28 August 2025
Book Week was marked this year by a truly memorable initiative – a Cross-Age Reading Experience that brought boys from across the Junior and Senior schools together to share their love of books.
This experience quickly became one of the highlights of the week, leaving students and staff alike calling for it to become a regular fixture in the school calendar. The idea was simple yet powerful: boys from Years 9 and 10 paired with younger students in Prep to Year 2 to share a picture book. The week delivered ideal weather for the boys to utilise the outdoor courtyard, sitting together under the trees in the winter sunshine, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy and connection.
The older boys read aloud with confidence and care, while the younger boys listened intently. What made the event so successful was the joy it sparked across all age groups. The younger students relished the opportunity to spend time with their ‘big boys’ from the Senior School, who in turn embraced their role as leaders and mentors. Many of the older students commented on how rewarding it felt to be a role model, while teachers noted the increased sense of pride and belonging it fostered.
For the youngest boys, it was a magical experience, shared by someone they look up to. The benefits extended far beyond the reading itself. Younger students were exposed to fluent, expressive reading and came away with renewed enthusiasm for stories, while older students strengthened their own confidence and communication skills.
More importantly, it strengthened the bonds across year levels, showcasing the value of connection and community within the School. Adding to the celebration, another special highlight of Book Week was welcoming staff from across the wider school community into classrooms to share stories with the youngest students. Staff from departments including People and Culture and Marketing enthusiastically joined the initiative, bringing their own favourite picture books and enjoying the chance to connect with students in a new setting.
For many of the children, it was a thrill to see familiar faces from around campus stepping into the role of storyteller. For the staff, the experience proved equally enriching, with many describing it as one of the most enjoyable parts of their week.
Together, these initiatives reflected the heart of Book Week—celebrating the power of stories to connect, inspire and bring people together. At SPSC, this year’s events did more than mark a national celebration; they created new traditions, strengthened the School community, and showed that sometimes the simplest ideas—like sharing a favourite book—can leave the deepest impact.
Kate White, Sue Dansie and Alison Winter
Librarians
