Community Gateway
Back to GatewayThe day was marked by a genuine sense of enthusiasm, as members of the community arrived with books in hand, ready to talk about what they love about reading and why certain titles have stayed with them over time.

The celebration began in advisory groups with Breakfast Book Clubs, where conversations unfolded over cornetti, coffee, and juice. These informal gatherings set the tone for the day: thoughtful, personal, and rooted in a shared appreciation for literature.
A highlight of the morning was a talk by Marco Garrison, an alumnus from the 1970–1971 class, who reflected on his lifelong relationship with books. He spoke about his writing, his artistic journey, and the profound ways in which literature has influenced his work as a visual artist—offering students a powerful example of how reading can shape creative expression across disciplines.
Throughout the rest of the morning, classrooms embraced reading in a variety of engaging ways. Students led discussions on topics such as the transition of books into films and series, while others shared the excitement of discovering new authors unexpectedly. Across campus, a simple question sparked countless conversations: “Can you guess which book I brought?” The range of titles—and the passion behind them—was a reminder of just how alive reading is within the St. Stephen’s community.
World Book Day at St. Stephen’s was a clear success, not because of any single activity, but because of the collective energy and participation it inspired. It reaffirmed the importance of carving out time for reading, conversation, and intellectual curiosity in the rhythm of school life.
Looking ahead, there is strong enthusiasm to continue building on this tradition, with more events that celebrate reading, writing, and storytelling in all its forms. Feedback and ideas from the community are warmly welcomed as we think about how to grow this initiative in the years to come.
As we reflect on the day, one message stands out—simple, but lasting: Share Stories, Build Community, Read More.