Danebank was fortunate to have award winning book designer and illustrator, Astred Hicks as the keynote speaker for the Senior School Assembly for Book Week 2026. Astred talked about the concept of ‘creative noticing’ and seeing beauty in the everyday world. Year 11 Visual Arts students had a workshop with Astred on typography, in which they had the opportunity to create their own concept design for a book. Years 9 & 10 attended presentations on illustration based around Astred’s book This Bir [...]

We recently booked Andrew King for the Robotronica event at QUT Gardens Point. Andrew's storytelling style fitted perfectly with the First 5 Forever early literacy program. Andrew engaged in conversational reading with the children, discussed the illustrations, brought along characters from his books and encouraged the children to draw their own Bear Bot. He also brought along stickers and design paper for the children to use. I would recommend Andrew King to other organisations and would be onl [...]

Susy Boyer did an interactive chalk pastel workshop with our class 1 and 2 children. I had been to a workshop with Susy in previous years at another school and thought of her instantly when organizing a drawing workshop with young children. Susy is very professional and teaches the children with a calm and patient manner. She was well received by teachers and children, who all got more than they were expecting from the workshop and I would be happy to use Susy’s services again.

Dr Rob Bell’s Science Show was an absolute highlight at PLC! His energy, humour, and passion for science had students engaged from start to finish. With jaw-dropping experiments and fun explanations, he made science exciting, accessible, and unforgettable. Dr Rob has a rare gift for inspiring curiosity and sparking wonder, leaving students buzzing with excitement long after the show. A fantastic experience that reminded us all how fun and powerful learning can be!

Andy engaged really well with all the groups he led - each student was made to feel they were capable of building on their drawing skills - 'just keep practising' was Andy's cue words; along with 'don't use a rubber'!

Tony's personal connection to the specific audience is an absolute talent. By listening to the specific questions asked by different year levels the groups each had a very different and unique presentation. His ability to draw and make connections to his works is pure talent.

Dub Leffler was warm and engaging, and the children (and adults) all enjoyed his presentation.

Allison came today – she was wonderful! She easily adapted each presentation for each year level and was engaging. Allison was very generous with her time and did a book signing at lunch for us. We would definitely recommend her to other schools.

Lach's enthusiasm and humour drew the students in right from the very beginning of the session. He connected with each student, asking their name and remembering it later as they asked questions. Lach treated the students professionally and as if they were his equals in this journey of character and story development, engaging with their ideas and using them to assist in the example he modelled throughout the session. He empowered the students, and each of them left feeling proud of what they ha [...]

As always, Sandie was extremely helpful in finding available authors to meet our needs and then providing follow-up support as needed. Many thanks and I look forward to our continued use of your service next year.

Edwina Shaw was a fabulous addition to our Literary Festival. She taught our Year 9 boys to write effectively by engaging their interests and making writing relatable and enjoyable. Her creative techniques, meditation and visualising were effective in drawing out their ideas and encouraging personal expression. Shaw's approach included interactive activities, real-life examples, and positive reinforcement to build their confidence and skills in writing.

We had a lovely Literature Event yesterday. Catherine Bateson was fantastic, especially for poetry, all the sessions went smoothly and we have had great feedback from the staff and students. The English department have even said that students would have liked more time with Catherine for the poetry component. We are now thinking about next year and would love to have Catherine back. We had a great time, thanks so much.