From the Head of Library and Information Services

Author Talks – Tristan Bancks
This week we had the pleasure of welcoming Australian author Tristan Bancks to our College. Tristan spoke about his life as a writer and the journey that led to a successful career in storytelling. His presentations provided a fascinating insight into the everyday realities of being an author and offered valuable lessons about creativity, perseverance and the writing process.

The response from students, staff and parents has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to the parents who took the time to send such thoughtful emails following the visit. It was wonderful to hear how excited and inspired your sons were after meeting Tristan. His impact has certainly been evident, with his books now attracting a waiting list in the library. 

Beyond introducing students to the world of publishing and storytelling, Tristan encouraged us to think differently about writing and creativity. One of the most powerful messages he shared was that writing does not always begin at a desk. Rather than sitting in front of a blank page waiting for inspiration, Tristan spends time observing the world around him. He writes every day, often recording ideas, observations and snippets of conversations in his notebook. Whether he is walking, sitting by the beach or listening to his favourite music, he remains open to inspiration wherever it may appear.

His comments prompted reflection on the opportunities we have here at St Patrick’s College. We are fortunate to enjoy one of the most beautiful outlooks in the region, with inspiring natural surroundings right on our doorstep. We are constantly looking for ways to encourage our young men to engage more deeply with their learning, and Tristan’s approach highlights the value of stepping outside the traditional classroom setting.

Writing is not simply about putting words on a page; it is about observing, imagining and connecting with the world around us. By encouraging students to draw inspiration from their environment, we can help them develop greater creativity, curiosity and confidence in their own voices. Whether it is spending time outdoors, sketching ideas in a notebook or simply taking a moment to observe everyday life, there are countless opportunities for inspiration all around us.

Tristan Bancks’ visit was more than an author talk; it was a reminder that great ideas can come from anywhere and that writing is a skill that grows through regular practice and observation. We thank Tristan for sharing his experiences and inspiring our students to look at writing, reading and creativity in new and exciting ways.

For those who wish to purchase a signed copy of Tristan’s latest book, Raised by Wolves, please visit Where the Wild Things Are Bookshop. Orders received before Saturday, 1 August will be delivered to the College the following week. When completing the Delivery Options section, select School Author Visit – St Patrick’s College. In the Notes section, please include your child’s full name and Tutor Group.

To learn more about Tristan Bancks and his books visit his website.