Reading has the power to change lives. It plays an essential role in learning,
securing a job and being an active and engaged member of society. Reading
provides us with information, knowledge, and makes us aware of people and places
beyond our immediate circles. Learning foundational reading skills supports
wellbeing and can translate to a love of reading and literature. As so much of our
world rapidly changes around us, learning to read remains one of the most
essential outcomes of schooling, and Home Hill State High School embraces this
ethos in and outside of the classroom.
To highlight our passion for reading, Home Hill State High School celebrated Book
Week in a number of ways. We had ‘cake and reading’ in the library as well as a
‘character costume’ day. Here staff and students alike, dressed up as book
characters in this year’s theme of ‘Reading is Magical’. The gold coin donation for
this activity was collected and used to support ‘Reading Out of Poverty’ (ROOP)
charity. Notable costumes included teachers, Mr Ferris as a Jedi (from the Star
Wars Universe), Ms Clark as
Luna Lovegood (from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix),
Miss Horan as a (beautiful) witch, Miss Chappell as a fairy, Mrs
Bugeja as an angel, Ms Flynn as a dark sprite and Mrs Todeschino
as Alice (in Wonderland) as well as students, Ryan Young as a
green dragon and Addison MacDonald as Evelyn Hugo, and so
many more.
Each English class student also contributed a magical moment
from a book in the form of a leaf, to be placed on a tree, inspired
by the painting Magic Tree by Marika Reinke (2015). They also
watched a YouTube video that highlighted the importance of
reading.