“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss (American children’s author, political cartoonist, illustrator, poet, animator, and filmmaker)

Pope Francis apparently agrees with this as his letter The Role of Literature in Formation, emphasizes the great benefits of reading poems and fiction books. He addresses his belief that literature allows self-exploration and awareness, resilience, tolerance and creativity, and sets the pathway to personal maturity.

He says that books …

“...can provide an oasis that keeps us from other choices that are less wholesome. Likewise, in moments of weariness, anger, disappointment or failure, when prayer itself does not help us find inner serenity, a good book can help us weather the storm until we find peace of mind.”

Reading creates the ideal environment to develop better concentration and critical thinking. Delving into different worlds and unfamiliar scenarios initiates curiosity and the willingness to explore and analyse. Reading establishes connections with concepts beyond the sphere of our own lives and so promotes an insight into other people’s situations. What better way to create a lifelong understanding and tolerance of the differences amongst us.

Friday Shalom celebrated its First Draft Festival which has now been extended to include a half-day version for the year 7’s and 8’s. During the festival close to 150 of the students were exposed to the literary experiences and skills of some of our local authors.

It is ventures like this that we hope will engage this generation with literature, excite their creative minds, and instill in them a desire to develop habits that will be with them throughout their lives whatever career path they choose to take.