Principal's Address

You may have recently seen media coverage of the 2025 NAPLAN results for Queensland students. As is often the case, headlines focused on the most concerning statistics to spark debate and outrage. However, one figure deserves serious attention: in 2025, 52% of Year Nine boys in Queensland did not meet the minimum standard for writing (Courier Mail, 2025). 
 
While our results at St John’s are significantly stronger, this national trend highlights a genuine issue: a lack of growth in writing ability between Years Seven and Nine. As the expectations for writing increase during these years, some students struggle to keep pace. They may lack the vocabulary, sentence and paragraph control, or the complexity of expression needed to reach higher standards. 
 
This is not a simple problem with a single cause. There are many factors at play, and I want to acknowledge the significant effort our teachers put into supporting the development of every student. However, research and experience consistently point to one powerful early intervention that makes the biggest difference: reading. 
 
Quite simply, voracious readers become confident writers. Students who immerse themselves in books develop a natural sense of language: the rhythm of sentences, the structure of arguments, and the richness of vocabulary. Reading builds the tools needed for effective writing. 
 
This is one of the reasons why we place such importance on Book Week at St John’s. Beyond the fun of costumes, parades, and decorations, Book Week is about sparking a love of reading that can set our students on a lifelong path of literacy and learning. I would like to sincerely thank our parents for the creativity and effort you put into the costumes, and our teachers for embracing the celebrations with enthusiasm. A special thank you also goes to our library staff for their decorations, activities, and for the book fair, and to Karlene Haslop for her coordination and leadership of the week. 

Book Week is a highlight for our younger students, but its message is for every year level: reading is the foundation of academic success. We recognise that the early years of reading can be challenging, as students strive to develop fluency and confidence. That is why it is so important for them to discover a book, author, or series that captures their imagination and keeps them reading. For our older students, it is equally important that reading does not drop away. Even as academic demands grow, making time to read for interest and pleasure provides the exposure to language that underpins strong writing. 
 
Parents play a crucial role in fostering a love of reading. A few simple strategies can make a big difference: 
 
Read together daily – even 10–15 minutes of shared reading with younger children builds fluency and enjoyment. 
 
Talk about books – ask your child what they’re reading, what they enjoy, and why. Discussion deepens comprehension. 
 
Model reading – when children see adults choosing to read, they understand its value. 
 
Create a reading routine – set aside a regular time each day for reading, such as before bed. 
 
Encourage choice – whether it’s novels, magazines, comics, or non-fiction, finding material that excites your child keeps them engaged. 
 
Together, we strive to cultivate a culture of reading that nurtures confident thinkers, articulate speakers, and skilled writers.  

Cheers,

Mark