Book Week magic in the Marsh

PRIMARY school pupils across the Moorabool region have celebrated a magical Book Week 2024.

This year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia event had the theme of Reading is Magic, which students at Bacchus Marsh Primary School embraced.

BMPS literacy learning specialist Hayley Bonnici said children at her school took part in activities that had a focus on fostering a love of reading, promoting the joy of being read to, and the fun of live theatre.

Year 5 student Hannah led a book swap, where pupils could share an old reader and pick up a new one to take home, while a Where’s Wally? scavenger hunt got kids exploring.

CBCA short-listed books were enjoyed by the children before they voted for their favourites. Peter Cheong’s Every Night at Midnight was the most popular.

Students sat down to watch an original live performance, Maybe a Miracle, which featuredmusic and a story of adventure.

But Ms Bonnici said the most magical part of Book Week was the school’s costume parade.

“You say, ‘Book Week’ and immediately we all think of the wonderful characters the students have dressed up as,” she said.

“The parade is a huge highlight at school but we always try to make our annual celebration about the books, authors and illustrators.

“We want to put a spotlight on the important stories they tell and how they add richness, depth and meaning to our lives.

“Book week is a wonderful opportunity for schools and communities to come together around the shared value and joy of reading.”