Dressing the part to tell Book Week tales

Thousands of school students and staff across WA dressed up this week to take part in Book Week 2019 — and the South West was no exception.

Schools across the region have been awash with creative and colourful costumes, something teaching staff have been happy to embrace and encourage.

“We believe reading is not just an essential part of learning, but an important component of leisure,” Bunbury Primary School principal Shane Doherty said.

“We encourage reading for pleasure just as much as for a purpose.”

Carey Park Primary School principal Phil Greenmount echoed Mr Doherty’s sentiments and said the school hosts a costume parade every year.

“They display the book, along with the costume, so others can follow up and read the story,” he said.

“It’s always one of the best days of the year.”

Year 1 teacher Kaylene Turner coordinated Book Week at South Bunbury Primary School this year, which involved each student donating an item to the Bunbury Community Cupboard before they could take part in the parade.

“Book Week is significant because it connects children with books, inspires their imagination and promotes a love of reading,” she said.

Principal Ian Harvey added that Book Week was a vital part of students’ education and the promotion of reading and literacy was a cornerstone of the South Bunbury Primary School.

Children’s Book Council of Australia chairwoman Margot Hillel said Book Week was “a celebration of children’s literature, children’s reading and the excitement of books.”