25 August 2023
Book Week 2023: Read, Grow, Inspire
Read-Grow-Inspire was this year's Book Week theme. It was a wonderful time to reflect on God’s Word in Psalm 1 which says that when we meditate on God's word, we are like a tree that is planted by streams of water whose leaves do not wither.
We celebrated the blessing of being able to read and have access to so many wonderful books in a jam-packed week of events.
On Tuesday, our secondary students were visited by author Julie-Anne Jones and Adelaide Wenberg – the main character in her biographical book Cootamundra Girl. Students heard first-hand the challenges of a member of the stolen generation and the struggles the author faced over five years to put Adelaide’s story into print.
On Thursday morning Prep, Kindergarten and Stage 1 enjoyed a visit from Shellharbour Library staff who performed a live show presenting one of the Book Week shortlist books, Bev and Kev, by Katrina Germein. Students loved the giant giraffe costume and listening to the story.
The staff didn't miss out on the action either! After school on Thursday afternoon, CBCA award-winning children's author Emma Allen visited our Junior School staff and spent time with us talking about creative writing.
Friday was packed with activities! We were blessed with clear blue skies and sunshine for our Book Week parade. It was wonderful to see so many students and staff dressed up and enjoying the music as they participated in the parade. A highlight was to see so many parents and carers joining with us to celebrate reading, writing and books. Following the parade, Emma Allen signed copies of her books that students had pre-purchased.
Throughout the day Emma ran workshops with Kindergarten and Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3. She shared some books, wonderful ideas about inspiration for creating and writing a story.
The entire school community had the opportunity to celebrate God’s gift of reading in a full week of learning and fun together.
Mrs Lise Newing
Librarian
