Library News
School Library News - Term 3 Adventures Await
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome to Term 3!
We have an action-packed term ahead filled with science experiments, book recommendations, and some wonderful whole-school celebrations. Each year level is developing their library skills while diving deep into exciting learning experiences.
OUR LEARNING THIS TERM
Foundation to Year 2- Our junior students are becoming book critics! In the lead-up to Book Week, they're learning to talk about what makes books special and creating thoughtful recommendations for their peers. You'll see their fantastic displays during Book Week in Week 5. Later this term, we'll explore the wonderful world of non-fiction, helping students discover interesting facts about topics that spark their curiosity.
Year 3- Our Year 3s are getting the best of both worlds this term! They're joining our senior students in preparing science experiments to present to junior grades, while also developing their skills in creating compelling book recommendations. It's exciting to see them bridge the gap between our junior and senior programs.
Years 4-6- Our senior students have been putting their Dewey Decimal System skills to excellent use, researching and preparing science experiments that they'll present to junior grades during Science Week during week 4. Later in the term, they'll shift focus to analysing fiction texts with increasingly complex themes and creating sophisticated book recommendations that demonstrate their growing literary understanding.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Week 4 - Science Week (August 10-17)
National Science Week provides the perfect opportunity for our students to step into the role of educators and share their passion for scientific discovery. Here are some of our special events organised through the library program:
- Students as Scientists: After doing their own research, Grades 3-6 will present hands-on science experiments to junior classes throughout the week during their library sessions.
- Ask-A-Scientist Panel: Some scientists from our parent community have volunteered to answer student questions during Friday lunchtime (up to 50 students from Grades 3-6 can attend live).
- Daily Quiz & Prizes: Science questions each day with book prizes from The Chestnut Tree drawn at Friday assembly.
Week 5 - Book Week (August 18-22)
Book Week celebrates the magic of storytelling and the joy of reading while showcasing the literary skills our students have developed throughout the term. It's a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and share our love of books through creativity, discussion, and fun activities.
- Dress-up Parade: Friday August 22nd - all families welcome to stay and watch, and preschool siblings encouraged to join in.
- Daily Classroom Quiz: each year level will get daily questions with prizes drawn at Friday assembly
- Book Recommendation Displays: In library we will have student-created displays celebrating their favourite books with handwritten book recommendations
- Friday Activity Day: students will participate in three rotation activities based on Children's Book Council shortlisted picture books
Week 6 - Wear It Purple Day (Friday August 29th)
Wear It Purple Day is an important opportunity for our school community to demonstrate our commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments for all students. Through age-appropriate literature and discussions, we celebrate diversity and foster understanding of different identities and experiences. For this celebration, the library has purchased a range of age-appropriate books that celebrate inclusivity and support our rainbow young people.
Week 7 - Book Fair & Premier's Reading Challenge Finale
Our annual Book Fair is both a celebration of reading and a vital fundraiser that directly benefits every student in our school (last year your purchases raised over $3000 for new library books!). Combined with the culmination of the Premier's Reading Challenge, this week recognises the incredible reading achievements of our students while providing new books and resources for our library.
- Book Fair: From Monday September 1st - Friday September 5th
- Premier's Reading Challenge CLOSES: Friday September 5th
- Premier’s Reading Challenge Class Competition Prizes:
- Winning classes from Prep-2 and Grades 3-6 (for most books read)
- Prize packs from The Chestnut Tree including crafts, books, and class selection of a brand new book for their classroom library
- Bonus 'free' library session on last day of term
- Special PRC bookmarks for every student in the winning classes
🏆 PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE PRIZE PACK - HELP YOUR CHILD'S CLASS WIN! 📚
Dear Parents and Carers,
We're excited to announce some special prizes available for our Premier's Reading Challenge class competition to help motivate our students in the final months of the Challenge. And your support at home can make a real difference in helping your child's class achieve success!
🎯 THE COMPETITION: Two classes will be crowned our reading champions based on total number books read throughout the challenge (March- early September):
- One winning class from Prep-Grade 2
- One winning class from Grades 3-6
🎁 PRIZE PACK FOR WINNING CLASSES:
- Assorted crafts & books donated by the Chestnut Tree
- Class choice of a book from the Chestnut Tree's Top Pick's List (see attached PDF)
- Bonus library session on the last day of Term 3
- Special PRC bookmark for every student in the winning grade
📖 HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD’S PARTICIPATION:
- Encourage regular reading at home between now and September 5th
- Help them log books on their Premier's Reading Challenge account
- Remember - Every book your child logs counts towards their class total
- Most importantly: Ensure they click "FINISH" after adding each book so Shannon can verify it for their class tally
🔍 VERIFICATION PROCESS: Please note that Shannon reviews and verifies all books added to the challenge each week. Only books actually read during the challenge period (now until September 5th) will count towards class totals. This ensures fairness for all participating students.
What an exciting term of learning, discovery, and celebration ahead!
Happy reading and experimenting!
Shannon Mason
Library Specialist Teacher