JANUARY 2024 LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
~Indigenous land acknowledgement~
Éy swáyel
Strathcona Elementary School's library and those who use it are proud to live, work, play and read on the Stó:lō unceded traditional territory of the Pilalt, Sema:th and Ts’elxwéyeqw tribes.
This year, my journey towards reconciliation involves broadening my own knowledge and understanding of the Halq'emeylem language, incorporating local Stó:lō stories into library time, introducing traditional language to students, and elevating the visibility and accessibility of indigenous books in the collection.
celebration spotlight
~ BLACK EXCELLENCE DAY ~
As a lead up to Black History Month, Black Excellence Day is a day to rejoice Black history and learn about Black stories, Black art and Black people, and a day to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians.
Black Excellence Day was created by Ninandotoo Society and takes place on January 15th each year, or the preceding Friday if it falls on a weekend or holiday. In 2023, Black Excellence Day is on January 13th.
January 15th is in honour of the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929.
The contributions of Black Canadians and the ongoing civil rights struggle of Black Canadians often go unacknowledged in our history books and school curriculum.
The term Black Excellence was born out of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
~ Grade 5 Code Club ~
If you would like to sign your grade 5 student up for an after-school code club run by Mr. Lister in the library on Tuesdays from 2:35-3:35 starting on Jan 16th, then please fill out the sign-up form here:
~ Family Puzzle Night ~
On Wednesday, January 31st, join us at the library for our second annual puzzle competition night. We can accommodate five teams of four participants each. Every team will collaborate on assembling the same 350-piece family puzzle from Cobble Hill. These puzzles feature three different-sized pieces to suit various puzzle-solving skills. You can register either as your own family of four or join forces with another family to complete the teams.
Exciting prizes, along with light refreshments and snacks, will be available during the event. Don't miss out!
~EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGy PERSPECTIVES ~
Educational Pedagogy Perspectives, will provide a diverse range of viewpoints on education, schools, and learning. It will offer insights from experts in the field, including teachers, researchers, and policymakers. The section aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding education and to encourage critical thinking about the future of learning.
This month, I'd like to share a podcast from the ThoughtStretchers Education Podcast titled The ThoughtStretchers Education Podcast: Structured Schooling And Parenting Or Let Grow?
Drew Perkins talks with research professor, Peter Gray, about the importance of children’s play and more self-directed learning in the well-being of kids.
~City wide literacy Challenge ~
Read as many days as you can from February 3 – 23.
What qualifies?
Books, graphic novels, audiobooks, podcasts and more.
Who can participate?
People of all ages!
Track your reading however you want – on your phone, a notepad, or our printable tracker/ballot.
If you miss some days, that’s okay.
At the end of the challenge, enter a prize draw by:
completing the online form at bit.ly/CLSreadingchallenge
emailing a photo of your tracker/ballot to info@chilliwacklearning.com or
dropping off your tracker/ballot at Sardis, Chilliwack or Yarrow Library, or the Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA.
~ New BOOKS ~
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
Harrison P. Spader, Personal Space Invader
by Christianne Jones
by Frank Murphy & Alice lee
My Mixed Emotions - Help your kids handle their feelings
by Elinor Greenwood
by John Devolle
~ BOOK CARE: ELEMENTS ~
Books and other library materials all have archenemies. One of those just happens to be the mighty elements themselves. How you ask? Well, just watch this video. And remember, book care, it's good for everyone!
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 ~
Be the hero of your own story with Dorktales Storytime, the award-winning podcast for kids and their pop culture loving grownups. Enter their Once Upon a Time world where hosts, Jonathan Cormur and Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog, take you on a storytelling journey of curiosity and acceptance. You’ll explore reimagined fairytales and fables with social emotional themes, discover inspiring stories of history’s hidden heroes, and experience imaginary tales of boundless possibilities.
View other podcast recommendations here
~ Book Review ~
Because Of The Rabbit written and Cynthia Lord
Type: Chapter Book
Grades: 2+
Pages: 192
Published: 2019
Emma has always been homeschooled, but now she wants to try public school and make a best friend. On her first day, she meets Jack, a quirky boy who loves animals. They bond over Emma's rescue bunny, Lapi, but Emma worries that Jack will make her stand out too much. A touching story about friendship, acceptance, and finding your place in the world.
~ 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.
Feeling philanthropic? The school library would love to receive any hardcover book on this list.
The Book Man our very own family-run, locally-owned used bookstore in Historic Downtown Chilliwack would be more than happy to help you purchase books on this list. You can find their contact information here.
If the Book Man cannot find a copy then you can find it on the school library's Amazon Wish List
~ POSITIVITY - INSPIRATION - JOY ~
The Reflection in Me, an animation about self-appreciation
Finding the courage to appreciate one’s own talents, hard work, passions, and unique story can take practice, but The Reflection in Me is a reminder that “you are perfectly perfect just the way you are.”