Library News

Welcome to Refugee Week at our school library. Last Thursday, June 20th, was World Refugee Day, a time dedicated to raising awareness about refugees' unique experiences and challenges. To help students better understand and appreciate these journeys, we have gathered a selection of stories that foster empathy and awareness so students can learn more about refugees' resilience and strength.

This Week’s Reads

Kindergarten - will be reading ‘Grandma’s Treasured Shoes’ by Coral Vass, which follows the journey of a little girl who flees Vietnam with only one special pair of shoes. Shoes are used as metaphors for her new life, and the story includes her new work, school, and dancing shoes. Students learn that even though Grandma’s old shoes have no monetary value, they are actually treasures as they hold memories of her past life. Students then enjoyed drawing some of their favourite shoes and explaining why they are special to them.

Stage 1 - Stage 1 students are reading "My Two Blankets" by Irena Kobald and Freya Blackwood. This beautiful story highlights a young girl's journey adapting to a new country, capturing refugees' emotional challenges and resilience. Through this book, students gain a deeper empathy and understanding of the difficulties those seeking a better life face. Following the reading, students draw the special items they would take if they were moving to a new country, helping them connect personally with the story's themes.

As part of Refugee Week, Stages 2 and 3 will watch a short Behind the News (BTN) story about refugees in Australia. This segment will help students understand why refugees leave their home countries, their journeys, and who is coming to Australia. After viewing the video, students will read ‘Out’ by Angela May George and ‘Ali's Story’ by Salvador Maldonado and Andy Glynn, deepening their empathy and understanding of the refugee experience.

Students will also continue with their research tasks from previous weeks. Stage 2 investigates a sea animal, while Stage 3 will finalise their Canva poster about a famous person with dyslexia.

SORA Books of the Week

Animal stories are among the most popular books in our library, and this week, your child can read some on SORA, too. Log-in instructions are available here.

End of Term Book Returns

It’s that time of the term again when I start following up on overdue books, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could please help your child look for these. If you can’t find them, please send me an email or note so I can remove them from your child’s record. My email is invlibrary@arm.catholic.edu.au. Thanks for your support with this.

PRC Update

Keep those reading logs coming in; remember you still have plenty of time to complete the Challenge. The final date to log books is Friday, 23 August 2024. This week’s newest addition to our Reading Stars Wall is Athena McBean. Congratulations on completing another Challenge!

A Day in the Life of the Library

Apart from classes coming over for a lesson, to read a story and to borrow books, the library is a busy place. There’s always something happening each day, and yesterday was no different. KD, KS and 6T came for their lesson; the Secondary Chess team competed against Gunnedah High School, Ms Goldman worked with ESL students, Mrs McCosker assisted students with Homework Club, and both the Primary and Secondary students enjoyed playing games, reading and each other’s company during their break times.

The Secondary Chess team V Gunnedah High

Students don’t just play games, either. There’s always a lot of reading and even writing of stories. Kaylee-Ann Berry is creating a graphic novel on Canva. I can’t wait to see the finished product.

Meet the Readers - it’s the Girls!

Meet four students, each enjoying very different books. Millie McPhee excitedly shared 'Millie Mak,' a new book her father gave her. Amirri-May Nelson proudly displayed her very own Taylor Swift Little Golden Book. Tamsin Pettiford delved into a new manga, 'To Your Eternity,' and Pippa Butcher enjoyed the latest addition to the Lightfall series, which she's reading with her mother.