Once upon a letter

A magical story writing competition for primary school children

Delivered to you by Jersey Post

Jersey Post is proud to announce the launch of “Once upon a letter,” a magical writing competition where your story takes the form of a letter.

Imagine writing to a dragon, a best friend from the future, a pirate on the high seas, or even a pet dog who suddenly learns how to write back! The challenge is to write an imaginative letter that tells a story in 500 words or less – it could be exciting, funny, mysterious or full of adventure.

Local author Penny Byrne, who has written over 15 children’s books, will chair a panel that will select the winners. She’ll be assisted by Nicola Mackereth, Education Programme Manager from the local charity, Every Child Our Future; as well as representatives from Jersey Post. The panel will look for creativity, plot and originality (spelling and grammar will not be judged).

Open to ages 5 to 11 years, there are three age categories for the competition – 5-6 years, 7-9 years and 10-11 years. The winner of each category will receive a writing bundle, and all entries will also receive stamps as a thank you for entering the competition.

Mark Siviter, CEO of Jersey Post says: “There is something special about receiving a handwritten letter, whether it’s a thank you from a friend, a story from a grandchild or just something to say that someone is thinking about you. We’re encouraging children to put pen to paper and make more meaningful connections. In this busy age of digital chatter, our connection is often fleeting and easily forgotten about. Connecting with people is what we do at Jersey Post. Our Posties and Post Office teams connect with islanders six days a week. We hope this story competition inspires children to pick up a pencil and get creative.”

Author Penny Byrne adds: “Creative writing is such a fabulous tool for lifelong learning, helping children build their confidence in communication and expression, improve their critical thinking, as well as enhancing empathy and problem-solving skills. As a child, I loved letter writing; I wrote letters to pen pals around the world. ‘Once upon a letter’ is a great twist, and hopefully it will also be huge fun for those entering - children can just let their imaginations run wild. I’m so excited to have been asked to be a part of this competition. Jersey Post has very kindly stocked our books for six years, helping to boost our charitable giving. I am thrilled to be able to do something for Jersey Post in return. I can’t wait to read everyone’s entries!”

Children must have permission from a parent/guardian to enter. Deadline for entries is Friday 31^st October (by 5pm).

Entry forms can be downloaded via the Jersey Post website; or parents can pick one up at all 13 Post Offices or at the Jersey Library (St Helier and Communicare branches). There are special Post Boxes at Broad Street and Rue des Pres Post Offices and at library branches to post your entry – or you can post it free of charge in any Post Box around the island.

Jersey Post is also supporting a writing event for children in collaboration with Jersey Library, “Storytime: Help! We Need a Story”, as part of the Jersey Festival of Words. Sessions take place on Saturdays 20^th and 27^th September at St Helier and Communicare branches, and free tickets can be booked at www.ticketsource.co.uk/jersey-library.

To enter the “Once upon a letter” competition and for full Ts and Cs, please see:

www.jerseypost.com/write