Superheroes leap out from pages

CHARACTERS: Ariane Rimene (left), 10, Summer Oh, 8, Chontelle Rose, 10, and Lily Hunt, 8. PHOTOS/LYNDA FERINGA

Disney princesses, pirates, and Marvel comic book heroes filled Lakeview School classrooms on Friday for Book Week.

Students darted across corridors and into class sporting their best pair of fairy wings, their prettiest tiaras, and their meanest pirate gear, all in the name of literature.

Room 20 had batmen and spidermen among the mix, who stayed in true character for photos, for as Axton Jones-Wilson put it, "Batman does not smile."

Spiderman doesn't either, according to classmate Xavier Mallard.

Principal Ed Hodgkinson said having the kids dress up as their favourite story character was important as it helped students engage with literature in a fun and creative way.

"This is really about promoting the love of reading and about promoting why books are so important," he said.

"So we have children here dressing up in all sorts of costumes, and we've been doing a whole lot of things all throughout the week to promote a love of reading, a passion for books, and why it's all so great.

"We know that reading is so crucial for a future, and if you've got that, you're going to do really well in your future.

"For us this is why it's so important."

Deputy principal Melinda Cowe said teachers and students had organised activities for Book Week which included a readathon, scavenger hunt, and also surprise "Stop, Drop, Read" sessions.

"So all week, the children haven't known when, but we've had "Stop, Drop, Read"," she said.

"And basically the bell will ring, and no matter who or where you are, you have to stop and read until a bell goes to continue on with the normal day.

So it's been quite funny. The receptionist here had a timetable that she wouldn't share with anybody, and they had magazines to read as well, so we all did it."

Senior leaders visited classes and judged who would get prizes at the assembly.