Jack’s Island author Norman Jorgensen visits Our Lady of Mercy College

Students in Australind were transported to life on Rottnest Island during World War II as part of a fun classroom activity recently. Our Lady of Mercy College students were visited by Jack’s Island author Norman Jorgensen, who discussed the book they had been studying during the year. Mr Jorgensen wrote the book about the mischief his father Jack got up to living on the island as a young boy when his grandfather was a road worker on the popular tourist destination. The author said it was important for children to have books available about WA and its history. “I think it is really important to write about WA when you can,” he said. “Everything (children) watch and hear is American and they’re turning into little Americans. We have a lovely, rich history here and it gets forgotten. “We need to share it as much as we can.” OLMC head of library Sally Ball said the school’s exhibit was created to help students engage in their reading. “We have often done interactive displays like this. We started small and then it grew and grew,” she said. “All of the things you see here are mentioned in the book. It brings it to life for the students.” Student Emilia Scheffner said she enjoyed learning more about the novel from the author. “It was really good. You got to hear about the mysteries in the book and other things you didn’t know about,” she said.