Welcome back to another year in our school library! Library borrowing has commenced, and Mrs Newcombe (library assistant) tells me it’s been great to see so many excited faces borrowing books from our wonderful, current and varied school collection.   The classroom teachers will bring the children to the library for borrowing with Mrs Newcombe every Friday. Kinder will borrow every Tuesday. If your child is absent on these days, they can borrow on other days.  Please encourage your child to bring a library bag (preferably waterproof) for borrowing.  Waterproof bags help protect the books from leaky water bottles.  Though single use plastic bags are not as available in shops, a plastic bag is preferable over a cloth one.  

Library lessons are underway.  I teach information literacy and skill development in research linking the English syllabus to content in relation to the History and Geography Syllabus.  The students will apply these skills under the information communication technology (ICT) umbrella to support the effective use of technology.  We have a lot of fun with our learning, research and technology in the library.  

I have been talking to all students in Years 1 to 6 about the Premiers Reading Challenge (PRC) which officially kicked off last week.  Last year, we had nearly 40 students independently participate in the challenge and our goal is to double that this year! Years 3-6 must read (and record) 20 books and K-2 must “experience” 30 books by 22 August this year.  The challenge is not compulsory but certainly encouraged and is very achievable considering the six-month timeframe. Years 4 to 6 are encouraged to record their reading log on their BYOD devices but children can find spare reading logs in the library.  If you have any questions about the PRC, please follow this link or email me at janet.carmichael@mn.catholic.edu.au

Soon, your child will take home a Scholastic Book Club catalogue.  This is an excellent opportunity for families to purchase books, stationery, and educational games at excellent prices. The school earns 15% of all items purchased which is then used to organize terrific resources for our students at no cost to the school.  Please follow the link on the student order form to read about how to pay online or via the LOOP app (you do not need to complete the paper order form if using LOOP).  Cash is still happily accepted if your child wishes to pay that way.  Send it along to the office and it will find its way to us. 

Would you please pop this event, my favourite day of the school year, into your calendars: St Columba’s Book Week celebrations is Wednesday, 11 June (Week 7, Term 2.) The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) theme for 2025 is Book an Adventure!  I will be discussing costume ideas with the students for this special day.  More details to follow.

Last year, our library space was relocated to two demountable buildings.  We have made this new library learning space welcoming and are thrilled to have so many students visit our “new digs” during the second half lunch for Lunch Club.  This is a place to socialize and play card games such as UNO, board games and chess and build and create with Lego and Kapla blocks.  We read, draw, talk and meet other children in the school.  All students are more than welcome. 

Thank you,

J. Carmichael (Mrs C), Teacher Librarian