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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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! 💙✨
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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!
24 Jul 2026
From Facebook
Code Camps - Term 3 - enrolments now open After-School Code Camp at OLQP allows kids to hone their coding skills and keep practicing through weekly sessions over the term. Each week students will choose the features they want to build, and advance their problem-solving skills to build these features using code. They will take ownership over their projects and collaborate with their peers to make awesome apps! Booking link to enrolments. Please include this Discount Code SCHOOL15 when you enrol your child to receive a $15 discount.
23 Jul 2026
From Facebook
We're so excited to share that on Saturday, 4 July, the Art Gallery of NSW announced the winners of the Young Archie Competition. Christian was awarded the Young Archie 2026 winner in the 5–8 years age category! He was absolutely thrilled to receive the award and a little overwhelmed by all the media attention that came with it. We're incredibly proud of him and this wonderful achievement. 🎉🎨 Christian’s winning portrait is titled ‘My daddy’. ‘I have chosen my dad for my artwork because I love him and he loves me,’ Christian said. See all the Young Archie 2026 finalists for free on the ground level of our Naala Nura building until 16 August. #YoungArchie is proudly supported by Presenting Partner @anz_au
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