School of Thought

A Shift in Momentum

with Rosemary and Kim

With our enthusiastic R-7 push to develop our students’ love for books and literature, we are witnessing evidence of a shift on a daily basis. Just this morning, before the bell to begin the school day, I (Kim) was walking past the flags where some students were playing an intense game of handball.  All of a sudden, I heard one of the boys call out “Hey Dion! Why aren’t you playing?”. I looked over to where Dion was sitting to see him fully engaged in a new novel. His reply to his mates? “I’ve got a really good book here!”

Additionally this week, I was in Tirkandi (our library) when a couple of Year 6 boys came in and made their way around the back of the borrowing desk.  They asked if they could look at the piles of books ready for reshelving. I wondered why and it turns out they are currently loving David Walliams books and they couldn’t wait for any newly returned books to make it back to the shelves before accessing them! They were gutted to note that none had made their way back today.  Many students have expressed an interest in this author so Rosemary and I have committed to purchasing extra copies so that popular books can be accessed without such long wait times. Torrens and Fisher students have access via Google Classroom to a book wishlist where they can notify us of books they would like additional copies of.

We have seen an increase in borrowing through our library as well as general “book talk” between students throughout the school. We ask you to please support us to maintain the momentum by reminding your child to borrow several books over the holidays or perhaps heading to the local library to select new reading materials.

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With a school holiday break coming up including an Easter long weekend there are multiple ways to enjoy a good read.  If you are heading to an outback camping space, pack a head torch and read under the stars. If you are spending time with extended family, pack a selection of books for grandparents or aunts and uncles to read aloud with your children.  If you are enjoying time at home, seek out some loose parts for cubbies inside and in the yard and encourage children to take a box/basket of books into their special place. Where ever you are, find opportunities to read for 20 minutes per day during the holidays.