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Teaching and Learning

Chief Minister's Reading Challenge

ACT LibraryMS Readathon June 1 - 30

http://www.msreadathon.org.au/

Photo of Chief Minister Jon Stanhope MLAReading opens up new and exciting worlds waiting to be explored.

To help you discover the fun and rewards of reading, and develop a love of good books, I have established the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge.

The Challenge is to read 12 books in one year, with 8 of the books coming from the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge booklist. It is a demanding challenge but one I hope you can meet. When you do you will receive a signed certificate to prove you have met the Challenge. I will also award book prizes to schools where there has been outstanding participation in the Challenge.

Best wishes and happy reading!

Jon Stanhope MLA
ACT Chief Minister

Authorised by Michele Bruniges, ACT Department of Education and Training, 220 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT 2612

 Contact Details

Email: literacy.numeracy@act.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6205 8291
Fax: (02) 6205 0371

 

Paperchain Bookstore Manuka

The Paperchain Bookstore Manuka are proud sponsors of the Chief Minister's Reading Challenge


Chief Minister's Reading Challenge Ambassadors and Supporters

Jackie French - Author, Gardener, Journalist

Jackie French reading the Wombat bookShh kids. Here's a secret.

Grown ups don't read books because they're too good for them. We read books because they are fun, exciting, take us into other worlds or challenge us. There are a million reasons to read a book- and a million different kinds of books. The real challenge in learning to find the books you love. Trust me, they're out there somewhere- even if they're not the books you get in school. I read books (there's always one in my handbag in case it get caught somewhere boring). The Chief Minister reads books. I bet James Bond has a book strapped to his chest for the dull bits when he'd waiting for the villain.

And books aren't like broccoli. You don't have to finish them if you don't like them. If a book is boring, put it down and get another one..or another..or another... Because there is a magic world between the covers of books. And it's yours, once you learn how to find the one you want. Jackie French is an Araluen writer and wombat tamer. Her books for kids have won over 60 awards in Australia and overseas, from Diary of a Wombat (Mothball still lives under her bedroom) to her latest for older readers, a Rose for the Anzac Boys.

As Ambassador Jackie is actively encouraging children across the ACT to accept the Reading Challenge. We are grateful to Jackie for accepting the role of Ambassordor.

 

Alan Tongue – Canberra Raiders Captain

Canberra Raider Alan Tongue reads to his daughtersReading is a great way to get involved in learning by having fun, and at the same time help you with your future.

I always make sure I read to my two young daughters Becky and Heidi, and I can’t wait to teach them to read as well.

As a professional Rugby League player I need to make sure I keep up to date on my reading, as the Raiders are always learning new and better ways to improve our game.

I urge all of you to make sure you get involved in the Chief Minister’s reading challenge, as it’s a fun and exciting way to practice your reading and have some fun.

PICTURE: Alan Tongue reading to his daughters Becky and Heidi

 

Jessica Good - WIN Television

WIN news reporter Jessica Good

Jessica Good is the News Presenter for WIN Television's local news bulletin, WIN News. Along with Sport Presenter, Phil Small, Jessica presents the local news every weeknight to viewers across Canberra and the surrounding region.

Good began her journalism career in television in Albury in 2001, only to move states and mediums a year later when she made the switch to print journalism in Mackay, Queensland, in 2002.
The promising regional reporter’s return to television journalism in 2004 saw her take on a role with Australia's largest regional television network, WIN Television, in Rockhampton, Queensland where she was appointed senior reporter, chief of staff and producer for WIN News.
In 2005, Good moved to WIN News' Wollongong headquarters delivering daily news updates for the Illawarra and South Coast region.
After being offered the opportunity to present the weather and continue working as a journalist in one of the most distinctive news markets in Australia, Good moved further south to the national capital in September 2006.

Jessica ,a keen reader with a passion for books said, "I've been captivated by books since I learnt how to read in primary school."
"I loved where they could transport me to, whether that be another world, time or place, and would borrow dozens of books at a time from my school or town library.

"Reading books is a wonderful, fun way to improve your spelling and expand your vocabulary."

 

Jack Heath – Author

photo of JackJack Heath is the author of three novels - Money Run, Remote Control, and The Lab.
Jack is 21 years old, and he loves books. He’s been reading about one book per fortnight for as long as he can remember, which means he’s read about 457 of them.

His favourite author is Matthew Reilly, and his favourite book is Scarecrow.

Jack’s ‘hobby’ is going to the cinema and shouting out “It’s a trap!” when two characters on the screen are about to kiss.