Library & Resource Centre

Maryanne Gustus

May I begin by acknowledging that today, March 8, is International Women’s Day.

This International Women’s Day doodle highlights a group of women sharing wisdom across generations with a quilt embroidered with symbols of progress made over the years.

The IWD 2024 campaign theme is Inspire Inclusion.

When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.

Our society benefits greatly when all members are treated equally, when we support and actively try to achieve real equality for all. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, remember that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

As we reach beyond the half way point of Term 1, our Library is alive with activity.

Please enjoy some pictures that will illustrate the diversity of students and pastimes that are currently occurring here in our lovely space.

Last week also saw Mr. McMahon once again supervising a group of Year 9 girls in preparing and serving our regular lunch commitments at the Uniting Church Community gathering that happens every Tuesday. Heartfelt thanks always to Mr. McMahon and our volunteers, all of whom I know did a great service and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Marli Blohm, Shannon Mhasho, Eloise Millard, Lily Raymond and Maddox Ryan

When chopping vast amounts of onions during food preparation, the girls donned goggles from the Woodwork area for eye protection from onion fumes. Excellent work girls.

As we are open before school, at recess and lunchtime, as well as after school, our space offers retreat, calm spaces, wellbeing and new friendships. This term we have purchased a set of basic Rubic’s Cubes which are proving to be extremely popular. With our intention being to offer differing pursuits to discourage too much ‘screen time’, we are so far very, very happy with what is happening. Dare I say we seem to have created a Rubics Mania.

Zac Colliton of Year 10, along with Taylor Crane of Year 9, are already Rubics Superstars and are offering their expertise in assisting other students in learning the basics of Cubing. We are already being asked for Speed Cubes and Timing Mats. Stand by for further developments, maybe even a House Competition in the future? The enthusiasm is very positive and seeing the students actively engaged in using their brain power is extremely satisfying.

Zac Colliton in the middle surrounded by some Year 7 enthusiasts including Carter Moyle, Indi Ewing and Will Kamp.

Angus Tindall and Oscar Smith of Year 7 honing their Chess skills.

Using the Jenga game that was created by Year 9 Woodwork Students, Imogen Brandenburg and Scarlett Jackson, both in Year 7, had a wonderful time building and balancing practically the entire set. Well done girls. We love that we see you so regularly here in the Library.

L – R Isabel Gillies, Eva Turnbull, Peace Obagbemi, Samira Muhktar, (all Yr. 7) and Jayde Brown, Year 9.

Another Library lunchtime activity taken place here is Dungeons and Dragons. Our own Mr. Daniel Stevenson, who has just become an official D & D Educator, runs sessions twice a week to an enthusiastic band of followers. Here he is receiving a certificate presented by our own Mrs. Holly Herrmann acknowledging his achievement. Thank you Mr. Stevenson.

In closing, a quote from Brene Brown.

Ms Maryanne Gustus

Library