would be of benefit to have him speak to future students. Many students could relay a message taken from the presentation when asked one week later."
-Linda Lyons, Castlemaine S. College. |
FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS 2006
Author (Sister Madge's Book of
Nuns, Tumbleturn, I'm Being Stalked By a Moonshadow)
more... |
"Doug was
very entertaining and funny... The boys really enjoyed his approach
and humour. The readings and poetry went down very well. He
spoke to 120 boys which was a large audience and he handled
it very well... Copies of his books were borrowed immediately."
-Michael Jongen, Penleigh & Essendon Grammar.
(Talk to Yr 7) |
"Cath participated
in a 2 day intensive workshop with 25 Middle School students.
The purpose of the workshop was to give students an insight
in to the life of a writer and then for the students to gain
expert advice as they produced a piece of creative writing.
Cath was fantastic and the kids responded very positively to
her. She and Rob Greenberg worked together beautifully - a great
combination. Can we book them for next year?"
-Christine Howes, Geelong Grammar School
(Yr 7 & 8 Writing Camp) |
Author (The Life and Times of Gracie
Faltrain)
more... |
Screenwriter ('Round the Twist)
and
Author (The Greeblies)
more... |
"I would like to thank
you for your wonderful and motivational talks to the students.
All reviews were glowing from both staff and students. The
kids are very keen to get your works in the library. A most
professional presentation."
-Nicole Vella,
Catholic Regional College Melton.
(Talks with Yrs 7-10)
---- |
| |
"Robert
Greenberg was fantastic yesterday. He had the students' attention
within the first 2 minutes and held it for the whole 2 hours.
The girls were just buzzing when it came time to start writing.
Thanks so much for setting this up for us - Robert was just
the person we needed for this
activity!"
-Mardi Holland, Korowa Anglican Girls' School
(Talk and workshop with Yr 6-8) |
|
"Andy was a personable
bloke who had such enthusiasm for his art that the boys had
to be enthralled.
"The students responded
very well... Both the Year 7 boys and the Year 9 boys enjoyed
it greatly... We will continue to see the value over the year
and into next year."
-Marion Drummond, Eaglehawk S. College.
(Sessions with Yr 7 & 9) |
|
Author (Max, Hey Joe,
Change the Game series)
more...
|
"Michael
kept the Year 12 VCAL group entranced. They listened attentively
and responded well (This is a rather difficult class!)... Students
were captivated by what Michael had to say about writing and
the novel MAX."
-Irene Laws, Peter Lalor College.
(Talk to Yr 12) |
|
"Archie was outstanding...
His ability to focus on exactly what we required - taking
students way beyond the initial stages of writing - was, in
the boys' own words, 'inspirational', 'grouse' and 'excellent'...
"Teachers also were
incredibly impressed with what Archie had to offer, and we
are using Archie's insights beyond the workshop situation,
embedding it into how we teach personal writing across the
English curriculum.
|
Author (The Dons,
Sparring with Shadows)
more...
|
|
"In terms of professionalism,
Archie was outstanding. Punctual, easy to communicate with
prior and during the workshop... and showed the utmost preparation
and organisation so we would derive the full benefit from
the hour's workshop. After the workshop he was generous in
speaking to individual boys...
"Thank you Archie and
Booked Out!"
-Lynda Santolin, Catholic
College Preston.
(Workshop with Yr8-10) |
|
|
Motivational Speaker,
Final Year Med Student
more... |
"Once again Marcus
delivered an inspirational and entertaining session. We have
used Marcus on a number of occassions - all have been successful.
Last years' students still refer to the inspiration he provided.
"Both staff and students
valued the visit greatly... Students felt that Marcus was
the most inspirational part of the day. Many students have
quoted Marcus in class and are feeling enthusiastic about
their study."
-Debra Fischer, Mornington Secondary College.
(Talk to Yr12) |
|
"Matt's visit and delivery
was wonderful. It was both inspired and inspiring! The lecture
theatre was filled almost to capacity and there was an enthralled
silence that was quite palpable. The girls were fascinated.
"Most importantly,
the content is just so relevant to The Area of Study Module
for the HSC."
-Davina Kohler, Monte Sant Angelo Mercy
College.
(Journeys talk to Yr12) |
Polar Explorer, Motivational Speaker.
Sydney-based, in Melbourne September.
more... |
|
---
"This is the 3rd time
Matt has come to speak to our Year 12 students. He is, by
far, the best guest speaker we have had... He engages his
audience from his opening statement and the content of his
speech focusses directly on the rubric for Yr 12's Area of
Study, Journeys.
"He is a very confident,
mature young man, who we would have no hesitation in recommending."
-Jeanette Carroll, Santa Sabina College.
(Journeys talk to Yr12)
---
"Matt was absolutely
brilliant! The kids, staff and our boss all listened. He had
the kids absolutely enthralled! What a fabulous public speaker.
"Thanks for all of
your organisation."
-Janine Patrick, Coal Point Public School.
(Antarctica talk to Gr 5&6) |
|
VCAA Assessor, Film Lecturer
more... |
"The students were
impressed with her VCAA knowledgeable address and especially
the exam tips... The
handouts for both sessions were great as the students will
be able to reflect upon them at their leisure.
"The staff were pleased
to also have the PD as it saves a trip to Melbourne at great
expense in both energy and time." |
| |
-Laurel Harrison, Mackillop
College Swan Hill.
(Day of English Exam Talks to Yr 12: The Age of Innocence,
The Quiet American, The Inheritance, The Curious Incident
of the Dog in the Nightime & Media Analysis)
---
"Most impressive was
her vast experience and expertise with regard to the end of
year exam. Being isolated, it was invaluable to hear her tips...
Staff members were impressed."
-Lisa Gilby, Swan Hill College.
(Talk to Yr12s on English Exam & Henry Lawson Short Stories) |
"The staff
and students thoroughly enjoyed Rosalie's talk as almost all
had ready THE DRESSMAKER and the girls have studied the book
as a text in English Lit. Her manner and talk was pitched perfectly
to the age group and many of the girls asked insightful questions
about her writing and THE DRESSMAKER that will no doubt enhance
their understanding and enjoyment of the novel."
-Louise Kimber, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar.
(Talk to Yrs 10,11&12) |
|
Photos from Patterson River Secondary College
Festival
Thank you to the school for allowing us to come
along, and to take these photos.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connah Brecon |
David Miller's work, which he brings along
with him to show students. |
|
|
