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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16 Aug 2026
From Facebook
๐ถ๐ A Symphony of Stories is coming to St Finbarโs! ๐๐ถ Book Week is just around the corner, and weโre getting ready to celebrate the wonderful world of books, imagination and storytelling! โจ This yearโs theme, โA Symphony of Stories,โ invites us to explore the stories, characters and adventures that bring our imaginations to life. ๐๐ต And itโs time to start getting those costumes ready! ๐๐ฆธโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ป๐ Our Book Week Parade is the perfect opportunity to bring a favourite book character to life and share our love of reading with our school community. So, start turning the pages, choosing your favourite character and getting creative! ๐จโ๏ธ
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๐ถ๐ A Symphony of Stories is coming to St Finbarโs! ๐๐ถ Book Week is just around the corner, and weโre getting ready to celebrate the wonderful world of books, imagination and storytelling! โจ This yearโs theme, โA Symphony of Stories,โ invites us to explore the stories, characters and adventures that bring our imaginations to life. ๐๐ต And itโs time to start getting those costumes ready! ๐๐ฆธโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ป๐ Our Book Week Parade is the perfect opportunity to bring a favourite book character to life and share our love of reading with our school community. So, start turning the pages, choosing your favourite character and getting creative! ๐จโ๏ธ
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We wish all our students and families a restful and refreshing break! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 21st July, ready for another great term of learning and growth.
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๐ต๐ด We may have aged 100 years overnight! ๐ Our Kindergarten students celebrated 100 days of school by dressing as 100-year-olds, and they certainly looked the part! While they may have looked 100 today, they're only 100 days into an amazing journey of learning, friendship and growing in God's love. We can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings! ๐โจ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese #100DaysOfKindergarten #AgedToPerfection #GrowingInGodsLove
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โฝ๐๐ Future Socceroos in the making! Kindergarten had a fantastic time stepping into the boots of the Socceroos, giving it their best shot and dreaming big! From their stadium walk-on to showing off their soccer skills, our youngest students embraced the challenge with confidence, teamwork and plenty of Aussie spirit. Who knows? We might just have the next generation of Socceroos right here at St Finbar's! ๐ฆ๐บโฝ
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Our students recently had the wonderful opportunity to attend the St Vincent de Paul Encounter Day at St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields. Facilitated by St Vincent de Paul, the day provided students with a deeper understanding of the history and mission of the organisation, how it began, and the important role of Conference members in supporting people experiencing hardship. Students also explored the realities of homelessness, including the different forms it can take, current statistics, and practical ways individuals and communities can make a positive difference. The day was both inspiring and thought-provoking. Our students returned feeling energised and motivated to continue promoting Faith in Action within our school community, putting their faith into practice through service, compassion, and advocacy for those most in need.
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โฝ๐๐ Socceroos fever hit St Finbar's on Friday! Our students embraced the excitement, proudly showing their green and gold spirit as they cheered on the Socceroos. There was plenty of energy, enthusiasm and smiles across the school, with everyone getting into the Aussie spirit. A special highlight was Kindergarten, who created their very own stadium experience, complete with player entries and match tickets! What a fantastic way to celebrate together and make learning fun. ๐ฆ๐บโฝ
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We proudly congratulate Mrs Kym Romanous on her appointment as Principal of St Finbar's. We are grateful for her leadership and the way she embodies our charisms each day, inspiring our community through faith, compassion, and service. We look forward to her continued leadership as she guides our school in living out these values and supporting every student to thrive. Congratulations, Mrs Romanous!