Ambassador Visit to Renmark Primary School – Mem Fox
7 May 2026
Renmark Primary School was truly prepared and excited for a visit from Mem Fox. The school gym featured student artwork showcasing favourite books read in preparation for award-winning author Mem’s visit on 7 May 2026. Mem attended in her role as Ambassador for the Premier’s Reading Challenge, a position she takes very seriously. She explained to students why she loves reading and why participating in the PRC is such fun.
Mem challenged all students to participate in the Challenge, explaining that if they don’t like a book, they should stop reading it and choose a different one. Mem’s belief is that no-one really dislikes reading; it’s just that they haven’t found the right book for them.
Students and staff were entertained by Mem’s expressive reading of some of her books, including Possum Magic and The Magic Hat. However, not originally planned for the visit, Mem first chose to read Hattie and the Fox after hearing it was Principal Sally Schwartzkopff’s favourite book to read to her children when they were young. Mem also shared stories from her childhood and described how she learnt to read and write. Afterwards, there was time for book signings and photographs.
Staff feedback included:
This visit was made possible through the Premier’s Reading Challenge and was part of Mem’s final tour. We were incredibly honoured to welcome Mem into our school. From the moment she began speaking, Mem had every student and staff member completely mesmerised. Her warmth, humour, and incredible storytelling filled our gym with laughter, wonder, and joy as she shared stories from her life, her passion for books and reading, and read some of her treasured picture books to our whole school.
There was something so special about watching hundreds of children completely engaged in stories. You could feel the magic in the room. Moments like today remind us why reading matters so much and just how powerful stories can be in shaping imagination, connection and a lifelong love of books.
This was far more than a school visit. It was a memory our students, staff and community will carry with them for a very long time.
Thank you, Mem Fox, for sharing your time, your stories and your passion with us. What an incredibly special morning for our school community.
— Sally Schwartzkopff, Principal
Thank you for making this visit happen. There are small moments that happen that last for a lifetime, and I know Mem’s visit will be that, not only for me but for the students at Renmark Primary School. It was an absolute pleasure getting all the students involved to make the different displays. The students were very excited about Mem’s visit and happily joined in with their creations. I wish her all the best in her retirement. She has certainly left a lasting impression.
— Julie Goody, Student Support Officer and PRC Coordinator
