McKinnon's writing competition for wonderful wordsmiths.

Writer Of The Month (WOTM) allows McKinnon Secondary College students to enjoy literary competition each month.

*Writing of any genre may be submitted for consideration.

*Word limits: Years 12, 11 and 10 maximum 1,000 words.

Years 9, 8 and 7 maximum 500 words.

All winning pieces are published on this Google site.

Additionally, all winning entrants will receive: a $30 book voucher from Benn’s Books (years 7 - 9), a $50 book voucher from Benn’s Books (years 10 - 12), acknowledgment on their report and fifty points for their house.

Early in term 4, an additional $150 voucher will be awarded to the student judged to be the Writer of the Year.

PLEASE NOTE: The competition closes at the end of term 3 to allow the Writer of the Year to be announced prior to the Year 12 exams commencing, and to ensure that all winners are featured in THISTLE.

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HOW to ENTER:

1. Your piece should be typed in the form of a Google document.

2. Include your full name and form at the top of your entry. Your name should be exactly as it appears on Compass.

3. Ensure that your piece has a title (refer to previous winners' entries on this site to see how to set this out).

4. Tell your English, Literature, or English elective teacher that you want to enter your piece in the WOTM competition. Ask them to assist you with editing your piece prior to submission.

5. After receiving feedback from your teacher, complete a final edit of your piece. When you have completed your final edit, let your teacher know that you are ready for them to submit your entry.

6. Your English, Literature, or English elective teacher, may now submit your piece by sharing it with Dr. Dick (Years 12 - 10) , Ms. Pentland (Year 9 and 7) or Ms. Matthews (Year 8)

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The closing date for each month's entries will be advertised on the daily newsfeed on Compass.

You may enter WOTM as many times as you want to. However, due to the large size of our school, you may only win the competition once per calendar year.

Please note: all winning pieces for the current year can be read using the links below; all winning pieces from previous years can be read using the links on the left of this page.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL ENTRANTS!

Dr. David Dick (McKinnon Rd Campus), Ms. Liz Pentland and Ms. Ashley Matthews (East Campus)

2025 , WRITER OF THE YEAR: The Ghost of Love - Zoe Main, 12K

2025 MONTHLY WINNERS:

September

Between the Ticks - Maleesha Dharmadasa, 11D

Colours in Captivity - Luong Gia Van Hoac, 11F

No One Tastes The Sky Like Me - Shraavan Balaji, 10A

The Diary of Coda Veronesi - Bella Chanysheva, 10C

The Dancing Queen - Gracie Tran, 10S

Growing Up - Lily Ballenden, 9T

Perfect - Anna Chiu, 8D