Literacy Update
St Fidelis' Catholic Primary School
What students are reading this term
This term, students across the school will continue to develop their reading skills through a range of fiction and information texts. Students will focus on building their understanding of texts, exploring vocabulary, identifying important information and developing strategies to support comprehension.
Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students will read and explore information texts to learn about different types of animals following their recent excursions. Students will focus on understanding the vocabulary used in information texts and identifying text structures and features, including diagrams, subheadings, contents pages and glossaries. They will also develop their ability to locate, record and summarise the main points and key information from these texts.
Year 3 students are reading Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The story follows a mysterious giant metal figure who arrives from the sea and causes fear among the people. A young boy named Hogarth discovers that the Iron Man is not what everyone thinks and tries to find a way for humans and the Iron Man to live peacefully together.
Year 4 students are reading The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. The story follows Roz, a robot who becomes stranded on a remote island. As she learns to survive in the natural environment, she forms relationships with the animals and discovers what it means to be part of a community.
Year 5 and 6 students are reading The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. The story follows April, a young girl who travels to a remote Arctic island with her father and discovers a polar bear that needs help. April forms a bond with the bear and works to protect him while learning about the impact of climate change on the natural world.
Through these texts, students will continue to develop their reading skills, expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of how authors use language and text features to share ideas and information.
Book Week 2026
Each year since 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together through CBCA Book Week. During this time, schools and public libraries across Australia celebrate books and Australian children's authors and illustrators. Teachers and librarians create displays, organise activities, and share stories, all with the aim of encouraging a love of reading.
CBCA Book Week 2026 will be held from Saturday, 22 August to Friday, 28 August 2026, Week 7. This year's theme, Symphony of Stories, celebrates the many stories that inspire, connect and enrich our lives.
In the lead-up to and during Book Week, students will spend a few weeks listening to the shortlisted CBCA stories and using them as the focus for their literacy learning.
Families can follow this link to the CBCA website to view the shortlisted books featured in each category for this year’s Book Week celebrations
2026 Book of the Year Awards – Shortlist
Please note: We will have a Book Week Assembly/Parade on Friday, 28th August at 9 am. You may wish to begin preparing a costume to wear.
Looking for costume ideas?
Follow the links below for some Book Week costume inspiration.
Book Fair 2026
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to St Fidelis.
A Scholastic Book Fair gives families the opportunity to browse and purchase a wide range of quality children's books, with something to suit readers of all ages and interests.
The Book Fair will be set up in the School Hall and will open on Tuesday, 18th August from 3:30 pm–3:45 pm. It will then be open on Wednesday, 19th August, Thursday, 20th August and Friday, 21st August from 8:30 am–8:45 am before school and 3:30 pm–3:45 pm after school. Friday, 21st August will be the final day for students and their families to browse and explore the selection of books available.
Every purchase made at the Book Fair earns rewards for our school. These rewards can then be used to purchase new books to add to our library collection, helping us continue to provide students with a wide variety of books to enjoy.
I look forward to welcoming students and families to the Book Fair and helping students discover their next great read.
Spelling Bee
Stay warm and have a great week.
Bernadette Parnis