MONTY PRYOR SPEAKS TO YEAR NINES

​Monty Pryor is a storyteller, writer and performer. He was also the first Australian Children’s Laureate and he has a number of film projects on the go. Year 9 students were fortunate to enjoy a longer session than originally planned with Monty, as a result of their positive responses and excellent audience skills.  Monty is an animated, expressive speaker who quickly had students laughing about his school experiences and his recollection that he ended up spending more time in the principal’s office than the principal!

While there is much humour in Monty’s presentation, he also makes students aware of indigenous history though some of his personal stories about life on Palm Island and his own family’s experiences. Monty’s overall message to students is that they need to make the most of their schooling, as he is an example of an initially reluctant student, who was influenced by committed, caring teachers and whose success today had its early beginnings at school. Monty told the students that we can all have times of darkness in our lives, but that we have the power to turn the light on.
Monty invited 12 students up to the front and guided them through a story about a crocodile and a boy, whilst he accompanied their actions and dance movements on his didgeridoo.
He was a great success with our students. Monty always enjoys coming to Charles Campbell College as students respond to his session in such a positive way.
Robyn Fairlie
Coordinator of English, EAL & Languages