Waverley College Community Book Club
Our Book Club on Wednesday 20 November marked a significant milestone for our School’s Literacy and Library teams as we proudly staged our inaugural Literary Evening/ Book Club. The evening was conceived with a single purpose: to bring the Waverley College community together to ignite a fervent love for reading. To achieve this goal, we curated a programme that welcomed special guest Paul MacDonald who shared his invaluable insights into the world of books and the profound connection between passionate reading and skilled writing.
We were also delighted to invite our Extension 2 English (2024) students Asher Thomasyu and Robbie Muir to present on the role reading has played in their academic and personal development.
Thank you to the parents, students, and staff who came along to share our love of reading in a lively discussion of the book ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’.
The choice for our next Book Club is ‘Scar Town’ by Tristan Bancks.
Suggested Reads from our Book Club attendees:
Fern Brady – Strong Female Character
Maggie Farrell – A marriage Portrait
Chris Hammer – Treasure and Dirt
Kate Grenville – Secret River
Tim Winton – Cloudstreet
Min Jin Lee – Pachinko
Guest Readers in the Library – School Leaders and Y12 Students
Mr Roberts and I were delighted to have ‘Guest Readers’ take time out of their hectic schedules to support the Reading Program with our classes in Years 7 and 8 and promote our motto “Everybody has a Book”.
Research from the IBSC (on the importance of school libraries and the role of the teacher librarian in building a positive reading culture) highlights the positive impact of having leaders in the school promote reading, creating connections through reading.
Thank you to Mr Leddie, Mr Horrocks, Mrs Smith, Mr O’Donnell, Ms Walsh, Mr Roff, Mr Drew Morris, Mrs Porter , Mr Couani, Mrs Barrie, Mrs Foster and Mr Phillips for reading to the boys. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are hopefully inspired to pick up a book and read over the holidays.
By providing strong reading role model — Y12 students Cooper Stewart and Archie Godby —we can help reshape perceptions and demonstrate that reading is not just a valuable skill but also a source of enjoyment and personal growth.
Enthusiastic role models normalise the act of reading, showing boys that it can expand their horizons, spark curiosity, and challenge their perspectives. While sports often take precedence in boys’ priorities, offering diverse alternatives like engaging books can create a paradigm shift, encouraging them to see reading as a rewarding and accessible pursuit.
Some of the texts read included The Rabbits, Oh, The Places You’ll Go, Azaria, a range from author Matthew Reilly, Banjo Patterson poetry, Holes, Good Omens, By the River and Scar Town.
The importance of Reading over the Holidays
The well-earned Christmas break provides a chance to step away from the demands of daily school life. It presents a perfect opportunity for students to put down their devices and pick up a great book.
Research consistently highlights the incredible benefits of reading for children and teenagers, both academically and emotionally. Studies reveal that dedicating just 20 minutes a day to reading can lead to significant gains. Reading helps expand vocabulary, strengthen critical thinking skills, and improve comprehension. Beyond academics, it builds confidence, fosters a sense of achievement, and lays the groundwork for future success.
Reading also promotes mental well-being by offering a calming escape from daily pressures and encouraging relaxation. Immersing oneself in a compelling narrative can ease anxiety, improve focus, and strengthen resilience. Additionally, it fuels creativity and imaginative thinking, essential for problem-solving and innovation.
Non-fiction works should not be overlooked, particularly for boys. Inspirational stories from favourite athletes or successful entrepreneurs can be just as impactful. Research suggests that with the right books tailored to their interests—whether sports, science fiction, adventure, or history— so-called reluctant readers can become enthusiastic ones. Encouraging them to explore books that resonate with their passions can transform their reading journey.
Please see the recommendations from Mr Roberts on some great non-fiction reads.
Our recommendations aim to inspire, engage, and spark curiosity. We’ve also included suggestions for staff and parents to enjoy.
Together, let’s commit to encouraging just 20 minutes a day immersed in a wonderful book.
Here is our 2024 recommended list again.
A list of Easy Reads for Boys:
Ghost (Track series) by Jason Reynolds
JT: The Making Of A Total Legend by Johnathan Thurston (and James Phelps)
The Dog Runner by Bren MacDibble
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman
Arkanae (Medoran Chronicles series) by Lynette Noni
Everything Is Changed by Nova Weetman
Illuminae (series) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Secret Runners Of New York by Mathew Reilly
The Road To Winter (series) by Mark Smith
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
Here are some ones to consider sharing as a family.
https://www.allenandunwin.com/
https://unsw.press/books/
https://www.allenandunwin.com/
https://www.panmacmillan.com.
https://booksfromaustralia.
https://www.penguin.com.au/
https://newsouthbooks.com.au/
https://www.walkerbooks.com.
https://www.simonandschuster.
Note the College’s ebooks, audio books, e magazines are all available as well over the summer holidays. All can be accessed via the College’s CANVAS LIbrary page which all students have been invited to.
Here is a video I showed at a recent school assembly. Discuss it with your sons.
https://www.youtubeeducation.
Reading definitely is a sport for ALL seasons.
Wishing you all a happy and refreshing summer.
Happy Reading!
The Library Team
