27 August 2026
SPSC celebrated Children’s Book Week 2026 with the vibrant theme “Symphony of Stories”, bringing together a wonderful mix of books, creativity, music and community spirit.
The week began with an amazing array of bright and colourful book character costumes. Although rain changed our plans, the Senior School Drum Line created the perfect parade atmosphere, setting the rhythm for the celebrations. Parents gathered in the Function Space and along the corridors to cheer as the boys proudly paraded their costumes.
Following the parade, parents were invited into the library to enjoy a warm drink and admire the Book Week Aquarium entries inspired by ‘Derek’, written by Anne Donaldson. More than 90 creative designs were submitted by Junior School students from Reception to Year 6, with many boys working together with their families during the winter holiday break.
On Tuesday, students from Prep to Year 4 enjoyed a special incursion from the Band of the South Australia, Police School Beat Band, making a wonderful connection to this year’s musical theme. The band filled the Junior School Hall with some of our favourite music that had students and staff singing and clapping along. The show also included some important learning opportunities. Students heard about the importance of staying safe online, about making safe choices in the community, and how to look after ourselves when riding bikes, scooters and skateboards.
We also welcomed 46 guest readers from across the School, who shared a picture book with our younger boys. The boys loved making connections with staff from across the school from the grounds staff they pass on their daily walks to teachers from the Middle and Senior schools, Outdoor Education staff and everyone in between. This was a simple and enjoyable way for boys to get to know the people who make up our wider school community and celebrate our love of reading at the same time!
The Reception and Year 2 boys enjoyed visiting their Year 10 buddies, this time it was their turn to visit them in the Senior School, sharing favourite picture books and exploring new spaces. The week concluded with an exciting Goose Chase experience, as teams navigated the Junior School solving clues linked to the ‘Decorate-a-Door’ competition. Each class had transformed its classroom door to celebrate one of this year’s CBCA shortlisted books.
It was a truly joyful week that reminded us how stories bring people together, each one adding its own unique voice to our shared SPSC symphony.
Kate White
Teacher | Junior School Library
