Book Week, a highly anticipated event in our school calendar, recently wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of literary magic and inspiration. Throughout the week, our students and faculty immersed themselves in many reading-related activities, culminating in a memorable Book Character Dress-up Parade on Friday.
One of the highlights was the presence of visiting author Susanna Lynum, the teacher Librarian at International College Hong Kong and author of the children’s book, “The Turtle that Churtled.” Susanna captivated all key stages with her engaging presentations where she read her book to the students, sharing her love for writing and inspiring the young minds to embark on their own literary adventures.
In addition, our KS3 students were treated to a writing activity MagicBooks conducted by Susanna Lynum herself. This MagicBooks provided our key stage 3 students with a unique opportunity to enhance their writing skills and learn from a seasoned author, nurturing their storytelling abilities.
Another exciting aspect of Book Week was the enchanting Mystery Readers, who added an element of surprise to our daily routines. Teachers, including Mr Tuckett, our Headmaster, and Mrs Softly, our Music teacher, took on the role of Mystery Readers, captivating our students with their selected readings and many props, leaving them eager to discover the identity of the next Mystery Reader.
The Drop-Everything-and-Read activity added a moment of tranquillity and focused reading time to each day. Through the school’s loudspeaker, an announcement was made, prompting students and teachers to stop what they were doing for a brief period and pick up a book!
The Book Fair provided a wonderful opportunity for our students and their parents to explore and acquire new books. Set up in our school atrium, the bookshop was a treasure trove filled with a wide array of literary gems. Students perused the shelves, discovering new titles, beloved classics, and other stories waiting to be devoured.
Each classroom participated in decorating their doors to reflect the theme of a book. The vibrant displays, ranging from Bookflix, Roald Dahl’s Giant Readathon to the lit-up (literally) gates of Moria in Lord of the Rings, added a touch of colour and creativity to the hallways, showcasing beloved literary worlds and characters.
The grand finale of Book Week was the highly anticipated Book Character Dress-up Parade on Friday. The corridors of our school were transformed into a vibrant tapestry of beloved literary characters of both students and teachers. From the iconic Where’s Wally to the whimsical Alice in Wonderland, and even the charming characters from Chronicles of Narnia, our students brought their favourite books to life with creativity and enthusiasm.
Reflecting on the success of Book Week, our Librarian, Mrs Gupta, shared her thoughts on the impact of the event. She remarked, “Book Week was a celebration of the written word, fostering a love for reading within our school community. Witnessing our students immerse themselves in the magical world of books and seeing their excitement during the Book Character Dress-up Parade was truly heartwarming. The engagement and enthusiasm displayed by our students throughout the week reinforced the importance of fostering a reading culture within our school.”
As we bid farewell to Book Week, let us carry forward the enthusiasm and love for literature, making every week a celebration of the written word.