Do you stack up to the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge?


Released 25/07/2017

Congratulations to all the schools and students who participated in the 2016 Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge.

It’s great to get together with individual students and their schools today and celebrate everyone’s reading achievements.  

The twelfth year of the Reading Challenge has boasted the best results yet, with over 31,000 registered students across 90 ACT schools, an increase of over 5,000 students from 2015. The Challenge invites students in all schools to read at least 15 books between February and September each year.

I’m so impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment students and schools have for the Reading Challenge.

I was amazed to discover that one student met and beat the Chief Minister’s challenge of reading his height in books by reading over 240 novels over the Challenge period. The stack of books measured an impressive 4.8 metres in height, which is a fair bit taller than the Chief.

Congratulations to the 27 schools whose students completed 100% of the Challenge across their entire school - a record number of completions across the ACT. This is a testament to our teachers and parents for fostering a love a reading across all age groups.

While it is fantastic seeing schools and students completing the Challenge, participation is the most important thing and a success in itself.

Book vouchers totalling over $14,000 have been provided by the wonderful sponsor of the Challenge, Paperchain Bookstore. Paperchain Bookstore’s generosity will provide schools with even more funds to purchase new and exciting books for their libraries.

The Challenge has become an important event on the school calendar in the ACT.  It is a great way for students to get involved in reading while developing a lifelong passion for books and the craft of storytelling. I look forward to an even greater number of students and schools getting involved in next year’s Challenge.

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases