THE pages of much-loved books came to life at Medowie Christian School recently, as students and staff swapped uniforms for costumes to celebrate the annual Book Week Parade.
Favourite characters stepped out of stories and into the school grounds, creating a colourful celebration of imagination, creativity and, most importantly, reading.
While the costumes, competitions and activities brought plenty of excitement, Book Week also had a more important purpose – helping children see reading as something to enjoy rather than simply another classroom task.
Medowie Christian School Librarian Dr Madeline Bignill said the week offered an opportunity to break from routine while reminding students of the pleasure that could be found in a good book.
“We were fortunate enough to combine the final day of our Book Week with Grandparents Day,” Dr Bignill said.
“Not only did it allow grandparents to see the school on a day of celebration, but it also allowed them to share their love of reading with their grandchildren.
“Book Week gave me a further reminder of the generous and passionate staff we have here at Medowie Christian School so willing to sacrifice their time (and in some cases their dignity) for the excitement and joy of their students.”
Another school spokesperson said that Book Week was always fun and chaotic week.
“Superficially it can be a fun release, a chance for students and teachers to break routine with extra activities, competitions and performances,” they said.
“However, Book Week provides an even greater opportunity; to demonstrate the joy of reading.
“For too many children, reading can be a task, a grind, a challenge they are faced with daily. Book Week reminds students of the joy of reading.
“They can share their favourite stories, discuss books with others and see what their friends are reading.
“When students are willing to read in their free time, it increases their reading skill, their aptitude for learning and improves empathy and wellbeing.”
This year’s celebrations were made even more special by combining the final day of Book Week with Grandparents Day, bringing generations together through stories.
For staff, the parade also meant embracing the occasion – mufti, costumes and accompanying tales.
Mrs Tiia Wright Baker, Head of Primary, summed up the week.
“Medowie Christian School Primary Department immersed themselves in all things books in a celebration of Book Week and our favourite children’s stories,” she said.
“Students came to school dressed in vibrant costumes showcasing their favourite book characters and paraded these costumes in front of their parents and grandparents.
“Book Week is a very special occasion as it provides our students with the opportunity to explore newly published children’s books and to connect with literacy based learning experiences with great excitement.
“The Book Parade Day is also a very special day at Medowie Christian School as we also celebrate Grandparents Day on this occasion.
“Our students loved hosting their Grandparents for the parade and then engaged in a lovely picnic morning tea with them in the sun on our ovals.
“Following morning tea the students welcomed their grandparents into their classrooms where they treated them to some lessons in 2026 style.
“The Book Parade and Grandparents Day are wonderful community events and are a highlight on our calendar every year.”
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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