A warm welcome 

Welcome to the 2026 school year!

The start of the year is always a busy time in both schools and families. At school, we have been establishing our literacy routines in our classrooms, considering what kinds of literacy resources will be needed, and discussing the literacy skills of our students.

This year, we have broadened literacy offerings to students by introducing an additional literacy enrichment teacher, Mrs Pauline Kilduff, who will be working with students once a week. Pauline will join myself and Ms Laura Adcock, who will remain focused on literacy support in Years 1 and 2, forming a literacy team of 3. We are delighted to have the depth of experience and skill that Pauline and Laura bring to the literacy team, and know that the students chosen to work with them will benefit from their knowledge, warmth and encouragement.

At home, this time of year is also the perfect opportunity for students to re-establish regular reading routines. Here are a couple of suggestions for setting your children up for reading success this year

1. Build reading into your daily routine.

    

2. Read the same book over several days. If time is short, break it up and read the book over a couple of sittings. Use the opportunity to practise skills such as summarising what happened previously.

    

3. Re-read family favourites. Revisiting books helps children deepen their understanding of characters and plot, and builds confidence to read independently.

    

4. Visit the local library to refresh your supply of books without added cost.

 Source: Reading Partners (blog post)

Please be in touch if you have any questions about the literacy programs at St Cecilia’s.

 Warm regards,

Tracey Toner ttoner@scgleniris.catholic.edu.au