FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

The Power of Picture Books for young children

This week’s National Simultaneous Storytime saw more than 2 million listeners in schools, libraries and other institutions around Australia captivated by the reading of ‘The Speedy Sloth’ (from Taronga Zoo in Sydney) by author Rebecca Young and illustrator Heath McKenzie. NSS is an annual Australia-wide group reading and literacy event designed to promote the value and fun of books and reading. Helping young children get hooked on reading is one of the most powerful learning initiatives we can commit to – at school and at home. The broader cognitive as well as social-emotional development benefits for every student are immeasurable.

The Speedy Sloth opens opportunities for children (especially but not exclusively in the 3 to 8-year-old age groups) to learn more about embracing individuality, overcoming challenges, building self-confidence and self-belief, courage and risk-taking, fostering empathy and compassion – all in a very engaging and fun way. The learning is so much more than just the reading outcomes.

This is one example from the rich range of picture books available for teachers and parents to share with children to spark their enjoyment of reading and their love of learning. The educational benefits of children being read to every day (or evening) are well-documented. These encompass reading skills as well as learner attributes and worldly understanding.

Cross Country & Fun Runs

Due to the extreme weather conditions this week the Year 2 to 5 Inter-House Cross Country Carnival was been postponed to the same time next week (Thursday 1 June, 12:15 pm to 2:45 pm). All details of the program are unchanged.

Also next week the Prep and Year 1 students have their Fun Run on a course at the Elphin Campus. This is on Tuesday 30 May, Prep at 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm and Year 1 at 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm.

Spectators are most welcome at these events.

Lachie Wright
Head of Junior School