Junior School participates in National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. 

The aim is to:

• Promote the value of reading and literacy
• Promote the value and fun of books
• Promote an Australian writer and publisher
• Provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion

On Wednesday 25 May 2022, our Junior School celebrated the Australian Library and Information Association’s, National Simultaneous Storytime. This year the featured book was Family Tree, written by Josh Pyke and Illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh. A celebration of family, community and the seasons of life.

At 11am we gathered on the red carpet to watch as Year 5 and Marlei Klapper sang, accompanied by our wonderful ukele musicians, while staff members enacted a musical representation of the song. There was music and laughter as John Clear, Michelle Hiss, Marie Cassar and Petrice Cassar (KB) took on the various roles within the story. While John was the tall and dashing tree, Michelle and Marie were the couple who grew older together with the tree, much to the amusement of the audience.

After the fun of a musical interpretation, all students settled into their studios and watched an online reading of the book. Some classes watched as Josh Pyke and Ronojoy Ghosh read Family Tree, while other classes watched a reading by Australian Children’s Laureate, Gabrielle Wang. Many of the classes continued to reflect on the book throughout the day, considering their own unique and precious family tree.

– Jody Gilroy
Junior School Teacher Librarian