Poetry Week

A national, annual event

in September

Information for Schools

from Anna Jarrett, Travelling Storyteller

ABOUT POETRY WEEK

Poetry Week is a national initiative of the Poet’s Union which began in 2002 and is celebrated nationally across the community. Some of the aims of Poetry Week are to encourage innovative and entertaining poetry events, to inspire people to write and to listen to poetry in its many forms and to challenge stereotypes of what a poet is like. After all, we all have a poet and a storyteller within us.

 

POETRY WEEK IN SCHOOLS

Poetry week is an opportunity for schools to present innovative language and literacy programs which inspire students to create their own poetry, to make connections with the rich tradition of poetry writing and to celebrate Australian poets and poetry.
Organising a Poetry Week Event
There are no special funds available for Poetry Week from the Poet’s Union. However, schools and community groups are welcome to apply for their own funding.
Free promotion of your event is available through the Poet’s union website.

 

POETRY WEEK PROJECT
MOGO SCHOOL NSW, 2006
With Anna Jarrett, The Travelling Storyteller

A project which celebrates our creative community, develops literacy skills and builds links between the school, home and the broader community

The aim of this project was to encourage students to enjoy and to become interested in stories, poetry, writing, reading and speaking. Participation in the project helped students to develop their confidence, team work abilities, social skills and imagination. The workshops focussed on developing material which was presented as a spoken word celebration for Poetry Week.

The residency consisted of a storytelling show for the whole school, a professional development workshop for teachers, eight workshops with students and a final public performance which included three other local guest poets who showcased both traditional and contemporary poetry.

“Mogo School is a better learning environment as a result of your program…poetry is not “feared” as a text type/genre at our school. It is now quite motivating.”
Jason Barby, Principal, Mogo School

“Heaps cool. I want to do it again.”
Student, Mogo School

Rob the Bush Poet

Poetry Week workshop, Mogo School NSW