Heathmont Gazette

News from the LRC

Welcome back to Term 4!

 

We hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing break. With only a few weeks left, we’re excited to dive into Term 4. This term, we’ll be celebrating Halloween with fun activities and games. We’ve also seen the weather shift, bringing blustery days and chilly, rainy mornings, which has made our LRC a popular spot for students.

Daylight Saving Time (DST)

 

Australia has a varied history with Daylight Saving Time. 

It was first introduced during World Wars I and II to conserve energy. 

Tasmania adopted DST permanently in 1971, followed by New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. 

However, Queensland and Western Australia opted out after trials, largely due to concerns from rural areas. Today, most eastern and southern states observe DST from October to April. The extra daylight is perfect for outdoor activities, socialising, or even accessing a book from the LRC online catalogue and enjoying some reading outside during those longer evenings.

Non-Fiction Collection Revamp in the LRC

 

This year, the LRC staff undertook a major project to revamp our non-fiction collection. Using the CREW Weeding Method (Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding), we

carefully reviewed our resources to ensure the collection remains relevant, engaging, and useful for our students. The CREW method is a widely recognised approach in libraries, helping to maintain a collection’s quality by identifying materials that are outdated, in poor condition, or no longer in demand. This allows us to make room for new, up-to-date titles that better serve the needs of our school community.

 

Weeding, or the process of removing books, is an essential part of managing a library collection. Books that contain outdated or inaccurate information, especially in rapidly evolving fields like science or technology, can mislead students rather than help them. Additionally, damaged books may be difficult to use or unattractive to readers, discouraging borrowing. By weeding these materials, we ensure that the collection is not only physically appealing but also provides trustworthy information that aligns with current curriculum standards.

 

The weeding process also helps libraries make better use of space. With limited shelf space, it’s important to keep the collection dynamic and relevant, bringing in new titles that reflect the interests and educational needs of our students. In this way, weeding supports the long-term health of the library by encouraging greater engagement from the school community and promoting a culture of learning through up-to-date, high-quality resources.

Exam Prep Tips

 

With exams approaching, here are a few tips to help students stay calm and focused:

  • Create a Study Schedule: Plan a timetable that covers all subjects and allows time for breaks.
  • Practice Past Papers: Get familiar with exam formats and time management.
  • Stay Organised: Keep notes and materials tidy and use tools like flashcards.
  • Stay Healthy: Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
  • Ask for Help: Reach out to teachers or study groups when needed.

Supporting Students During Exams

Parents can help by:

  • Providing a quiet, comfortable study space.
  • Offering emotional support and encouragement.
  • Helping with organisation and ensuring regular breaks.

Good Luck Year 12 Students!

As you approach your final exams, we wish you the best of luck! The LRC is here to help with study resources and a quiet place to focus. You’ve got this!

Halloween Celebrations in the LRC

This term, we’re celebrating Halloween in the LRC! It’s also the birthday of R.L. Stine, the renowned author of the Goosebumps series. Stine has been thrilling young readers with spooky tales for decades. Here are some key facts about him:

  • Full Name: Robert Lawrence Stine, born October 8, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
  • Best known for creating the Goosebumps series, one of the best-selling children's horror fiction series of all time.
  • He’s written hundreds of books, including Fear Street, Goosebumps, and standalone horror novels.
  • Before writing horror, Stine wrote humour books for children and created a teen magazine called Bananas.
  • Goosebumps launched in 1992 and has sold over 400 million copies worldwide, translated into numerous languages.
  • The Fear Street series, aimed at older teens, started in 1989 and has sold over 80 million copies.
  • His works have been adapted into TV series, movies, and video games.
  • He’s won many awards, including the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award and the Horror Writers Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Stine’s books are known for their age-appropriate spooky content, with suspense and cliffhangers to keep readers hooked.
  • He continues to write, releasing new Goosebumps and Fear Street instalments, remaining a major influence in children's horror literature

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RL STINE!

Key dates