Library News
Library News
Reading Together - A Parent’s Superpower!
In our increasingly digital world it is easy to get ‘lost’ in how best to support our child’s learning. There are many apps and devices for reading and phonics. While technology has many benefits, one of the most important tools parents have requires no device at all. Picking up a book and sharing a story together really is a parent’s superpower.
What do we need to read?
In our busy world, increasing numbers of Australians are reading less. A research collaboration between Behaviour Works Australia and Monash University provides an in-depth understanding of what drives people to read and what stops them. It explores what interventions are likely to be effective so that more people read books more often. The study outlines that reading is made up of many individual actions, from thinking about reading, to choosing a book, finding time to read, and actually sitting down to read. Technically only two actions are required, getting a book, and starting to read. The research showed however, that all the other actions are important to get to that point.
Some key take home messages for parents and educators:
Finding books is an early barrier for some:
You can’t read books if you haven’t found something to read! Invest time in simply ‘exploring’ books. Start with local and school libraries, bookstores and book exchanges. This action could reduce a significant barrier to recreational reading. This week we introduced ‘exploring time’ to our Yr 5 students.
Make books more visible!
Having books in the home, classroom and familiar places increases exposure and makes reading easier to engage with. Leave some books in the car!
Regular reading habits help
Set aside time to turn off screens and read as a family. Model what reading looks like. Read individually or read aloud to your child, no matter what age. Early reading experiences shape future reader behaviours.
Encourage a range of formats
While most avid readers prefer a print book, listen to audiobooks in the car while commuting or doing household tasks. Different formats can be an important means of engaging with books for those who experience reading and comprehension difficulties.
The Executive Summary from the Understanding Australian Readers report can be accessed here: https://australiareads.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Understanding-Australian-Readers-Executive-Summary.pdf
Library Monitor Program
This week we launched our Library Monitor Program to our Year 5 students. Library Monitors give up one lunch break to assist library staff to reshelve books and keep our library an inviting space for all to enjoy. How lucky we are to have so many Library Monitors in 2026! Thank you to Mrs Augustus for providing this opportunity.
Premier’s Reading Challenge
PRC 2026 has officially opened!
All students in K-Yr 2 have been enrolled in the Challenge by St Patrick’s library staff and will complete the Challenge in class with their teacher. There is no need for parents to register K-2 students in the PRC. Books have been delivered to classrooms and students are already enjoying reading high quality literature.
Students in Yrs 3-6 can choose to complete the PRC in their own time. We encourage as many students as possible to enter. Library staff can assist with book choices.
PRC accounts and passwords for these students are being finalised by library staff and a separate Compass note will be posted in Week 7 with further details regarding PRC requirements and rules.
Mrs Angela Wainwright
Mrs Cathy Clifford
School Librarians