It's Cool to Read

I must confess, the arrival of winter has caught me by surprise! Whilst reading for pleasure is not bound by the seasons, it is perhaps in winter that a good book becomes my companion when it is too cool to venture outside. This makes me wonder how often our students are extending themselves in their reading. I encourage you as a parent to consider these strategies for promoting reading in your household:

• Allow the lights to remain on a little longer so your child can do some reading before they go to sleep.
• Encourage books and magazines to be taken on car trips so that down time can become reading time.
• Role model reading at home and discuss what you have read.
• Give children choice in what they read and have a designated bookshelf in their room.
• Visit bookstores and libraries – they offer a range of genres that are often linked to a series of novels.
• Explore the internet for a range of sites and blogs dedicated to reviewing books for all ages.

The evidence is clear that there is also a reciprocal benefit for reading and writing. Fundamentally reading has a positive effect on a child’s writing skills. This week, it was great to see students in Mrs Croke’s Year 7 class given the choice of reading either Red Dog or The Giver and applying their comprehension skills.

Last week, the Year 9 Student Leaders attended Altitude Day, with numerous other schools from across the Sunshine Coast. We were all suitably impressed by the calibre of presenters and the message they each delivered. Zoe Black, co-founder of Happy Paws Happy Hearts, spoke of the need to follow your passion in life. Likewise, Rowena McEvoy, founder of Max, International College for Fitness Professionals, encouraged students to be powerful, positive, passionate people. Her enthusiasm was infectious. However, it was Ben Pettingill, who provided the greatest inspiration. Ben woke up one morning with 98% of his vision gone and at 16 this was life changing. Nevertheless, Ben, addressed the audience with his story of courage, determination and will power to overcome such a condition. Please take the time to read Ben’s remarkable story for yourselves: https://www.benpettingill.com/.

Planning and preparation are critical components in the execution of a successful project. Indeed, the same may be said of students aiming for success in the upcoming Middle College exams that commence in Week 8. We hope that all Middle College students are actively engaging in purposeful study and preparation. We wish all students in both Middle and Senior College the best of luck during this exam period.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students