Symphony of Stories: Celebrating Enrichment, Reading and NAPLAN Achievement
Last week, our College community was immersed in the joy and wonder of Book Week, embracing this year’s theme, “Symphony of Stories.” Across the Junior and Senior School students and staff celebrated the power of storytelling through a range of engaging activities that highlighted the rich role that books play in learning, imagination and personal growth.
At Holy Cross College, the Enrichment Pillar encourages each person to receive the gifts of God with gratitude, cultivate them responsibly and share them lovingly with others. Guided by the values of gratitude and stewardship, this pillar reminds us that the talents and opportunities entrusted to us are gifts to be nurtured and developed. Book Week provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to enrich their lives through literature, creativity and a love of learning, reflecting our College Mission to empower students to experience Life to the Full.
Reading remains one of the most important foundations for a child’s success, not only at school but throughout life. Through reading, children develop language, comprehension, critical thinking and imagination. Books open doors to new worlds, perspectives and possibilities. They help children grow in empathy, curiosity and confidence while strengthening the literacy skills that underpin learning across all curriculum areas. Most importantly, reading nurtures a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
As a College, we are deeply committed to developing strong literacy foundations through evidence-informed practice, aligned programs and a shared belief that every student can succeed. This commitment has been a significant focus of our Junior School over recent years, driven by strong collective efficacy amongst staff and a relentless focus on improving student outcomes.
I am delighted to share that this work is yielding outstanding results. Our 2026 Year 3 NAPLAN Reading results exceeded State, National, CEWA and Similar School performance levels. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our teachers, the strength of our aligned approaches to teaching and learning, and the determination of our students to always strive for their personal best.
These results are especially significant because they reflect not only academic growth but also our commitment to the Learning Pillar’s values of dignity and personal best, ensuring every child is challenged, supported and empowered to flourish. As a community of transformation in the spirit of the Risen Christ, we celebrate the growth that occurs when students, staff and families work together towards a common goal.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 3 students and grateful to the staff whose expertise, collaboration and unwavering commitment have contributed to these exceptional outcomes. Their collective belief in the potential of every child continues to make a profound difference.
I would also like to sincerely thank our parents and families for your ongoing partnership and support. The encouragement you provide at home, particularly through fostering positive reading habits and engaging in your child’s learning journey, plays a vital role in their success. Together, we create the conditions for our students to thrive and truly experience Life to the Full.
Mr Albert Borrello
Principal
Dogman – 2026 Book Week Costume