SEPTEMBER Newsletter 2023
~Welcome Back~
Welcome back to school! I hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready for a new year of learning and fun. I am so excited to see you all again and to share with you the amazing resources and opportunities that our Library Learning Commons has to offer. Whether you want to read a book, conduct inquiry research, create a project, or just relax and enjoy the space, the Library Learning Commons is here for you. I look forward to working with you and supporting your learning goals.
See you soon! - Mr. Lister
~ New BOOKS ~
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
by Alexandra Penfold
by Alex Woolf
by Katherine Applegate
by Kathryn Hulick
~ LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS ~
The school library has a small team of amazing volunteers but we are looking for one or two more to help in the mornings or afternoons. All library volunteers must have a criminal record check on file at the school before volunteering. If you think you might like to volunteer feel free to stop by the library or reach out via email at christopher_lister@sd33.bc.ca
~READING FOR ALL AGES~
Unlock the world of books through three captivating avenues. First, immerse yourself in vibrant illustrations, where images tell their own tale, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
Next, relish the joy of retelling. Share the story with others, infusing it with your unique perspective and enthusiasm, creating a bond between you and the narrative.
Lastly, dive into the written words, where sentences paint vivid pictures and characters spring to life within your imagination. These three ways to read a book guarantee an adventure filled with wonder and endless possibilities. Happy reading!
~BOOK CARE IS MY JAM!~
This video serves as a cheerful reminder to ensure the proper care of books borrowed from the school library.
It is crucial to store and transport these books within a protective 'second skin,' such as a book bag (available for purchase at the library for just $1) or a similar water-resistant bag.
~THE SCHOOL LIBRARY IS FOR GROWN UPS TOO~
Besides serving as an invaluable resource for students, the school library extends its welcoming doors to adults as well. Should you intend to frequent the library, I can facilitate the creation of an account for you, much like the process at a public library. This school library offers an excellent selection of chapter books suitable for family read-aloud sessions, as well as a diverse assortment of picture books perfect for nightly bedtime stories with your children.
~Podcast Spotlight~
Welcome to Strathcona Elementary Schools' Positivity Podcast – a show that shines a light on the beauty of Chilliwack British Columbia and those who live and work here.
In each episode, grade 5 students from Strathcona Elementary School interview a variety of different members of the Chilliwack community including school trustees, museum curators, architects, content creators, and entrepreneurs. During the interview, students ask the essential question:
What do you most appreciate about the City of Chilliwack, the city we live in?
View other podcast recommendations here
~Book Review~
Apartment 713 written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
Type: Chapter Book
Genre: Fantasy
Grades: Grades 3+
Pages: 240
Published: 2022
This gem by Canadian author and illustrator Kevin Sylvester would make an excellent class read-aloud for the 2023-2024 school year.
In Apartment 713, the Regency apartment building becomes a captivating puzzle box and escape room for young Jake and his struggling mother, who move in before its planned demolition. When Jake is unexpectedly transported back in time to the Regency's Art Deco glory days, he forms a bond with his new friend, Beth, and becomes determined to save the building. The story combines mystery, fun, and interwar-era charm, with the Regency's intricate puzzles adding to its allure. Sylvester skillfully weaves bittersweet and tragic backstories into the narrative while maintaining a captivating and emotionally significant adventure.
Themes: Imagination and play, adventure, friendship, time travel,
~COOL TOOLS & GAMES~
~BOOK DONATIONS~
The school library will gladly take any children's books you would like to donate only if they are in excellent used condition. If you would like to purchase new books for the library this is a link to the school library's Amazon Wish List
~BOOKS FOR BABIES~
We are thrilled to continue our "Books for Babies" program again this year. This heartwarming initiative is designed to celebrate the arrival of new additions to our Strathcona School community, whether through birth or adoption. When a new baby joins our Strathcona family, we will be gifting a special package that includes a cherished book. We believe that fostering a love for reading from the very beginning is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of learning and strengthen our community bonds. We look forward to sharing the magic of books with our newest members and hope this program will be a source of delight and inspiration for all.
Welcome to Strathcona, where reading is not just a passion; it's a tradition!
If you know a Strathcona family that qualifies for the Books for Babies package, then please contact the library.
~SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR~
The Scholastic Book Fair will be returning to Strathcona once again this Fall. From Monday, October 16th through Thursday, October 19th the fair will be set up in the library. Students will have a little time during the school day to view and purchase from the fair, but it will also be open after school each day and during the 1/2 day set aside for parent-student-teacher conferences on Thursday, Oct 16th. Closer to the date a schedule will be released that details exactly when the fair is open as well as a call out for parent volunteers with existing criminal record checks on file at the school to help out.
~Strathcona's Little Free Library~
Strathcona Elementary is a proud supporter of community literacy!
WHAT IS A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY?
A Little Free Library is a free book exchange. It belongs to everyone, and everyone can use it!
TAKE BOOKS
If you see something you would like to read, take it. When you’re finished, share it with a friend, bring it back here, or leave it in another Little Free Library.
GIVE BOOKS
It’s up to everyone to keep this Library full of good reads! Bring books to share when you can, and continue being a friend of Little Free Libraries everywhere!
Strathcona's Little Free Library will be rolled out at the back of the school at the end of each school day. It will return to the school after supervision ends.
~OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH~
Get ready for an exciting evening at our upcoming Open House! We are thrilled to invite all parents to join us on Wednesday September 20th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for an event that promises to be informative. One of the highlights of the evening is our enchanting library, where you can discover a world of knowledge alongside your child. From 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, don't miss the chance to check out your next family read-aloud book! It's the perfect opportunity to pick out an engaging story that you and your child can enjoy together. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming tale, or a magical journey, our library is brimming with stories that will captivate young minds and foster a love for reading. We can't wait to see you at the Elementary School Open House as we celebrate the joy of learning and the magic of literature together!
~POSITIVITY - INSPIRATION - JOY~
In the heart of the Isle of Wight‘s lush woodlands, a dedicated guardian is protecting one of the U.K.’s most enigmatic and vulnerable mammals: the hazel dormouse.