Reading challenge

YARRA Valley primary school students read almost 400 books as part of the inaugural Premier’s Reading Challenge.
The challenge, which required students from years 3 to 9 to read 12 books in six months, was taken up by 32 students from five primary schools in the Yarra Valley area.
Seymour MP Ben Hardman said students from Badger Creek, Dixons Creek, Healesville, Yarra Glen and Buxton primary schools completed the challenge.
He said the students, who collectively read more than 380 books, would now receive a certificate signed by the Premier, Steve Bracks.
“This is a fantastic result and I congratulate all those students who took part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge,” Mr Hardman said.
“The challenge has been a fun way to encourage children to read and to develop a love of reading and strengthen literacy skills.
Mr Hardman said planning was already underway for next year’s challenge.
“The challenge will be reissued and made even tougher in 2006.
“Students will be required to read 15 books and more book titles will be added to the booklists,” he said.
“The Bracks Government recognises that good literacy skills are a key building block for students to go on and succeed in life.
“We are working to improve literacy skills to ensure that Victoria is a great place to work, live and raise a family.”
For more details about the 2005 Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge visit www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/vicprc.