Putting books first

Shelby and Cooper read their favourite books during Book Week.

Book Week was a little bit different for students at Gladesville Primary School in Kilsyth and Rolling Hills Primary School in Mooroolbark, not being able to dress up or go to book readings in person.

But they still made the most of it, joining online sessions, completing daily activities and getting to explore this year’s theme ‘old worlds, new worlds, other worlds.’

Gladesville’s Literacy leader Adam Mitchell said even though students couldn’t be together last week nor did the school do its normal dress up day, it really put the focus on the books themselves.

“It is about the passion for literacy,” Mr Mitchell said.

“It is a shame we’re not all together but it is putting the books at the forefront which is what it is all about.”

Those in grade 5 and 6 were particularly lucky and were able to sit in on a special talk with Parks Victoria about their new book.

Other students enjoyed being able to read their favourite books at home, finding comfortable spots to read.

Rolling Hill’s Literacy Leader Claire Cripps said the Preps loved getting to explore the characters in their favourite books.

“Book Week is a great opportunity to celebrate books, and Australian authors and illustrators. CBCA awards promote children’s books of high literary and artistic quality – we can be confident when selecting a book with the CBCA sticker on it that our children are reading quality books that address themes such as friendship, fairness, diversity and inclusion as well as indigenous perspectives,” Ms Cripps said.

Book Week celebrates the importance of reading and brings Australian literacy into focus.