Library News
News from the Library
The weather is getting cooler, so now is the time to visit the library! The library is open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm each day. Students are invited to come to the space to study and enjoy the many books and activities we provide. On Tuesdays, McCarthy’s Study Club is run in the library space from 3.15 pm to4.15 pm. Students are encouraged to utilise this space and time to get their learning on track.
If students have any requests for new books, games, or activities, they just need to speak to one of our friendly staff who can support them. We are experimenting with some craft activities during break times on Fridays. All are welcome!
Developing a Reading Culture
Reading is a skill that requires constant practice and development. At McCarthy, we ask all students in Stage 4 to complete 20 minutes of reading at least three times a week as part of their homework schedule. We strongly encourage our Stage 5 and Stage 6 students to also regularly read in conjunction with completing their homework tasks.
Reading widely helps teenagers to:
- Deal with a complex world and its issues
- Communicate effectively
- Share and see others and their experiences
- Develop vocabulary
- Gain confidence with speaking and writing skills
Teenagers need reading modelled to them. In the Stage 4 library-based Reading Lessons, the teacher models a text and a reading skill. However, teenagers also need time to choose reading materials for their own sustained silent reading. We encourage all students to work with the Library staff, their teachers, and their families to engage in regular reading, and to visit the library to find materials to read for pleasure. We appreciate all McCarthy families supporting the development of a reading culture by supporting reading at home.
Library Programs
The library programs in Term Two have continued to build our students' capacity to analyse, understand, and read texts.
Year 7 have been reading books focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and culture. We have been developing the students’ skills in inference and the use of inclusive language. Students have looked at both fiction and non-fiction texts. Students have enjoyed reading texts focused on connections to Country and have written their own Acknowledgements of Country and considered places that are significant to them. We are now moving towards students reading independently and analysing texts themselves with confidence.
Year 8 have been reading books to build their context understanding of World War II and its events. Students have been looking at a range of fiction, non-fiction, and blended texts to build their understanding of the Holocaust and conflict in Europe and Asia. Students have guided their reading focus by developing questions about WWII, figures, events, and places. We have then found short texts that align with their inquiry questions to develop a deep understanding that will build their capacity to engage with their novel study of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas in their English classes in Term Three.
Year 8 HSIE Research is now focusing on Polynesian Expansion, looking at Māori culture and practices. Students have been developing their ability to read different text types, e.g. newspaper articles, websites, textbooks, encyclopedia entries and have been tasked with reading and finding key information in these.
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2026
The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) for 2026 continues. It was wonderful to have a catch-up with students and to see their reading progress. Some have already completed the challenge, and many more are making great progress with their reading lists. Students are encouraged to use the McCarthy library catalogue to find materials that align with the PRC, and can always speak to our friendly library staff about their reading progress.
We will host another meeting early next term to start finalising students' completed lists and to celebrate our reading successes!
Book Week 2026
In Term Three, we will be celebrating Book Week with a range of activities to celebrate books, reading, and developing a reading culture. Stay tuned for more information early next term about the activities and the events planned.
Bec Hannan
Lead Teacher Librarian
Libby Laird
Teacher Librarian