Figgy in the World, by Tamsin Janu

First published in 2014, Figgy in the World was inspired by the author’s visit to Ghana. It was her first novel and received critical acclaim.

It tells the story of the titular character of Figgy, who is eight years old. She has an unusual name and doesn’t know of anyone else named Figgy. She can’t do anything about this. She has another, bigger problem; her Grandma Ama is sick and needs special medicine. Figgy makes the decision to leave her small village and travel to America where she will get medicine to cure her.

Thus, begins Figgy’s journey in the world. She sets off with her special pet goat, Kwame, making friends, making enemies, experiencing joy and tragedy on her challenging journey.

It is an engaging story that gives a unique insight into Ghanaian culture, seen through the eye of a child. Whilst the adventure she goes on is admirable, her naïve understanding of it makes it all the more interesting. The protagonist/narrator (Figgy) is especially endearing, as is the special friend she makes along the way, Nana, and even her pet goat. 

Figgy in the World received a number of awards, including the Adelaide Festival Premier’s Award Winner (2016), Adelaide Festival Children’s Literature Award Winner (2016), NSW Premier’s Literary Awards – Patricia Wrightson Prize Joint Winer (2015), and was shortlisted for the Australian Book Designer’s Award (2015), Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards (2015), Queensland Literary Awards (2015) and the Readings Children’s Book Prize (2015).

The success of Figgy in the World, saw it followed up with two sequels: Figgy and the President (2016) and Figgy Takes the City (2017).

There are moments of real happiness and sadness that are depicted carefully, with due consideration for the target audience, though not condescending towards them. It is an elegantly written story of a girl with epic aspirations, that everyone would benefit from reading.

Figgy in the World is able to be borrowed through the school library.

Dr Calvin Taylor

Helping families get their kids active

Eligible families can now apply for a voucher that helps subsidise organised sport and recreation activities

Does your child love sport and being active? Does your family have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card? You may be eligible for up to $200 to put towards the cost of your child’s participation in physical activities. The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities. 

Under the program, children may be eligible to receive up to $200 to help with the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms, and equipment. 

Special consideration also applies for children named on their own Australian Government Health Care Card or residing in care services as well as temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants or international students. Applications for vouchers in round two of the program close at 5pm Friday 30 July.  For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the Get Active Victoria website - https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund applications

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. Applications for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) close on Friday 13 August.

If you have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. The concession card must have been valid on either of the following dates:

• the first day of Term 1 (Wednesday 27 January 2021)
• the first day of Term 2 (Monday 19 April 2021)
• the first day of Term 3 (Monday 12 July 2021).

Payment amounts this year are $225 for eligible secondary school students. Payments are made direct to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions and sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

If you would like to apply for the first time, please contact the school office on 5495 1811 and ask for an application form. 

Business Manager – Kerrie Swanton

Student Administrator – Debbie Hancock

Office Hours: 8.30 am – 4.30pm

Phone 03 5495 1811

Email: st.arnaud.sc@education.vic.gov.au