Bass Coast students bring 'A Symphony of Stories' to life for Book Week

BASS Coast College campuses came alive with creativity this past week as students and staff celebrated Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week.

The much-anticipated annual event united the entire school community across the Wonthaggi, Dudley, and San Remo campuses with the theme, "A Symphony of Stories".

The week-long celebration highlighted how reading connects people through imagination and shared narratives. Rather than just focusing on traditional reading, the college transformed Book Week into a multi-disciplinary arts and literacy festival, blending literature with visual design, sculpture, and community engagement.

Among the standout creative highlights were the custom sculptural bookends designed and crafted by Year 10 Art students. These unique, literary-inspired pieces are currently on public display in the college's main office, drawing praise from visitors and parents alike.

Meanwhile, advanced art students undertaking the VET Certificate III in Visual Arts and Design collaborated on a sophisticated, limited-run zine (a self-published, small-circulation booklet) dedicated entirely to interpreting the "Symphony of Stories" theme.

Community spirit peaked during the heavily attended Book Week Fair and subsequent Late Night Family event. The evening featured interactive storytelling sessions and bustling craft stations that engaged younger siblings and parents.

The initiative proved to be a massive success helping to raise funds for brand-new, free books to replenish and update the school library shelves.

On campus, the energy remained high with daily library competitions. Students tested their literary knowledge in a fast-paced daily Book Week Quiz, alongside various hands-on art and craft challenges utilising the official CBCA shortlisted books.

The celebrations culminated in the highly anticipated Character Dress-Up Day, a beloved staple tradition at Bass Coast College hosted enthusiastically at the Wonthaggi campus by Library Manager Anna Gebhardt.

“Anything can go to make up a story,” said Ms Gebhardt dressed as a library.

“During Book Week we get together to celebrate stories.”

Principal Alison Gill joined the celebrations dressed as a colourful green dragon.

“It’s a great celebration of culture and imagination,” said Ms Gill.

“Students of all ages get involved.”

At the Dudley campus Library Manager Trudy Banks was just as excited about Book Week with a costume parade in the school quadrangle. “We celebrate coming together harmoniously as book characters,” said Ms Banks. “Students have come up with some fantastic costumes, I’m so proud of their efforts, they all look amazing.”

Dudley Campus Principal Jesse Boyd was equally as enthusiastic about Book Week.

“A big congratulations to Trudy Banks and a big thank you to students and staff.”

Principal Boyd said Book Week was a great way to celebrate the love of reading.

Campus hallways were filled with a vibrant mix of classic literary figures, modern protagonists, anime heroes, and graphic novel characters, reinforcing a positive and inclusive reading culture across all year levels. Both students and staff members enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book characters.

With another successful Book Week concluded Bass Coast College has once again demonstrated its dedication to fostering a lifelong love for literature and the arts.