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
From Facebook
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15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Some of our Year 3 and 4 students had an amazing day representing St Thomas Aquinas at the Socktober Launch and Soccer Gala Day! Students joined schools from across the Diocese for a day of soccer, teamwork, faith and Faith in Action. Our students proudly took on the role of advocates, learning about the work of Catholic Mission and showing solidarity with communities in Malawi. Through sport and service, they were reminded that even small actions can make a big difference. πβ€οΈ We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to putting their faith into action! π #faithinactioncspd14 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our students joined with students from local Catholic schools for a wonderful day of faith, friendship and service. Students grew in faith, connected with one another and put Catholic Social Teaching into action through prayer, formation, teamwork and service. As part of the day, students created care packages for the Year 12 students at St Columbaβs Catholic College as they prepared for their HSC examinations. ππ This was a simple but meaningful way for our students to show compassion, solidarity and support. We were incredibly proud of all the students who attended and the leadership, kindness and genuine commitment to Faith in Action they demonstrated throughout the day. β¨ A big thank you to Miss Espiritu for her leadership and guidance in our Faith In Action opportunities at STA. #faithinactioncspd
More News
28 Sep 2026
Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice
Six Year 6 students from 58 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Primary schools came together at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens on 22 September for the Voice of Youth Grand Final, showcasing their public speaking skills through a series of thoughtful and engaging speeches.
15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Some of our Year 3 and 4 students had an amazing day representing St Thomas Aquinas at the Socktober Launch and Soccer Gala Day! Students joined schools from across the Diocese for a day of soccer, teamwork, faith and Faith in Action. Our students proudly took on the role of advocates, learning about the work of Catholic Mission and showing solidarity with communities in Malawi. Through sport and service, they were reminded that even small actions can make a big difference. πβ€οΈ We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to putting their faith into action! π #faithinactioncspd
14 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our students joined with students from local Catholic schools for a wonderful day of faith, friendship and service. Students grew in faith, connected with one another and put Catholic Social Teaching into action through prayer, formation, teamwork and service. As part of the day, students created care packages for the Year 12 students at St Columbaβs Catholic College as they prepared for their HSC examinations. ππ This was a simple but meaningful way for our students to show compassion, solidarity and support. We were incredibly proud of all the students who attended and the leadership, kindness and genuine commitment to Faith in Action they demonstrated throughout the day. β¨ A big thank you to Miss Espiritu for her leadership and guidance in our Faith In Action opportunities at STA. #faithinactioncspd
03 Sep 2026
From Facebook
What a wonderful day today at STA celebrating our fathers and other important male figures in our lives. The day began with a bbq breakfast and games on the field. Then we joined together in prayer to give thanks for these special men in our lives. We thank all those who were able to join us today and our staff and student for their preparations making the day so memorable. Wishing all our dads and other special men in our lives a fabulous Fatherβs Day on Sunday.
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
This term, Year 4 have been participating in the Prime Minister's National Spelling Bee. Congratulations to Eden and Sebastian who have made it to the NSW State final.
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, itβs 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.
20 Aug 2026
From Facebook
β‘ BLACKTOWN SPORTSPARK WAS BUZZING YESTERDAY! πββοΈπββοΈπ¨ Our Zone athletes hit the track with incredible speed, determination and school spirit! They raced hard, chased every finish line and even found time for an impressive post-race handshake, led the way by our determined Daw brothers! π€π π¦ Our long jumpers soared πͺ Our shot putters showed their strength π₯ And every competitor gave it their absolute best! What a fantastic effort from all our St Thomas Aquinas athletes. You represented our school with pride, enthusiasm and plenty of energy. And thank you to the many competitors who stepped up and competed in extra events to ensure our team could remain strong. Your willingness to go above and beyond did not go unnoticed so thank you again. πβοΈπ
14 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 Faith in Action Team enjoyed a wonderful morning visiting the residents at Uniting Springwood Aged Care! πΏπ Students joined residents in fun balloon games π, created beautiful artwork π¨, and spent time listening to their stories and sharing conversations. π¬β€οΈ Through this experience, our students lived out the Catholic Social Teachings of Human Dignity and Participation. ππ€ A beautiful morning of connection, joy and faith in action! β¨π #faithinactioncspd
14 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 Faith in Action Team had a wonderful time with the residents of Buckland Nursing Home. πΈπ¨ Together, they pressed flowers and created beautiful artworks while sharing smiles, stories, and friendship. Through this special visit, our students lived out the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Human Dignity and Community & Participation, showing care, compassion, and respect for others. πβ¨ A beautiful morning of creativity, connection, and faith in action. ππ #faithinactioncspd
12 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Reconciliation Sacramental Program Starting! Attached is a flyer advertising the upcoming Reconciliation Sacramental Program. This program is for students in Year 3 and up. We look forward to supporting you throughout this process. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the school.
11 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Year 1 have arrived and started their great day learning about animals and their habitats
05 Aug 2026
From Facebook
β½ π₯ Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day What a day of football! Our Stage 3 students impressed with their effort, teamwork and positive attitude across every match at their gala day at Jamison Park yesterday. Congratulations to our Year 5 and Year 6 boys, who finished 3rd in their pools, and to our year 6 girls who also finished 3rd and our year 5 girls finishing 4th overall. A huge thank you to our parents for their support throughout the day. We couldnβt be prouder of the way our students represented our school. π π π β½οΈ π₯
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a wonderful day we have had at STAβs Commonwealth Games today! It was a huge day of fun celebrating the Commonwealth Games and the STA community. A huge thank you to all the staff who prepared for the day, to our volunteers who joined in with the activities and cooked the bbq and to our family and friends for their very generous donations. From the Opening Ceremony to our final activity, fun was had by all.