Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, recurring habits that make the biggest difference.
1. Let them see you read
Children are more likely to value reading when they see the adults around them enjoying it too. Whether it's a novel, magazine, recipe or newspaper, showing that reading is part of everyday life helps build positive attitudes towards books.
2. Read together, even after they've learnt to read
Many parents stop reading aloud once their child becomes an independent reader, but shared reading continues to support vocabulary, comprehension and a love of storytelling well into the primary years. It also creates moments to connect and talk about ideas.
3. Give children the freedom to choose
Not every child will be drawn to classic novels, and that's okay! Graphic novels, comics, fact books and magazines all count. When children can explore topics they're genuinely interested in, reading becomes something they want to do rather than something they have to do.
4. Make reading part of everyday life
Ten or fifteen minutes before bed or reading together after school helps establish reading as a regular habit. Consistency matters more than long sessions.
5. Talk about stories
Asking simple questions like "What surprised you?" or "Who was your favourite character?" encourages children to think more deeply about what they've read. These conversations also help develop confidence and comprehension.
6. Celebrate curiosity, not perfection
Children don't need to finish every book they start or read at the same level as their peers. The goal is to nurture confidence and enjoyment. When reading feels positive, children are more likely to keep coming back to it.
Wondering how schools help children become confident readers?
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), engaging literacy experiences, dedicated teachers and well-resourced libraries help students build the skills and confidence to thrive as readers and learners.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our St. Madeleine's Zone Athletics team are ready for a great day of competition.
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
๐โจ THE BOOK FAIR IS HERE! โจ๐ The excitement is officially building! Our students had the chance to explore the Book Fair today and create their very own wishlists, and there were plenty of VERY excited readers! ๐๐ญโค๏ธ โจ BOOK FAIR SALES โจ ๐ Week 5 Tuesday 18th Aug โ Week 6 Wednesday 26th Aug โฐ Before and after school ONLY - from 8:20am and 3pm ๐ป Online orders are also available Please note: CASH PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. A little reminder for our families: ๐ The Book Fair will NOT be open on Grandbook Day. Instead, we have some wonderful book-themed activities planned for our students to enjoy in the lead-up to Grandbook Day and share with their grandparents on the day. So get those wishlists ready, talk to your little readers about their favourites and get excited for a wonderful celebration of all things BOOKS! ๐๐
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20 Aug 2026
Six Habits That Help Children Develop a Love of Reading
Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our St. Madeleine's Zone Athletics team are ready for a great day of competition.
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
๐โจ THE BOOK FAIR IS HERE! โจ๐ The excitement is officially building! Our students had the chance to explore the Book Fair today and create their very own wishlists, and there were plenty of VERY excited readers! ๐๐ญโค๏ธ โจ BOOK FAIR SALES โจ ๐ Week 5 Tuesday 18th Aug โ Week 6 Wednesday 26th Aug โฐ Before and after school ONLY - from 8:20am and 3pm ๐ป Online orders are also available Please note: CASH PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. A little reminder for our families: ๐ The Book Fair will NOT be open on Grandbook Day. Instead, we have some wonderful book-themed activities planned for our students to enjoy in the lead-up to Grandbook Day and share with their grandparents on the day. So get those wishlists ready, talk to your little readers about their favourites and get excited for a wonderful celebration of all things BOOKS! ๐๐
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our students had an exciting book week preview last Thursday when โA symphony of storiesโ came to life in a wonderful interactive performance.
13 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Mr Peers reading aloud a picture book by Julia Donaldson to KB on Wednesday. Sharing stories with our youngest learners is one of the great privileges of school leadership โ nurturing imagination, belonging, and early literacy ๐๐
28 Jul 2026
From Facebook
โจ Kindergartenโs 100 Days of School Celebration โจ We had such an amazing day, celebrating a great achievement with the students, teachers, parents and families. Congratulations Kindy on all of your fantastic work, you are becoming excellent learners !! โ๏ธ๐
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
This week, Year 4 have been learning about 3D objects. We have had lots of fun exploring making them in different ways. ๐
21 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Today the St Mads community welcomed Mr Peers as our acting Principal for the next 2 terms. Our School Captains gave him a tour this morning, showing him the lay of the land and passing on any important info a principal needs to know. Welcome to our community Mr Peers.
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CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
04 Jul 2026
From Facebook
๐ Year 4 History Excursion! ๐๏ธ Year 4 had a wonderful day on Wednesday exploring The Rocks and discovering its rich history! Our adventure began with plenty of laughter as some cheeky ibis birds tried to steal the students' snacks! ๐ฆ๐ The students then stepped back in time by dressing up as convicts, Captain James Cook, and free settlers before setting off to explore many of the historic sites they have been learning about in class. It was a fantastic day filled with hands-on learning, curiosity, and lots of fun! We are so proud of the way our Year 4 students represented our school throughout the excursion. โญ