DO NOT be alarmed when Mulga Street Primary School remains a hive of activity tonight as the school community comes together for a unique shared reading night.
Following The Children’s Book Council of Australia 2019 Book Week launch on Monday, tonight’s event will incorporate reading with staff, family, children and George The Farmer author Ben Hood.
The activity is one of many the school will host for Book Week following colouring-in competitions, lucky draws and in-class activities.
Deputy principal Tamarin Condon said activities started with the return to school following the mid-year holidays, encouraging students to increase their reading capabilities.
“Reading opens up the world and our minds, teaches different cultures, helps us learn more about ourselves and is great for mental health,” Ms Condon said.
Each of the school’s 15 classes will undergo an activity relating to a short-listed Book Week book.
Ms Condon added classes will also rotate through the decorated library for further workshop participation.
“Book would not be able to go ahead without our amazing library committee who has helped decorate our library with themed decorations,” she said.
“I think we do things differently and just love books.
“The week is highly supported by everyone involved and I think it ties in well with the Premier’s Reading Challenge and Simultaneous Story Time.”
Ms Condon said the open reading night aims to link the school community with parents and caregivers to share the love of reading.
“We also wanted to open opportunity for people new to be welcomed,” the deputy principal said.
“I think activities like this have built excitement for the children and we hope they encourage reading among all year levels.”
Ms Condon said she hoped reading will live on forever in all its forms whether it be electronic, visual, print.
Library manager Karen Pink said the aim for Book Week was to try and make it fun for everyone.
“The kids seem to love coming through the library to spend time with me especially now there is not as many librarians as there used to be,” Ms Pink said.
“It makes my heart melt when I see a child engrossed in a book.
“They are completely in their own world which shows how powerful a book can be.”
The school community is encouraged to attend the one hour shared reading night held at Mulga Street Primary School from 5.30pm.
Hot drinks and supper will be provided.
