STUDENTS at Guthridge Primary School, Sale dressed as their favourite literary characters for Book Week, and paraded along the sports track for parents and carers on Friday, August 26.
The students looked like they just stepped out of their most treasured books, with numerous recognisable stories and characters represented, such as, Harry Potter, The Cat in the Hat, Super Mario, Minecraft, Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas and Marvel. There were dragons, unicorns and animals galore, and even historical nods. ‘Dreaming with eyes open’ was this year’s theme.
“At Guthridge we read, read, read, so costumes are easy,” Guthridge Primary School principal Emily Streitberg said.
“Reading is the key to every curriculum area. Every part of our learning is reliant on reading. So today is a great way to celebrate our love of books.”
Staff joined in on the book parade fun with their own colourful costumes, and three students received the Elizabeth Meredith Award.
The Elizabeth Meredith Award is presented annually to a student from Grade 3, 4 and 5 honouring ‘strength, dedication, passion and patience’.
“Elizabeth Meredith was a much respected, hard-working parent at our school who sadly passed away some years ago,” Ms Streitberg said.
“Due to COVID, the school were unable to present the 2021 awards, so we are thrilled to finally be able to make this presentation today.
“The Elizabeth Meredith Award is awarded to students who throughout the year have applied themselves to achieving their personal best at their academic studies.”
Ms Streitberg welcomed Ross Meredith to the school, who proudly presented the awards on behalf of his wife.
The awards were given to Kirah Heron in Grade 3, Aiden Jones (Grade 4) and Josiah Gubaton (Grade 5).
Much to the delight of students, staff re-enacted the shortlisted Book Council of Australia Book Week book – Jetty Jumping by Andrea Rowe.
Entertainingly narrated by art teacher Di Moulton, the staff hilariously ad-libbed their way through the book.
In the role of Clancy, assistant principal Steve Cunningham corkscrewed from the ‘jetty’, while Ms Streitberg twirled and starfished into the ‘water’ as she masqueraded as ‘Bonnie’. The crowd joined in as ‘Milla’, convincingly played by foundation-support teacher, Sarah Padula, was encouraged to ‘jump in’.
