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
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17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last chance to purchase your tickts this week for our Trivia and Music BINGO Night this Saturday 22nd August. Come and join us for a great night!
12 Aug 2026
From Facebook
This morning, we gathered as a school community to celebrate Mass and the Rite of Baptism. Congratulations to the students from our school and their siblings, who received the Sacrament of Baptism today. We feel truly blessed to have shared in the special and joyful occasion with you. May God continue to guide and bless each of you as you grow in faith, hope and love. We also extend our sincere thanks to Father Andrew for leading this special mass and for guiding our school community in faith with such warmth and care. A heartfelt thank you to Dr Nicholas Ng for leading our choir and to all the students who sang so beautifully, helping to make this celebration even more meaningful.
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.
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last chance to purchase your tickts this week for our Trivia and Music BINGO Night this Saturday 22nd August. Come and join us for a great night!
12 Aug 2026
From Facebook
This morning, we gathered as a school community to celebrate Mass and the Rite of Baptism. Congratulations to the students from our school and their siblings, who received the Sacrament of Baptism today. We feel truly blessed to have shared in the special and joyful occasion with you. May God continue to guide and bless each of you as you grow in faith, hope and love. We also extend our sincere thanks to Father Andrew for leading this special mass and for guiding our school community in faith with such warmth and care. A heartfelt thank you to Dr Nicholas Ng for leading our choir and to all the students who sang so beautifully, helping to make this celebration even more meaningful.
08 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrated our wonderful Principal, Mrs Yager, on World Principal Day! We would like to thank Mrs Yager for her incredible dedication, positivity and the care and love she brings to our school each day. We are so lucky to have you Mrs Yager πΈ Thank you for all that you do for us π
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
An awesome night of dancing amid an explosion of colour! Thanks to the Year 3 parents and DJ Louie for 2 awesome discos tonight! πΊπ½ππ»πͺ©
04 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a beautiful day for a carnival.!! βοΈ In the beautiful sunshine the students enjoyed the athletics events. They competed with great sportsmanship and team spirit.
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
On Friday, our school community came together for a meaningful day of prayer, reflection and action as part of our Vinnies Winter Appeal and Vinnies Sleepout Experience. During the school day, our Kindergarten to Year 3 students explored the importance of compassion, kindness and caring for those in need through prayer and reflection. In the evening, our Year 4β6 students participated in the Vinnies Sleepout Experience, spending time outdoors with minimal comforts, sharing a simple meal of rice, and reflecting on the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in our community. We were also privileged to welcome Pat McArdle from the Carlingford Vinnies Conference, who shared valuable insights into the work of St Vincent de Paul and the importance of serving others with dignity and compassion. #faithinactioncspd
31 Jul 2026
From Facebook
βοΈπ π100 days of kindergarten! What a wonderful achievement and celebration today. Dressed as little old man and little old ladies the children celebrated 100 days of learning, and fun. Congratulations kindergarten. πβοΈοΏΌποΏΌ
31 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to our wonderful Year 5 parents for the delicious Canteen food today. What a wonderful treat π
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
This morning, we were delighted to welcome our wonderful grandparents to our school for a special celebration. Our Stage 2 students led a beautiful liturgy. Grandparents also joined in some fun games that highlighted the generation gap, creating plenty of laughter and memorable moments. Afterwards, grandparents visited classrooms before enjoying a cup of tea together to conclude the celebration. A heartfelt thank you to all our grandparents for sharing this special morning with us. We are truly blessed to have you as part of our school community.
22 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming 36 students from Tokyo Minami Tama High School to St Bernadette's for a wonderful day of cultural exchange and connection. Our students enjoyed working alongside our visitors throughout the day, sharing learning experiences, building new friendships, and discovering more about each other's cultures. We also enjoyed a delicious meal together, providing the perfect opportunity to chat, laugh, and connect. A highlight of the day was being entertained by our Japanese visitors, who delighted us with beautiful singing, patiently taught us the art of origami, and introduced us to the fun and fast-paced chopstick game! Experiences like these remind us that friendship, kindness, and curiosity transcend language and distance. We are incredibly grateful to the students and staff from Tokyo Minami Tama High School for sharing their culture and creating such special memories with our school community.