Learning and Teaching
St Roch's Parish Primary School 
National Simultaneous Storytime 2026
While our Year 5/6 students were away on camp, our Prep to Year 4 students enjoyed participating in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) 2026. National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual event organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), where children across Australia gather to read the same Australian picture book at the same time. The event celebrates the joy of reading and promotes literacy by bringing together schools, libraries, childcare centres and families from around the country.
This year's story was Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, illustrated by Jake A. Minton. The story follows Luna Roo, the rookie captain of FC Outback, as she faces nerves, tough opponents and unexpected challenges during an important football match. Through perseverance, courage and trust in her teammates, Luna learns that success comes from believing in yourself and working together. The story's key messages of courage, determination, resilience and teamwork provided valuable opportunities for discussion and reflection.
Students participated in the event in mixed year-level groups and watched the story being read live. Following the reading, they worked collaboratively in pairs to design and create their own Luna Roo or soccer inspired headband. It was wonderful to see students from different year levels working so cooperatively together, sharing ideas, supporting one another and building new connections.
The activity was a great success, and it was evident that students thoroughly enjoyed spending time with peers from across the primary school while celebrating the importance of reading and storytelling.
Rachel Gray
Literacy Instructional Coach and Leader
Mathematics Insrtuctional Coach and Leader