Library

Our library not only houses books, it has an Interactive White Board and Connected Classroom facilities. The Interactive Whiteboard is incorporated into the library lessons. This allows video clips, sound grabs, music clips and links to the internet to be included into lesson programming and delivery. Through our Connected Classroom we are able to travel the world via virtual excursions. In the past we have spoken to authors, the Australian Museum, Taronga Zoo and we even went to Outer Space when we linked to NASA's Space Center, Houston. Students are able to listen to and interact with the presenters.

Sometimes we have a one to one connection but other times several schools link into the presentation at the same time. We are able to ask questions and watch demonstrations and sometimes we can connect through the Interactive Whiteboard and each school can see what is happening as we write our section of the presentation. This technology is engaging to students and allows us to travel to places not before possible.

Borrowing

Students are able to borrow books from the library. Borrowing usually happens as part of library lessons and they can borrow at lunchtimes.

Kindergarten students are able to borrow 1 book for two weeks (although most change their books weekly)

Year 1 and Year 2 students are able to borrow 2 books, one to take home and one for the classroom.

Year 5 and 6 are able to borrow 3 books, two to take home and one for the classroom.

The classroom books are for the students to read during Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) time. Class teachers prefer the students to have a novel or chapter book for DEAR time.

From time to time your child may bring home an overdue notice. Please have a look for this book and send it to school with the student. If students continue to not return their books, they may have their borrowing rights suspended. At times books get damaged or lost, if this happens please send a note explaining the dilemma. Paying for the misplaced or damaged book will assist us with keeping our library collection current and greatly appreciated.

Librarians

A school library is a very busy place and one Teacher Librarian cannot run it by herself. So I have a wonderful group of dedicated assistants. Mrs Iredale is a wiz with accessioning books and keeping our computer records. I also have a small band of brilliant parent helpers who assist with tasks that make a huge difference to the day to day running of the library. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those parents for their tireless work.

Each year we have student librarians. These librarians give up their lunchtimes to help in the library with book shelving, assisting younger children, helping with Book Club and other general library duties.

Library lessons

Each class comes to the library every week for a one hour library lesson. During this time students are able to:

• borrow and return books
• develop a love of literacy
• explore all genres of literature
• develop research skills
• understand the components of a book
• study authors and illustrators

We have an extensive collection that is continually updated with new resources and current titles that are age appropriate for our students. We endeavour to monitor the books selected by students so that they are reading books that have appropriate content while levelled at their reading age.

Lunchtime in the library

Our library is open at lunchtime for students to come and visit. At lunchtime there are many activities including, reading, drawing, science table, Lego construction, chess, board games, matchbox cars, train set, farm set, dollhouse, a large range of jigsaws, marble run, dolls and puppets. We have various displays for the students to look at and some to interact with.