Resource Centre-Mentone

Often when people think of libraries, they remember places of long-lined shelves and looks of ‘can you be quiet please’. At St Bede’s Mentone, rest assured that the library is not that place. On the contrary, it is a place of vibrant learning and interaction, set up for students with a clear focus on enabling them to be the best that they can be to bring about their own personal excellence.

 

Recently, we have seen the House Debating take place. This has been strongly supported by those participating as well as other members of each House as members of the audience. Considerable preparation was required and the debating was of a particularly high standard; which was greatly appreciated by those in attendance. This week sees Public Speaking commence, which we are looking forward to, once again displaying the strong ability of St Bede’s students in this area. 

 

As always, reading remains a major focus for us. We run a number of programs within the Mentone Library, including RAD, which supports the students in their reading, encourages a love of literature and enables them to actively engage in material of their choice. On Fridays, we also have the RAD Retreat, encouraging the students to come into the library and relax through reading. As adults many see reading as a way to wind down. Exposing boys to this as early as possible will hopefully lead to the development of a life skill that not only enables learning but also encourages self-care.

 

Boyzread is a leadership program that runs within the library, pushing the mantra that ‘readers are leaders’. At the recent Academic Awards Evening, Mr Finn highlighted continual reading as an attribute of highly successful people. Boyzread aligns well with this, giving the students voice and calling on them to encourage others to be readers. 

 

As always, study in the library is promoted. Areas are provided for both silent work, which some students prefer, as well as areas for collaboration and sharing. The Year 12s have embraced this in their study periods, modelling what it takes to learn in this way with high levels of engagement on display. In support of this, the library will be open in the first week of the holidays for all students to study, read and relax, and we encourage all students to take advantage of this.

 

Information Literacy, or the capacity to access and organise vast amounts of information that is accessible, is a key skill for all students. As well as running a structured program within subjects, library staff are always willing to help students filter and organise their information. This might be for a speech, essay or assignment, so if you need this sort of assistance drop in and we will help you.

 

The library is a place for all and we encourage each and every student to drop in regularly. As well as seeing our amazing displays, you will also get to know us a whole lot better and see how we can help you to be the best that you can be.

 

Mentone Resource Centre Staff