Edgecliff Book Week wrap-up
Inspired by the theme, Book an Adventure, pupils, parents and staff at Edgecliff spent a week eagerly celebrating the joy of books and reading.
Since 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has been celebrating Australian children’s authors and illustrators. The annual Book of the Year Awards aim to promote quality literature for young Australians, support and encourage Australian writers and illustrators of children’s books and celebrate contributions to Australian children’s literature. Each year six books are selected to highlight six different categories of children’s literature. One winner is selected from each category in August which is why we celebrate Book Week!
Book Week has had a special place in Edgecliff’s calendar for many years now, celebrating a love of reading and creativity through a jam-packed schedule of literary events. Now in its 80th year, the CBCA set the 2025 theme as Book an Adventure. Pupils, staff, and families embraced the theme with enthusiasm, making it a week to remember.
Pictured: Mr Solli Raphael reading his poetry
Pictured: Manga artist, Mr Matthew Lin
A highlight of the week was the visit from three acclaimed children’s authors and illustrators. Slam poet, Mr Solli Raphael, captivated the boys with readings from his wonderful poetry, while Ms Anna Fienberg, author of Tashi, held a number of excellent sessions which focused on storytelling. Illustrator and Manga artist, Mr Matthew Lin, showed the boys how to draw using a variety of different techniques.
Mid-week saw the ever-popular Primary Dress-Up Assembly, where pupils and teachers arrived as their favourite book characters. From Harry Potters to Hungry Caterpillars, the costumes were creative and colourful. This year, throughout the Assembly, Sherlock and Watson solved the mystery of Dorothy’s mystery red ruby slippers. The parade of characters was a true testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
The Infants Extravaganza was a joyful celebration of reading for our youngest boys. The day started with a performance based on a number of CBCA shortlisted books. As the day progressed, the RW Billing Hall came alive with drawing, storytelling, and costumes. Parents were invited to enjoy the dress-up parade, which included many wonderful costumes.
Throughout the week, the boys participated in four exciting literary competitions: bake a book cake, match the fictional map to its book, book models, and poster design. Entries poured in across all year levels, showcasing our boys’ imagination, talent, and deep connection to the world of books. A record breaking twenty-six boys completed all four Book Week competitions, with prizes including book bucks to spend at our pop-up book fair and signed books.
We eagerly await the announcement of next year’s Book Week theme!
Sydney Grammar School
College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia
Phone: (02) 9332 5800
Edgecliff Preparatory School
Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia
Phone: (02) 9366 0100
St Ives Preparatory School
Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia
Phone: (02) 8302 5200
