Students from across Werribee are preparing to take part in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge, kicking off today.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas said the Challenge aimed to encourage local kids and young people to read more books, more often.

Over the next six months, participating students in Prep to Year 2 need to read 30 books, while students in Years 3 to 10 are encouraged to read 15 books.

In 2015, more than 204,100 participants from 2800 schools, early childhood settings and homes took up the Challenge, reading nearly four million books.

Students who complete the Challenge will receive a signed certificate from Premier Daniel Andrews.

Tim Pallas MP said the Challenge was an important step towards meeting the Andrews Labor Government’s Education State Targets to increase the number of Year 5 and Year 9 students reaching the highest levels of achievement in reading.

The Targets build on the Labor Government commitment to the Education State, ensuring every child gets a great education, no matter their circumstances.

For more information, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

“Reading is a vital skill and the Premiers’ Reading Challenge is a simple, effective way for young Victorians to discover the joy of a good book, and establish life-long reading habits.”

“It’s great to see the enthusiasm that Werribee students have for taking up the challenge to read more.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to building the Education State, and ensuring every Victorian child gets a great education.”

 “I wish all participants in this year’s Challenge the best of luck in not only meeting their goals – but also discovering a few great books along the way.”