In brief
POPULAR children’s author Deborah Abel is in Armidale.
The award-winning writer of the Max Remy Super Spy detective novels is in town as part of the 2013 UNE Writers and Illustrators in Residence program.
Armidale school children will have the chance to attend workshops with Abel and get some tips on becoming a successful author.
The public are invited to a session tomorrow at the UNE School of Arts Lecture Theatre A3 from 4.30pm.
Abel is also offering a series of one-on-one writing clinics.
These clinics will be held on Saturday at the Armidale Library from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
For more information, visit http://writersandillustratorsinresidenceune.blogspot.com.au/p/home.html or phone 6773 3399.
Preschool grants
EDUCATION Minister Adrian Piccoli joined Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall at the St Peter’s Preschool last week to announce increased funding to preschools.
Mr Marshall said the additional funding was part of a new funding model which would make $150 million available to community preschools across NSW.
“St Peter’s Preschool, which has an enrolment of 40 children aged three to five years, will receive $49,801 more than last year, so it’s very good news for the staff and parents,” he said.
Other major beneficiaries of the increase in recurrent funding include Armidale Community Preschool ($41,739 extra), Minimbah Preschool ($19,478), Boongaiai Preschool ($7040) and Uralla Preschool ($5497).
Top debaters
ARMIDALE City Public School’s debating team has won the regional final of the Premier’s Debating Challenge.
The team will be travelling to Sydney with their coach Ken Docksey to compete in the state final – three days of debating against schools from across NSW.
“We are very proud of the team and excited that they will have this wonderful opportunity,” principal Cherrie Paterson said.
The Armidale City Public School team comprised Annie Worthing, Alyssa Armstrong, Jesse Streeting and Riley Doak.
Having won their way through the various levels of local competition, they competed against Quirindi Public School in the regional final.
