Mayor's Summer Reading program a success

Published Monday, 15th April 2019

Local students have been burying their heads in books more than ever and experiencing reading’s life-long benefits thanks to the Mayor’s Summer Holiday Reading Challenge.

The school that had the highest number of students register and complete the program was declared the winner.

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone visited Canley Vale Public School to personally congratulate them on winning the Challenge at a special school assembly. 

“More than 600 students from 39 schools across the City read more than 7,600 books during the challenge from late November through to February,” Mayor Carbone said.

“This is almost double the amount of books that were read last year and a great result. It’s fantastic to see so many children gaining the life-long benefits of reading.

“Well done to the teachers at Canley Vale Public School for their commitment to children’s literacy and encouraging so many students to enter the program.”

Children’s author Angela May George also attended the special assembly to chat with the children about writing, imagination and her books. 

“This is the Challenge’s fourth year and the reaction to the program has been overwhelmingly positive. We saw many children return from previous years’ programs to participate again,” Mayor Carbone said.

Reading during the summer holidays helps to maintain literacy skills while school is on break.

“Reading provides mental stimulation, increases knowledge, expands vocabulary, improves memory and gives us better writing skills,” Mayor Carbone said.

“I’m proud of this initiative and am excited to see it grow year after year and boosting our children’s imaginations and skills.”