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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Megan Doherty

Book Week survived a year of COVID-19 cancellations and the costume creativity did not disappoint

Wanniassa Hills Primary School students Ethan Summerell (fireman), Ben Honer (Stick Man), Maisha Wilson (Thelma the Unicorn), Emily Zondervan (Dorothy) and Marty Seddon (Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas). Picture: Megan Doherty

The Friday morning walk to school became a parade of Cats in the Hat, Steves from Minecraft, a Peter Pan here, a green sheep there.

In a year when so many other school traditions and events were cancelled due to COVID-19, Book Week survived. Perhaps to many parents' chagrin, having to whip together a costume of their children's favourite book character.

But it was also a chance to celebrate a return to normalcy, even though parents weren't allowed in schools to watch the parades.

  • Did your child attend Book Week festivities this year? Send your images to online@canberratimes.com.au to have them included in our gallery.

There were Wallies galore, a Stick Man, a piranha with a banana, Dorothys, firemen, Thelma the Unicorns and much more at the Friday morning parade at the Wanniassa Hills Primary School.

Deputy principal Kerry Millington said it was cause for celebration to do something normal for a change after a year of disruption due to COVID-19, as the children spilled out on to the school oval in a riot of colour, face paint and hair spray.

Where's Wally got a good run at Wanniassa Hills Primary School. Picture: supplied

"Book Week is always a really great celebration, with a big focus on quality Australian literature," Mrs Millington said.

"We've had to cancel so many other events this year so we're really delighted to have our Book Week parade. It's not the same format, we usually invite parents along, but we can't invite them along this year.

Wanniassa Hills Primary deputy principal Kerry Millington (left) and business manager Nardia Ruhan (right) with Wally and Angelina Ballerina. Picture: Megan Doherty

"But you can see the excitement on the kids' faces to actually have a fun event, to all get dressed up, and to appreciate everyone getting all dressed up."

So, let's do it all again next year. Or at least next week, for Halloween.

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