We are fortunate to share a vibrant culture of reading in the Junior School. This year’s theme, Book an Adventure, reflects the way our girls experience reading—an invitation to explore new worlds and make friends among the characters they meet.
Reading truly matters. Children who read widely develop vocabulary, comprehension and cultural knowledge. More than that, books nurture empathy and emotional intelligence by inviting readers to see through different eyes, understand new perspectives and feel deeply alongside others.
Developing the habits of a reader is something we prioritise every day. Weekly library lessons help the girls engage with stories, and the Selim and Lingwood libraries provide welcoming spaces that value both freedom of choice and guidance. Our girls receive recommendations from Mrs Debbie Whitford, Mrs Jodie Pascale and their teachers, but some of the most powerful suggestions come from peers. We empower students by giving them a voice in shaping our collection; when they request books that meet our selection criteria, we purchase them. This sense of agency fosters investment and excitement, instilling the idea that the library belongs to them.
Book Week has been alive with activities that celebrate this love of literature. Our Year 6 Library Team have been literary ambassadors, inspiring younger students with their passion for stories. Mrs Whitford and Mrs Pascale have guided the girls through the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlist, encouraging critical thinking and appreciation of quality literature. We were also delighted to welcome visiting authors and illustrators, who inspired the girls to think creatively about writing.
Tomorrow’s Book Parade for our Pre-K to Year 2 girls will be a celebration of imagination and storytelling. After the Parade, parents are warmly invited to the Lingwood campus to take photos and attend the Book Fair. Girls in Years 3 – 6 are looking forward to coming dressed as their favourite characters, and the Junior School Band will perform at lunchtime, adding to the excitement of the day.
As always, I look forward to hearing the girls talk with excitement about the stories they are reading, and to watching their love of books continue to grow.