The inaugural Kitty Mac (Catherine McAuley) Reading Challenge was held throughout Term 3, at Coolock. Each week a different topic was posed, leading to enthusiastic discussions about books, authors and reading. Participants shared their current reads and favourite authors, and what it is they enjoy about them - no two were the same. Themes for why an author was favoured included such things as the range of vocabulary used, the descriptive notes to readers, the way the story is built up, the number of volumes, and the poetic use of language. As a group, Kitty Mac Challengers also considered what might make a classic with ideas including the year published, the popularity of the book, whether it was original, the genre, and if it was a best seller.

Encouragement to read and finish books was a special aspect of the supportive nature between the participants, with recommendations for new authors and genres being shared. Sharing creative endeavours such as drawing in response to reading fantasy and non-fiction was another way readers demonstrated their reading engagement.

Participants were provided with a small booklet to maintain a reading journal, a bookmark and templates to colour in as they completed books. As well as the weekly catch-ups, students were encouraged to complete quizzes on Renaissance Reading. Words read and quizzes completed on this platform were another aspect of participation.

In the final week of Term 3, presentations were made by Mrs Marine Snyman, for the Kitty Mac Reading Challenge.

Congratulations to Ellie-Rose Reidy (1st place), Addison Keller (2nd place), Emily Bullock (3rd place) and Riozelle Sawit. Thank you for your fabulous participation in each of the topics for our inaugural Kitty Mac Reading Challenge. We encourage you all to keep reading and to continue to share your passion for reading. Your feedback for future challenges was invaluable.