This year’s Book Week was a magical journey through the pages of our favourite stories.
The week kicked off with a wave of a magic wand on Monday 19 August under the enchanting theme, “Reading is Magic,” and it certainly lived up to the excitement!
Under a cloudy sky, we were thankful that the rain held off, allowing our ELC to Year 6 students to participate in the much-anticipated Book Week Parade on Braested Oval. It was heartwarming to see so many parents lining the parade track, eagerly watching to cheer on the amazing literary costumes. The teachers joined in the fun too, dressed as beloved characters, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. The wonderful Mark DeLaine was the parade MC which concluded with a Health Hustle led by our fabulous Year 6 students and Ms Honor.
After the parade, the festivities moved to the Chapel, where we eagerly gathered to announce the winners of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Books of the Year. The room buzzed with laughter and anticipation as the winners were revealed and prizes for our competitions were awarded.
But the magic didn’t stop there! Our library was completely transformed, becoming a gateway to a series of enchanted worlds. Inspired by the idea that “Reading is Magic,” we created an immersive experience for the children, where stepping through the wardrobe at the entrance was just the beginning of their adventure.
The wardrobe transported the children straight into Narnia, setting the tone for a journey through different magical kingdoms. As they moved further into the library, they discovered a Fairy Garden, complete with twinkling lights and toadstools; a dense, green jungle filled with hidden creatures; a spooky corner that sent delightful shivers down their spines; and even Jurassic World, where dinosaurs roamed once more. Under the Sea offered a glimpse into a watery wonderland, culminating in the highlight of the display: a boat suspended above the ocean waves, with a mermaid poised mid-leap into the vessel.
An interactive display featuring Hush the possum captivated many of the children as they helped her decide what food to eat by making paper collage food. Each lunchtime throughout the week, the library was a hub of activity, with teachers reading stories in Aladdin’s Cave. The children loved crafting jungle animals, magic wands, and even gymnastics wands, all while immersing themselves in the stories.
Click here to catch a glimpse of how the library was transformed.
This year’s Book Week was truly a highlight, with many children expressing how much they loved visiting the library. It was a magical reminder that reading can transport us to other worlds, ignite our imagination, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait for next year’s adventure!
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff and friends of the library who helped bring our magical kingdoms to life. Special thanks to Kate Anolak, our dedicated librarian, for working tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect. Chris Jobson for always being willing to support our creative visions, including hanging many decorations from the ceiling. Amanda Kelly brought our famous boat to life with her impressive construction skills, Amanda McDonald crafted the most adorable giraffe sitting in amongst the jungle, while Emily Burt created our beloved Aladdin’s Cave. Jo Hirst thoughtfully curated books that aligned with each magical world, enhancing our storytelling experience. A big thank you to Bec Fry for always lending a hand wherever needed, and to Jess Vann for designing our engaging Possum Magic activity and creating our delightful possum, Hush. We are truly fortunate to have such a creative and imaginative team at St Peter’s Woodlands!
Article shared by Lindy Francis, Teacher Librarian
