In the early years, children are learning how to read. This takes time, practice and explicit teaching as they learn how sounds and letters work together to form words. These early skills matter because they set children up to access all areas of learning as they move through school.

From Prep to Year 2, a key part of our approach is our program, Decodable Readers Australia. This research-based program aligns with what we know works best when teaching children to read. The books match the sounds students are learning in class, allowing them to practise and experience success using the skills they have been taught. This builds confidence and helps students see themselves as capable readers.

As students move beyond these early years, reading continues to grow in importance. It becomes the way they learn, explore ideas and make sense of the world across all subject areas. It also connects to our value of Be Curious, as reading encourages children to ask questions, discover new interests and think more deeply.

What makes the biggest difference, however, is the partnership between school and home.

Regular reading at home has a powerful impact. Research, including studies from the OECD, shows that children who read frequently at home tend to make stronger progress and achieve better outcomes across all areas of learning.

Listening to your child read, sharing a book together, or talking about a story all make a difference. Short, consistent time spent reading is far more powerful than occasional longer sessions.

These moments also become something more than practice. They are often the quiet, everyday moments that matter most. Sitting side by side with a favourite book, reading the same story again and again, sharing a laugh, or winding down together at the end of the day.

As a parent of adult children, I can say this with the benefit of hindsight. The years go quickly. Some of the moments I treasure most are those simple times spent reading together. Even now, those moments have stayed with us. We still talk about the stories we shared when they were little, and they remain some of my fondest memories. It is heartening to see that the love of reading we nurtured long ago continues to shape who they are. They still reach for a good book, share what they have learned, and engage with ideas that matter.

Thank you for the role you play in your child’s reading journey. The time you spend reading with your child, even on the busy days, truly does make a difference. We see the impact of this every day in the classroom.

A love of reading, nurtured early, helps shape how children see learning and lays the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity and growth.

Alana Reville
Head of Learning and Innovation