As we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, this year’s theme, ‘Book an Adventure,’ encouraged us to consider the incredible journeys that books can take us on. From Story Walks to the Book Fair and Reading Around Australia, we enjoyed unforgettable adventures together. The Island of Biblio artwork by award-winning illustrator and author Jess McGeachin captured this spirit of exploration beautifully, and the Book Week theme inspired outstanding entries in our artwork and photography competitions. See the Library Gateway Pages for details.
Throughout the term, excitement grew as students engaged with the Notable and Shortlisted titles, and they participated in activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Highlights included lunchtime art activities, our Reading Passports, a Primary Kids Literature Quiz with the Year 8 Kids Lit Team as our guests at the Finals, Genre Book Battle, Kahoots, and the popular Book Week Read and Relax sessions, where Middle School students read with younger students. A huge thank you goes to our generous Tuckshop team, whose Golden Ticket cookie giveaway added a sweet surprise and an extra dose of fun to Book Week.
We were delighted to see such a high level of participation in our Book Week Parade and Character Day activities across the College. Staff and students brought favourite books and characters to life with vibrant costumes, creativity, and imagination. This year’s Roving Reporters at the Primary Parade offered lively commentary, while the dance party finale transformed the parade into a true celebration of story. It was the perfect way to end what felt more like a Book Party than a parade! A heartfelt thank you to our College community for supporting these annual events and helping make Book Week so memorable.
There was plenty to celebrate at this year’s Secondary Book Week Breakfast – from new releases by our own GCC writers – Catriona McKeown, Carlene Jansen, and Lincoln Rawlins (Year 6), to a first look at Paul O’Sullivan’s illustrations in the upcoming picture book The Photographer.. Secondary students also enjoyed hearing from special guest author Lauren E. Daniels, who shared her insights on writing and the power of story to shape, inspire, and influence. It was a morning of great food, interesting conversation, and vibrant creativity – reminding our students that their own words, too, can make an impact in the world around them.
To close out Book Week 2025, our Year 12 musicians brought the library to life with a lunchtime concert full of cool tunes, creativity, and laughter. Lyrics and Tunes held at the Library@Lunch had a little bit of everything – from passionate performances to spontaneous lyrics improvised from book covers on display. Our senior students entertained an appreciative audience and reminded us that a GCC Book Week is always an adventure!
As we reflect on another wonderful Book Week, we give thanks for the remarkable authors and illustrators whose creativity captures the hearts and imaginations of our young people. It’s a privilege to curate activities and events that shine a spotlight on Australian children’s literature – not just during Book Week, but throughout the year. Our goal in promoting stories, sharing book chats, and providing rich reading experiences is to guide students toward reading more, reading widely, and nurturing their enjoyment and confidence in reading. We look forward to hearing about the reading adventures sparked during this year’s Book Week and to celebrating the new stories, discoveries, and ideas that continue to unfold.
For a selection of Secondary Photos from across Book Week, click HERE
Vanessa McKellar, Head of Library Services and Beryl Morris, Secondary Teacher Librarian