The Children’s Book Council of Australia continues to bring together children and books across Australia through a national week of celebration called Book Week. During Book Week (which occurred in Week 5) in the Middle Years at Marist Regional College, we ran a variety of activities including a Book Week Kahoot Quiz Challenge, a “Wall Talker” Display, and Book Week Literacy Activity Competitions. 

On Friday 26 August, the last day of Book Week, we enjoyed a full-day festival of literature, called “LitFest” where Year 7 and 8 students participated in a variety of activities related to books and reading. This event is part of our mission to create a culture of reading at our college, and for students to make positive associations with books and stories.  

The day involved: 

  • Welcome to LitFest Session with Keynote Speech by Guest Author, Lian Tanner. 

  • Minute To Win It House Challenges 

  • Year Level LitFest Disco, with Costume Competition and Photo Booth

LitFest Activity Sessions, including: 

  • The Districts Archery Tournament (Hunger Games)

  • Muggle Quidditch (Harry Potter Series) 

  • Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (Alice in Wonderland) 

  • The Arena (Hunger Games) 

  • Hogwarts Kitchen (Harry Potter) 

  • Folded Book Art 

  • Book Detectives and Reading Room

  • Imagination Olympics (A workshop with guest author, Lian Tanner) 

Students were asked to bring a gold coin donation and together we raised $238.10. This money will be donated to the “Indigenous Literacy Foundation” which works with communities to close the literacy gap for Indigenous children. More information about this foundation can be found at their website: https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/  

A big thank you to staff who ran activities throughout the day and to our Year 10-12 student helpers who assisted. It was great to see so many staff and helpers in costumes. 

Mrs Carolyn Winchcombe 

Learning Area Leader: Global Connections