Dear Parents and Carers,

This past week, the corridors of Stretford High School have been filled with a renewed energy for stories, storytelling, and the sheer joy of getting lost in a good book. It has been a pleasure to see our students engage so enthusiastically with our World Book Day celebrations.

Building a culture of “reading for pleasure” is one of the most impactful things we can do for our students’ academic success and wellbeing, and this week’s activities have truly brought that mission to life.

Highlights from Our Literacy Week

Monday: Launching the Challenge We kicked off the week by distributing literacy-themed activity sheets, challenging students to stretch their creative muscles. 

Tuesday: The Great Book Swap It was wonderful to see so many “well-loved” books find new homes during our Book Swap. The library was buzzing as students exchanged their tokens for new titles, promoting a fantastic spirit of sharing and sustainability within our school community.

Wednesday: The Ultimate Book Quiz Competition was fierce at lunchtime during ‘The Ultimate Book Quiz.’ It was brilliant to see students across all year groups demonstrating such impressive literary knowledge. Congratulations to our winners, who took home some well-deserved prizes!

Thursday: World Book Day & ‘Drop Everything and Read’ On the day itself, the library became a hub of activity during social times. One of the most powerful moments of the week occurred during Period 6, when the entire school—staff and students alike—participated in ‘Drop Everything and Read.’ Seeing the whole school community immersed in ten minutes of collective quiet and focus was a highlight for us all.

The Power of Example

You may wonder why we insist on the entire school—staff included—stopping to read during ‘Drop Everything and Read.’ The reason is simple: modeling. In a world of digital distractions, we want our students to see that reading isn’t just a classroom requirement, but a lifelong source of joy and focus. When a student looks up and sees their Science teacher or their Head of Year lost in a book, it reinforces that reading is a habit for everyone, regardless of age or career. It was a powerful ten minutes of shared calm and a reminder that we are all learners together.

The Power of the Page

Events like these remind us that reading is much more than an academic requirement. It is a tool for empathy, a way to reduce stress, and a gateway to new ideas. By supporting your child in finding books they love, you are helping them build a habit that will serve them for a lifetime.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to our librarian for coordinating such a busy schedule, and to you, for supporting your children with their books, their bakes, and their enthusiasm.

Thank you, as ever, for your support.

Take CARE,

Mrs Doward (Headteacher)