Holy Spirit School Book Week 2016 “Real Role Models Read” Event

Thank you, Ms Davis, for your kind introduction. You lead a wonderful school, full of very well-mannered girls and boys who seem to get along so well!

I was very excited to receive an invitation from Ms Davis to visit and support your school, and to read to you all during Book Week!

It is wonderfully reassuring that your school is so supportive of reading, for it is a skill which will serve you well throughout your schooling, and in your personal life, and later when you go into the workforce.

I also have a special interest in Book Week, and not just because my wife, Kaye, is a Librarian! I am the Patron of the Children’s Book Council of Australia here in Queensland. They organise Book Week, and consistently, the Council encourages all children to develop a love of reading.

Now I know that the Holy Spirit community loves reading because I read your blog posts on the school’s website, and I discovered that the Year 2s recently shared their favourite story, ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’, at assembly earlier this month!

I also read that the middle school class recently visited Canberra. They have been learning about our system of government, and I look forward to discussing with them my role as Governor in Queensland, as the representative of our Head of State, The Queen!

The theme of Book Week this year is ‘Australia: Story Country’, so I have chosen to read to you ‘Possum Magic’. Not only is it written by an Australian author, Mem Fox, but ‘Possum Magic’ also takes us on a journey around our vast country, and we get to learn – but unfortunately not sample – some of the many delicious, and perhaps magical, uniquely Australian foods!

But before I turn the pages, I would like to thank you all for your dutiful attention! It is a wonderful reflection of the pride you all have in your school community.

I am sure your teachers will agree with me when I say, girls and boys, set your sights high. Always do your best, and thereby you will enjoy a fulfilling life! And never forget to thank those who support you: your parents, friends – and your teachers! Thank you.