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.
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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19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last week, we gathered together as a school community to celebrate the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. Observed on 15 August each year, we celebrate Mary's unique role in God's plan, her saying "Yes" to God, and that she was taken to heaven, body and soul. Thank you to Fr Joseph for leading us in our celebration, and to all our families and friends who participated in Mass with us.
18 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Be an OLOR Road Safety Star! Parents and carers using the church car park in the morning must accompany their child - the only kiss and drop is behind the hall. Help keep your children safe by making sure your walk your child through the car park to the kiss and drop area.
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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.
19 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Last week, we gathered together as a school community to celebrate the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. Observed on 15 August each year, we celebrate Mary's unique role in God's plan, her saying "Yes" to God, and that she was taken to heaven, body and soul. Thank you to Fr Joseph for leading us in our celebration, and to all our families and friends who participated in Mass with us.
18 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Be an OLOR Road Safety Star! Parents and carers using the church car park in the morning must accompany their child - the only kiss and drop is behind the hall. Help keep your children safe by making sure your walk your child through the car park to the kiss and drop area.
17 Aug 2026
From Facebook
The Countdown is on! Get ready for a wonderful celebration of books and reading, starting this Friday!
12 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Peer Support continued last Friday. In this session, groups explored how we want to include others by speaking, listening and acting with kindness.
11 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a great day we had out at Penrith for the Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day last week! All of our boys and girls played their hearts out, demonstrating fantastic sportsmanship, teamwork and respect towards themselves, their teammates and the opposition. Every team competed strongly throughout the day, coming away with a mixture of wins, draws and losses. A special congratulations goes to our Boys' Yellow Team, who won their pool, finishing first out of eight teams! What a fantastic achievement! ππ Once again, a huge congratulations to all of our students on the way they represented Our Lady of the Rosary. We are incredibly proud of their effort, attitude and sportsmanship throughout the day. A big thank you also goes to all the parents and families who came along to support not only their own children, but all of our students. Your encouragement and support helped make the day such a success.
11 Aug 2026
From Facebook
π€ IS YOUR CHILD NAVIGATING FRIENDSHIP CHANGES? From conflict and exclusion to social pressure and bullying, friendships can be complicated as children grow. Join respected parenting author Michelle Mitchell for Friendship Smart, a practical session designed to give parents and carers strategies to help children navigate friendship changes, set healthy boundaries and build positive relationships. π Monday, 31 August 2026 β° 7:00pm - 8:30pm π Nagle College, Blacktown π Free for CSPD parents and carers π Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKS5r8V_gowJSuSoGe_3QhohiuZ14PX5SWT4YVXcgiqHdp3g/viewform Family Partnership Council - FPC Michelle Mitchell - Parenting Educator, Author, Speaker
10 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Be an OLOR Road Safety Star! Parents and carers need to stay in the car in the Kiss and Drop/Car Pick Up Zone. Help keep your children safe by making sure your child can get in and out of the car quickly, calmly and safely by themselves, or park and assist your child.
10 Aug 2026
From Facebook
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and while we held off our Principals Day celebrations until today, our teachers didn't miss the mark! From their best shirts, pants, ties and jackets, to their cricket hats, sport gear, Eels merch and accessories designed to keep the playgrounds spic and span, our "Dress Like Mr Battikha" surprise certainly had our fantastic principal puzzled as staff arrived at school. Thank you, Mr Battikha, for your leadership of our school community. We truly appreciate all the work that you do.
10 Aug 2026
From Facebook
On Friday, we gathered together to give thanks for St Mary MacKillop, whose feast day was on Saturday. St Mary MacKillop is Australia's first saint, founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and a teacher who opened schools for children in need of an education. St Mary MacKillop, pray for us.
06 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Today we started our annual peer support program. This year's program focuses on our school expectation to respect others. In today's session, groups explored how we want to include others and make everyone to feel like they belong.