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.
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
-
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
We’re looking forward to welcoming Sue Whiting, an Australian children’s author, to OLA this Friday for a special Book Week experience with our K-2 students. Sue will share her stories, writing process, and the inspiration behind her books, giving students a wonderful chance to learn from a real author and spark their own love of reading and storytelling. This will be a perfect way to build Book Week excitement across our Infants classes!
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our primary students had an amazing session yesterday with illustrator Marcelo Baez. They loved learning how characters are created, how illustrators bring stories to life, and how creativity starts with simple ideas and lots of imagination. Many students walked away feeling inspired to become illustrators themselves, proudly sharing their sketches and new techniques. It was a fantastic way to spark excitement and get everyone ready for Book Week next week! A huge thank you to Marcelo for such an engaging and motivating visit!
Latest News More news
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.
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
We’re looking forward to welcoming Sue Whiting, an Australian children’s author, to OLA this Friday for a special Book Week experience with our K-2 students. Sue will share her stories, writing process, and the inspiration behind her books, giving students a wonderful chance to learn from a real author and spark their own love of reading and storytelling. This will be a perfect way to build Book Week excitement across our Infants classes!
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our primary students had an amazing session yesterday with illustrator Marcelo Baez. They loved learning how characters are created, how illustrators bring stories to life, and how creativity starts with simple ideas and lots of imagination. Many students walked away feeling inspired to become illustrators themselves, proudly sharing their sketches and new techniques. It was a fantastic way to spark excitement and get everyone ready for Book Week next week! A huge thank you to Marcelo for such an engaging and motivating visit!
18 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate and appreciate Mr Calabria on Principal's Day- a leader who brings warmth, care and joy to our OLA community every single day. He ensures our school is a place where everyone feels safe, happy and supported, and where each day is filled with faith, fun and learning. At our assembly, the students shared a beautiful acrostic poem they had written to show just how thankful they are for him. Their words reflected the positivity he brings to our school. Mr Calabria knows our students, supports our teachers, welcomes our families, and helps make OLA a place where everyone belongs. On behalf of our students, teachers, parents, and the whole OLA community, we thank him for who he is and for all he does. We are truly grateful!
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Recently we had 1 girls' team and 2 boys' teams participate in the Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day at Jamison Park, Penrith. It was a very successful day for all 3 teams, who all finished 2nd in their pool. All 3 teams played exceptional soccer and had lots of fun scoring awesome goals along the way. A very big thank you to the parents who volunteered as coaches- Mr McKee, Mr and Mrs Shnoudi, and Mr and Mrs Newman. Thank you also to the many parents who supported our teams during the day, and to Mr Cauchi and Mrs Boatfield for being there to support our teams!
16 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 2 students enjoyed a wonderful incursion last week with Koori Konnections, deepening their understanding of Aboriginal cultures, history and connection to Country. Through fun, hands‑on and interactive activities, students learned about: - Aboriginal ways of caring for the natural environment - Traditional knowledge and sustainability - Stories, culture and history shared by First Nations people It was a rich and engaging experience that helped bring their HSIE learning to life and strengthened their appreciation for Australia’s First Peoples!
16 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 4 students had a fantastic day at the Australian National Maritime Museum on Friday as part of their HSIE learning. They explored real vessels, interactive exhibits and hands‑on displays that helped them understand how people have travelled, traded and connected across oceans throughout history. Students loved stepping aboard historic ships, discovering stories of explorers and migrants, and learning how maritime technology has changed over time. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring their HSIE unit to life and deepen their understanding of Australia’s past. A big thank you to our teachers for organising this, and to our parent helpers for supporting such a memorable learning experience!
16 Aug 2026
From Facebook
15 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to all the Voice of Youth finalists who presented their speeches this week at the grade final. Your hard work and dedication were on display for all to appreciate. Thank you to the parents and family members of the finalists who attended to support their children, and to the Year 6 teachers for your organisation and preparation of the children. The quality of the speeches was incredibly high, and the variety of topics was very interesting to listen to. From the fifteen finalists, two students have been selected to represent Our Lady of the Angels at the Cluster Final, which will be at St John XXIII, Stanhope Gardens on Tuesday 18th August. Well done to Lucy and Akira who have been chosen to represent OLA at the Cluster Final!
15 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Outstanding Achievement and St Francis award recipients for Week 4!
15 Aug 2026
From Facebook
We are so excited to welcome Marcelo Baez, a celebrated Australian illustrator and comic artist, to OLA this Tuesday for our Years 3–6 Book Week workshops. Marcelo has created artwork for Marvel, Apple, National Geographic, Scholastic, and many well‑known Australian publishers. He is also the illustrator behind popular children’s series including Rise of the Mythix and E‑Boy, by Ahn Do.