Reading target is of prime concern

A CHALLENGE set by the Premier has resulted in Pakenham Hills Primary School students rediscovering their passion for reading.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato visited the school on Monday to present certificates to students who successfully completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
The program is aimed at improving literacy and encouraging children to read widely for learning and pleasure.
In January, the then Premier Steve Bracks challenged all Victorian students in prep to year nine to read a certain number of books by 31 August.
More than 200,000 students registered to participate in the challenge with more than 110,000 successfully finishing it.
Pakenham Hills English coordinator Carolyn Hamilton said students from grade prep to two were asked to read or experience 30 books, while those in grades three to six were required to read 15 books independently over a school term.
She said the challenge had reignited the students’ passion for literacy.
“It’s reactivated their desire to read and their focus on reading.”
“Especially when it’s the Premier of your state not just your teacher telling you how important it is.”