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, recurring 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
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18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
💧🌏 Season of Creation 2026 at Holy Cross 🌿 Our school community has been celebrating the Season of Creation through prayer, learning and action. We began with classroom liturgies for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, followed by Faith in Action activities led by our iHelp students, including Creation Scavenger Hunts and Earthcare Eco Expo, where students explored ways to reduce waste. Our Year 6 iHelp students led Creation Prayer Time with their Kindergarten buddies, while our Year 3 students put their learning about showing mercy to God’s creation into action by picking up rubbish during recess and collecting containers for Return and Earn. As a whole school, we have also recommitted to using our Return and Earn baskets to help reduce waste and care for our common home. ♻️ Together, we are putting our faith into action and caring for common home. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese #faithinactioncspd15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Today, we celebrated our school Feast Day! ✝️✨ While the official Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross falls on September 14th, our school community gathered together today to celebrate our unique identity, founded on the Cross. We shared in the Eucharist and remembered Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us—a constant reminder of His call for us to “Live Life to the Full.” After Mass, Father Jolly blessed our beautiful new foyer cross! ✝️✨ More than a piece of art, this cross powerfully reflects our Catholic faith and our Holy Cross identity. The Tree at the Centre: Jesus is the trunk, deeply rooted in our faith. We are the branches, called to grow and share his message with the world. The Surrounding Cross: A daily reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s enduring love, and the hope of new life. We want to thank two High Schools from our Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese: St John 23rd for supporting us with our band and choir during Mass, and CathWest, who graciously made our cross. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
Latest news More news
28 Sep 2026
Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice
Six Year 6 students from 58 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Primary schools came together at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens on 22 September for the Voice of Youth Grand Final, showcasing their public speaking skills through a series of thoughtful and engaging speeches.
18 Sep 2026
From Facebook
💧🌏 Season of Creation 2026 at Holy Cross 🌿 Our school community has been celebrating the Season of Creation through prayer, learning and action. We began with classroom liturgies for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, followed by Faith in Action activities led by our iHelp students, including Creation Scavenger Hunts and Earthcare Eco Expo, where students explored ways to reduce waste. Our Year 6 iHelp students led Creation Prayer Time with their Kindergarten buddies, while our Year 3 students put their learning about showing mercy to God’s creation into action by picking up rubbish during recess and collecting containers for Return and Earn. As a whole school, we have also recommitted to using our Return and Earn baskets to help reduce waste and care for our common home. ♻️ Together, we are putting our faith into action and caring for common home. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese #faithinactioncspd
15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Today, we celebrated our school Feast Day! ✝️✨ While the official Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross falls on September 14th, our school community gathered together today to celebrate our unique identity, founded on the Cross. We shared in the Eucharist and remembered Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us—a constant reminder of His call for us to “Live Life to the Full.” After Mass, Father Jolly blessed our beautiful new foyer cross! ✝️✨ More than a piece of art, this cross powerfully reflects our Catholic faith and our Holy Cross identity. The Tree at the Centre: Jesus is the trunk, deeply rooted in our faith. We are the branches, called to grow and share his message with the world. The Surrounding Cross: A daily reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s enduring love, and the hope of new life. We want to thank two High Schools from our Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese: St John 23rd for supporting us with our band and choir during Mass, and CathWest, who graciously made our cross. Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
04 Sep 2026
From Facebook
What a wonderful morning celebrating all the incredible fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our school community! 💙✨ Here is a look at how we spent our Father’s Day celebration today: Father's Day Breakfast: We kicked off the morning with an early Father's Day breakfast. Father's Day Liturgy: We came together in prayer, reflecting on the love, guidance, and strength our dads provide every day. Special Student Presentations: Each grade took to the stage to share what they love most about their dads. Classroom Activities: Dads joined the kids in the classrooms for fun collaborative games and some friendly competition. Picnic Lunch: We wrapped up the celebrations enjoying lunch together in the sunshine. Thank you to all the father figures who joined us and made today so memorable, and to our staff and parent volunteers who helped bring it all together. Happy Father's Day to all our amazing dads this weekend! Check out some of our favourite moments from the day below 👇📸
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
A few more shots of the Book Week fun at Holy Cross today 💜💚 The students had a great time dressing up, and thoroughly enjoyed the visit by renowned author Tim Harris ✍️
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
This morning we held our annual Book Week Book Parade and it was another exciting event for our community! 💜💚 The students had a great time singing and dancing as they paraded their costumes for everyone to see. Well done to everyone for getting involved and making it so much fun! Big thanks to Mrs Morris and Mrs Calabritta who did an awesome job of hosting the event!
28 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Celebrating 40 years of Catholic education in our Diocese! 🎒✨ On Wednesday, our student representatives attended the annual Education Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. This special Mass brought together students, staff and parents from across the Diocese of Parramatta to celebrate their vital role in the mission of the Church. Adding to the joy, this year's service coincided with the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Parramatta, marking four decades of rich history, learning, and community across our Catholic school system. We are so proud of our student leaders for representing our school at such a meaningful event!
28 Aug 2026
Our schools are cracking the reading code
Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, it’s surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it.
21 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to our Year 2 students who shared their learning with us this afternoon! 💜💚
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.
18 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Well done to all eight students who presented speeches at this morning’s school final of the Voice of Youth competition 👏 Special congratulations to Amelie and Xavier who have been chosen to represent Holy Cross at the Upper Hills Cluster Final next week 💜💚
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
This week our Year 2 students had a blast learning all about forces with the team from Fizzics Education 🥼🔬🔭
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