If reading gives you wings, watch how high we can fly!
Reading is the most important gift we can give our children. The lifelong love of books not only helps children learn but also allows them to relax, transporting them to new worlds of endless possibilities. At Saint Thomas’, we’ve made reading our number one priority, and our efforts to foster a love for reading are transforming the way our students engage with books.
A New Library for a New Chapter
Last academic year, we placed great emphasis on incorporating high-quality texts into the curriculum and promoting a love of reading through our Reading for Pleasure initiative. Over the summer, our amazing Parent Support Association (PSA) stepped in to give our school library a complete revamp. The result? A special space dedicated to nurturing a deep love for reading.
We took great care in creating an environment that is both welcoming and functional. By removing unnecessary clutter, tables, and chairs, we listened to what our students really wanted: a place to get comfortable, relax, and “chill” with a good book.
The space now includes cozy reading areas, a fun reading hut, and even slithering snakes that have quickly become a hit with students from our youngest in nursery to our oldest in Year 6.
Introducing SQUIRT: Silent Quiet Uninterrupted Independent Reading Time
To make the most of our new reading space, we’ve launched weekly SQUIRTsessions for everyone in our school community. SQUIRT stands for ‘Silent Quiet Uninterrupted Independent Reading Time;—a dedicated half-hour where staff and students alike can lose themselves in the pages of a book.
These sessions are designed purely for reading pleasure. There are no comprehension tasks, no questions—just time for students to be transported to a place of their choosing through their chosen book. During SQUIRT sessions, the entire room is so quiet you can hear a pin drop, and the smiles on the children’s faces show how much they enjoy the experience.
Reading’s Positive Impact on Mental Health
The benefits of our SQUIRT sessions have extended beyond academics. Students have shared how these moments of uninterrupted reading positively impact their mental health. As one student put it, “It gives me time to think with no pressure.” Another called it “the highlight of the week, because we get to spend time going anywhere in the world we want to go.”
A Community Effort, A Lasting Legacy
The library revamp has been a wonderful way of bringing our school community together. Our parents can see the tangible results of their support through the school’s PSA fundraising efforts, and they have played a key role in creating a lasting legacy. This new library will continue to inspire and captivate future generations, offering a dedicated and special place at the heart of our school where reading is celebrated.
Looking Ahead: Building Bridges Through Books
The excitement for reading at Saint Thomas’ doesn’t stop here. Our students have already asked if we can combine SQUIRT sessions with other classes, allowing older students to read stories to younger children and support them on their reading journey. We are excited to action this request soon and look forward to seeing our school community grow even closer through the shared joy of reading.
At Saint Thomas’, we believe that fostering a love of reading is the key to opening doors to endless possibilities—and with our new library and initiatives like SQUIRT, we’re well on our way to giving every child the most wonderful gift of all: the love of books.