The clock is counting down as the Premier’s Reading Challenge enters its final month for 2023, with Brisbane Water Secondary College’s Umina Campus one of several Central Coast schools participating.
The challenge opened on February 27 and students have until August 18 to get their books read in the much-loved challenge, first instituted by then NSW Premier Bob Carr in 2001.
The Premier’s Reading Challenge encourages a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, enabling them to experience quality literature at the same time.
Already, around 50,000 more students than in the same period last year have completed the Challenge with an extra 16,679 registering.
Students from government, independent, Catholic and home schools in Kindergarten to Year 10 are challenged to read up to 10 books of their own choice and a further five books from an approved series.
The Premier’s Medal is awarded to students who have completed the challenge each year throughout their schooling, with 1,149 students recognised in 2022.
Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus Principal Kerrie Thomas said building a culture of reading and love of books and stories is at the heart of Umina Campus’ success.
“A long history and dedication to reading has been established through prioritising 10 minutes of silent reading in each lesson and the stimulating welcoming environment of the library which is open and buzzing all day every day,” she said.
“(Our librarian) Mrs Harvey is passionate about reading and providing all students with the opportunity to read.
“She creates reading opportunities and interest through thematic displays and engaging activities throughout the year encouraging students to have a Blind Date with a Book, puzzle over Famous First Lines, identify Books turned into movies and so much more.
“When Umina Campus students transition from their primary schools, they actually bring their Premier’s Reading Challenge logbooks with them.
“These are filed in the library to be added to throughout Years 7, 8 and 9.
“With a month to go, 270 BWSC Umina Campus students have already completed the challenge in 2023: this is approximately one third of students at the site, and hopes are high that half the enrolment will celebrate the achievement.”
Campus librarian Linda Harvey said so far four students will be receiving the Premier’s Reading Challenge Medal in 2023, with time left for more keen readers to achieve the goal.
For more information on The Premier’s Reading Challenge see: https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html
Terry Collins