Dear Friends of K.O.A.L.A.

As we head towards the end of Term 3, we thought we would let you know some exciting information about the KOALA events planned for the rest of this very unusual year.

The Shortlist Poster

Unfortunately, the shortlist poster which is usually printed by YABBA (our Victorian partners) is not being printed this year due to COVID 19 restrictions. We know that you will understand and appreciate the reasons why this has occurred. We would like to include this PDF to an electronic copy of the REAL Awards Shortlist Poster which can be printed as an A3 poster for you to display in your classroom, Library or Bookshop. It is a great way for students to check out what other kids have recommended to read.

Additionally, the four KOALA category Shortlist Posters can be found using this link: https://www.koalansw.org.au/shortlists

It’s Time to Vote – Last Week to Vote for Your Favourite Books

Get creative and set up your own display or if you are a KOALA Member please use the KOALA Shortlist Slide Presentation in the Members Resources section to heighten interest in the announcements for this year’s awards.

To generate excitement for the voting process, some schools and public libraries have been promoting the KOALA Shortlist with some wonderful displays for their students and through their newsletters.

William Clarke College Display

Richmond Tweed Regional Library Newsletter

Voting for the KOALA Awards must be submitted by Saturday September 26th.

Head to https://www.koalansw.org.au/voting to vote for your favourite titles. Votes may also be sent by spreadsheet to koalaawards@gmail.com.

A BIG shout out to all those schools who have already registered their votes. It is terrific to see so many schools getting involved in the voting process!

2020 KOALA Awards Ceremony - This Year with a Difference!

Make sure to mark Tuesday November 10th in your diary!

The KOALA committee has been hard at work contacting authors and illustrators for our online KOALA Awards Day celebration. We know you are going to be excited to see your favourites so we want to keep it a surprise. Did you ask a question for an author or illustrator at the end of the online voting? It could be included too!

Maybe you are a little sad that you can’t physically attend KOALA Awards Day 2020. We are, too. But you might like to help make the day festive as you tune in to watch on the day or at another time more suited to your school. Here are some ideas:

Usually only 20 students from each school can attend Awards Day. This year, because it’s an online event, your entire school could join in! You could view it in the school hall and/or individual classrooms for everyone to share in the excitement.
Students could make KOALA crowns/headbands to wear to the event (PDFs in Members Section)
Bunting could be hung to make the place for the Awards viewing more festive - perhaps it could say KOALA DAY AWARDS (PDFS in Members Section)
If your school would normally be buying tickets to attend Awards Day, perhaps you would be in a position to fundraise on the day. You may like to sponsor a koala or another animal, or support a community group that could use a boost, or buy some new books for your library.
Some ideas for appropriate ways to fundraise:

- Sell Caramello Koalas. Koalas, that's right!

- Sell bookmarks - perhaps colour-your-own or themed

- Have a gold coin mufti day. Or a pyjama day - who doesn’t love snuggling up with a good book in bed?

Whatever way you decide to be part of KOALA Awards Day we look forward to having you with us.

Please stay tuned for more details about the day in Term 4.