Literacy

The Joy of Reading Aloud — Every Day!

One of the most powerful gifts you can give your child is the love of stories. Reading aloud — even for just ten happy minutes each day — can spark imagination, build language skills, and strengthen the bond between you and your child. And it’s never too early to start — even newborns love the rhythm and sound of your voice!

Read Every Day — From Birth!

Make reading aloud part of your daily routine, like brushing teeth or sharing meals. Just ten minutes a day can make a huge difference. You don’t need fancy books or perfect pronunciation — what matters most is sharing the experience. Snuggle up on the couch, read at bedtime, or bring a book along in the car.

Three Stories a Day (Or One Story Three Times!)

Children thrive on repetition. It helps them predict what comes next, recognise words, and understand story structure. So if your child wants to hear the same story again and again — embrace it! Each rereading strengthens their memory, vocabulary, and confidence. The goal isn’t just to finish a story, but to enjoy it together.

Make It Come Alive!

Use expression, movement, and enthusiasm when you read. Change your voice for different characters, whisper during suspenseful parts, and laugh loudly at the funny bits. Your energy makes the story sparkle — and children will associate reading with joy and excitement.

Choose Stories You Both Love

Follow your child’s interests — dinosaurs, fairies, trucks, animals, or adventures! When children connect with the content, they engage more deeply. Don’t worry about variety at first; the comfort of familiar stories helps children anticipate and participate. Over time, introduce new stories that expand their world.

Talk, Sing, and Play with Words

Reading aloud isn’t just about the words on the page. Talk about the pictures — “What do you see?” or “How do you think the bear feels?” Sing a silly song that matches the story, clap to the rhythm of the words, or play “I spy” with letters and sounds. These small moments build strong foundations for language and literacy.

Look for Rhyme, Rhythm, and Repetition

Books that rhyme or repeat phrases are wonderful for young children. They invite participation — kids can guess what comes next, finish a line, or chant along. Simple, musical language helps children hear patterns in speech and develop early phonemic awareness (the ability to hear sounds in words).

Keep It Playful — Never a Lesson

Reading aloud should never feel like a test or a task. Avoid turning story time into “teaching time.” If a child asks a question about a letter or word, answer it naturally, but don’t push formal learning. The best way to prepare a child for reading is through pleasure, not pressure.

Build Happy Habits

Make books visible and accessible at home — in baskets, on low shelves, even in the car. Visit your local library together and let your child choose their own books. Celebrate books as treasures, not chores.

Most of All — Read for Love

Read aloud because you love spending that time with your child, not because it’s something you’re supposed to do. Children can feel your enthusiasm and affection. When reading time is full of laughter, closeness, and fun, children learn the most important lesson of all — that reading is a joy to be shared.

So grab a story tonight — cuddle up, turn the page, and let your voices carry the magic.

Based on an article by noted Australian author and educator, Mem Fox 2013.

Mathematics

Celebrating Our Phoenix and Phoenix JNR Mathematicians

This year, we are proud to celebrate a remarkable group of students who have been part of our Phoenix and Phoenix JNR clubs — St Joseph’s extension mathematics programs.

These clubs provide students with the opportunity to take their mathematical thinking to the next level - tackling complex problems, exploring challenging concepts, and developing their creative and critical thinking skills.

Throughout the year, our Phoenix students have demonstrated persistence, teamwork, and a genuine love of learning. Their hard work and dedication have seen them represent St Joseph’s in two national problem-solving competitions — the Mathematics Olympiad and Mathematics Explorer challenges. Both events are designed to stretch thinking, and our students have risen to the challenge with enthusiasm and excellence.

We are so proud of the way these students have supported one another and continually strived for their personal best.

Mathematics Explorer Participants -

Congratulations to our Mathematics Explorer participants:

Robin
Krisshia
Falak
Arya
Summer
Gracie
Isaac
Ayden
Luke
Shanuli
Isa
Jordan
Ethan
Yug

Special recognition goes to our top scorers:

Ayrah
Daniel
Cassius

Mathematics Olympiad Participants -

Congratulations to our Mathematics Olympiad participants:

Aadhya
Elizabeth
Patrick
Shaanuja
Serette
Jason
Derrick
Jo-jo
Jordan
Antony
Lana
Austeena
Audrey
Dehain
Yuvaan
Cristian
Kyle

A huge congratulations to our top scorers:

Angelin (Top 10%)
Rongon (Top 25%)
Susie (Top 25%)
Akaysha (Top 25%)
Cathal (Top 25%)

We are incredibly proud of all our Phoenix and Phoenix JNR mathematicians for their dedication, perseverance, and impressive achievements this year.

Your curiosity, collaboration, and determination truly embody the spirit of learning at St Joseph’s!

Year 1 Highlight