Library News

Harmony Day and Week

March 21st was Harmony Day. In Australia we celebrate Harmony Week from Monday 20th March to Sunday 26th March. Our country recognises and celebrates diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. In our world today there are many examples of places where harmony is missing. 

Our story in the Library this week is about ways we get to school. Students connected with the story ‘On our way to school’ by talking about how they get to school. There is no right or wrong way to do things, just different ways. Interest in, and acceptance of, our differences can allow us to have more empathy. Our wall was decorated in flags which students coloured in showing the ‘Hello’ greeting in many different languages. 

Role modelling reading

This year we are focussed on building a reading culture. We need to realise that reading has a very important part to play in our ability to be the best person we could be. This could be about avoiding being taken advantage of because we have the critical thinking skills to see through a trick or scam. It could be practising mindfulness by immersing ourselves in a fantastic story. Reading also helps us have strategies to regulate our behaviour and to have empathy for others.

Some time ago we asked staff to give us a favourite book recommendation and a selfie image. Students loved seeing what adults were reading. We would love some parents to send in a book recommendation and their first name so we can add these to our previous recommendations. It could be a children’s book you remember or a book you have read for yourself. Please let me know if you would like to contribute or send your recommendation to library1@sakyabram.vic.edu.au 

Shortlist Announcement: 2023 Children’s Book of the Year

It is almost here! On Tuesday 28th March, the CBCA will announce their shortlisted books for the Children’s Book of the Year Awards. We always get excited to see which books are selected from the long list or the Notables announced in February. Fortunately we have many of the books listed in the Notables in our collection and have already been using some in Library lessons during 2022 or early 2023. https://cbca.org.au/

Trish Baker and Jo Oliver

The Library Team