Appearances

“What the students learned was phenomenal! As an added bonus, staff came away just as inspired as the students and feeling far more confident in their ability to teach and create poetry.” Megan Daley – Librarian, St Aidan’s Anglican Girl School

Author/Poet, Presenter & Literacy Consultant

Kathryn Apel has worked as a teacher and literacy coach, in both a primary and secondary context, but now devotes her time to writing poetry, picture books and verse novels – and talking about writing! Kathryn is best known for her verse novel, ‘Bully on the Bus’, which won the 2015 Australian Family Therapy’s Award for Children’s Literature – younger reader/picture book category, was awarded a 2019 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People in America, and chosen as a Pacer National Bullying Prevention Centre resource. Kathryn’s poem, ‘Big Blue Whale’ has been print-published in five countries and loved by children across the globe, via the internet.

Pumping poetry builds writing muscle – and with so many different forms to choose from, there is a poetry style for everyone! Kathryn is happy to tailor activities to best suit your context. In addition to Australian schools and festivals, Kathryn has presented at both the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (United Arab Emirates), and the Sharjah International Book Fair, and in 2019, undertook a 2-week speaking tour within American schools. (Read Testimonials here.)

Kathryn was a judge for the 2019/2020 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition.

During author talks, Kathryn shares what inspired her stories. Content varies dependent on the age group, and the focus book, but can touch on topics of bullying, friendships, identity, self-worth, sibling rivalry, sporting excellence, life on an Australian cattle property, a glimpse at Antarctica, and creative things kids can do without a TV! Always a teacher at heart, Kathryn’s author talks enrich student learning and support classroom practises.

During workshops, Kat engages participants of all ages with poetry and wordplay, equipping them with fun and creative techniques that can be applied to all writing. Kat will pitch her poetry to suit your context. There are so many forms to play with!

Kat also offers short-burst poetry workshops for staff in both Primary and Secondary contexts, with specific activities to engage students across curriculum areas. Whilst face-to-face is preferred, Kathryn offers a 2hour online staff Poetry PD – and is flexible to shorten or extend this, as required.

Kathryn’s poetry workshop for counsellors equips them with a variety of engaging activities to add to their professional toolbox, when working with troubled children.

Enquiries/Bookings:

To enquire about an Author Visit, contact Kat via the contact form below. (Your information is not visible to the public.) Kathryn is also registered with SpeakersInk, Becky’s Literary Bookings and Creative Net.

Include;

•   Your name
•   Location
•   Brief description of your event
• Any questions you may have
•   Contact details

Travel and accommodation are extra, as required. If other schools/organisations within your area are also interested in an event, expenses can be shared amongst schools, to minimise costs.