What a day! St Lawrence College’s World Book Day parade was nothing short of spectacular, filled with sunshine, creativity, and the joy of reading. Our school community came together to celebrate this global event, and it was truly heartwarming to see the broad range of costumes on display, showcasing both ingenuity and enthusiasm from students and staff alike.
From well-known literary characters to more unique, personalised interpretations, the costumes were a testament to the passion for books that our students and their families share. It was clear that each costume reflected the children’s favourite stories, and we loved hearing about the books that inspired them. Whether it was a classic novel or a more contemporary read, the excitement for reading was palpable.
The teachers didn’t miss out either, with many dressing up as their own beloved characters. The energy in the air was contagious, and it was a brilliant reminder of how reading for pleasure can bring everyone together, young and old.
Our headteacher, Mrs Rowe, rounded off the parade by reading a passage from one of her favourite books. She shared a wonderful thought with the children about how, no matter what else is going on in their lives, reading provides the opportunity to escape into the pages of a book, where you can focus only on the story and leave everything else behind. It was a powerful message, one that we hope will stay with them. Mrs Rowe also shared that she reads every evening – a sentiment echoed by all of our teachers, who believe in the power of reading as a daily habit.
Sadly, stats show that nationally, reading for pleasure is on the decline. According to the National Literacy Trust, almost 1 in 12 children in the UK don’t have a book of their own, and over half of children don’t enjoy reading in their free time. World Book Day plays a vital role in reversing this trend by bringing attention to the power of books and encouraging children to pick up a book and read.
At St Lawrence College, we believe that reading for pleasure isn’t just about improving literacy – it’s about opening up a world of imagination and possibility for our students. The World Book Day parade was a brilliant reminder of that, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate books and the joy they bring throughout the year.
We encourage all parents to join their child on this reading journey – share a book, explore new stories together, and make reading a part of your daily routine. It’s a wonderful way to connect, learn, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
