NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME

Once again Rowville Primary School participated in this National literacy event. What is National Simultaneous Storytime? Information taken from the NSS website states:

“National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centers, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 22nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

By facilitating NSS we aim to:

promote the value of reading and literacy,
promote the value and fun of books,
promote an Australian writer and publisher,
promote storytime activities in public libraries, schools and communities around the country.

National Simultaneous Storytime receives positive media coverage, generates a great deal of community interest and is held annually as part of Library and Information Week.” National Simultaneous Storytime has been steadily growing in numbers and now has over two million participants at thousands of locations all over Australia.

This year’s picture book title was Family Tree written by Josh Pyke and illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh. The book reviews state that it is a “heartfelt celebration of family, community and the seasons of life, a book to cherish and to share.”

Our Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students gathered together to hear the story read by Gabrielle Wang our current Australian Children’s Laureate. I hope you enjoyed it!

LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY LEARNING SPACE

The lunchtime programs are up and running again this term. Every classroom has the timetable of activities so that students can refer to it on a daily basis. There is a variety of activities and something for everyone.

We have:

Book Bugs (Years Foundation, Y1 and Y2) and Rowville Writers (Years 3–6) on Mondays.
Coding Club (Years 3–6) and Building Buddies (Foundation, Y1 and Y2) on Tuesdays.
Kindness Kids (all Year Levels) and Stem Club (Years 3 -6) on Wednesdays.
Movie Moments (all Year Levels) on Thursdays.
Chess Champions (Years 3–6) and on Fridays.

Come and enjoy some borrowing, reading and some fun lunchtime activities. I encourage our students to try something new, work together, make new friends and most of all - have some fun! Everyone is welcome.

A quick reminder to all students that you can borrow books at lunchtime from 1.30pm to 2.15pm (during the lunchtime activities), after school till 3.30pm or from your classroom libraries at your teachers discretion. If you need some suggestions for something interesting to read please come and see me. I am here to help you.

BOOK DONATIONS

Thank you to Kim Brennan for her recent donation of books to our school. Our students will enjoy Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon and Andy Griffiths Pencil of Doom! as well as the other titles. Thank you very much.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK

Last week (16-22 May, 2022) was National Volunteers Week the largest annual celebration of volunteering. Organisations all over Australia, including schools, acknowledge the valuable work being done by dedicated people who give a helping hand to others. This year’s theme was “Better Together.” It is said “that volunteering brings people together, it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone.” I’d like to thank and acknowledge the valuable volunteers who give up their time at Rowville Primary School – thank you very much – we appreciate it.

Dr. Seuss said “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Volunteers make a world of difference.

Jackie Hicks

21st Century Learning Space Manager

Before and After School Care