Somersfield Academy News
Secondary Summer Reading 2026
Summer reading programme launched: students read All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat ahead of her September visit, plus choose one book for teacher book clubs (M1+). Read more for prizes. Log reading over summer; book clubs and activities in September.
Why Reading Matters: How Lifelong Readers are Made
In our fast-paced, screen-filled lives, reading offers a rare kind of stillness. For children and adults alike, books build focus, empathy, and imagination — skills that scrolling can’t replace. Even a few shared pages a day can reconnect us, reminding us that slowing down matters. The Readathon is a great reason to make time to read together — one page, one story, one connection at a time.
Secondary Summer Reading 2025
The school year’s almost over, but the adventure continues! This summer, M3+ will dive into Flowers in the Gutter—a gripping true story—before meeting author K.R. Gaddy in September. All M1+ get to pick an additional book Teacher Book Clubs.
The Bermuda Gambit Raises $700 for The Family Centre
M2 students raised $700 for The Family Centre through The Bermuda Gambit, a student-led chess tournament and bake sale. Congrats to winners Alexa Lemay, James Bigley & Daniel Mildenhall, and kudos to organisers Jameson Feldman, JitHom Liew, Emma Osborne & Emma Na.
The Montessori Approach to Literacy
Learn how the Montessori language area fosters literacy skills in children through phonetic reading, grammar instruction, and mechanical writing. Find out when children typically start reading and how educators support their journey.
Readathon Raises $12,000—Winners Announced
Our Readathon was a huge success! Over 278,003 minutes were read & more than $12,000 raised. Funds will support the Bursary Fund, helping students on overseas trips. Pizza parties were awarded to groups with the highest averages. Thank you to everyone who participated & supported!
A Novel Celebration: Summer Reading & Dessert Party
Our Summer Reading programme was one for the books! Students turned the page on summer with their chosen reads, and some couldn’t book it fast enough, reading four or more titles. We celebrated these literary stars with a dessert party that was sweet as fiction, full of tasty treats and plot-twisting discussions. What a novel way to kick off the school year!
Secondary Summer Reading 2024
The school year may be drawing to a close, but the learning journey doesn't have to stop! This week, students attended an assembly, or were visited in class by Mrs. Rolph, to learn about our Secondary summer reading programme.
P1 - P4 'Paws to Read' Programme to Pilot in Library
We are pleased to introduce Somersfield Academy’s “Paws to Read” literacy initiative in the Margaret Hallett Library. Molly offers students a safe, gentle, non-judgmental listening audience with unconditional positive regard. Reading to dogs has been proven to reduce childhood anxiety and improve confidence and attitudes towards reading.
Celebrating Success: Fortnight of Mystery Readathon
In a remarkable literary achievement, the Fortnight of Mystery Readathon has not only captured the hearts of avid readers but also contributed over $13,000 to diversify the Margaret Hallett Library and classroom collections. The collective effort of our school community during the two-week Readathon resulted in an astounding 232,358 minutes or 161 days of shared reading, emphasizing our passion for literature and dedication to fostering a vibrant learning environment.