Fine prints by student journos

SEEING their work in print remains a thrill for students of all ages taking part in the Mercury’s School Page program.

Unique among Australia’s major metropolitan newspapers, the program gives budding journalists, photographers and sales representatives the chance to gain real-world experience of media practice.

Seven schools successfully produced their own pages in the Mercury this year, with one selling enough advertising for two pages.

Following a classroom workshop with two Mercury staff, participating students at primary, secondary and senior-secondary levels set out with varying degrees of teacher supervision to write several news articles, take photographs and sell advertising space.

“I really enjoyed it because it was a completely new experience and I had fun doing it,” Channel Christian School student Rebekah Boonstra said.

“I was one of the writers, so I did some interviews and using that information I wrote stories,” Rebekah, 12, said.

Fellow Grade 6 student Heidi Hartman said it was a thrill seeing her work in print.

“I was really excited to see it — it gives you a sense of pride and makes you feel happy,” Heidi, 12, said of the experience.

Working under the supervision of teacher Nicole Quarmby, their Grade 5/6 class has had several years’ experience in the program and achieved its aim of a doublepage this year.

All participating schools were commended by editor Chris Jones during a function at the Mercury’s Salamanca office yesterday.

Mr Jones named the pages produced by Elizabeth College, New Town High and Channel Christian School as the best of 2017. Merit certificates were awarded to Lansdowne Crescent Primary, Clarence High, South Arm Primary and Dominic College, while commemorative awards went to Elizabeth College, Clarence High and South Arm Primary.

Teachers interested in next year’s School Page program can contact the Mercury’s Newspapers in Education section by calling 6230 0736 or emailing nie@themercury.com.au.

More information is at www.mercurynie.com.au, including a gallery of published School Pages.