The Value of Reading

The first reading and writing dates as far back as 3500 B.C., and although its earliest form was only accessible to scribes and their kings or queens, it became more and more prevalent as societies developed. Ancient writers quickly learned the power of the word – to make myths, record stories, and recount historical happenings. The earliest author was the High Priestess Enheduanna, living in Ancient Sumeria located in the ‘fertile crescent’ between Asia and Asia minor. She inscribed the words to hymns on clay tablets, and it was around this time that writers explicitly addressed the reader. The High Priestess, like others, began her work with “dear reader”. So began the beautiful relationship between writer and reader, and that’s what we celebrate with our Reading Week Assembly.

In terms of reading, here in Central Australia stories were important too, often passed through songlines, symbols, dancing, and art. Whilst the written word was not necessarily the way stories and traditions were passed on, storytelling was powerful and integral to culture and learning about the past, present and future pathways (sometimes, in the literal sense.)

In modern times, we continue to recognise the importance of reading and storytelling.  We obviously know that reading expands our knowledge and understanding of the world and helps us navigate everyday situations, but did you know that reading has so many other benefits too? Reading is like playing a game of netball, football or soccer. Why? Reading is exercise for the brain; reading gives the brain a good workout. But reading also decreases stress and helps you sleep. Scientists have stated that reading before bedtime reduces your stress levels by two-thirds. And if we think back to that workout I referred to earlier, reading clearly increases our mental health and even better, helps improve our memory. Really, in essence, reading makes us smart, alert, and healthy.

Reading is also part of our shared experience and cultural capital. Think about reading like money for a piggy bank or a crypto currency cache. The more we read, the more we put into our brain, our piggy bank. Who knows when we might need to access that capital, that knowledge, that story? The more and more we read, the more our capital increases. It’s a wonder that all the big readers out there don’t have heads the size of watermelons!

But seriously, reading is so, so important to each and every one of us, and that’s why we celebrate reading at St Philip’s College, whether it’s reading books, comics, poems, plays, or even ‘reading’ film as we do in every English class. So, let’s celebrate the wonder and wisdom of words we enjoy from reading.

Reading Week Assembly

This year, we celebrated reading with a clip put together by our staff for a bit of fun. We had photos of teachers reading to their pets, children, nephews, and grandchildren. My personal favourite was Ms Bernadino reading to her chook, Repeckah.

At the assembly, Iris Chenhall sang her song as Matilda, ‘Quiet’, from our recent, wonderful, vibrant musical ‘Matilda’. Then we had a ‘Guess the Story?’ competition for our English Staff in the style of ‘Spicks ’n’ Specks. This year, Mr Glegg was our winner!

Following this competition, we then had Her Honour Vicki O’Halloran and Josh Burgoyne, MLA, as judges for our annual Character Costume parade. The competition was fierce, but the prizes were as follows: 

Three people were awarded ‘Highly Commended.’ They were:

• Lilly and Cody as Jane and Tarzan from Tarzan
• Maddy McLaren and her 7 dwarfs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
• Eunice as Hortensia from Matilda

Lastly, we had the inter-house Reading Week Quiz. This year we had joint winners: Topsy Smith and Mackay!

Thanks to everyone who helped out with the assembly, and for all those students who dressed up for the costume parade. The winners came to a delightful High Tea in the library to celebrate the joy of reading.

~ Sue Herbert

Head of English