Library Matters
Pakenham Secondary College
Our fantastic library staff have introduced two exciting programs to our Years 7-10 English classes:
The Rip Roaring Reading Challenge
The Rip Roaring Reading Challenge is an exciting and quirky way to get students re-engaged with reading! With a range of fun book ideas and tasks, this challenge is sure to spark interest and excitement for reading.
Students are asked to complete ten questions after finishing their regular English lessons. They can take part in the challenge when their class is in the library or teachers can arrange special bookings for library visits, where students can borrow books and work on their reading quests.
As an added incentive, students earn house points—1 point for every 5 questions they complete. The Rip Roaring Reading Challenge concludes on Friday, 5th September 2025, with prizes and parties for those who finish the challenge!
How can parents help?
Parents can support their children by encouraging them to explore a variety of books for the challenge and helping them stay motivated to finish the tasks.
You can assist by ensuring that students fill out their Achievement Tracker and help them keep track of their progress.
Don’t forget to remind them to get their teacher’s signature for each activity they complete!
This is a fantastic opportunity for families to celebrate the joy of reading together.
Let's make reading a fun adventure—good luck to all students completing the challenge!
Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge
We are excited to challenge all students in the Enhancement classes in Years 7-9 to complete the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge! To finish the challenge, students need to read 15 age-appropriate books. Many of these books are available in the school library, but students can also borrow from public libraries or read ebooks. It's a great opportunity for them to explore books they haven’t read before.
Once students complete a book, it should be signed off by their teacher and logged on the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge website. All students and teaching staff are already registered.
How can parents help?
Parents can encourage their children by helping them choose books that match their interests, providing a quiet space for reading and checking in regularly on their progress. You can also support them by ensuring books are logged properly and by celebrating their milestones throughout the challenge.
The Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge finishes on Friday, 5th September 2025, so let's get reading and make this a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!
Useful Library Links
Connected Libraries:
BUNJIL/CRANBOURNE/ENDEAVOUR HILLS/HAMPTON PARK/CRANBOURNE WEST
Myli - My Library Community
PAKENHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Cnr John Street & Henry Street, Pakenham
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday 9:00-8:00
Friday 9:00-9:00
Saturday 10:00-4:00
Sunday 1:00-4:00
LIBRARY CATALOGUE
FREE FOOD FRIDAY AT PAKENHAM LIBRARY
ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP
COMMUNITY EVENTS AT PAKENHAM LIBRARY
SORA Reading App Instructions
Here are some instructions on how to install the SORA Reading App.
“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” Dr Seuss
Enjoy some sensational spring reading by logging into SORA, our library’s fantastic eBook and audio book Reading App. We are sure you will find a book that grabs you amongst the hundreds of books included in the extensive range.
Install the SORA app on your phone or computer using your Compass Username (For example: GARA001). The password is simply: password. Please read below for the instructions.
The default setting will only allow books to download when you are connected to Wi-Fi so it will not gobble up your data. See how you go.
Sora Install Instructions
- Install the Sora app from the Apple App Store of Google Play store, go to soraapp.com
2. Click 'Find my school'
3. Click 'No, I’ll search for my school’
4. Type in ‘Pakenham Secondary College’ and click ‘This is my school’
5. From the drop-down menu, scroll until you find ‘Pakenham Secondary College’
6. Sign in with you Student Code (ie. ABC0123), and your password is ‘password’
