Library News

School Library News - Curriculum Foci

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We have another exciting term of learning in our school library. We're thrilled to share the wonderful learning journey your children have already experienced in Term 1 and will continue to experience during their weekly library sessions this term. Each year level has a tailored program designed to develop library skills, foster a love of reading, and build cultural understanding.

Foundation (Prep)

Our littlest readers are discovering the joy of the library. They're learning about shelf markers (those colourful tools that help us remember where books belong) and how to handle books with care. We've enjoyed stories like "We Are All Neighbours" by Alexandra Penfold and had lots of giggles with "Don't Open This Book" by Andy Lee. It's been wonderful to see them notice different families in stories and begin to appreciate the diversity in our community as they eagerly share their thoughts about the characters and events.

Year 1

Year 1 students are becoming library detectives. They're exploring different sections of the library and learning to find books using the first letter of an author's last name. Books like "We Are All Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold have sparked great conversations about different cultural practices, with students comparing these to their own experiences. They're making thoughtful connections between stories and our school values, all while developing responsibility for their borrowed books.

Year 2

Our Year 2s are turning into library navigation experts. They're mastering alphabetical order and confidently exploring both fiction and non-fiction worlds. "Wild About Mums" by Philip Bunting has been a favourite as it showcases different family traditions through the animal kingdom, while our ANZAC Day reading of "Why Are They Marching, Daddy?" prompted thoughtful discussions about feelings and values. Their book choices are increasingly reflecting their personal interests and reading abilities.

Year 3

Year 3 students are expanding their library horizons. They're strengthening their understanding of alphabetical order and beginning to unravel the organization of the non-fiction section. Books like "Anzac Biscuits" by Phil Cummings and "Stolen Girl" by Trina Saffioti have opened windows to diverse perspectives and historical events, helping students make meaningful connections to their own lives and our school values while developing more thoughtful borrowing habits.

Year 4

Our Year 4s are becoming Dewey Decimal detectives. They're learning to navigate this special system that helps organise non-fiction books by topics. During Harmony Week, they put these skills to work by researching different cultures and sharing interesting facts they discovered. Their discussions about resilience while reading "Banjo Bounces Back" by Lachie Hume showed their growing ability to identify themes in stories and connect them to their own experiences and school values.

Year 5

Year 5 students are becoming independent library explorers. They're confidently using the Dewey Decimal System to find exactly what they need across all library sections. Books like "Sorry Day" by Carol Vass and "Somebody's Land" by Adam Goodes have sparked thoughtful discussions about important themes and how character motivations connect to our school values. Their research skills are blossoming as they locate specific information for both personal interests and classroom projects.

Year 6

Our senior students are gearing up for secondary school with sophisticated library skills! They're mastering efficient search strategies and navigating the library with independence. Through books like "Culture and Diversity" by Marie Murray and "Some Brains" by Nelly Thomas, they're evaluating different perspectives and analysing complex themes. Their growing ability to connect literature to personal, school, and community values reflects their maturity as readers and thinkers.

Our Focus on Intercultural Understanding

Across all year levels, we're committed to fostering intercultural understanding and inclusion through literature at FWPS. Students explore stories from diverse cultures and community groups, and have the opportunity to recognise cultural events such as Cultural Diversity and Harmony Week, Clean Up Australia Day and World Wildlife Day, ANZAC Day, IDAHOBIT, National Reconciliation Week, Refugee Week, and NAIDOC Week. This aligns with the Victorian Curriculum's Intercultural Capability, which aims to help students understand differences in our communities. 

How You Can Support Your Child's Library Learning

• Ask your child about the stories they've enjoyed in the library
• Encourage regular reading at home
• Help them care for borrowed books
• Discuss characters and themes from the stories they read
• Visit your local public library together

We're looking forward to a wonderful semester of reading, learning, and growing together!

Happy reading!

Shannon Mason 

Library Teacher

 Scrap White Paper Donations

If anyone has an excess of white A4 scrap paper (like old printouts with a blank side), it would be greatly appreciated if they could be donated to the library.

Cheers,

Shannon Mason

Library

Premiers’ Reading Challenge 2025 – Let’s Get FWPS Reading!

We’re excited to have all our students participating in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge this year! Login details have been given to every child to enable them to participate (keep reading for helpful instructions and hyperlinks).

Prep – Year 2 Students

Our younger readers will be enjoying books and participating in the Challenge at school with their teachers. We’re aiming to read 3 books per week over the next 10 weeks to meet the 30-book goal. Teachers will be keeping track of books they read during storytime, brain breaks, or eating time. Even though we are completing the Challenge at school, you have been given your child’s login so that you can add additional books you are reading at home if you wish. 

Year 3 – 6 Students

Students in Years 3 to 6 will be logging their own books through the online portal. Students will practise logging in during class to ensure everyone can access the portal before login details are sent home. The portal link and instructions will also be shared via Google Classroom. 

Important Information for Parents:

• Students in Grades Prep to 2 can include books you have read with them. 
• Students in Grades 3 to 6 should log books they have read independently or to someone else.
• The focus is on encouraging participation and doing their best. If students don’t meet the target, there’s no issue – they simply won’t receive a certificate, and individual performance won’t be highlighted.
• All books must be logged online by Thursday, 4th September.
• If login details are lost, students can request a new code during their library session.

To login to the portal: https://vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.au/home

1. Click on the link above.
2. Select the School/Student button.
3. Select the VPRC login option.
4. Enter your username and password.
5. Select Login.

To search for books on the challenge booklist: https://vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.au/searchbooklist

To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the book lists and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge. 

Supporting Local Business - The Chestnut Tree 

Our lovely local bookshop has also been in touch to say they have set up a display in-store full of books from the challenge for our avid readers who like to fill their personal libraries. 

If you have any questions or need support, please contact Shannon, our Challenge Co-ordinator.

Let’s get reading!