• How much work is involved for schools?
• What does a Reader Leader have to do?
• What is a Reader Leader Pack?
• How long does a school presentation take?
• Who will our community representative be?
• Can I change the time of my school visit?
• What are the key dates for the MS Readathon?
• How do I know which students are participating?
• What is a school ID number?
• Can the MS Readathon and Premier’s Reading Challenge run together?

How much work is involved for schools?

• The MS Readathon is now run primarily through the child’s home where the responsibility of registration, sponsorship collection and receipt of rewards lies with the parent.
• A community representative is available to come along and provide an interactive presentation and distribute entry forms to students.
• We simply ask the school to promote this visit, inform parents and students of the key program information through the newsletter, and encourage children to read during the month of June.
• MS Readathon will send you a list of registered students and provide newsletter templates to minimise any voluntary administrative tasks that you might undertake to recognise student’s efforts.

What does a Reader Leader have to do?

• Our wonderful Reader Leaders are those teachers, librarians, principals, support staff or interested parents who raise their hand to coordinate the MS Readathon at their school or organisation.
• The Reader Leader will be the nominated contact for all MS Readathon communication throughout the program.
• The Reader Leader’s role is to motivate children to participate and complete the program by reminding students to register, read and return sponsorship. A committed Reader Leader is the key to success at top performing schools - we couldn’t do it without you!
• To become a Reader Leader at your school, contact your local office on 1300 677 323.

What is a Reader Leader Pack?

• A Reader Leader pack contains all of the information relating to the MS Readathon program including entry forms, posters, a DVD suitable for presentations, sample student information and suggestions of how to incorporate the program into your school.
• All participating schools will receive Reader Leader packs. Schools hosting a community representative will receive theirs on the day of the visit, whilst schools who nominate simply to receive a pack will be sent theirs in 4-6 weeks prior to the reading date.

How long does a school presentation take?

• The MS Readathon presentations vary in length according to the size and age of the audience we are speaking with.
• The most effective MS Readathon presentation runs for between 20 and 30 minutes, including interactive demonstrations for the children and a comprehensive overview of MS.
• Of course, our programs are flexible and allow us to shorten the presentation length to suit the busy schedule of your school.
• We are happy to discuss variants on the presentation time with you when you arrange a school visit by calling our office on 1300 677 323.

Who will be our community representative?

• Your community representative will be someone from your local area who is able to provide an energetic and enthusiastic presentation to your students. In some instances your representative may be someone living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Community representatives are sourced closer to the presentation period so it may not be possible to confirm who it is at the time you book your visit.
• The community representative will call to introduce themselves to the school in the week leading up to your presentation.

Can I change the time of my school visit?

• Wherever possible the MS Readathon team will try and fulfill your request to reschedule your booking to a more suitable time.
• Please call our office on 1300 677 323 with alternative times and we will do our very best to reschedule with you.

What are the key dates of the MS Readathon?

• School Visit Period: April/May
• MS Readathon: June 1-June 30
• Sponsorship Return: August 30
• Certificates to Schools: November

How do I know which students are participating?

• The MS Readathon will provide you with a list of all participating students at the beginning of the program and additional updates on each student as they complete the program.
• If you would like to know which of your students are registered with the MS Readathon at any stage, please contact our local office with your school’s ID number on 1300 677 323.

What is a school ID number?

• Your school’s MS Readathon identification is a unique eight-digit number. This allows us to identify your school, contact details and participating children.
• You will find this number on the official communication you receive from MS Readathon. If you have misplaced your ID number please call your local office on 1300 677 323.

Can the MS Readathon and Premier’s Reading Challenge run together?

• Yes! The MS Readathon and PRC can easily run together at your school.
• The MS Readathon does not require a set reading list, therefore, students can continue to read their PRC books throughout the month of June and record them for the MS Readathon.
• Students will receive an added bonus to their regular PRC reading by receiving rewards for the MS Readathon and contributing to their community awareness.
• You don’t have to choose between the MS Readathon and PRC - you can do them together! To find out more head to our Premier’s Reading Challenge page