Library Corner
Spring is in the air and the hint of summer warmth has begun to tantalize the Glen Eira College community. This was especially so when Book Club members travelled into the city to enjoy the Schools Program of the Melbourne Writers Festival during the first week of September. The State Library Victoria forecourt was buzzing with excitement as our students joined other schools at the Wheeler Centre and the Roadshow Village Theatrette. Thirteen students enjoyed our Monday excursion while fifteen students basked in the festive ambience of our Tuesday excursion. It was fascinating to hear about the many ways in which storytelling engages our community - from comics, manga, video games and blogs to popular novels, performance and classic literature.
During our August Book Week celebrations students enjoyed presentations by Australian YA authors Scot Gardner, Cath Crowley and Michael Pryor. A small group of Year 9 students participated in a creative writing workshop led by Cath Crowley and learned invaluable tips on characterisation and story development.
Our Library displays have continued to provide a colourful and vibrant backdrop to College life. Ms Gatt curated a bright selection of Spring themed novels and popular non fiction books and a selection of newly purchased LGBTQ+ themed texts took centre stage in our display which supported the recent College-wide celebration of diversity on Wear it Purple Day.
The Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge closed on Friday 6th September. Twenty three students have completed the Challenge - one student in 7A, eleven students in 7B, five students in 7C, one student in 7D and one student each representing 8C, 8D, 8E, 8G and 9B. It was very encouraging to see those students who logged over 15 titles as part of their Challenge for 2019. Certificates will be released in November.
There is a wide range of resources and tools available via the Library’s catalogue (https://library.gec.vic.edu.au) to support student learning as well as develop a love of reading. It is always important that students are aware of academic honesty and responsible use of copyrighted material. Notices have been placed near College photocopiers to remind users of permissible copying limits. When using information from a book, website or other resource, do not simply copy and paste. Use quotation marks and attribution to show that you are using someone else’s ideas. (The SLASA Online Referencing Generator was mentioned in the August Issue of the College newsletter). It is especially important that students use Creative Commons images when creating posters and presentations.(Tip: use this website to locate great resources: https://ccsearch.creativecommons.org/)
These items will permit users to re-use or even alter images as long as they follow the guidelines of the Creative Commons licenses and provide correct attribution of the creator(s). One excellent guide is the Smartcopying website and the following information sheet may give parents, caregivers and students a better understanding of copyright. A selection of tips are available on the College Library Hub via the Library WebOPAC and by clicking here. https://www.smartcopying.edu.au/information-sheets/schools/students-and-copyright
Library Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
The library is open at Recess to Year 12 students and Library Monitors only
Lunchtime opening from 1:00pm onwards (Closed to general access during the fortnightly Book Club meetings)
Homework Help:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school, 3:15pm to 4:30pm
Sherri Michael
College Librarian