Two of our students have been selected as youth judges for the DANZ (Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand) Children's Book Awards.

The awards were launched this year and recognise local books that push boundaries, challenge stereotypes and celebrate diverse and marginalised people and communities. A long list is developed and then judges selected from schools work their way through a number of books to determine the best.

Heidi van Staden and Mariana Arthur, both in Year 11, were encouraged to apply for the role by the Librarian and were selected from a large number of applicants across New Zealand and Australian schools. Both students are avid, insightful readers and are looking forward to the opportunity. 

Reading stories with characters from different cultures, with disabilities or challenging stereotypes is the key way that reading for pleasure increases empathy - an important emotion to develop.