“Reading changes outcomes” was one of the key points that Kennedy Baptist College’s Head of Research and Study Centre, Ms Natasha Georgiou made when she appeared on a Channel Nine news story alongside acclaimed children’s author Andy Griffiths. Representing the Western Australian School Library Association (WASLA), where she serves as President, Ms Georgiou spoke about the crucial impact a school library has on students’ success, especially in literacy.
“One practical way to support literacy growth,” said Ms Georgiou, “is ensuring students have access to quality reading materials, a well-resourced library and qualified staff who can develop reading engagement and information literacy.” The successful investment Kennedy has made in these three areas is evident when visiting the RASC and seeing our students’ NAPLAN results over many years.
We believe that students become more capable readers when they have access to a broad range of high-quality reading materials, as this allows them the freedom to find and pursue the type of reading that they love. This focus on encouraging students to read what interests them, and having the books on hand at the school library to back it up, is essential to developing lifelong readers.
However, a library is more than books, and so the resources at the RASC include magazines, digital resources, maker space activities and board games. Visit the RASC at any moment of the school day and you will find a hub of activity where students are engaged in learning or interacting together. The impressive design of the building itself enables this, with a sunlit main room providing spaces for group study and bookable classroom spaces allowing student clubs to meet during break times. A second large room is often the site of school-wide competitions, including chess tournaments and Pi Day, while quiet spaces are available for students to turn the pages on their latest book – something that’s sure to be happening when Champions Read starts during Term 4!
Finally, Kennedy continues to invest in the staff of the RASC. This benefits the whole College, with teacher librarians available to collaborate with other teaching staff with resourcing, research assessments or how to use technology in a meaningful way. Their great relationships with our students also mean that they’re able to guide them to books that they will love, while also teaching classes on research skills and critical thinking.
Of course, our Head of RASC herself stands testament to the focus of Kennedy on providing our students with excellent staff and Ms Georgiou not only celebrated 25 years for her service to school libraries earlier this year but was awarded the 2026 Teacher Librarian award by WASLA.
In her work for WASLA, Ms Georgiou is working to help more school libraries attain quality collections, resources and staff. As the head of RASC, she is directly contributing to and seeing the benefits of this for Kennedy Baptist College students.
As she tells us, “School libraries aren’t just rooms full of books. They’re learning hubs that support literacy, wellbeing and academic success. Every student deserves access to one.”
See It for Yourself
Want to experience the RASC and our learning culture firsthand? Join us at an upcoming College Tour to explore the campus, visit our Research and Study Centre, and discover how Kennedy equips students with the skills, resources and support to flourish academically and beyond. Book your place today.
