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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07 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🥇 NUMBER 1 IN AUSTRALIA! 🥇 The final national results for the Oz-Rocks Competition (Sept 1–3) have officially been released, and our school community has achieved something truly extraordinary! Out of 888 schools competing across the entire nation, St Joseph's Primary School, Schofields has taken 1ST PLACE AS THE HIGHEST SCORING SCHOOL IN AUSTRALIA! On top of our school-wide championship, we are thrilled to announce an incredible individual milestone: 🥇 Alex in Year 5 finished ranked #1 OUT OF MORE THAN 60,000 STUDENTS nationwide! To become the top-ranked student in the entire country is a phenomenal achievement. Beyond Alex's historic win, there were outstanding individual performances and record-breaking efforts right across the school. Every single recall, speed trial, and session played a direct part in putting St Joseph's on top of Australia. We could not be prouder of every single student who put in the effort, time, and speed over the last three days. Absolutely outstanding! ⚡🎸 Thank you to our incredible teachers for leading the charge, and to our parents for supporting the home practice sessions. St Joseph's Rocks! WE ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! ROCK ON! 🎸🏆 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Times Tables Rock Stars @followers
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07 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🥇 NUMBER 1 IN AUSTRALIA! 🥇 The final national results for the Oz-Rocks Competition (Sept 1–3) have officially been released, and our school community has achieved something truly extraordinary! Out of 888 schools competing across the entire nation, St Joseph's Primary School, Schofields has taken 1ST PLACE AS THE HIGHEST SCORING SCHOOL IN AUSTRALIA! On top of our school-wide championship, we are thrilled to announce an incredible individual milestone: 🥇 Alex in Year 5 finished ranked #1 OUT OF MORE THAN 60,000 STUDENTS nationwide! To become the top-ranked student in the entire country is a phenomenal achievement. Beyond Alex's historic win, there were outstanding individual performances and record-breaking efforts right across the school. Every single recall, speed trial, and session played a direct part in putting St Joseph's on top of Australia. We could not be prouder of every single student who put in the effort, time, and speed over the last three days. Absolutely outstanding! ⚡🎸 Thank you to our incredible teachers for leading the charge, and to our parents for supporting the home practice sessions. St Joseph's Rocks! WE ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! ROCK ON! 🎸🏆 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Times Tables Rock Stars @followers
06 Sep 2026
From Facebook
03 Sep 2026
From Facebook
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
31 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Celebrating Fathers Day For many years now, the role of fathers has changed and evolved. During the industrial revolution, fathers were often considered detached and distant due to working long hours in factories. However, today things have changed dramatically with many dads being celebrated for being sensitive, caring and more hands-on. Recent studies have shown that children benefit greatly from having fathers who are present and interacting in everyday activities. This has transformed the understanding of how fathers shape children’s lives from the start, challenging conventional ideas of parenthood and gender. Research also suggests that fathers influence their sons and daughters in different ways, which is especially true during their transition to adolescence. Engaging in regular physical activities can play a key role in influencing children to learn self-control, face challenges, regulate emotions and take manageable risks. In this Special Report, fathers will learn about the positive impact they can have on their child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring they indulge in a little self-care. Click on St Joseph's School TV to find out more on celebrating Fathers Day.
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our St Joseph’s community holds the people of Nepal in our thoughts and prayers following the devastating flash floods and landslides that have struck the Nepal–Tibet border region this week, claiming hundreds of lives with many more still missing. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, for the families still searching for the missing, and for the rescue workers and communities responding with such courage. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) 🕊️ Let us keep Nepal in our hearts this week.
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.
27 Aug 2026
From Facebook
We were honoured to welcome Uncle Ted back this term, he shared powerful stories about identity and connection to our mob. His yarns gave our students so much to reflect on and be proud of. Inspired by Uncle Ted's visit and our community, our students have started planning an exciting new mural for our school, a project that will celebrate our culture and stories for everyone to see. Watch this space, as painting will begin next term! Huge thanks to Uncle Ted for taking the time to visit and share his knowledge with us.
21 Aug 2026
From Facebook
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.
13 Aug 2026
From Facebook
11 Aug 2026