Library News

Term 1-  in a (very) large nutshell

Years 3/4 & 5/6

After last year's Rona slog I wanted to dive straight into novels with the Years 3/4 and 5/6.  Jump into words and worlds. Escape. With these 7 classes, individual novels for each, it was interesting to watch the hits and misses. (Yes, okay, there was one miss in my opinion. Clearly, that class will get the BEST NOVEL EVER next term. The 'miss' was an interesting novel though it didn't lend itself to a read-aloud experience. So, Mea culpa and all that...). Reading novels to each class is always a learning curve. The students never fail to surprise me with their observations and connections. Their input is spontaneous, heartfelt yet also considered. It's wonderful to be involved in their growing maturity as readers. As it is with all year levels. Next term we'll be looking more at non-fiction and trying to get our heads around the Dewey Decimal System. A magnificently ordered world.

Years1/2

With the four Year 1/2 classes, we've been looking at picture storybooks. The same involvement applies. Their energy and enthusiasm never fail to entertain and inspire. We often have a laugh. And we often have a deep think about the words and illustrations and how they speak to each other. What story are they telling together? Great picture storybooks are works of art in my opinion. And students know that on an unconscious level. You only have to hear their profound silence when something truly beautiful is being read to them. Those moments, when all eyes and minds are focused on the story when that story has their rapt attention, it's the closest thing to reverence I've ever experienced. Too much?? Lol. You have to be there. Next term we will be exploring small chapter books. 

Foundation

It's been an absolute pleasure to meet the new Foundation students. The journey here is of a different nature. It's important for them to understand the role of, and routine required in, the library each week. To establish this, I've read two picture storybooks each week this term and I have focused their borrowing on picture storybooks. This helps establish a simple and age-appropriate borrowing routine. Next term I'll expand that borrowing where appropriate.

Library Monitors

Lastly, and of great importance to our library, I'd like to sincerely thank the library monitors this term. The library is a seriously busy place with every session from Wednesday to Friday occupied with classes. The support and care the library monitors display each and every week in returning, issuing and re-shelving books for their fellow students is an absolute Godsend. They keep the library ship-shape. As a community, it's essential that all students feel a custodianship of the library and thus a responsibility to it. It's OUR space.  If we don't care for it collectively who will? In light of this, I'd like to acknowledge and thank the library monitors from:

3/4Ben – Mohamed A-E, Zara, Mila

3/4Billy – Annie, Isi, Suheera

3/4K – Jemima, Evie, Irushi

3/4S – Anton, Amelia D, Annabel

5/6CJ – Amelie B, Javier, Chloe

5/6O – Eliza, Zoi, Frankie

5/6B – Michael A-C, Luca W

And last lastly, (really, I promise, last one) I'd like to thank the school's leadership for their ongoing support. We are very lucky to have such a beautiful, well-resourced space. Not all local primary schools enjoy the same circumstance.

As for the holidays, I hope you all read something that moves you or makes you laugh or think or gives you solace. I hope the same applies to your kids. 

It's been a great term in the library. I think so anyway. Ask your kids what they thought. I'd be interested to hear.

Kim 🙂