Principal's Message

Last week saw the conclusion of interviews for Year 7 2022. We had over 260 applications for 208 spots and the calibre of applicants was outstanding. One of the questions I asked each student was whether they read because they have to or because they liked to. As you would expect there were a range of responses; ‘I read all the time’, ‘I read when people make me’, ‘I read only if it’s a good book’ and so on…

Walking and reading are basic skills in life. We are good at walking because we never stop practising.

Reading is different. Some people learn faster; some people do not practise. Some people just choose not to read. Reading really does matter. Your children will benefit through life from being able to read at the best of their ability. It doesn’t matter what you read, what matters most is that you just read:

• Read books at your level – if there are more than 5 words on the first page that are too hard, choose an easier text to read.
• Read about things that interest you – reading shouldn’t be a chore, it should be enjoyable.
• Parents should read as well – let children see that reading is valued in your house.

Proficient readers develop essential skills that are transferable not only in a school setting but that are valuable lifelong skills, they;

• Make connections
• Are able to predict outcomes
• Create sensory images
• Read between the lines to infer
• Ask questions
• Look for the big idea
• Create summaries
• Connect between the known and the new

As parents and teachers we need to encourage all our children to read (regardless of the level). We must set examples – let them see you read, furnish our homes and classrooms with reading materials, give them an opportunity to choose their material as well, build on their interests, acknowledge them when we see them doing it!!

More and more time is spent on screens and many of our children don’t read for simple pleasure – I invite you and encourage you to have the discussion as a family around the value you place on reading and to see what simple changes you can make to show that READING MATTERS.

With the winter break upon us maybe these holidays can be an opportunity to pick up a good book and read. As always, please feel free to contact the wonderful library staff who can assist in this area.

Thank you for a great Term 2, have a restful break and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.

God bless