Literacy Update
Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee
Students in Years 3–6 have the opportunity to participate in the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, a national online competition that develops spelling, vocabulary and word knowledge.
The competition challenges students to apply their understanding of spelling patterns, word meanings and word origins to spell words correctly. Students will hear each word used in context and can access hints if needed.
Competition dates:
- School Round: 20 July – 21 August
- State and Territory Finals: 31 August – 4 September
National Final: 9–10 September
Students with the highest scores and fastest times in the School Round will progress to the next stage. As the competition is completed online, parent/carer permission is required for participation.
All students will be added to the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee platform and will have access to the Resource Hub to explore spelling activities and resources. However, only students with consent from a parent/carer will participate in the competition. Resource Hub – Prime Minister's Spelling Bee
If you would like your child to participate in the competition, please return the consent form to your child's classroom teacher as soon as possible.
2025 Prime Minister's Spelling Bee national champions announced Prime Minister's Spelling Bee national champions announced
Important Literacy dates for Term 3
Scholastic Book Fair
Our Scholastic Book Fair will be held in Week 6, commencing from Tuesday afternoon, 18th August. The Book Fair will then be open before and after school each day, giving students and families the opportunity to browse and purchase books. Every purchase helps support our school library, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Book Week 2026 ‘Symphony of Stories’
This year's Book Week will be celebrated from Saturday 22nd August to Friday 28th August 2026. Book Week is a time to celebrate Australian authors, illustrators, and the CBCA-shortlisted books, encouraging a love of reading and storytelling.
Students will be invited to dress as their favourite book character for our Book Week Parade, which will be held on Friday 28th August at 9:00 am in the school hall.
More information about the Book Fair and this year's CBCA Book Week shortlisted books will be shared over the coming weeks.
Library Books and Take Home Readers
We have recently purchased more take-home readers for students to enjoy at home. Please remind your child to take care of their library books and take home readers and return them regularly. Students are unable to borrow new books until previously borrowed books have been returned. Thank you for helping us look after these books so they can be enjoyed by all students.
Scholastic Book Club
Every purchase helps earn valuable rewards for our school, allowing us to purchase new books and resources for our students. Thank you for supporting St Fidelis Primary School.
Order online by Friday, 31 July 2026 to ensure your child's order is included.
The Victoria Premiers’ Reading Challenge
There is still time for students to get involved in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge. Please contact me if you would like your child to get started. This week’s books read total is 1430. What an amazing effort!
Bernadette Parnis
Literacy Leader