At Donvale Primary School, literacy is something we actively celebrate. Through whole-school events, challenges and celebrations, students are encouraged to develop a love of reading, writing and speaking while building confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
These experiences complement our classroom literacy program and provide meaningful opportunities for students to share their learning, challenge themselves and celebrate success together.
Donvale Primary School has proudly participated in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge for many years, and reading continues to be a valued and visible part of school life.
In 2024, 100% of students successfully completed the challenge, an outstanding achievement that reflects the strong partnership between school and home in supporting reading.
Students are supported through classroom reading sessions, library lessons and home reading. All participants receive a certificate, and students who complete the challenge are celebrated at our fortnightly assemblies as ‘Reading Champs’. The challenge encourages students to track their reading and discover new authors and genres.
Each year, Book Week is a much-loved highlight on our school calendar. The week is dedicated to celebrating books, stories and the joy of reading.
Students participate in a range of book-related activities, including:
connecting with authors and illustrators (in person or virtually)
enjoying a live performance from Meerkat Productions
senior students visiting junior classes to read aloud each day
Our favourite event is the Dress Up and Activity Day, where students and staff dress as their favourite book characters. The day includes a parade and shared activities across multi-age groups, allowing students from Prep to Year 6 to discuss books, share ideas and create artwork inspired by the nominated texts.
In 2024, we also introduced our first Great Book Swap, where students purchased donated books for a gold coin donation. Funds raised were proudly donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, helping support literacy in communities across Australia.
The Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee
Each year, students in Years 3–6 participate in the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, with some younger students also taking part.
This national online competition challenges students to spell a set number of words accurately and efficiently. Donvale students consistently rise to the challenge, and in 2024, four students progressed to the State Finals — a wonderful achievement that reflects both effort and skill.
Lions Public Speaking Competition
In partnership with the Lions Club, Donvale Primary School runs a public speaking competition for students in Years 3–6.
Students prepare and present speeches on a set topic to a panel of judges, gaining valuable experience speaking confidently in a formal setting. Judges have consistently commented on the high standard of student presentations, and we are proud to continue this opportunity as part of our annual program.
Bi-Annual Writers' Festival
Our Writers’ Festival is a celebration of writing across the school and marks the culmination of a term-long focus on developing writing skills.
Students are explicitly taught writing strategies before producing a final piece on a shared topic. In 2024, the theme was “My Treasured Possession”, with students crafting descriptive writing that showcased their voice, creativity and use of taught strategies.
All writing is handwritten and displayed for the school community to enjoy. The festival highlights the many talented writers at Donvale Primary School and the pride students take in their work.
