Library News
End Of Term 2 :
Library News
Our school is committed to providing students with unique learning opportunities, which is why we are pleased to introduce ePlatform, a digital library for students that provides free access to eBooks.
The benefits of ePlatform Digital Libraries: With ePlatform, your student has 24/7 access to eBooks for free, even over our longer summer holidays. This is a wonderful extension of our physical school library and allows titles to be checked out at home, over the weekend or during school breaks without worrying about losing or accruing late fees because they automatically return at the end of the loan period.
Students of all ages can benefit from ePlatform's reading and comprehension tools. A service like this can benefit struggling or reluctant readers, learning-challenged students, second-language learners, as well as gifted readers alike.
· Unique reader customisation with Settings Wizard, across all devices
· Introduce students to books above their reading level
· Help busy kids find time to read
· Professionally curated collection with age restrictions set by school staff
· Increase vocabulary and improve pronunciation and comprehension
· User friendly for all types of readers & listeners (e.g. reluctant, dyslexic)
How does it work? Ensure your reader has the ePlatform app, which can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store, Google Play Store or visit eplatform.co to begin (called ‘ePlatform Digital Libraries). Students have their own unique login to access the platform. Ie. NBA0001 (generic) password: Soclibrary25
(capital S) Please get in touch with us directly at nancy.bastakos@education.vic.gov.au should your reader have any trouble logging in. “Happy Reading”
The Premier's Reading Challenge in Victoria is a program that encourages students to read widely and develop a love of reading. It first began in 2005 and since then more than 4 million students have read over 57 million books.
Our 2026 participants at South Oakleigh College are encouraged to read a range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels, from a selection of recommended titles provided by the program including 5 of their own personal choice which we then review and approve.
Registration is high as is our participation, particularly by our lower secondary students. (years 7-9) Our SOC students immensely enjoy this challenge as, other than being educational and fun, it is also quite competitive. Although the challenge started in March, students still have time to register and read 15 books by September 4th. They can also backdate the books they have read since March, including their curriculum novels.
The Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge is run at South Oakleigh every year and students are always encouraged to participate and give it a go!!
Books in Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
- Students may read books in languages other than English, and these will count towards their Challenge totals.
- Many book selections are now available in the catalogue in various languages. If the book is not available in the student's language the English version may be added.
If the book title is not available in the catalogue the PRC coordinator may add the book as a 'VPRC coordinator approved book' on the student's behalf.
Events
Learn more and be part of 2026 Premiers’ Reading Challenge events!
Contact: nancy.bastakos@education.vic.gov.au for further queries.
Nancy Bastakos
Library Manager