Over the past weeks I have been speaking about the critical importance of reading in the lives of our young people. I have cited two very recent and significant studies – one by the Grattan Institute and the other by Macquarie University – which demand the attention and action of governments, educational systems, teachers and parents alike. Reading matters – for learning and for life – and it is crucial that we teach it well and support its flourishing in the educational context.

This week I want to outline one particular initiative undertaken by Mount Carmel to foster a love of reading and a modelling of its value and significance. The collaborative aspect of this initiative has been its driving force with the four Year 7 to 10 Coordinators – Adam Withnall, Alison Armour, Joseph Sullivan and Brendan Berkeley – recognising the need and responding enthusiastically to the challenge of making a difference in the lives of our young people. I’m also thrilled that our Year 11 and 12 pastoral groups are joining the program with the very enthusiastic support of their Year Coordinators, Clarissa Pearce and Kevin Harpley.

The reintroduction of the D.E.A.R. reading program of a Wednesday where students drop everything and read is a critical response to an educational need made more complicated by the context of our noisy, distracted and multitasking world. Being still and silent one morning of the week and reading a book is a refreshing and wonderfully profitable way to begin one’s day. Watching teachers do the same thing is incredibly powerful also.

An additional aspect to this initiative is the peer reading partnership between Year 7 and Year 10 students. This will take place Thursday mornings for half the Year 7 grade this semester and the other half next semester. During this time, a group of Year 10 students will function as reading partners to the Year 7 students. This partnership will involve a sharing of and a delight in books, reading aloud moments, and an opportunity to check in with each other’s weekly reading adventures. I will be working with the Year 10 students and guiding them in this process as well as being actively present during the time of the sharing. It is my expectation that Year 7 students will enjoy the encounter with Year 10 both in the support of reading and in the wonderful dialogue that will take place. Conversely, the Year 10 reading partners will glean a great deal about the reading process which will enhance their own practices and understanding of the connection between reading and writing in preparation for their senior school experience. 

I commend the Year Coordinators, Pastoral teachers, and Year 10 reading partners who are actively supporting this initiative. It is my hope that the college leadership team and other teachers and staff currently not on pastoral, join in this reading practice. How wonderful would it be to have the whole school reading a book quietly for twenty minutes at the start of the day – even if only for one morning a week! Imagine…

Clare Murphy

English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach