GALLERY: Book Week Bonanza 2019

Primary schools across the diocese celebrated Book Week from 17 to 23 August with the theme, Reading is My Secret Power.

Spells were cast, sporting heroes met and Disney characters brought to life during the celebrations at St John the Baptist Primary School, Maitland.

The school community paraded all the incredible costumes they had created, while students went along with their families to the library and selected a book, poster or stationary to purchase, with all funds raised going back into the school community.

“The joy, smiles, laughter and fun that resinated throughout the whole day proved that it was a day of pure Book Week success.

“With the theme Reading is my Secret Power, it has allowed for continued discussion throughout the school about the importance of reading and why it is a very special secret power to always have,” said Teacher Alex Toscano.

The school community of Holy Name Primary School, Forster, kicked off Book Week celebrations with a festive parade. Students and staff came dressed in colourful costumes, with non-fictional and fictional influences and many invited their parents and grandparents along to join in the fun.

“This year’s theme meant we had a strong contingent of super heroes wandering around our school and students enjoyed visiting the Learning Hub to read books nominated for the 2019 CBCA Book Week Awards,” said Learning Support Teacher, Simone Maloney.

More superheros made an appearance at Holy Spirit Primary School, Kurri Kurri as students performed a re-telling of a shortlisted book during a class performance for their families. They also enjoyed a roadshow performance from the Kurri Kurri Town Library.

“The student’s love of literature and creative flare was definitely on display throughout the entire day,” said Teacher, Danielle Barry.

The festivities continued at St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, Belmont as students paraded their characters down a runway to music and cheering. Other activities included, decorating masks based on a secret power; visiting the Belmont Public Library for a book reading; and searching for hidden books to read in the school playground, which were placed in secret locations for students to enjoy.

“Our Year 6 students were also given the opportunity to show their leadership skills this week as students were organised into their Peer Support Groups and read the nominated books to their group, followed by a craft activity,” said Librarian, Stephanie Gosling.

“There was a great deal of interest in the books that were shared and we are sure the books will be highly sought after during library borrowing next week,” she said.

St Benedict’s Primary School, Edgeworth also joined in the fun with a Book Week parade and fun activities. Each year group was allocated a 'hero' theme to showcase their creative costumes including, Disney, Marvel, Sport, International and Australian heroes and even heroes from the Bible. Environmental warriors also made an appearance.  

"We were greeted by The Rainbow Fish, Mary Mackillop, Bindi Irwin's Wildlife Adventures, Ned Kelly, Cathy Freeman, Sir Donald Bradman and many more iconic characters," said Teacher Librarian, Ainara Mateos.   

"The students participated in a variety of Book Week activities after the parade. Each class had two activities in response to reading a CBCA shortlisted book. There was a mixture of coding, literacy, drama, art and craft activities.

"The students looked amazing in their costumes and thoroughly enjoyed the day," she said.

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Gabrielle Sutherland Image
Gabrielle Sutherland

Gabrielle Sutherland is a Marketing & Communications Officer for the Catholic Schools Office and a regular contributor to mnnews.today and Aurora.