Library News

We’re recognising and celebrating Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week at Holy Trinity School this week. In the library, this means classes will read a collection of stories that reflect on the themes of reconciliation, apology, and healing to encourage empathy and understanding of the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This Week’s Reads

Kindergarten—Sadly, Kinder missed out on their library lessons this week due to the Public Holiday, but if families send their child in with their library books, we can arrange for them to swap them at break time.

Stage 1 students will read ‘Somebody’s Land’ by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing. In this story, students are invited to imagine themselves in Australia's past to feel the richness of First Nations people's history, learn that Australia was never terra nullius, and see the impact of colonisation from a First Nations perspective. Students will conclude the lesson by decorating a reconciliation candle and colouring in a 2024 Reconciliation Week poster.

Stage 2 will also read a beautiful story, ‘For 60,000 Years’ by Marlee Silva & Rhys Paddick. This book shares the story of First Nations people's long and rich history with this land. Students learn how the indigenous people lived and the impact on their lives of white settlement. This book's key themes of storytelling, cultural practices, and connection to the land encourage students to reflect on the importance of preserving cultural traditions. Students will also be completing a reconciliation candle and colouring.

Finally, Stage 3 will read another wonderful story by renowned First Nations author Greg Dreise called ‘Common Wealth’. This story explores Australian history using the national anthem's words and is presented in slam poetry format. In the anthem, “Commonwealth” is expressed as one word, but after reading, students will discuss the significance of the book’s title, particularly the two-word spelling of “Common Wealth.” The book has an overriding theme of fostering unity, not division and coming together for a better future.

Term 2 Book Club

Book Club catalogues went home last week, and all orders close this Thursday, June 13th, at 9 a.m. The library receives a commission from each book sold, which we use to purchase more books for students to enjoy. Please note that Book Club is a voluntary program run at HTS, and there is no obligation to buy. 

If you choose to order, we would greatly appreciate it if you could use Scholastic’s online ordering system. This speeds up the ordering process and delivery times. For instructions on how to do this, you can register or log in here. Thank you for supporting the library and your child’s reading!

SORA Books of the Week

SORA have rounded up some more great eBooks and audiobooks this week with an interesting theme, ‘You Read You Boo!’

CBCA Books of the Year - New Illustrator Award

The final category to preview for this year’s Books of the Year is for best ‘New Illustrator’. This Award aims to recognise and encourage new talent in the field of Australian children's book illustration. Ages 0-18 years.

Meet the Readers

Meet Esabel from 3W, the first borrower of Kayla Miller's new graphic novel, 'Break', which is part of the Click series. I hope you enjoyed reading it over the long weekend!

And meet Athena from 4LD, the first borrower of Jess McGeachin’s non-fiction book ‘Lost’. I hope she can find it later on…

Meet the Returner

Meet Cooper from Year 9, last week’s most celebrated returner of books. Cooper decided after 190 days that he had had enough of carrying around his overdue book in his school bag. Unfortunately (or fortunately), he came with his whole class, who witnessed this miraculous return. Thanks for being a great sport, Cooper, and being my favourite student last week!

Work in the Library

It’s not all good books and fun times during library lessons; students normally complete various activities related to the story we’ve read or the information literacy skill we’re practising. Last week, though, Stage 1 enjoyed designing their own dream house after reading ‘Bush Turkey’ by Kate & Jol Temple. Who wouldn’t want a helicopter landing pad or spiral slippery dip from your roof?

Bethany’s Book Report #1

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about Bethany Pearse, a Year 8 student who is reading and reviewing the Older Readers Books of the Year. Bethany came in last week with an interesting review of book one.

“The title is ‘Let’s Never Speak of This Again’, and that pretty much sums up my review.” Ouch! What gave me the biggest laugh, though, was the reason: “There was too much teenage drama.” Let’s hope the books improve!

Happy reading,

Mrs Toni Fraser