A New Chapter 

Stories from the Library 

During November we have been learning more about the birds around us during our library lessons. With our own resident magpie nesting in the John Paul II playground, interest in magpies and other Australian birds has been high. The new picture book Swoop, written by Nicole Godwin and illustrated by Susannah Crispe, has helped us to learn more about the clever and charming magpie. 

Reading Swifty, written by Stephanie Owen Reeder and illustrated by Astred Hicks, has allowed us to discover the captivating story of the remarkable, but critically endangered swift parrot.  We have followed the annual migration of the swift parrot from mainland south-eastern Australia to the flowering blue gum forests of Tasmania, to nest during spring and raise chicks in summer. This has also encouraged a bigger discussion about endangered species and what we can do to help.

The best time for birdwatching in Tasmania is during spring and summer when it is warmer and some birds have migrated back from their winter territories in mainland Australia, so maybe our students can identify some of the birds we have read about during the holidays.

Mrs Kathryn Jaeger

Head of Library / Teacher Librarian