Wyrallah Rd Book Character Parade

LIONS, stormtroopers, superheroes, and witches swarmed the playground of Wyrallah Road Public School this week.

But don’t be too alarmed. It was Book Character Parade Day, part of the school’s annual celebration during Education Week.

Relieving principal Rowena McLaughlin said the parade helped instil a love of books.

“In this day and age, where they are starting to get digital texts a lot more, it brings kids back to the roots of paperback books – getting excited about reading and having a love of literacy,” Ms McLaughlin said.

The students had been busy planning their outfits for the day, she said.

“They love a good dress-up. They’ve been very excited about the opportunity to dress-up,” Ms McLaughlin said.

The Book Character Parade has been a tradition at the school for many years.

“I’ve been at the school for 10 years, and we’ve been doing it far, far longer than that,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“We always do it in Education Week. It gives parents the opportunity to come to the school, which is always lovely. We run our book fair at the same time.

“The proceeds go back to the school to help buy new books for the library.”

And while the day may have been all about the kids, there were plenty of teachers who looked like they were enjoying the chance to dress up as their favourite book characters as well, with witches, scarecrows, and tin men all spotted rocking their outfits.

Public Education Week is an annual celebration of NSW public education and the achievements of schools, teachers and students.

This year’s theme is “Proud to Belong”.