Characters leapt from the pages of favourite stories and into the classrooms at Casey Grammar School, as students from Foundation to Year 12 celebrated the joy of reading with the annual Book Week Dress-Up Day.
The day was a colourful celebration of imagination, with students transforming into literary favourites including the Mario Brothers, Bad Guys, Paddington Bear and Manga heroes from Demon Slayer and Naruto.
Even staff got in on the fun, dressing up as Medusa, Alice in Wonderland, Cruella and more.
“The Junior School was buzzing with excitement as students arrived dressed as beloved book characters, with books in hand and stories to share,” acting head of Junior School, Sandra Torcasio said.
Every student from Foundation to Year 6 took to the stage in the Performing Arts Centre, announcing their characters during the Book Week parade.
Throughout Book Week, classes engaged in a range of activities from author visits and a themed scavenger hunt to classroom challenges and shared story sessions.
Author Adrian Beck joined students for a special incursion, and Junior classes explored the CBCA 2025 shortlisted picture books through creative learning tasks.
In the Senior School, students celebrated in more subtle but equally meaningful ways.
“There are always some impressive costumes, but often it’s the conversations that matter most,” head of Library Diana Thompson said.
“Some students dress as characters who don’t have distinctive looks, such as regular teens from powerful novels, and those conversations open the door to discovering and sharing books. That’s where the magic of Book Week happens.”
The Senior School also hosted competitions and activities that helped reignite a love of reading among older students.
“Book Week isn’t just about dressing up. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to promoting reading as both enjoyable and essential,” Diana said.
“When students see their teachers and peers valuing books, it encourages even reluctant readers to give something new a try.”
Principal Fiona Williams said Book Week is a vital part of the school year.
“Books have the ability to connect people, to teach empathy, and to inspire curiosity,” she said.
“Seeing our students and staff come together to celebrate their favourite stories highlights how deeply reading is woven into the culture of Casey Grammar School.”
