Judy Maddigan MP, Member for Essendon today congratulated local school students on their efforts at the halfway mark of this year's Premier's Reading Challenge.
In Essendon Electorate 13 schools have registered for the Challenge and the number of local students taking part is 1,974, with 44 already completing the challenge.
More than 183,000 Victorian Prep to Year 9 students have registered for this year's Challenge and an additional 97 schools are participating for the first time this year. The Challenge, now in its third year, asks all students in Years 3 to 9 to read 15 books or more by August 31. For students in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 the challenge is to read or 'experience' 30 books by August 31.
"The Premier's Reading Challenge is great way to encourage children to discover the rewards of reading and parents have joined in by listening to their child read or by reading to them," Mrs Maddigan said. "Reading broadens the horizons and expands the imagination." She said.
More than 106,000 Victorian students completed last year's challenge. Students who complete the Challenge will receive a signed certificate from Mr Bracks.
For more information, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc
Essendon schools competing in this Year's Challenge are: