St Aloysius to add another chapter to Book Week

ONE of the biggest days of the year for a Queenscliff school is fast approaching with some pupils already getting their outfits ready for the day.

An annual occasion since 2020, St Aloysius Catholic Primary School’s Children’s Book Week Parade will return for a fourth-straight year on August 21 as national celebrations are undertaken for Book Week 2023.

School librarian and main driver behind the parade, Angela Ritchie, says Children’s Book Week (August 19-25) was one of the favourite parts of the year for not only herself but also the school.

“My and the school’s big focus on the day is that connection to the community, so while we keep the focus on the books, it’s also largely about strengthening our bond with the community.

“It’s always amazing to see students and parents rally behind this day and really make the extra effort with the costumes. It’s amazing what this small town is capable of.”

The school’s dress-up theme this year is the sea, while the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s theme for Book Week in 2023 is “Read, Grow, Inspire”.

Pupils will begin the day at the nearby Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre to hear Deakin University professor Dr Prue Francis read her published book to the group and complete some activities.

The 82-strong cohort will then head to Hesse Street to walk down Queenscliff’s main strip and parade in front of local businesses.

“It has a sensational vibe on the street and the whole community gets out for it,” Ms Ritchie said.

“When this event first started in 2020, we didn’t have that community connection, but now we do, and it’s just an awesome day to be a part of.

“It continues to build each year, and shopkeepers and local families always provide awesome feedback.”

For more information about Children’s Book Week, head to cbca.org.au/cbca-book-week