The best gift any parent can give a child is the love of books and the joy and benefits of independent reading for fun. Children who read at home, or are read to, have a head start on reading success in school. 

Our class is participating in Scholastic Book Club this year. Up to twice a term, during the school year, I will send home a Club catalogue with a different selection of books offered for all ages. You will find award-winning books and bestsellers, as well as old and new favourites. I recommend them because the books span a wide range of children’s reading levels and interests and because they are inexpensive (some books cost as little as $3). 

It is easy to order. The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card. Your child’s order is submitted directly to school safe and sound and the books will be delivered to class. You can place your child’s order at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. 

Owning your own books is something special! I hope that you will encourage your child to order books this year. Each order helps earn free books and teaching materials for our classroom, however there is never any obligation to order. I know of no better way to encourage reading than to allow children to choose the books they want to read. 

Wednesday 14 February is Library Lovers’ Day. The library is at the centre of St Monica’s and is a space for students to read, connect with friends, explore the world and where their lives are enriched. I would love for families to write about what the St Monica’s library means to your family and we will display your stories in the library. 

We will be open from 8.30am on Wednesday morning for families to come and visit and go in the draw for a lucky door prize. I look forward to celebrating with you and your family. 

This Safer Internet Day we are encouraging you to take three simple actions when approaching online safety: Connect. Reflect. Protect.   

Connect safely by keeping apps and devices secure and reviewing your privacy settings regularly.  

Reflect on how your actions online may affect others or your safety.  

Protect yourself and others by visiting  Online safety | eSafety Commissioner to find out how to stay safe online and report online abuse. 

We talk to students throughout the year about online safety, but this may be a time for you to look at the eSafety Commissioners resources and webinars to ensure that you are having conversations with your children about staying safe.