Library Service
Beanstack Reading Platform
Library Staff hope that all students and their families had a wonderful and relaxing holiday break.
Based on the latest Beanstack statistics, it seems reading was certainly on the to-do list for many students. That it was done is borne out in the Leaderboards for Weeks 7 and 8, plus Holidays. Congratulations to all students who took advantage of their time off and logged their reading minutes.
Exam Preparation and Our Libraries
Our Years 11 and 12 students are now entering the final weeks of their VCE preparation; thus, we would like to remind parents and students of how important the school’s Libraries can be for their success. (This, of course, applies to students of all ages, but given the proximity to the exam period, it is of particular relevance to our Senior students.)
Whilst our libraries are full of print resources, perhaps it is not books that are its true champion when it comes to preparing for exams. Library spaces, digital resources and staff are all key elements of support for students at this time.
Library spaces
There are plenty of places within our libraries for students to study, revise and collate their work in anticipation of exams and/or final assessments. Our Libraries are warm, comfortable and welcoming areas, and staff aim to make them places where students are drawn to spending their time – particularly when their work is most vital. A comfortable location can make all the difference to one’s frame of mind, and ability to focus.
Digital resources
The Library website is full of resources to assist students in finding the most relevant and credible information for their studies. LibGuides provide research guides - created by qualified library staff – on specific topics or subjects, from Year 7 to Year 12. VCE students can access guides on Visual Communication Design, Geography, Science, Humanities and English. Echo Education Online curates contemporary media issue outlines on various themes, making it an ideal resource for VCE English Units 3 and 4 Analysing Argument. World Book Online’s straightforward search engine enables students to easily locate encyclopaedia articles, images and even sounds on a brilliantly interactive platform. Credible and accurate information is vital at any stage of education, and these vetted and comprehensive resources are but a few of those available via this school’s libraries.
Library staff
The lynchpin of libraries – no matter the kind - are their staff, and that is most certainly the case at St Monica’s College, Epping. Our qualified, highly experienced library team members are available to help both students and staff in multitude ways. Whether assisting with printing, providing guidance in accessing online resources, or recommending a book to pore over in between study or work, each staff member is a crucial part of what makes the school’s libraries a vital touchstone for the entire school community. At this critical point for VCE students, members of the Library Faculty are dedicated to supporting them in their exam preparation and are always ready to help wherever possible.
Senior Study Centre
Hosted by Sr Julian Quaine Library at Davisson Street Campus, Senior Study Centre offers senior students the opportunity to seek assistance from our knowledgeable and supportive Learning Support Officers (LSOs). This year, Senior Study Centre will be run throughout the entirety of the exam period, and all students are encouraged to avail themselves of the guidance and support of these highly-valued staff members. Senior Study Centre runs from Monday to Thursday, from 3:30 to 4:30pm. Should students need assistance with a particular subject, they can approach Library staff, who can inform them of when LSOs who specialise in the area will be present. Leading up to VCE exams, parents are encouraged to remind their children of this incredibly beneficial service.
The staff of the Library Faculty wish our VCE students all the very best in the weeks ahead, and are ready to support them in achieving their best outcomes.
Miss E Bruty
Librarian