Library News | Getting Ready for Book Week 2026
Primary Author Visit
The Primary students were delighted to hear tips, inspiration and encouragement for illustrating and writing their own stories when Dr Cameron Stelzer came to visit on Friday of Week 2. Dr Cameron shared how when you write stories you can get inspiration from anywhere; your childhood toys, places you visit, interests and hobbies, personal failures or even logos of shops. Students from Year 3s and 4s were able to put the tips for illustrations to the test and drew animal pirates and theme park rides. Ideas students came up with included a donut themed roller coaster, lollipop high rise tower ride and pasta themed coasters. Year 5s and 6s were encouraged to use hooks which are mysteries in their story that engage the reader to read more. Year 1s and 2s were excited to hear about the School of Scallywags characters and create their own crazy sports. Some ideas that they came up with were mitten boxing, apple cricket and basketball on a jelly court with marshmallows as the ball. Preps were engaged in a big screen reading of a book from the Stroogle series which tells the adventures of a little brave creature and his friends. All the workshops aimed at reengaging students to use their imagination to create stories they were excited to write and share.
Book Week
Book Week is coming up and there is much to get your children excited about! This year’s theme is ‘Symphony of Stories’ - celebrating all the amazing parts that come together to create splendid stories we know and love!
Primary Book Parade and Dressing up
Primary can dress up on Wednesday 26th August in their book themed costume. Due to larger student numbers there will be two Primary School parades which will be held in the MPC. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to come along and join in the fun and dress up too!
- Prep to Year 2 - 8:45 to 9:45 am
- Year 3 to 6- 10:00-10:30 am
Here are some simple tips to help you and your child create a memorable and
meaningful costume:
1. Choose a Favourite Book
Encourage your child to think about stories they love — from picture books to chapter books. The theme “Symphony of Stories” can be a fun starting point, but any book-based character is perfect. Please remember when creating costumes students are not to bring weapon props, dress in scary costumes, such as wizards, witches, ghosts, skeletons, demons/demonhunters or wear inappropriate costumes that show too much bare skin.
2. Discover the Character’s Traits
Re-read the book together and talk about what makes the character special. What do they wear? How do they act? These details can help shape the costume.
3. Keep It Simple and Creative
You don’t need to spend a lot! Try:
● Repurposing items from home (hats, scarves, backpacks, etc.)
● Making props from cardboard or recyclables (e.g. maps, animal ears)
● Dressing in character colours or patterns
4. Involve Your Child
Let your child take the lead in planning and creating. Whether they help glue, paint, or choose clothes, it builds excitement and pride in their costume.
5. Focus on Fun and Imagination
Book Week is all about celebrating stories and creativity — not costume perfection. The most memorable outfits often come from simple ideas and a child’s imagination.
6. Celebrate the Story
Remind your child to bring their book to school to share a little about their chosen book or character on the day in their class. It helps connect the costume back to reading, which is the heart of Book Week!
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Students have been reading and recording steadily and it has been an outstanding effort so far. The Premier’s Reading Challenge runs until August 28th, so continue to encourage your child/ren to read everyday and record it on a sheet. Just a gentle reminder that a book can only be recorded once for the challenge, this is to encourage students to read widely.
Top Borrowers in Primary
Our Primary School Top Borrower for June was Emilee Cobb in Year 6. She said that The Baby Sitters Club series is her favourite at present. For July, George Thomas in Year 4, once again achieved Top Borrower status. He has been enjoying a variety of books but in particular he has been working through the Wolf Girl series by Anh Do.
Secondary Library Week
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week
Book Week is celebrated each year in August to remind us of the value of books, stories and reading. It encourages students to discover new books, explore different ideas and enjoy reading for pleasure. Reading helps us build knowledge, strengthen our thinking and understand the world from different perspectives.
The 2026 Book Week theme, Symphony of Stories, reminds us that every story has its own unique voice and that, together, stories create something powerful. Just as different instruments come together to make beautiful music, books from different authors, cultures and genres enrich our understanding of the world.
What’s happening during Book Week?
There will be plenty happening in the Secondary Library during Book Week. Come and explore our interactive book display, discover some great reads and find clues that may help you in our Kahoot Quiz during Tuesday lunchtime. You can compete on your own or form a team, with some lovely edible prizes up for grabs!
Throughout the week, short videos will be shown in the library during morning tea or lunchtime, depending on other Book Week activities taking place. These will include book readings and interesting clips about books and libraries, including the making of Braille books, the history of libraries, and the story of Peter and the Wolf.
Happy reading.
Sonja Potgieter
Librarian I sonjapotgieter@acc.edu.au
Always keep learning!
Maija Koehler
Teacher Librarian | maijakoehler@acc.edu.au
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