Students ready to read and raise money during August

SCHOOLS across the region are encouraging students to get stuck into literature as part of the 44th MS Readathon.

Beginning Monday, August 1, books read by students throughout the month of August will go towards children with a parent living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Leopold Primary School has been a local leader in fundraising over the years, most recently raising $9,268 in 2021, smashing its total of $2,000 in 2020, and the cohort will be looking to do it again said learning specialist and grade 6 teacher Ryan Sharkey.

“It’s one of those things that kids look forward to every year,” Mr Sharkey said.

“It’s a highlight to see the kids not only help the community raise money and things like that, but it also benefits their own literacy and reading skills as well.

“The MS Readathon is something our community embraces really strongly and it’s something the community at Leopold Primary really supports each other in doing.”

More than 27,482 participants, including schools, pulled together last year to raise $2,353,680 in the fight against multiple sclerosis under the cloud of COVID-19.

Schools this year will have less restrictions imposed on them during the Readathon compared to last, bringing a glimmer of hope to schools that 2022 will bring about a more enjoyable experience.

“It’s huge being back to face-to-face learning,” Mr Sharkey said.

“Student interaction and teacher interaction just brings a whole new level of excitement back to school and in particular for the MS Readathon.

“Things have changed a lot in the last year, but in a very positive way where we can interact together and be a part of the learning together.”

Kardinia International College in Geelong’s Bell Post Hill will also have students participating in this year’s MS Readathon, having already hit the ground running, raising more than $500 prior to the Readathon’s start date.

“What could be more fun than reading?” Junior School Library Coordinator Susan Bowman said.

“At Kardinia International College I enjoy sharing my love of reading with our students and the MS Readathon is a great way to inspire our students to read lots of amazing books and help people living with MS along the way.”

The region’s top performers in the MS Readathon in 2021 included Leopold Primary, Geelong Lutheran College, St Thomas Primary School in Drysdale, and Ocean Grove Primary.