Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, recurring habits that make the biggest difference.
1. Let them see you read
Children are more likely to value reading when they see the adults around them enjoying it too. Whether it's a novel, magazine, recipe or newspaper, showing that reading is part of everyday life helps build positive attitudes towards books.
2. Read together, even after they've learnt to read
Many parents stop reading aloud once their child becomes an independent reader, but shared reading continues to support vocabulary, comprehension and a love of storytelling well into the primary years. It also creates moments to connect and talk about ideas.
3. Give children the freedom to choose
Not every child will be drawn to classic novels, and that's okay! Graphic novels, comics, fact books and magazines all count. When children can explore topics they're genuinely interested in, reading becomes something they want to do rather than something they have to do.
4. Make reading part of everyday life
Ten or fifteen minutes before bed or reading together after school helps establish reading as a regular habit. Consistency matters more than long sessions.
5. Talk about stories
Asking simple questions like "What surprised you?" or "Who was your favourite character?" encourages children to think more deeply about what they've read. These conversations also help develop confidence and comprehension.
6. Celebrate curiosity, not perfection
Children don't need to finish every book they start or read at the same level as their peers. The goal is to nurture confidence and enjoyment. When reading feels positive, children are more likely to keep coming back to it.
Wondering how schools help children become confident readers?
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), engaging literacy experiences, dedicated teachers and well-resourced libraries help students build the skills and confidence to thrive as readers and learners.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Year 6 Excursion to The Coal Loader, Waverton! Our Year 6 students had a fantastic day exploring The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton! The excursion provided students with a wonderful opportunity to learn beyond the classroom while discovering the fascinating history, sustainability initiatives and natural environment of this unique Sydney site. The students enjoyed exploring, asking questions, working together and connecting their classroom learning with real-world examples of sustainability.11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 5 students had a wonderful day of learning and discovery at Barangaroo, exploring the deep connection between Aboriginal people, culture and Country. During our guided tour, students learnt about the significance of the land and how Aboriginal people have cared for and lived sustainably with Country for thousands of years. They discovered a range of native plant species and explored how different trees and plants were traditionally used for food, medicine, shelter and everyday life. The students also learnt about traditional tools and artefacts, gaining a greater appreciation of the knowledge, skills and resources used by Aboriginal communities and the importance of passing this knowledge from one generation to the next. Our final session brought together observation and creativity as students sketched the Sydney skyline, using the spectacular harbour and Barangaroo landscape as inspiration. And, of course, there was time to enjoy lunch and some well-deserved play, with the beautiful harbour as our backdrop! It was a fantastic day of learning beyond the classroom, connecting history, culture, nature and art in a truly memorable setting
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11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Year 6 Excursion to The Coal Loader, Waverton! Our Year 6 students had a fantastic day exploring The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton! The excursion provided students with a wonderful opportunity to learn beyond the classroom while discovering the fascinating history, sustainability initiatives and natural environment of this unique Sydney site. The students enjoyed exploring, asking questions, working together and connecting their classroom learning with real-world examples of sustainability.
11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 5 students had a wonderful day of learning and discovery at Barangaroo, exploring the deep connection between Aboriginal people, culture and Country. During our guided tour, students learnt about the significance of the land and how Aboriginal people have cared for and lived sustainably with Country for thousands of years. They discovered a range of native plant species and explored how different trees and plants were traditionally used for food, medicine, shelter and everyday life. The students also learnt about traditional tools and artefacts, gaining a greater appreciation of the knowledge, skills and resources used by Aboriginal communities and the importance of passing this knowledge from one generation to the next. Our final session brought together observation and creativity as students sketched the Sydney skyline, using the spectacular harbour and Barangaroo landscape as inspiration. And, of course, there was time to enjoy lunch and some well-deserved play, with the beautiful harbour as our backdrop! It was a fantastic day of learning beyond the classroom, connecting history, culture, nature and art in a truly memorable setting
10 Sep 2026
From Facebook
💛 R U OK? Day 💛 Today is a reminder that a simple question can make a big difference. Taking the time to check in, genuinely listen and let someone know you care can help create connection and remind others that they are not alone. Ask. Listen. Connect. Not just today, but every day. 💛
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
28 Aug 2026
Our schools are cracking the reading code
Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, it’s surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it.
20 Aug 2026
Six Habits That Help Children Develop a Love of Reading
Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
18 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🌿 Grandparents Day is coming! 💙 We are so excited to welcome our wonderful grandparents to Holy Spirit Primary on Friday, 21 August for a special day of learning, connection and celebration. 💕📚 From joining their grandchildren in the classroom to morning tea, our Book Fair and a special Grandparents Day Assembly led by Year 4, it will be a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the love and wisdom our grandparents bring to our school community. We can’t wait to see you! ❤️
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate Australian Primary Principal’s Day and recognise the incredible leadership of our wonderful principal, Mrs Garzaniti. From greeting every student with a warm smile each morning to supporting learning in classrooms and connecting with students in the playground, Mrs Garzaniti leads with compassion, dedication, and heart. She inspires our entire school community every day and helps every child believe in their potential. Thank you, Mrs Garzaniti, for your unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and families. We are so grateful for all that you do. Happy Australian Primary Principals Day!
01 Aug 2026
From Facebook
28 Jul 2026
Action and Progress: Western Sydney Catholic Schools release 2026 Closing the Gap Report
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has released its Closing the Gap Report 2026, detailing efforts to enhance educational equity, community engagement, and cultural capability across its 80 schools in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
28 Jul 2026
From Facebook
🎨 Year 1 Art Adventure: 3D Art & Nature! 🌿 This week, our Year 1 artists explored 3D Art, Sculpture, and Photography, learning how 3D pieces are shaped to be viewed from all sides rather than staying flat on paper. We drew inspiration from First Nations artists like Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Yvonne Koolmatrie, and the Erub Arts collective, who weave and shape scavenged materials, sedge grass, and ghost nets into coolamons, woven animals, and marine life. We also looked at Andy Goldsworthy’s temporary nature sculptures captured through photography. Want to try a quick activity at home? Head into the garden with your child to gather leaves, twigs, and stones, build a 3D ground sculpture together, and snap a picture of their creation—feel free to share your photo in the comments below!