Community & Business
19 June, 2026
CSHS was LitUp last Thursday!
A celebration of literacy and everything storytelling was held at Clifton State High School (CSHS) last Thursday.
Clifton State High was packed out, carparks full and excitement in the rainy Thursday air.
Students from local primary schools, and later members of the community, were treated to a great array of activities, workshops and two guest authors, Aleesah Darlison and Terese Eglington, the latter being a Toowoomba local.
Aleesah treated students to a reading of her book Clara Capybara which is a thoughtful story about a young Capybara learning about healthy boundaries.
Afterwards, Terese read her book Benny the Bin Chicken for the excited but engaged crowd of primary schoolers.
Benny the Bin Chicken is about a Ibis or ‘Bin Chicken’, who keeps faith in himself despite setback after setback.
Jaclyn Telford, a CSHS teacher who spearheaded bringing LitUp to the school, was happy with how the day went.
“Bringing the day together was a real team effort involving staff, students, visiting schools and community partners...we were able to provide over 300 students from across the region with opportunities to engage with authors, stories and literacy in meaningful ways,” she said.
“While the weather meant some of our lunchtime plans had to change, the enthusiasm of the students never wavered and the day was still an incredible success.
“Our goal was to celebrate reading and bring schools together through a shared love of books, and it was wonderful to see that happen throughout the day.”
A wonderful sausage sizzle was also put on by the seniors and staff, with all proceeds going toward the Year 12 formal.
The day was made possible by Australia Reads, which brings LitUp to local schools, offering an interactive literary experience to schools around the country.
