Library

Wrapping Up the Year in the Library!

As we reach the end of another busy but very satisfying year—and the festive season begins to pull us into its crazy vortex — at St Mary’s College, the Library has been as lively, warm, and welcoming as ever. Lunchtimes continued to be a favourite time for a variety of students from all year levels across the school to unwind—playing board games, colouring in, reading, or simply spending time with friends in a relaxed, comfortable space.

Library Lessons: This semester I have had a lot of fun featuring some of my favourite authors, series and topics with the Primary year levels. In Foundation to Year 2 we have been exploring Drew Daywalt’s The Crayons and Jory John’s 'Food Group' series focusing on identifying and managing feelings through puppet play and storytelling.  In Years 3-6 we looked at the Library's wide range of Graphic Novels.  Then students created original characters and narratives in groups. The Years 3-4 really enjoyed Aaron Blabey’s 'The Bad Guys' book series and movie adaptation, designed to focus on emotional intelligence, teamwork, and ethical decision-making. The Years 5-6 focused on 'Fractured Fairytales'  particularly 'Shrek' the movie and scripting, acting and filming their own adaptation of a fairytale.

Colouring, Creativity, and Fun: One of the highlights this year has been our growing colouring-in folder, filled with pages chosen by the students themselves. From Animals, Plants, Ships and Disney classics to Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Demon Hunters, and One Piece, there's something for everyone. It has been a joyful way for students to request a favourite and then to relax and express their creativity each lunchtime.

Looking Ahead: Supporting our College's focus on Reading for Pleasure We are preparing for 2026 and are looking to roll out a few new features to support the College’s Literacy strategies, or our Primary and Secondary students. We are planning to link more closely to Mitchell Libraries, so our students have a greater range of particularly E-Books, Audio Books, Magazines and Serials, and electronic Reference resources. This will enhance the students' engagement with literature and study resources and support the School's The Wider Reading Program. We will  share more next year!

Important End‑of‑Year Reminder: Please return all library books as soon as possible so we can complete our annual stocktake. This helps us start the new year fresh, organised, and ready for all our exciting plans ahead. 

A Special Thankyou to our 2025 Library Helpers: Whenever we had an event or when we were overwhelmed with students at Lunchtimes or during Class Borrowing, we could always rely on students who would step into the breach. Whether it was to help at the Circulation Desk, Shelve books, find and print new colouring pages on request, be an 'extra' in an activity, play games or just lend a willing ear, there were more students that I can list here. However, we are losing a couple of valuable helpers who I want to highlight and say 'Happy Trails' to; Freya Scollen and Jade Gooden (who came with the bonus a 3 siblings Annabelle, Molly and Will who each helped at one time or another). Both these students are excellent reflections of the St Mary's Community ethos - many hands do make light work. 

And Finally, A Heartfelt Thank You: At the end of his teaching career, we want to give a very special thank you to Mr Andrew Allen, our much‑appreciated Resident Guest Teacher. Andrew (or 'Allen' as the Foundies call him) has generously donated his lunchtime every day to help us support the students who use the Library. His presence has made a huge difference—offering guidance, care, and a big dose of good humour. He will be enormously missed by our students and especially by the Linda and I, the Library staff. We are deeply grateful for everything he has contributed. 

We Wish You a Safe, Sparkle-larkling, and Joyful Christmas: As the school year comes to a close, we wish all students, families, and staff a joyful, safe, and restful Christmas season. Thank you for making the Library such a vibrant hub of reading, friendship, and fun.

We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year—see you in 2025!

🎄✨ Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from

The Library Team Lorna Hooper and Linda Heveren! ✨🎄