From the Bottom to the Top: Claymore’s Story of Literacy Transformation

By Melanie Smith, General Manager – Dymocks Children’s Charities

I recently had the privilege of visiting Claymore Public School with two of our long-term supporters. They have generously funded our Book Bank program at Claymore for the past five years, and what we saw that day was an extraordinary example of what access to books can achieve.

Claymore is a school in one of Sydney’s most disadvantaged areas, a community facing real and complex challenges. Yet the moment you step onto the school grounds, you’re struck by something quite remarkable: joy! Every wall is covered in student artwork, every classroom is buzzing with energy, and it’s clear that reading and creativity are at the heart of everything they do. 

Principal Steven Hook and Deputy Samantha Jones welcomed us with such warmth. They spoke passionately about how literacy has been the school’s number one priority since Steven arrived five years ago. The very same year, our Book Bank partnership began. In that time, Claymore has gone from being in the bottom quartile of schools for literacy to now being in the top quartile.

That transformation is nothing short of inspiring.

Steven shared a line that has stayed with me:

“That’s 2,700 books that wouldn’t have been in homes if Dymocks Children’s Charities hadn’t been there.”

It’s such a powerful reminder that our programs don’t just provide books. They create readers, families who read together, and futures shaped by imagination and confidence.

We visited several classrooms, meeting students who couldn’t wait to tell us about their favourite books and the stories they’re writing themselves. One Year 5 student proudly shared how much he loves reading to his mum every night, and it struck me again how deeply reading connects children and their families.

For me, Claymore’s story captures everything Dymocks Children’s Charities stands for. With the proper support, schools can change a child’s story, and when that happens, the ripple effects are felt across an entire community.

This incredible progress at Claymore has been made possible thanks to the generosity and belief of supporters who have stood beside us for years, helping to sustain our Book Bank program. Their commitment has ensured that children in this community not only receive books but also learn to love reading.

Claymore’s journey shows what can happen when a community, a school, and a donor come together around a shared belief in literacy.

Through Book Bank, you too can help other schools like Claymore bring books into children’s homes and change their story for good. If you’d like to learn more about supporting a school through Book Bank, please get in touch with our team at info@dymockschildrenscharities.org.au