This year’s Executive Director’s Summer Reading Challenge saw a remarkable 1,896 books read as part of the competition from 439 eager bookworms throughout our primary and secondary schools.
The competition promotes reading throughout the summer school holidays by encouraging students to read as many books as they can for the chance to win an iPad Mini.
Selected at random, the four lucky winners of this year’s competition recently gathered at the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta offices where they were welcomed by Executive Director Greg Whitby who presented them with a certificate and their new iPad Minis.
“This is a fantastic challenge and it’s great to see these remarkable young people making reading a part of their learning journey, particularly during the school holidays!” said Executive Director Greg Whitby.
Among the winners was Nathaniel from St Mark’s Catholic College who has been described as a ‘veteran’ at the local library.
“We’ve got a library across from our house. Nathaniel has been participating in the children’s activities since he was young. The librarian calls us the ‘veterans’ of the library,” said Nathaniel’s mum Fenny.
Also receiving an award was Praveena from Catherine McAuley who describes herself as an avid reader.
“I just continuously read, I don’t really stop - it’s pretty fun. I read all through the summer holidays,” she said, with her mother Sudha adding that “Praveena is addicted to reading. I’m not joking!”
A variety of books were submitted as part of the challenge, with Anh Do, Enid Blyton, Jeff Kinney, Roald Dahl and Sally Rippin being the most popular authors.
Lavanyaa from St Anthony’s Primary in Girraween read “Little People Big Dreams”, describing it as her favourite book.
“It is my favourite book because it’s all about history and fighting discrimination. I love taking the imagination from a book and putting it in my head,” she said.
We are looking forward to this year’s Executive Director’s Summer Reading Challenge and receiving many more entries from students throughout the Diocese.
Thank you to our sponsors at Teachers Mutual Bank for partnering with Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.