General News
29 August, 2024
Student don costumes for Book Week
STUDENTS across the region celebrated literature, dressing up as their favourite book characters as part of Children’s Book Week 2024 last week.
Children’s Book Week 2024, following the theme of ‘reading is magic,’ is hosted each year by the Children’s Book Council of Australia to promote literature and the positive impacts it has on the lives of many.
Among the schools to take part in Children’s Book Week festivities was Mortlake College, with the school hosting a dress-up day and parade last Friday.
Acting principal Michael Castersen said he was encouraged to see so many of the students put thought in to their costumes, highlighting their deep understanding of the books which interest them.
“It doesn’t come naturally nowadays but you can see through something such as Book Week that the enthusiasm is still there,” he said.
“If given the opportunity, kids do like to get involved with literacy - you can see their excitement.
“It was interesting too seeing the senior students get involved - it’s magnificent seeing the students get involved and engrossed in it.
“It reminds you of the significance because there is a lot of learning and a lot of fun.”
Many of the students dressed as characters from books published decades ago, showcasing the staying power of the stories which have captivated numerous generations and strengthened the connections families share with well-loved stories.
“Some of the old stories and themes just don’t get old,” Mr Castersen said.
“We’ve got young, trendy kids still engaged with it, which says a lot.
“They might be historic, such as the group of students who dressed up as Ghostbusters, but the theme runs through the kids and they genuinely love it.
“We often see kids criticised for the amount of time they spend on their devices, but you can see how strong the themes run – so it’s up to schools and parents to encourage that.”
As part of the week, Mr Castersen said students had the opportunity to take time to explore the library and become better acquainted with the systems in place which connected the students with literary resources.
“It’s been magnificent offering the opportunity for students to see a whole range of books, from local authors through to the really trendy ones,” he said.
“They’re on offer and have been for weeks, with classes being periodically taken to the library to introduce them to some of these titles.
“The notion at this school is the library is a space for the kids anyway, but Book Week enhances the opportunity to show the kids what is available for them.”