Elizabeth Mansutti

During Term 1, the school was most fortunate to secure a visit from Elizabeth Mansutti, under the Artists in Schools programme. Elizabeth is a writer, poet, television producer, film maker, script writer ...... the list goes on.

Elizabeth spent two weeks at the school and was a tremendous inspiration to the students, staff and parents in our school.

She did much during her stay. She worked with all of the staff and children in the classrooms and in the reserve adjacent to our school. The following is a little of what she did during her visit.

After speaking at a number of assemblies, Elizabeth visited each classroom to conduct writing work-shops with the students.

She is shown working with Carly Illman in Mr. Young's Year 5 class.

Elizabeth said many times during her visit, "If children see teachers and parents writing, they will be more inspired to do the same."

During her stay, Elizabeth wrote often, particularly about the reserve adjacent to the school.

Here is one of her poems.

Long ago
Here in this backwater
where the banks are steep
the trees block the wind and  keep the water still
Did others sit and listen  long ago?
Tell their stories, sing their songs
and laugh with kookaburras, long ago?
Did they take smoking leaves
calm the bees and feed on wild honey
from the hive in the hollow tree, long ago?
Did they wait for rain and hear the frog's returning songs and see the eucalyptus covered in  blossom?

Did they see the wallabies and watch for hopping mice
And spy the brush tailed possums in the hollow trees long ago?
Be still and  listen, look closely and see, they did all of these, long ago and so can we.
                Elizabeth Mansutti

The beautiful sights and sounds of early autumn presented a perfect back-drop to the writing and other activities that took place in the reserve.

An Environmental Trail through the reserve is being developed by the school and the Onkaparinga Council.

At the end of Elizabeth's visit a special outdoor performance was held in the reserve. It comprised readings by Elizabeth, students and staff, and also featured the String Trio from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. The photo at left shows teacher, Miss Barb Williams (Organizer) introducing the trio.

They played a wonderful selection of music that complemented both the surroundings and the occasion.

Elizabeth's stay culminated in a memorable outdoor concert in the reserve.

Elizabeth and Lauren read some of their works to the audience.