A message from Mrs Jo

Book Week 2025: “Book an Adventure!”
Celebrate Stories, Culture, and Language

This year’s Book Week theme, “Book an Adventure!”, invites children to explore new worlds, ideas, and cultures through stories. It’s a perfect celebration for our multicultural school community, where many families speak multiple languages and bring rich cultural traditions to the classroom.

Books are more than just words and pictures—they’re passports to imagination, discovery, and connection. For families who speak a language other than English at home, this year’s theme is especially meaningful. It’s a reminder that every language has stories worth exploring and sharing. 

Why Home Language Matters

Did you know that supporting your child’s literacy in your home language actually boosts their success in English too?

• A strong foundation in your first language helps children understand how language works.
  
  
• It builds confidence, memory and problem-solving skills and encourages a positive sense of identity through strengthening connections to family, community and culture.
  
  
• Children who read and speak in two or more languages often show higher academic achievement and greater empathy.
  
  

Free Resources for Multilingual Reading

Whether you’re looking to improve home language literacy or just enjoy reading together, here are two great (and free) resources:

1. Unite for Literacy – Digital Picture Books in Many Languages

This free website offers beautifully illustrated books for children, with narration available in different languages. It’s a wonderful way for families to read together and hear stories in their native tongue.
www.uniteforliteracy.com

2. Books in Your Language – NSW Public Libraries

Many public libraries across NSW offer books in a wide range of community languages. You can request books through their Multicultural Services, including bulk loans from other libraries if needed.
A great starting point is the State Library of NSW’s library directory or your local council library.
Randwick Library – Request Books in Your Language

Let’s celebrate Book Week 2025 by turning every page into an adventure—in every language.

Happy reading!