At Xavier College, We Are Readers

At Xavier College, reading is more than an academic skill. It is a lifelong habit that helps students think deeply, communicate clearly, build empathy and develop the focus needed to flourish in a complex world.

From Prep through to Year 12, Xavier’s ‘We are Readers’ approach reflects our commitment to building a strong culture of reading across the College. In a world shaped by technology, streaming services, mobile phones and constant scrolling, students are increasingly surrounded by fast-moving information. While technology has many benefits, it can also make it harder for young people to slow down, concentrate and spend time with a book.

That is why Xavier College is intentionally creating the time, space and culture for reading.

Head of Learning and Resources, Trish Trchala, is leading the ‘We are Readers’ program and helping shape a whole-school reading culture. Drawing on research, professional learning and insights from school libraries in Australia and overseas, Trish is focused on ensuring reading is visible, valued and embedded in everyday school life.

“Dr Margaret K. Merga’s research strongly reinforces that schools have a responsibility to create the time and conditions for reading,” Trish said. “It is not enough to simply encourage students to read. Schools must establish the time for reading, model it and make it part of the culture. That is what we are working to do at Xavier.”

Dr Margaret K. Merga’s work has highlighted the important role of school libraries, library staff and supportive reading cultures in strengthening literacy and student wellbeing. Her research also points to the value of school environments that actively encourage reading and help students build regular reading habits.

At Xavier, this begins with access. The College has four libraries across the Junior School and Senior School, along with extensive breakout spaces where students can read comfortably. The libraries are organised by genre, helping students discover books that match their interests, whether that be fantasy, historical fiction, sport, adventure, biography, classics, mystery or sci-fi. 

The aim is simple: to help every student find a way into reading.

Across the College, reading is also being built into the rhythm of the school day. In Years 7 and 8, the Heads of English have allocated the first 10 minutes of English classes to reading. Thursday Tutor Group time also includes compulsory reading, helping students develop consistency and routine.

In the Boarding House, Xavier’s 80 boarders have begun building a reading-before-bed habit, with many boys gravitating towards historical fiction and fantasy. This not only supports literacy, but also encourages students to wind down, step away from screens and create a calmer evening routine.

The visibility of reading also matters. Xavier encourages staff to model reading so that students see reading as a valued and enjoyable part of College life. When reading is seen across classrooms, libraries, lounges and boarding spaces, it becomes part of the culture rather than a task to complete.

Trish’s work has also drawn national attention. In May, she will speak at the National Education Summit in Brisbane, where she will share Xavier’s approach to reading and give an overview of our four age-and-stage appropriate reading spaces that strengthen the reading culture across the College.

Xavier College is proud of its exceptional library team and the outstanding facilities they provide for students. Through the ‘We are Readers’ mission, the College is continuing to build a culture where reading is visible, purposeful and deeply valued.

Hear more from Trish about reading at Xavier College in her recent XavChat episode.