Literacy

Welcome to the Literacy page of the OLSC newsletter. Here you will find information about the Literacy programs across the school, interviews with staff and students, news about important events and book recommendations from time to time.

What are you reading?

Staff and students are invited to share with the school community what they are currently reading.

Imogen (Year 1/2 Teacher)- Working on a Song - The Lyrics of Hades Town

Why did you choose to read this book?

I saw Hadestown twice while it was showing in Melbourne at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and honestly, I could’ve gone again and again. The story really stayed with me. I was incredibly moved by its themes of love, hope and home, and I wanted to learn more about how it all came together.

What do you like about this book?

I’m a total musical theatre nerd, so this book was right up my alley. Anaïs Mitchell, the creator of the show, takes you through her creative process—from writing the first lyrics to all the workshops and previews that shaped the final version on stage. She even shares lines that were changed or cut, and explains why. It’s super interesting and made me appreciate the show even more.

Who else might enjoy reading this book?

Anyone who loves musicals, Broadway, or just wants a behind-the-scenes look at how a musical comes to life. If you’re into songwriting/storytelling, there’s a lot to love here too. And if you’re fascinated by the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice—how it’s been reimagined, retold, and given new emotional depth—this book will absolutely speak to you.

AUTHOR VISIT - KATE & JOL TEMPLE

Next week, we are very excited to welcome Kate and Jol Temple to our school!! They are a husband and wife duo from Sydney who have brought us the wonderful Bin Chicken series (and many more!!). Our students have been listening to many of their stories in class this term. Kate and Jol will be speaking to all of us about how they come up with their stories. Those families who have ordered books for the authors to sign, the books have arrived safely and your child will bring them home on Monday.

OLSC Book Week Parade 2025

Monday 18th August

The Book Week dress-up parade is coming up in the next few weeks! Students are invited to come to school dressed up as a favourite character or something related to reading books. The Book Week theme this year is 'Book an Adventure'. Students can also choose to wear something to do with adventure or even just wear colourful party clothes to celebrate their love of books.

The parade will be held in the school hall at 9 am on the 18th of August, and all families are invited to attend.

Here is a book for you to read at home about the Wildest Book Week Ever!! Enjoy!!

BOOK FAIR - This year, the Book Fair will be held later in the year due to the school performance being held in the hall. The Fair will be at OLSC in the first week of Term 4 - just in time to buy some Christmas gifts!

THE GREAT BOOK SWAP

Once again, OLSC is holding a Great Book Swap this year. This is to support the Indigenous

 Literacy Foundation (ILF) in providing books and learning resources to children living in remote communities across Australia. The Great Book Swap is a fantastic way to celebrate reading locally, learn more about Indigenous culture, and raise funds for a great cause. 

From now until Monday 1st September, students are invited to bring pre-loved children's books (picture books, graphic novels, information texts or children's novels) in good condition that they no longer want at home. Each student can bring up to 5 books.

On Wednesday 3rd September, bring a gold coin to school to buy a pre-loved book to take home from The Great Book Swap. Parents, if you can help set up the book swap on Tuesday 2nd September or help with the sale of books on Wednesday 3rd September, please email me at kmorrissey@olscwyn.catholic.edu.au

Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge

There are only 40 days left until the end of the 2025 Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge.  Here are some OLSC statistics from the VPRC so far this year...

OLSC STUDENTS REGISTERED: 494

BOOKS READ SO FAR: 8525!!!!!!!

NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE CHALLENGE...

107

Congratulations to all of those students who have finished the challenge already and also to those students who are still adding to their total of books read. Keep reading and enjoying those books everyone.

Kristina Morrissey

kmorrissey@olscwyn.catholic.edu.au

Literacy Leader