LIBRARY

                              "The library is not just full of books, but also opportunities."  

Abbey 2016 

WELCOME BACK to TERM 2

It's been a great start to the term with the borrowed books flowing back.

Students are now back in the groove of the weekly borrow and return with many new books on offer.

LIBRARY LEADERS

Last week we met to discuss the wonderful initiatives this keen group of students offered as suggestions for their Library Leader application form.

The first being Storytime at 2nd break for the Kinders, Yr 1 and Yr 2 students. This activity goes as follows; after the students have eaten they can sit with a pair of Library Leaders who will read them a picture book, after which the students may go and play. The activity is optional for students. By showcasing the role of the Library Leader, building reading confidence amongst these students and promoting enjoyment and love of reading the Library Leaders become positive role models in our school community.

This program began this week and has been met with much excitement especially by the Kinder students who enjoy any opportunity to meet with their Yr 6 buddy.

Photos next week. 

Yr 6 and KINDER BUDDY TIME

At the conclusion of last term the Yr 6 students presented their Kinder buddies with a bookmark that they created about the library. Some points included, slow feet, whisper voices, care for the books and clean hands.

The buddies also shared time sitting and reading in the playground.

Here are some examples of the bookmarks and some great sharing time over a good book.

WRITING COMPETITION

The writing competition is nearing the end date of the 30th May.

I have asked students to attempt to have their stories completed and emailed to me by this Friday. This will allow time to read them and chat with the students about their work and upload them to the site. Many students are submitting stories this year which I feel is a direct flow on from the many cold and big writes which are equipping students with the confidence  and enthusiasm to write uninhibited.

If your child has been working on a home computer please email their story to me so we can so we have access to it here at school.  jmcguirk@arm.catholic.edu.au

LIBRARY EVENTS 

*National Simultaneous Storytime - 22 May

This year the text is:

*Author Visit / Gregg Dreise - 26 June

*Book Week / Book Fair -  18 to 22 August

LIBRARY BAGS

Please note a LIBRARY BAG is the first item on your child's equipment list for the year.

Thank you for ensuring your child has a library bag. I have some spares and will issue these to students next week who have not yet presented with a bag.

LIBRARY BAGS MATTER...  Not just some of the time but all of the time.

No food or drink on my books.

Food and drink are for the chooks.

Library bags keep ‘em clean.

Books are cool don’t treat ‘em mean.

Bring your bag every time.

Fill it up and get in line.

Have it scanned and scoot on out.

LIBRARY BAGS

We all shout.

J. McGuirk

  "The library is not just full of books, but also opportunities."  

Abbey 2016 

This quote was submitted on a library leader application back in 2016.

Abbey explained that the library is not just book shelves laden with books. The library is full of ideas and adventures and opportunities to learn something new, to try something new, maybe to meet someone new. 

Next week I will be unpacking this idea as we embark on our reading journey.

             READING for learning,    READING for living,     Reading for enjoyment.

Children’s Book Week / 16–23 August 2025

This year the theme is "BOOK AN ADVENTURE"

The Children's Book Council Of Australia celebrates 80 years of Children's Book Week this year, a marvellous milestone of connecting children to story. In the following weeks, we will have lots of fun discussing this theme and how it relates to our reading journey. I look forward to hearing some wonderful insights from the students.

2025 Class WEEKLY LIBRARY TIMETABLE

MONDAY: Yr 3

TUESDAY: Kindergarten & Yr 5

WEDNESDAY: Yr 2 & Yr 4

THURSDAY: Yr 1 & Yr 6

JIGSAW FUN

Jigsaws like board games encourage teamwork, patience and turn- taking. If you have any jigsaw puzzles at home that you would like to share with us please send them into the library. We love jigsaws.

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE HAS BEGUN

EARLY BIRDS READING CLUB  - Change of time

Early Birds has now moved to the 1st break time slot.

Before school, students are now welcome to come in and chat with friends, draw, play chess, do a jigsaw, enjoy the comfortable ambience of a warm space and of course to read.

CHOICE = Motivation 

"The strongest positive impact on reading engagement and learning gains comes from student self-selection of reading materials. "

How Reading Motivation and Engagement Enable Reading Achievement: Policy Implications, Ana Taboada Barber and Susan Lutz Klauda

When students visit the library a huge emphasis is placed on the 

premise that they have

 C H O I C E

in what they can read and borrow. 

WORLD BOOK ONLINE - 

Ask your child about the bookmark which provides home access for World eBooks and Worldbook online.

If you have not logged on and had a browse around, sit down with your child and ask them about it. I'm sure all primary-aged students will be able to show you some of the features.

UPDATED - SORA - easy access guide 

Download the free App to access this online reading resource provided for us by the Catholic Schools Office. Your family will have access to thousands of books 24/7.