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“Kathryn exceeded all my expectations. She offered an engaging, informational presentation welcoming to all of elementary school by not only sharing her own bullying story but also inviting students into what could be considered her quirky world of unfamiliar words and an unexpected writing style. A charming combination of Australian culture, word choice and opening a discussion to a touchy topic is exactly what you’ll get, and what the students needed.” Beth Paiva (UBAM Educational Consultant, USA)
“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
“Kat’s combination of her passion for poetry, engaging presentations and willingness to share her personal experiences has made her a favourite with our staff and students. Kat has not only inspired our students to rediscover the joy of poetry but the teachers to feel more confident in delving into poetry. Our school community is fortunate to have Kat as a regular visitor to our school as part of our literacy program with annual author workshops.” Bernadette Maullin – Information & Library Services Manager, St John’s Anglican College
“I think Kat Apel may be our Book Week treasure. The boys love you! Teachers, students and parents have loved hearing you talk about your books and your family, and all the teachers have been impressed with your style and your activities.” Michelle Worthington – Librarian, Toowoomba Grammar Junior School
“What an absolute joy it was to have Kat working at our school this week, as part of the May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust. Both students and teachers have been inspired with her passion for poetry and children’s literature. Kat conveyed how only a few select words on a page can be the makings of a great piece of poetry! How brilliant, is this sage advice for the reluctant writer! Thank you for sharing with us the amazing zentangles, Storybird, and cinquain examples. Kat’s lesson content and creativity will definitely help our students continue to shine like diamonds!” Debra Catt – Acting Deputy Principal, Victor Harbor R-7 School
“I thoroughly enjoyed the poetry focus and inspiration. You certainly re-ignited my passion for poetry and how we can embed it in the curriculum. Thank you Kat for your work and teaching.” Amy Delvin – Teacher, Walford Anglican School for Girls (Feedback from Staff Professional Development)
“We loved having you visit us, the students and teachers got so much out of your sessions. Even our P.E teacher was raving about your poetry PD – thinking overnight about how he can incorporate reflections, descriptions and similes into his program!” Kylie Miller, New Gisborne Primary School
“It is better you not working in one school. Now you can share your skills with the world.” Teacher, Sharjah International Book Fair (UAE)
“Kathryn Apel is an engaging presenter who has a wonderful flair for transporting prose to poetry … Inspiring, can’t wait to try out the ideas … Helped me to understand my own strengths.” Poetry Verses Prose participants (QWC/WriteLinks)
From the Kids
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“Poetry is not just about writing. It was fun and it was great to meet an author who wrote books that I loved as a kid.” Lydia, Year 7, Gin Gin High
“I loved the creativity of making words out of others and drawing pictures with poetry makes it all the better.” Lincoln, Year 7, Gin Gin High
“I thought the workshop wasn’t just fun – it also made us think and it let us express ourselves in the activities.” Georgia, Year 7, Gin Gin High
Kathryn Apel 