Students and family members at the Jerilderie Public School Book Swap.
Jerilderie Public School (JPS) came alive with books, characters and conversations as students, staff and families celebrated Children’s Book Week and the 2026 theme, “Symphony of Stories”.
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One highlight of the celebrations was the JPS Book Swap, where our wonderful school community answered the call to donate pre-loved children’s books.
The Book Swap provided a fantastic opportunity to promote sustainable practices while giving much-loved stories a second chapter in the hands of a new reader.
Students thoroughly enjoyed browsing the collection and selecting books to take home, continuing the cycle of reading, sharing and enjoying stories.
It was wonderful to see books loved by one family find their way into the hands of another young reader.
The celebrations continued with our Book Week Parade, where students proudly showcased characters from some of their favourite books.
While the costumes were certainly impressive, one of the most valuable parts of the parade was the conversation they inspired.
Students eagerly shared the books behind their characters, recommended stories to one another and discovered new titles they might like to read for themselves.
Parents and family members joined the celebrations, with some even managing a few laps of the parade themselves!
Their involvement added to the wonderful atmosphere and demonstrated just how strongly reading and Book Week are supported across the JPS community.
Of course, the students and families weren’t the only ones getting into character.
JPS staff enthusiastically embraced their group theme of Harry Potter, bringing a little Hogwarts magic to Jerilderie and showing that a love of books certainly doesn’t end when you leave the classroom.
Jerilderie Public School principal Laura Keech said the week was a wonderful reflection of the culture of reading that continues to be fostered across the school.
“Fostering a genuine love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children,” she said.
“Reading opens doors to imagination, knowledge, curiosity and experiences far beyond our own.
“What has been particularly special this Book Week is seeing that love of reading reflected not only in our students, but in our staff, families and broader community.
“When our children see the adults around them valuing books, sharing stories and talking about reading, it sends a powerful message that reading is something to enjoy and value throughout life.”
From giving a treasured book a second chapter to stepping into the shoes of a favourite character, Book Week provided plenty of opportunities to celebrate the stories that connect us.
Jerilderie Public School students and staff in full character mode.
