Learning Specialist News

Term 3

Book Week Celebrations 

We’re excited to announce that Children’s Book Week 2025 will take place from Saturday 16 – Saturday 23 August, celebrating stories and imagination as part of the 80th anniversary of this national tradition. The official theme this year is "Book an Adventure!", created by illustrator Jess McGeachin, who has fashioned artwork that invites young readers into magical worlds and thrilling journeys. 

As part of our festivities, we will hold a school-wide Dress-Up Parade in the gym on Friday, 22 August, from 9:10 am to 9:40 am. Students are invited to come dressed as a favourite book character—think brave heroes, curious explorers, or curious creatures—especially those tied to our theme of adventure. Parents are welcome to attend the parade. (No weapons or scary costumes allowed) 

Parents are welcome to attend and take photos of their own child. Please do not take photos of other students. 

CBCA Shortlisted Books 2025 – Celebrate Amazing Australian Stories!

We're excited to introduce the 2025 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Shortlist, featuring 36 outstanding titles by Australian authors and illustrators across six award categories. The winners will be announced on Friday, 15 August 2025.  

Here’s a closer look at the shortlisted titles: https://cbca.org.au/2025-shortlist/ 

Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge

We have 5 weeks left if you are wanting to participate in the premier’s reading challenge. 

Please see the information below. 

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and South Melbourne Park Primary School is excited to be taking part!  The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 and aims to help young readers develop a lifelong love of reading. 

It is not a competition; it is a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 5 September 2025. Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.  All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.

This year, the Challenge is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the theme ‘20 years of words and wonder’ and a year of special activities. For details, follow the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge Facebook  

Since it began in 2005, more than 4.5 million young readers have taken part and together read more than 63 million books!  

To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge.

You can also contact our school’s Challenge coordinator Johanne Abbott, via compass with any questions.

Happy reading!

Scotty James – Author Visit

Our Year 3 and 5 students will be fortunate to participate in an author visit on Tuesday 12th August, 10:30- 11:30am. 

Scotty James is one of the greatest snowboarders in the world. He has won two Olympic medals, four World Championship golds. Scotty began snowboarding at age three and was competing professionally by fourteen, becoming one of the youngest snowboarders at the Winter Olympics. He’s known for his spectacular tricks. 

Off the slopes, Scotty is also creative. Inspired by childhood doodles and his nickname “MOOKi,” he created an astronaut‑gloved character symbolising big dreams and resilience. This imaginative alter ego stars in his debut children’s book MOOKi vs The Big Scary, teaching courage, friendship, and perseverance. 

Students can order a copy of Scotty’s books online and have them delivered to the school. 

Please see link- (ATTACHED)