Scotch College

The Scotch Literature Festival coming up

A Book Odyssey

The Scottish love of learning and literature has been well entrenched in Scotch's culture for 150 years, with the inclusion of 'Litteris' in our Latin motto from almost our earliest days.

But in keeping with the changing times, Suzette Boyd, Head of Library, has a new millennium ambition for the role of books (aka Litteris) in the Scotch Family.

'I want to see writers elevated to the same level of hero status among our boys as the great sporting heroes, and to have reading seen as something to be done for pleasure and entertainment, just as much as it is for learning', she says.

Suzette and her power-packed organizing team are now putting the finishing touches to a week of events to be staged from August 13 to 17 for the Scotch Literature Festival - '2001 - A Book Odyssey'.

The five days celebrating literature and reading will feature a sparkling array of Australia's pre-eminent creators from the field of literature - writers, illustrators, journalists, poets, storytellers and performers.

Designed to provide something of interest for every boy from prep to Year 12, there will be daily lectures, workshops and forums and evening activities for families.

In both Junior and Senior Schools, there will be a varied programme of speakers offered each day for each year level from Monday through to Friday.

In the Senior School, there will also be a literary breakfast each morning from 7.30 - 8.30 am 'Books, Blokes and Brekky' will be a time for fathers and sons and big brothers and uncles (maybe grand-dad would like to come along with his grandson) to share their enjoyment of reading.

On the evening of Monday 13 August, (7.30 pm) there will be a panel discussion including authors Libby Hathorn, John Larkin and Archie Fusillo. The panel will address the topic 'Best Books for Boys'. All boys and parents are welcome to attend this activity in the Senior School Library

On Friday, August 17, there will be a Gala Literary Dinner for parents, with special guests Campbell McComas and Gretel Killeen.

For this event, all past and present parents, staff and Old Boys would be very welcome and further details are to be found elsewhere in this issue of Great Scot.

Other special events will include daily signings of books (for sale in the bookshop), by participating authors and a huge display nearby in the fountain area.

There's so much more to tell about this fabulous week of activity we just can't fit it all in here, so why not check it out for yourself on the Library home page to be found at:

www.scotch.vic.edu.au/Library.Library.htm

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Scotch College Literary Dinner

BOOK NOW for a very special

Scotch College Literary Dinner

Friday 17 August 2001

7.00 for 7.30pm in the Cardinal Pavilion

Featuring a clash of lit wits that will have you in fits!

'Throwing the Book at Gretel Killeen

(and vice versa)'

Gretel Killeen is a best-selling author, voice artist, radio humourist, public speaker and television gallivant. She is the host of the television phenomenon Big Brother, and is regularly seen on TV jousting with Stan Zemanek in her regular gig on Channel Ten's Beauty and the Beast. After dropping out of law studies (when she couldn't find the exam room), Gretel started her career as a stand-up comic. Apart from her regular media appearances and international speaking engagements, she has written eighteen books and been published throughout Australasia, Canada and Europe.

In erudite and entertaining conversation with Scotch's own Campbell McComas, Gretel will reveal her literary lives, loves and loathings. This once-only night is one for the books, so don't delay - book today!

$75 per person (incl. GST) Enquiries: Heather Smith: 9819 1015

Tables of 10 Angela Hamilton: 9890 2660

Dress: Formal

RSVP 10 August