Across Australia during this week of August, super heroes, Little Red Riding Hoods, an array of princesses and Star Wars characters enter school grounds.

This year’s theme for Book Week is ‘Reading is My Secret Power’. More than at any other time in history we are using devices to read. Some of you will remember the kindle, the small electronic device developed for online reading. Now we read books on our phones, IPads and tablets. While these devices can be very practical they don’t replace the enjoyment of reading and sharing a story book with a child.

Many studies show that children who are read to regularly, have a larger vocabulary and knowledge of the world around them. Books can spark our imagination and stimulate curiosity.

Do you remember your child’s favourite book? Possibly you can recite it word for word! I hope during Book Week you can find the time amidst the ‘busyness’ of parenting to spend even a few minutes to read to, or with your child.

Regardless of age, we can learn new skills, travel to new places and even learn another language through the power of reading.

This week students from St. Margaret Mary’s and Ignatius Park College spent time reading with our students sharing their secret power!

God Bless

Geraldine