Library News
Welcome to Week Ten! We've made it to the end of Term 3, and what a busy term it's been! Our focus this term has been reading the Children's Book of the Year shortlisted books, celebrating Book Week, and, of course, the highlight was our fun-filled Book Week Parade enjoyed by all.
This Week’s Reads
This week, classes are wrapping up projects and enjoying the end of Term 3 units.
Kindergarten and Stage 1 are looking back at the books we’ve read this term to decide on their favourite and to redraw the front cover. Students stated why they enjoyed the book they chose, and the reasons included it’s funny, has exciting illustrations, is silly, and has a good message. We’re also reading one of my favourite books, ‘Princess Smartypants’ by Babette Cole, which twists the usual fairytale narrative. After seeing so many beautiful Disney princesses, it’s a lot of fun to read about a motorbike-riding, jean-wearing princess who doesn’t want to kiss a prince and get married! This story always gets a lot of laughs and is a fun way to end the term.
Last week, Stage 1 worked hard to create an animal with human arms, inspired by Kate and Jol Temple's story ‘That Bird Has Arms.’
Stage 2 also reflects on the books they’ve enjoyed reading this term, finishing their digital book cover project and revisiting SORA. I’ll go into more detail about this below, but we’re practising logging on and how students can do this on different devices at home to continue reading during the holidays. We’re also investigating how to use filters to help find the ebook or audiobook they want to read.
Finally, Years 5 & 6 reviewed various digital book covers created by Stage 3 and reflected on what made some more appealing. 6T today decided that an attractive title font, contrasting colours, and less fussy images made a book cover successful. Who knows, some students may be future editors or graphic designers! All students did a great job, and I was impressed.
Meet the Readers
Cruz and Riley quickly grabbed the newest Dog Man book, Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, by Dav Pilkey and were the first and second borrowers. This is one of the library's most popular junior fiction series for older and younger students alike, and I’m sure they’ll enjoy reading it.
Meet Leo from 1E, too. He was the excited first borrower of our newest car book, ‘Megafast’.
Bag Tales
It’s been a while since I’ve included a great library bag photo, so I couldn’t pass up Amelia’s impressive bag this week. Amelia made this with her grandmother and was excited to show Mrs. Moore and me. They did such a great job; we might need to put in an order!
Secondary Breaks in the Library
It’s been oddly quiet in the library with our secondary students off on excursions and work experience. No matter how big and cool they get, they still love playing games at break time; even Princess Snap. We hope they have a fantastic week away, and in the meantime, Year 7 gets the library all to themselves!
Holiday Reading @ HTS
Remember that reading doesn’t have to stop during the holidays. Our school subscriptions allow students and their families to access SORA or Storybox Library at home. For SORA, students must log in with their student username and password (which they will need from their class teacher). You can access SORA here or through the Sora App. The most important thing to remember is to search for the ACEN library (NOT Holy Trinity). Instructions to log in are available here.
This week, SORA curated some books that recognise National Week of Deaf People. These books celebrate deaf people and their communities, language, identity and culture.
Storybox Library is another excellent reading site to use at home. Here, a group of authors, actors, and singers read Australian stories on various themes. Username is: htsinverell Password: Inverell2360
School Holidays at the Town Library
One of the best places to spend time these holidays is at the Inverell Town Library. The incredible staff there have organised great activities to celebrate reading and get kids’ creative juices flowing. I’ve attached their school holiday program, and you can also read more about this on their website.
I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday. See you next term!
Happy reading,
Mrs Toni Fraser