Library
"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life." -Sidney Sheldon
From the library
“It’s important that we encourage them [teens] to apportion some time to reading, that we make them aware that the literacy benefits are really strong and will give them an advantage. Give them access to the books they like….Give them space to read.” Dr Margaret Merga 2018
The library is bustling with students!
The implementation of the Accelerated Reader Scheme has played a part in developing the library into a thriving and busy place and it has contributed to the dramatic rise in our loan statistics. There are a few students who have commented that their parents are reading their books from the library too!
Last term we started a Battle of Books with the learners, reflecting and discussing with others what has been their favourite book out of the top 15 loaned books. It was very close in the end with The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins) coming out on top by one point ahead The Summer I turned Pretty (Jenny Han).
By far the most popular time in the library is the Biscuits and Books session in the first break on Thursdays, where learners have device-free time with a biscuit!
Thank you to those who are also returning or renewing books borrowed. The students receive an email reminding them when a book is due as well as follow up emails when it is overdue.
Cooler months are great months to curl up with a good book, or get lost listening to an audiobook, which is probably why June is audiobook month!
SCS use SORA as their audiobook platform with a wide range of audiobooks, ebooks and magazines.
If you are yet to explore it, log on and use the ACEN network.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLZ97cqDJuU
Here is an interesting snapshot of data for SCS 2022 Sora borrowing across all schools compared to Naplan result Shared from Sharon Seymor 22/3/2023
| Reading | Writing | Spelling | Grammar & Punctuation | Numeracy | |
| Year 7 borrowers | 38.6% | 42.8% | 52.7% | 38.1% | 47.6% |
| Year 7 non-borrowers | 25.1% | 26.5% | 33.4% | 23.2% | 29.4% |
| Year 9 borrowers | 34.3% | 25.8% | 30.0% | 34.9% | 34.2% |
| Year 9 non-borrowers | 20% | 16.9% | 16.1% | 21.% | 17.4% |
Libraries are information hubs.
Here are some of our latest discoveries!
Did you know that you can send your name to Jupiter? It is expected to arrive in 2030!!
https://europa.nasa.gov/message-in-a-bottle/sign-on/
Find an interesting plant or animal.
Use the iNaturalist phone app https://apps.apple.com/au/app/inaturalist/id421397028 to record plants and animals to share and assists scientist involved in the Atlas of Living Australia. More information can be found on the website www.inaturalist.ala.org.au
Learning to drive
Created for Year 9 students this road safety education program features 10 interactive
learning modules
Harry Potter fans will be able to explore www.pottermore.com which has a plethora of fascinating resources, current news and interactive discoveries.
Please feel free to contact the library at rachel.hodge@syd.catholic.edu.au
Happy Reading!
Rachel Pennay
Teacher Librarian