Literacy Update
Premiers Reading Challenge 2026
The Challenge is now open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 and aims to help young readers develop a lifelong love of reading. It is a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 4th September 2026.
Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.
All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.
Students have received their login details. More information can be found here- https://www.vic.gov.au/school-student-and-parents-taking-part-premiers-reading-challenge
The challenge relies on parents and students to enter the books onto the portal, this will not be done by your classroom teacher.
This year, the Challenge is celebrating with the theme ‘Stories to Discover, Stories to Tell’ and a year of special activities.
Since it began in 2005, more than 4.5 million young readers have taken part and together read more than 63 million books.
To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge
Happy reading.
Please email me if you have any questions.
What is National Simultaneous Storytime?
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is a nationwide event organised each year by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Its aim is to inspire children across Australia to develop a love of reading through a shared storytelling experience.
Each year, a picture book created by an Australian author and illustrator is chosen to be read aloud at the same time in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, bookshops, and homes all around the country. Now in its 25th year, NSS is a lively and engaging celebration of reading, promoting literacy and learning through stories that support elements of the Australian Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
This free event encourages communities to come together and share in the joy of books and storytelling.
The featured book for 2026 is Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller, written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, and illustrated by Jake A Minton.
Summary - Rookie captain Luna Roo gives her all as she leads FC Outback in an exciting match against Bush United. Along the way, she faces some unexpected moments, including Snake scoring a goal and the pressure of her first big game. With her teammates by her side, Luna learns to trust her skills, stay calm under pressure, and keep focused as the game unfolds. The story explores themes of resilience, teamwork, and self belief.
For more information, visit: https://www.alia.org.au/nss
Children across the country will join the live reading of Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller at 12:00 pm on Wednesday 27th May 2026.
Scholastic Book Club
- Book Club Issue 4 has arrived.
- Keep an eye out for the catalogue in your child’s schoolbag.
- If you would like to place an order, please complete the order online.
Bernadette Parnis
Literacy Leader
bparnis@sfmoreland.catholic.edu.au