Time to take up the challenge

AS the school year edges on to Term 2, it is great news for Victorian government schools that an extra $20 million in maintenance funding has been allocated to undertake important repairs such as roofing and electrical works.
Schools across the electorate will benefit from the extra funding.
I am particularly delighted that Yarra Junction Primary School and Upper Yarra Secondary College will each receive $130,000, allowing major toilet upgrades to be carried out.
Toilets are not the first things that spring to mind when thinking about schools, but improvements to toilet facilities make a massive difference to comfort and hygiene and are high priority items to get right.
Although students are enjoying an Easter respite at the moment, holidays are a great time for all children to take the time to enjoy a range of restful and sporting activities.
One of the best things to do is include a visit to the local library on your agenda so that children can stock up on books.
In this technological age, reading is very much an underrated activity that can bring enormous pleasure while teaching important skills such as comprehension while extending vocabulary.
I ensure my daughter and son both read every day but it is certainly no difficulty when there are fabulous books by Australian authors available everywhere, as well as tried and true classics that still inspire children.
My son’s favourite is Paul Jennings, who has a unique and hilarious way of capturing the imagination. Even the most reluctant could not help but be delighted.
Another great way to encourage your school-age children to read is to encourage them to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
The challenge is open until the end of August and many teachers have reported vast improvements as a result. Students love the challenge and use it to consolidate or develop their reading abilities.
Over the past three years, Victorian students have read more than seven million books, which is quite a staggering figure.
The complete book lists and further information are available at www.education.vic.gov.au/prc.
Of course, like in all aspects of life, the importance of parents as role models plays a vital role in encouraging children to read.
Children who read see their parents reading, talk about books with their friends and siblings and have newspapers and books available at home.
Let’s all make an effort to include reading in our daily lives and to assist our children to enjoy the pleasures of a good book.