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
-
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Next Tuesday at 7pm, 11 August, The Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting the First-Class Relic of St Clare of Assisi, which will be available for all to venerate as we celebrate the feast of this beloved Saint. Before Mass, there will be a talk presented by Camille Bautista, a 2020 graduate of St Clare's High School who also previously served the school as a teacher's aide. She will be sharing a reflection on the life and witness of St Clare. The evening is being hosted by Capuchin Young Adults Plumpton, who are guided by the Capuchin Friars (like Fr John) and are made up of St Clare’s HS and St Francis of Assisi Primary Shool alumni. It is a wonderful opportunity during this Jubilee Year of St Francis and the 800th anniversary of his passing to honour the deep friendship and shared spirituality of St Francis and St Clare.
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
💬 Year 6 Voice of Youth Workshop 💬 A Captivate educator came to SFA to coach the Year 6 students on being effective in speech delivery in preparation for the upcoming diocesan speech competition, Voice of Youth. A fantastic morning spent learning about the importance of us as presenters of a key message we want to send to our audience. The students engaged in activities to help build their confidence. Year 6 have walked away much more comfortable to deliver a speech about something important to them. Students will begin to prepare their speeches in class lessons upon returning to Term 3.
Latest news More news
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.
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Next Tuesday at 7pm, 11 August, The Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting the First-Class Relic of St Clare of Assisi, which will be available for all to venerate as we celebrate the feast of this beloved Saint. Before Mass, there will be a talk presented by Camille Bautista, a 2020 graduate of St Clare's High School who also previously served the school as a teacher's aide. She will be sharing a reflection on the life and witness of St Clare. The evening is being hosted by Capuchin Young Adults Plumpton, who are guided by the Capuchin Friars (like Fr John) and are made up of St Clare’s HS and St Francis of Assisi Primary Shool alumni. It is a wonderful opportunity during this Jubilee Year of St Francis and the 800th anniversary of his passing to honour the deep friendship and shared spirituality of St Francis and St Clare.
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
16 Jun 2026
From Facebook
💬 Year 6 Voice of Youth Workshop 💬 A Captivate educator came to SFA to coach the Year 6 students on being effective in speech delivery in preparation for the upcoming diocesan speech competition, Voice of Youth. A fantastic morning spent learning about the importance of us as presenters of a key message we want to send to our audience. The students engaged in activities to help build their confidence. Year 6 have walked away much more comfortable to deliver a speech about something important to them. Students will begin to prepare their speeches in class lessons upon returning to Term 3.
10 Jun 2026
From Facebook
♟️STAGE 3 CHESS COMPETITION ♟️ This term, students from Stage 3 nominated to enter the SFA Chess Tournament. Over a few weeks, students from Year 5 and 6 have been competing, after many spent last term in chess workshops refining their skills. Last week the final game was played by Cody and William with an eager audience to see who would be named Chess Champion. After a great game of focus and skill, William won! Congratulations to William! 🏆 And to all who participated! Well done!
04 Jun 2026
What Your Child Really Learns in the First 100 Days of School
One moment your child is holding your hand at the school gate and before you know it, they're walking in confidently, greeting friends by name, carrying their own bag, and coming home full of stories about 'assembly' and 'sport'. Here’s what to expect in their first 100 days of Kindergarten.
14 May 2026
Music, art, movement: why creativity matters more than you think
Did you know creativity is one of the biggest predictors of how well children do in school and in life?
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
On our way home! 🚍 Year 6 had an awesome time away at camp over the last two days. Throughout the trip they showed outstanding behaviour, supported one another, and truly embraced every opportunity that came their way. Many students stepped outside their comfort zones, challenged themselves with new activities, and demonstrated resilience and teamwork along the way. We are so proud of the courage, positivity, and maturity they showed. What a fantastic group of young people! 👏
01 Apr 2026
From Facebook
🏕️ YEAR 6 CAMP🏕️ Year 6 students have had a fun first day at camp stepping outside of their comfort zone participating in challenging activities such as the giant swing, flying fox and archery. The weather has been beautiful and food has been delicious. Tonight we’ll be roasting marshmallows by the campfire 🔥 and exploring the bush at night before getting to sleep to rest for more fun tomorrow.
29 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to the Miriam Oz Tag team who were victorious against Riley in our House Sport Championship Final. The game went to golden point and was a closely contested match. Thanks to the Year 6 Sport Leaders for their organisation and thanks to the Year 6 Technology Leaders for providing a fun vibe at each match.
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.