Learning Pedagogy and Innovation

The Power of Reading: Helping Our Teens Thrive

As parents/caregivers, we all want to give our children the best possible start in life. One of the simplest — and most powerful — ways to support their growth is through reading.

Recent statistics from Australia Reads show that while 54% of teenagers read more than once a week (and 15% read daily), nearly 29% of secondary school students don’t read for pleasure at all in their free time. That means many young people may be missing out on the incredible benefits that reading brings.

Here’s the encouraging news: reading has a remarkable impact on teenage development. Research shows that reading is four times more influential on intellectual progress in teens than having a parent with a university degree. In other words, building a reading habit can make a bigger difference than family background or qualifications.

Access to books at home also matters more than we might realise. Growing up in a home with a larger collection of books has been shown to have a positive, long-term effect on adult literacy, numeracy, and even technology skills. Simply having books around — and seeing them as a normal part of everyday life — makes a real difference.

What This Means for Families

The good news is that supporting reading doesn’t need to be complicated. Small, consistent actions at home can have a powerful impact:

• Keep books visible and easily accessible.
• Encourage a regular reading routine, even 10–15 minutes a day.
• Let your teen choose what interests them — novels, graphic novels, biographies, magazines, or audiobooks all count.
• Talk about what they’re reading and share what you’re reading too.
• Visit your local library together and explore new titles.

Most importantly, keep it positive. Reading for pleasure should feel enjoyable, not like homework. When teens associate reading with relaxation, curiosity, and connection, they’re far more likely to stick with it.

Every book opened is an opportunity — to learn, to imagine, to grow. By fostering a reading-friendly home environment, you’re giving your child a gift that can support them for life.

Australia Reads. (2023). Key statistics on reading. Retrieved from https://australiareads.org.au/key-statistics-on-reading/

NAPLAN 2026

NAPLAN will take place in March 2026 for students in Years 7 and 9. The assessment provides valuable information about student progress in literacy and numeracy and helps us identify areas of strength and opportunities for further growth.

NAPLAN 2026 Test Window: Wednesday 11 March – Monday 23 March 2026

Students will complete assessments in:

• Reading
• Writing
• Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
• Numeracy

All tests will be completed online. Please see the information regarding specific test schedules, a parent pamphlet about preparation and support was sent home via PAM, and adjustments information (where applicable) has been communicated to families by email.

We encourage students to approach NAPLAN with confidence, viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and growth.

NAPLAN Timetable 2026

• All tests to be completed in the Rooms A9 – A12
• Time allowed for each test is as follows: Writing (42 Minutes), Reading (65 Minutes), Conventions of Language Test (45 Minutes) and Numeracy (65 Minutes). 
• Some students will have additional time – all students will be advised to bring suitable reading material they can pick up at the end of the test. 
• All students will need their laptop, and a set of headphones. Limited supplies of spare headphones. 
• Classroom teachers to be invigilators during the testing periods.
• Breakout spaces will be A7 and A8 as needed. 

Important Learning and Teaching Dates Term 1:

• NAPLAN (Yr 7&9) March 11th-23rd
• Parent Teacher Interviews March 26th and March 30th
• Last Day of Term 1 April 1st 

Please check the College Calendar via PAM for other school activities as well as SAC dates for VCE students.