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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03 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Holy Shroud Exhibition St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta is hosting the Holy Shroud Exhibition featuring a life-size replica of the Shroud of Turin ✨ 📅 Sunday 6 – Sunday 13 September 🕘 9:00am – 6:00pm From Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 September, the exhibition will have extended opening hours from 9:00am – 10:00pm daily and will be located in the Chapel. 🚗 Parking: Available via Victoria Road. Everyone is warmly invited to visit this special exhibition and learn more about the history and significance of the Shroud of Turin.01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Free family fun at the Parliament of New South Wales Friday 9th October 9:30 am to 3:00 pm Australia’s oldest parliament is opening its doors for our Family Fun Day – a wonderful community day with free, interactive and educational experiences for children in the oldest Parliament in Australia. This year’s highlights include: Get creative in art and craft workshops Step inside our Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers Learn how to use your voice in Parliament Have your say in a mock committee role play Vote with the NSW Electoral Commission Engage with First Nations stories and art Discover, learn and have fun at this free one-day event! Parents/carers get their free ticket via Eventbrite:
Latest News More news
03 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Holy Shroud Exhibition St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta is hosting the Holy Shroud Exhibition featuring a life-size replica of the Shroud of Turin ✨ 📅 Sunday 6 – Sunday 13 September 🕘 9:00am – 6:00pm From Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 September, the exhibition will have extended opening hours from 9:00am – 10:00pm daily and will be located in the Chapel. 🚗 Parking: Available via Victoria Road. Everyone is warmly invited to visit this special exhibition and learn more about the history and significance of the Shroud of Turin.
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Free family fun at the Parliament of New South Wales Friday 9th October 9:30 am to 3:00 pm Australia’s oldest parliament is opening its doors for our Family Fun Day – a wonderful community day with free, interactive and educational experiences for children in the oldest Parliament in Australia. This year’s highlights include: Get creative in art and craft workshops Step inside our Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers Learn how to use your voice in Parliament Have your say in a mock committee role play Vote with the NSW Electoral Commission Engage with First Nations stories and art Discover, learn and have fun at this free one-day event! Parents/carers get their free ticket via Eventbrite:
28 Aug 2026
Our schools are cracking the reading code
Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, it’s surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it.
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.
15 Aug 2026
From Facebook
We celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. The Assumption of Mary is a Catholic doctrine of faith stating that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed (taken up) body and soul into Heaven at the end of her life. The Catholic Church celebrates this important feast day on 15 August and, in Australia, it is a Holy Day of Obligation. Feast of the Assumption Prayer O Blessed Virgin Mary, united to the victorious Christ in heaven, you are the image and first-flowering of the Church as she is to be perfected in the world to come. You shine forth as a sign of sure hope and solace for the pilgrim People of God. In your Assumption, you manifest the fullness of redemption and appear as the spotless image of the Church responding in joy to the invitation of the Bridegroom, your Son, who is the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Grant that we may follow your example on earth thereby imitating your Son as well and being enabled to share your glory, with Him for all eternity. Amen. 🙏💐💖
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our students continue to inspire us with their creativity, imagination and passion. 🎨 🎭 Join us as we celebrate the incredible talents of our Creative Arts students, whose dedication and gifts reflect the joy of learning and the unique talents God has given each of us. Congratulations to Xavier, Christian, and all of our students, on sharing their creativity with our school and wider community. We are so proud of you! 💙✨
07 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Never see a need without doing something about it." — St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop "Lord, grant us the faith, courage, and compassion of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Help us to notice those in need around us and to respond with love, humility, and action. Amen."
30 Jul 2026
From Facebook
What a wild and wonderful day at Our Lady Queen of Peace! Today was Crazy Hair Day, and our students certainly didn't disappoint. From towering styles and bright colours to amazingly creative designs, the classrooms were filled with big smiles and even bigger hair. Thank you to all our families for helping make today so much fun!
30 Jul 2026
From Facebook
What a wild and wonderful day at Our Lady Queen of Peace! Today was Crazy Hair Day, and our students certainly didn't disappoint. From towering styles and bright colours to amazingly creative designs, the classrooms were filled with big smiles and even bigger hair. Thank you to all our families for helping make today so much fun! What was your favourite look?
29 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Grandparents’ Day at OLQP 💛 Last week, we welcomed our wonderful grandparents to OLQP for a beautiful liturgy in their honour, followed by open classrooms where they could share in the learning and everyday life of our students. Thank you to all the families who joined us and for the love, wisdom, and support you bring to the lives of our children.
29 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Year 2’s Adventure at Lizard Log! 🦎🌿 Our Year 2 students had an absolute blast yesterday on their excursion to Lizard Log parklands. Our young explorers spent the day rotating through four action-packed activities: investigating animal habitats, crafting bird houses, hunting for critters during bug catching, and learning how to protect our waterways in Water Works—where they discovered how everyday things like dish soap, paint, and sunscreen affect our environment when sent down the drain. It was a day filled with huge smiles, curious minds, and practical ways to care for our planet. Here are some photos from our fun day out!
29 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Year 2’s Adventure at Lizard Log! 🦎🌿 Our Year 2 students had an absolute blast yesterday on their excursion to Lizard Log parklands. Our young explorers spent the day rotating through four action-packed activities: investigating animal habitats, crafting bird houses, hunting for critters during bug catching, and learning how to protect our waterways in Water Works—where they discovered how everyday things like dish soap, paint, and sunscreen affect our environment when sent down the drain. It was a day filled with huge smiles, curious minds, and practical ways to care for our planet. Here are some photos from our fun day out!