February Fables Winners

Earlier this term, the Harden Library launched its first Spring Writing Competition, titled February Fables, inviting students to showcase their creativity and storytelling skills.

Students were encouraged to submit either flash fiction—a story of up to 500 words—or a short story of up to 5,000 words. With no set theme or prompt, participants had the freedom to explore any style or genre they wished, from fantasy and horror to poetry, scripts, fanfiction, speculative fiction and creative nonfiction. The competition aimed to inspire students to write the kinds of stories they themselves would enjoy reading.

Submissions were received throughout February, with the deadline set for midnight on 28 February. The competition generated great enthusiasm among students, highlighting the vibrant writing community within the school.

The winners were announced during the school’s World Book Day celebrations, recognising the outstanding talent and imagination shown in the entries.

Congratulations were extended to Pari Lamba, Calista Davies, Aoife Wang and Scott Pham, whose work impressed the judges with its creativity and storytelling.

The February Fables competition marked an exciting new initiative from the Harden Library, encouraging students to develop their voices as writers and celebrate the power of storytelling. 

Murder Mystery Writing Workshop

Transition Year students recently participated in a Murder Mystery Writing Workshop hosted by author Alison Weatherby. The engaging session offered students a unique opportunity to explore the art of crafting suspenseful stories and developing compelling mystery plots.

During the workshop, students learned about the key elements that make a successful murder mystery, including building tension, creating intriguing characters and planting clues for readers to uncover. Alison Weatherby shared insights from her own experience as a writer, guiding students through the creative process and encouraging them to experiment with their storytelling ideas.

The interactive workshop gave students the chance to develop their own mystery concepts and gain a deeper understanding of how writers construct gripping narratives. It proved to be an inspiring and enjoyable experience for all involved, sparking creativity and a greater appreciation for the craft of writing.

The school would like to thank Alison Weatherby for sharing her expertise and for inspiring the next generation of storytellers. 

Creative Writing Workshop at Trinity

A group of students recently travelled to Trinity College Dublin to take part in the Loreto Telling Tales Creative Writing Workshop, a special event designed to inspire young writers through interactive sessions with leading authors and storytellers.

Hosted and organised by Aileen Ivory of Loreto College, St Stephen’s Green, the event brought together students from a number of schools for a day dedicated to creativity, storytelling and the craft of writing.

Throughout the day, students participated in a series of engaging workshops led by a range of well-known figures from the world of literature and storytelling. Among them was Patricia Forde, Ireland’s Laureate na nÓg, who shared insights into writing for young readers and encouraged students to explore the power of imagination in their work.

Students also enjoyed a lively storytelling session with renowned storyteller Niall de Búrca, while crime fiction writer Alison Weatherby offered a fascinating look at the art of crafting suspenseful detective stories.

Adding a visual dimension to the day, comic book artist and author Steve Ellis introduced students to the world of graphic storytelling, demonstrating how words and illustrations can combine to bring stories to life.

The event was hosted by author and co-founder Dave Rudden, who acted as master of ceremonies and guided students through the day’s programme.

The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for students to develop their creative writing skills, gain inspiration from established writers and explore different forms of storytelling. It was an enriching experience that encouraged creativity, imagination and a deeper appreciation of the written word.

World Book Day Celebrations at KH

KH students and staff recently came together to celebrate World Book Day with a week full of creativity, fun and literary enthusiasm. The school was buzzing with activity as students engaged in a variety of book-themed events designed to inspire reading and storytelling.

Throughout the week, students visited the library to take part in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?”, an interactive activity created by Ms McAlister Smyth. Participants solved riddles representing four different book characters and enjoyed spotting their favourite literary icons. The library also hosted the annual Bookmark Design Competition, which saw imaginative entries from students across all year groups.

Thursday featured exciting highlights, with Junior Cycle students attending Chapel to hear the winners of the February Fables Writing Competition announced. The whole school gathered during morning break to listen as winners read their work aloud, celebrating the creativity and talent of their peers. Meanwhile, TY students participated in a Murder Mystery Writing Workshop hosted by author Alison Weatherby, exploring suspense and storytelling techniques.

On Friday, third-year students competed in the Annual Vocabulary Bee Final in the Wilson Wright Hall, demonstrating their language skills and competitive spirit. Adding to the excitement, faculty and staff dressed as book-related characters, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere throughout the school.

The week was a wonderful celebration of literature, creativity and community spirit. KH is proud of all students and staff who contributed, proving that the love of reading and storytelling extends far beyond a single day.