Library

Mrs Holley

2024 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards - Notables

Without a doubt, one of the most exciting events in the library world is the celebration of Book Week every August. Each year, the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) recognises the very best books that have been written and illustrated over the past year.

The six categories for Books of the Year are:

CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers

CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers

CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood

CBCA Picture Book of the Year

Eve Pownall Award (Non-Fiction)

CBCA Award for New Illustrator

The 2024 Notables List has been announced, and from this list, a shortlist of six books for each category will be chosen at a later date. If you would like to take a peek at this year’s Notable books, you can visit the CBCA website here.

The CBCA has also announced this year's Book Week theme and this year it is ‘Reading is Magic’ - I have to say I find this year's theme more than appropriate - 'Reading certainly is Magic'.

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2024

What must I do to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC)

In order to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge you must read a certain number of books between 26th February 2024 and 23th August 2024. Students in K-2 are required to read 30 books (these may be read to them) and Years 3-6 read 20 books. The table below shows the breakdown of books you are required to read.

The Book Lists detailing the books you are required to read are listed on the Premier’s Reading Challenge website which may be found HERE. As these lists are over 100 pages long, I am unable to print these for individual families, so you will need to access them via the website. You are also able to access the Premier’s Reading Challenge Book Lists and Rules on the following link - 2024 Premier's Reading Challenge

Premier's Reading Challenge log ins and passwords will be sent home this coming week, unfortunately my computer and the photocopier have not been on speaking terms and I have been unable to print, this however has been rectified and we are set to go! Any other queries regarding the Premier’s Reading Challenge please email me at mholley@arm.catholic.edu.au and I will try my very best to assist you.

Scholastic Book Club

The second issue of Scholastic Book Club is out now!

So what is Scholastic Book Club?

Book Club provides the students with the opportunity to purchase books from a wide range of titles in each issue, from popular and award-winning fiction series and charming new picture books, to fascinating nonfiction titles and hands-on activities that stimulate creativity and encourage problem-solving.

Scholastic states that “Ordering books through Book Club is the easiest and most affordable way to offer students the best in children’s books for the home and to encourage independent reading for fun. Plus every order you place earns the school FREE books and learning resources."

If you wish to order a book from Book Club you may do so online via LOOP, or by sending your order form and money into school in a sealed, labelled envelope or ziplock bag. Don’t forget to include your child’s name on the order form!

Please note that there is absolutely no obligation to purchase anything from Book Club, Book Club is an entirely optional program. Orders close Wednesday, 27th March. Unfortunately, late orders cannot be accepted.

Library Borrowing

Please don’t forget that THURSDAY and FRIDAY are library days at St Joseph’s. Students will require a library bag on that day for the safe transportation of library books between school and home.

Reading at Home

Don't forget that your child has 24/7 access to reading material through SORA and World Book Online.

SORA

The students at St Joseph’s are able to access ebooks, audiobooks and magazines through SORA, the Armidale Diocese digital library. SORA has an extensive collection of ebooks, audiobooks and magazines for students of all ages.

Instructions for logging onto SORA are as follows:

Getting started with Sora

Sora - get free ebooks and audiobooks from your school.

Step 1: Install the SORA app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or soraapp.com.

Step 2: When in SORA, click on I have a setup code, then sign in.

The “setup” code is cenetau

Sign into your School – Select ACEN from the dropdown box.

Step 3: Browse the explore tab and borrow a book. Your book will open so you can start reading right away.

Step 4: Close the book and go to the shelf to see all your books. From there, you can:

Select Open book or Open audiobook to read or listen to the book.
Select Options to renew or return the book and more.

You will need to use your school username and password to access this.

WORLD BOOK ONLINE

Our school has a subscription to World Book Online! This means you have FREE access to this wonderful resource from home or on the go with any internet-connected device. World Book Online may be accessed via the Oliver home page or by visiting the World Book website www.worldbookonline.com

World Book Online is a safe, trusted, 21st-century learning environment for students.

The World Book products our school has access to include:

Kids:

simple navigation
easy to read articles
translations
text to speech (with 10 voices)
educational games and activities
science experiments
a dictionary
an atlas
interactive maps
map outlines
a tool for comparing places or animals.

Student:

expansive reference database
multimedia library
games
behind the headlines
citation builder
research tools

Timelines:

over 650 timelines including Gold Rushes in Australia, Australian Prime Ministers, Cricket World Cup, Star Wars and Harry Potter. Edit or create your own timelines.

User ID: joseph2340

Password: joseph2340