Clarisa Roa has many passions: the ocean, her pets, dance and performing. Now, she can add publishing poetry to her long list of interests. She and her peers at Oran Park Anglican College have published a collection of poems, short stories and creative pieces capturing the journey of their school and fellow students.
The book, titled Of Hope As We Grow, showcases the creativity and talent of the student writers and celebrates the foundational values of the college: courage, compassion, collaboration, curiosity and craftsmanship. The pieces in the anthology share the unique experiences of different students at the college – everything from friendship to grief to the joy of animals and creation.
“It was really empowering to work on such a big project like this,” says Miss Roa, who is in Year 8. “To see the book come together with all the amazing writing pieces was so inspiring, and the fact that now people are taking an interest in these pieces makes me proud of what our school and everyone who has put work into this has accomplished.”
...the students involved come from Oran Park Anglican College, and that stands firmly for Christian faith
The idea for the project came from teacher and writing group co-ordinator Jim Ward. “I wondered whether combining interesting photography with poems and stories under a uniting theme could spark an interest in Jesus – simply because the students involved come from Oran Park Anglican College, and that stands firmly for Christian faith,” he says. “With care and a vigilant eye to preserve consistency between college ideals and student art, the result glorifies our Creator, who gifts us the skills to do well.”
After positive feedback from the college community, the student creative writing group is now working towards its next publication. Mr Ward longs for the works to glorify God and encourage reflection and personal insights.
“We have found that it is so important to have colleagues and friends to share ideas with and discuss editing, so as to hone insight towards high-quality celebration of the riches of hopeful lives that come as we learn who Jesus is and what he has done for us,” he says.
Miss Roa is excited to continue working on something creative alongside grades and assignments. “I really enjoy testing out different ideas for my writing, and creating storylines, plots and characters for fun. I’m so thankful for the opportunity [to contribute to the collection] and I’m looking forward to seeing what the students in our community can accomplish next.”
This story is part of our Choices: Anglican Education feature in the June-July edition of Southern Cross magazine
