Literacy

Book Week 2026 will be celebrated across Australia from 22–28 August, and we can't wait to join this wonderful national celebration of books, stories and reading!

This year is especially exciting as it marks the 80th anniversary of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards. Since the very first Children's Book Week in 1945, Australian schools, libraries and families have come together to celebrate the joy of reading, inspiring generations of children to discover the magic found within the pages of a book.

The 2026 theme, Symphony of Stories, reminds us that every story has its own unique voice. Just as an orchestra brings together many different instruments to create beautiful music, every book, every character and every reader adds something special to the wonderful world of storytelling. Award-winning author and illustrator Briony Stewart has created a vibrant collection of playful characters who leap from the pages of books to perform their own musical masterpieces.

Week 7 : Throughout Book Week, students will enjoy a variety of exciting activities including shared reading experiences, classroom book celebrations, library activities and opportunities to discover new authors and illustrators. Of course, one of the highlights will be our Book Week Dress-Up Parade, where children are encouraged to dress as a favourite book character or one of this year's delightful official CBCA mascots, including Bearnard the cello-playing bear, Figaro the cheerful warbler and Winston the acrobatic accordion-playing rabbit.

Reading together is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Research consistently shows that children who are read to regularly develop stronger vocabulary, comprehension, imagination and confidence as readers. Most importantly, books help children develop empathy, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

We encourage every family to celebrate the lead up to Book Week by sharing stories at home, visiting your local library and talking about favourite books together. Every story your child reads becomes another note in their own Symphony of Stories.

We look forward to celebrating this magical week with all of our students and families. Let the music of reading begin! 📖🎶

Julianne Kelly

Literacy Leader