On Thursday 5 March 2026, St Catherine’s British School will burst into colour, creativity and community spirit as we celebrate World Book Day - and this year, it is more than a day. March becomes a month-long celebration of stories, poetry and the power of reading.

Lower School: Imagination Takes Centre Stage

From their earliest years, our Lower School students are inspired to develop a genuine love of reading, exploring their interests and stretching their imagination as they open the door to new worlds.

This year, Years 1-6 students are invited to dress as their favourite book character, transforming our Lower School into a living library of classic heroes and modern favourites. Alongside the excitement of fancy dress, students can take part in a special at-home puppet-making activity, bringing their chosen character to life in wonderfully imaginative ways.

A prize will be awarded for the most creative and imaginative puppet in each year group, celebrating originality, craftsmanship and, above all, a genuine love of reading.

Lower School is also participating in the Books on Wheels initiative, collecting illustrated English books (ages 4-10) to share the joy of reading with new young readers. Children donating a book are warmly encouraged to include a drawing or short note explaining why they love it - a small gesture that creates a meaningful connection. Donations will be collected by Friday 6 March.

Later in March, our youngest readers will also be delighted by secret visitors during library sessions — surprise storytellers sharing books and poems in celebration of World Storytelling Day and World Poetry Day. It is all top secret… so shhhhh!

Upper School: Reading with Purpose

As our students grow and their interests evolve, World Book Day in the Upper School takes on a playfully competitive and giving perspective.

Throughout the year, our Key Stage 3 students are inspired to read daily through the Accelerated Reader programme, and as World Book Day approaches surprises await students who meet their reading time targets.

The Upper Library will host a Second-Hand Book Fair in the Foyer of the Upper School on Thursday 5 March. Open to students from 10:00 onwards and to parents from 3:20- 4:00 pm, the fair offers a wonderful opportunity to discover new reads while supporting charitable causes, as all donations will go to charity.

Upper School students are also leading change through the Book Garden CAS Project, collecting gently used English fiction and non-fiction books for all ages. Donations will support the Book Garden in Koukaki, a second-hand bookshop whose profits directly assist female survivors of abuse through NGOs and community organisations in Athens. The drop-off is at the Upper School Building Outside Foyer until the 27th of March.

World Book Day 2026 is a celebration of imagination, generosity and shared stories. From costumes and puppets to book donations and charity initiatives, our entire community - students, parents and staff - is coming together to honour the magic of books.

Let us fill March with stories, creativity and connection and make this a celebration to remember.