Student Wellbeing: Winter Reading Calendar
As we have shared in previous eNews editions, the benefits of reading are widely recognised. Reading can expand your vocabulary, knowledge and understanding, while also enhancing your writing skills. It helps us explore different perspectives and experiences, developing our social and emotional understanding, and it can spark our imagination by opening doors to new ideas, places and possibilities.
Reading is also important for our wellbeing. There is a reason we talk about losing ourselves in a good book. Stories can provide a welcome escape from some of life’s pressures, while returning to a well-loved favourite can bring comfort, familiarity and a sense of connection. Books exploring particular themes and issues may also help us better understand our own experiences and emotions.
All of this comes from what can be a most enjoyable pastime. Yet even with these recognised benefits, there are times when we fall behind in our wider reading and find ourselves in what is often called a reading slump. There is no judgement in that. We are now halfway through the school year, winter has arrived, and for some there may have been personal challenges or simply less time and energy for reading.
With the end of term and the winter holidays fast approaching, now is an ideal time to take stock and perhaps revive our reading habits. To help with this, I invite you to explore the Winter Reading Wellbeing Calendar throughout the holidays and into Term 3. It includes reading affirmations, suggestions, fun facts and gentle prompts designed to provide inspiration and encouragement.
There are no expectations around how much you read or how often you use the calendar. The focus is simply on taking small steps, setting achievable goals and finding enjoyment in reading. You may choose to follow some of the ideas provided or create your own reading journey.
There is also still time to participate in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge 2026: Stories to Discover. Stories to Tell. With around 70 days remaining, students can still join the Challenge and work towards their personal reading goals. A reminder that this is not a competition, but a personal challenge and a wonderful opportunity to explore, grow and celebrate your reading.
For further inspiration, VSV students have free access to our online library of ebooks and audiobooks through ePlatform. Please contact me if you would like more information about the Reading Challenge or accessing our digital library resources.
Happy reading, and may the winter break provide time to rest, recharge and perhaps discover a story worth sharing.
Karen Marston
School Librarian, Digital Learning Lounge
