Library

Better Research Starts at the Library

This term, Year 8 Humanities students were invited to take part in library workshops to learn more about research resources available to them.  Students were introduced to the databases the library subscribes to, with particular focus on Encyclopedia Britannica, and the many features it offers, including articles, images, videos and links to further information.  They also discovered how to access authoritative websites through the library catalogue, using a resource that brings together reliable and relevant websites- a great alternative to simply heading straight to Google.

Students were also shown how to use the reference generator, making the sometimes tricky job of creating references a little easier.  While these sessions were part of Year 8 Humanities, the resources students explored aren't just for Humanities or Year 8.    They are available 24/7 to support students across all their subjects and throughout their time at Sandringham College, right through to Year 12.  Knowing where to find reliable information, how to make the most of available resources, and how to correctly reference resources are skills that will be useful as their research tasks become more challenging.

From Sandringham to Slovenia

As part of library visits this term, Year 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to connect with students on the other side of the world. At the end of last year, the library took part in an international bookmark exchange, and Sandringham College was paired with a school in Slovenia.  Along with their handmade bookmarks, the Slovenian students sent letters asking lots of questions about what life is like in Australia.  During their library sessions, our students learnt a little bit about Slovenia and how to structure a letter before writing their replies.

The letters gave students a chance to share a little about their own lives and what makes Australia unique.  They wrote about our wildlife, our spiders, camping and fishing trips, the beach, AFL,  and even shopping at Southland.  It was a great way for students to practise both handwriting and letter-writing skills while making a connection with students from another country and learning a little about each other's everyday lives.

From Blank Page to Published in a Day

This term, the library was excited to organise and host, Write a Book in a Day, with 20 students taking on the challenge of creating, illustrating and publishing a book of approximately 4000 words - all in one day!  Students worked in two teams of ten, with seven writers and three illustrators in each group.  To make the challenge even more interesting, each team was given 5 parameters to be included in their story; the finished book also had to be noticeably Australian. Write a Book in a Day is an initiative of The Kids' Cancer Project, with team registration fees and fundraising supporting childhood cancer research.

It was fantastic to watch the students take their books from the initial planning stage,  right through to writing, illustrating, editing and final publication.  Throughout the day, students worked enthusiastically, sharing ideas, making decisions, solving problems and supporting each other to meet the deadline.  There were some wonderful examples of creativity and leadership, as students took responsibility for different parts of the process and worked together towards a common goal. It was a busy day in the library, but a very rewarding one, and all 20 students should be extremely proud of what they achieved.

A big thank you to Sinead Allen, English Domain Leader, for her guidance and support throughout the day.  Sinead worked with the students at various stages of the writing process, workshopping their ideas and helping them develop their stories and characters. Her input and encouragement were greatly appreciated and helped the students bring their ideas to life.

Hogwarts comes to the Library

This term, the library hosted the Harry Potter House Quiz, with both students and staff putting their Hogwarts knowledge to the test.  Held during lunchtime, the quiz attracted plenty of enthusiastic Harry Potter fans, all keen to see how well they knew the wizarding world.

Congratulations to Blue House, represented by Evie and Mona, who took first place, followed by Jack Anderson from Red House in second place and Elijah Chau from Red House in third.  A special mention to staff member Katie Bronkhorst, who proved her Harry Potter knowledge was hard to beat with the highest score overall.

The quiz was a fun addition to lunchtime in the library and a great way to bring students and staff together over a shared love of Harry Potter.

Reading Challenge Legends

Congratulations to the following students who have completed the Sandringham College Reading Challenge. Reaching Legend status means they have read 12 or more books - a fantastic achievement. 

Students who complete the challenge will receive an invitation to our end-of-year library Lunch Celebration.

The challenge isn't over yet!  Students have until the start of November to complete their reading goal, so there is still time to complete the challenge.

Making, Creating and Connecting

The Makerspace area at Bluff Road has been buzzing with creativity again this term, with plenty of students getting involved during lunchtime.  I love the way it becomes a social hub for students from all year levels to connect as they create.

To celebrate International Friendship Day, students made friendship bracelets for their friends. It was a great way for students to create something special and celebrate friendship. 

Beading was another popular activity this term, with students turning beads into bracelets, necklaces and some very creative fidgets.  It was great to see the variety of of ideas and designs students came up with.

And we're not finished yet.  For the last few weeks of term, the paints are coming out. Students will have the chance to create their own artwork, and I'm looking forward to displaying their creations around the library.

Lunchtime Vibes

Growing our Library Collection

A big thank you to our college gardeners, Durban Landscaping and Garden Maintenance, who not only keep our gardens looking beautiful but have also generously donated a selection of books to the library.  The books cover a range of themes, including gardening, the environment and sustainability and are a welcome addition to our collection.  We really appreciate their support of the library.

Book Corner

Top 5 Borrowers and the last book they borrowed for Term 3:

• Ethan N Year 7 - The Vanishing by Mark Greenwood (History)

• Lauren P Year 7 - Darkstalker (Book 1) by Erin Hunter (Animal Stories)

• Ruby B Year 7 - A World Without Princes (Book 2) by Soman Chainani (Fantasy)

• Laura S Year 7 - The Case of the Missing Marquess (Book 1) by Nancy Springer (Mystery)

• Cooper S Year 7 - The Crystal Skulls by Mark Greenwood (History)

Term 3 Borrowing Snapshot

Currently, we have 389 books on loan.

Read, Relax and Win!

Year 7 and 8 students have been invited to take part in our Holiday Reading Challenge. It's simple: read at least one book over the holidays, then during the first week of Term 4, complete a Holiday Reading Challenge form.

All reading counts!  Students can choose fiction, non-fiction or a graphic novel; audiobooks are also eligible.

All completed entries will go into the draw; five Year 7 students and five Year 8 students will be selected to win an ice cream voucher from Augustus Gelateria.

Before the term finishes, encourage your child to visit the library and borrow a book (or two!) to enjoy over the break.  And when the inevitable "I'm bored" is heard, a good book might be the answer - and for Year 7 & 8,  it could also win them an ice cream voucher.

Don't forget students have 24/7 access to eBooks and audiobooks through the library homepage, so there is always something available for them to read or listen to over the holidays.

Happy Reading

Access and Operating Hours

Students can access their Library Homepage 24/7.

Library operating hours for both campuses:

8 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Thursday 

8 am to 3.00 pm Friday