LIBRARY NEWS

History Week Celebration

History Week brought energy into the Wyndham College Library this term, with students exploring the past through online trivia challenges, themed displays, and plenty of curiosity. Our digital trivia activities gave students a fun way to test their knowledge of major events, famous figures, and surprising historical moments. The friendly competition created a lively buzz and encouraged students to explore topics they might not normally encounter.

In the library, our History Week displays showcased timelines, artefacts, and visual stories that helped students connect classroom learning with real-world history. The Viking and Australian history displays sparked conversations and reminded everyone how understanding the past helps us make sense of the present. History Week is always a highlight. The library is proud to support these moments that bring history to life for our Wyndham community.

Why Reading Matters More Than Ever — With NSW’s New Screen-Time Rules

NSW’s decision to cap classroom screen time reported by Michael McGowan in The Sydney Morning Herald (13 September 2026)  is a clear response to falling national literacy results and growing concern about digital distraction. Younger students will soon be limited to 15 minutes of screen use per day, with older year groups allowed only a portion of each subject. The policy also requires one hour of handwriting daily, and encourages families to reduce digital homework, especially before Year 5.

For us at Wyndham College, this shift echoes what we see every day in the library. When students step away from constant notifications and immerse themselves in a book, their focus changes. They slow down. They think more deeply. They retain more. The PISA results highlighted exactly this issue: sustained reading is declining, and with it, comprehension, stamina, and critical literacy.

Libraries play a crucial role in restoring these habits. We offer quiet, distraction-free spaces, curated print collections, and reliable academic resources that help students build the kind of deep understanding digital skimming can’t provide. In senior years, where attention and resilience matter most, these spaces become even more important.

As NSW moves toward more intentional screen use, the Wyndham College Library will continue to champion reading, support balanced digital habits, and provide a calm, structured environment for students to learn well. In a fast, noisy online world, libraries remain one of the few places designed for clarity, focus, and genuine learning.