LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2024
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 tribe.
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 library collection.
teacher-librarianship PHILOSoPHY
My educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the Constructivist Learning Theory, believing that students build knowledge through experiences and reflection. I also attempt to foster a growth mindset and nurture curiosity when I am designing library programming. I prioritize hands-on learning experiences, allowing children to explore, discover, and construct their own understanding.
I embrace a “freedom to read” attitude, encouraging students to explore a diverse range of books that ignite their passion for reading, rather than limiting choice based on reading ability. This approach helps cultivate a genuine love for reading and lifelong learning.
Our library is a place where students can discover books that reflect their own experiences and open windows to new perspectives. Strathcona's school library is committed to offering a collection representing diverse perspectives, that includes voices from all backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, ensuring that every student can find something that resonates with them. This exposure nurtures empathy, understanding, and a global outlook.
Finally, I envision our Library Learning Commons as a vibrant hub of creativity, play, storytelling, and innovation - a space where students feel empowered to explore ideas, collaborate with peers, and develop critical thinking skills. By providing a rich, diverse, and inclusive environment, I aim to inspire learners to become confident, independent thinkers who are well-equipped to navigate an ever-changing world.
LITERACY TALK
LIBRARY VOLUNTEER
The school library has an amazing volunteer, Stephanie, but we are looking for one 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
OCTOBER SPOTLIGHTS
(This section highlights important events, social justice moments, and cultural celebrations,
ensuring they are recognized and appreciated.)
DIWALI
Thursday, Oct 31st
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated with vibrant lights, decorations, and fireworks. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families celebrate by lighting oil lamps, sharing sweets, and spending time together.
SOCKTOBER
Socktober is an important community-driven event where families donate new socks to help those in need. It teaches children the importance of kindness and giving back, while providing essential items to local shelters and missions. Join us in making a difference this October! 🧦
Our goal is to donated 50 pairs of socks.
Stayed turned for more details.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The Scholastic Book Fair is a fundraiser for the library that will allow us to purchase additional copies of our most popular titles. Books are priced at approximately $10 and up, while stationery items such as pens, pencils, and erasers start at around $1.50.
This year, the format of the Scholastic Book Fair is changing. To minimize disruptions during school hours, the fair will only be open after school. Please refer to the schedule opposite for specific operating times.
The Scholastic Book Fair is highly popular and can be noisy and overwhelming for some students and their families. If you require a quieter time to visit the fair, please contact me to arrange an accommodation.
BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our book fair relies on the invaluable help of our parent volunteers. If you're able to spare some time during the listed hours, please contact at christopher_lister@sd33.bc.ca to get involved.
Inaugural Family Trivia Night!
Get ready to put your smarts to the test at our very first Family Trivia Night!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 22nd from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Gather your family and compete in a fun-filled trivia showdown featuring questions about books, movies, TV shows, and general knowledge! With room for just 6 teams of 6 or fewer, this event promises to be exciting and packed with friendly competition.
Enjoy light refreshments, win fantastic prizes, and take the chance to explore our library's collection before the trivia fun begins. You are guaranteed to find your next great family read-aloud!
Sign up now using the link below—spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We can't wait to see you there!
📅 Date: Tuesday, October 22nd
🕒 Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Strathcona Library
Sign Up Here: https://forms.office.com/r/y7ngWnv8YV
Don’t miss out on this fantastic family evening! 📖🎉
LIBRARY INFORMATION
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
Educational Pedagogical Perspectives section of the newsletter offers 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 Tim Cavey's Teachers On Fire podcast titled, How to Shift to Student-Centered Learning in Your Classroom with Kyle Wagner.
Kyle is the founder and lead PBL/Learning Design Coach for Transform Educational Consulting, an organization that empowers forward thinking schools and educators to create more globally, socially and emotionally aware citizens through project-based experiences and student-centered environments.
~ New BOOKS ~
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
~ 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 while stocks last) or a similar water-resistant bag.
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.
ANNUAL BOOKMARK ART CONTEST
Design a Bookmark for 2024!
Theme: Creativity, Curiosity, Reading, or Kindness
Guidelines:
Pick up a template from the library
Create your design in pencil, then outline with a fine-liner (available to borrow)
No colour or shading – allow others to personalize later
Include your name, age, and teacher's name
Take your time for the best results
Family input welcome
Submission:
Return to the library during October
Deadline: Tuesday, October 31st
Judging:
Designs judged by grade level
1-2 selections per category for printing
Preference given to designs connecting to the theme. Templates can be taken home. See example for reference.
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
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 create an account for you, much like the process at a public library. Our library has an excellent selection of chapter books suitable for family read-alouds, as well as a diverse assortment of picture books perfect for nightly bedtime stories with your children.
READING FOR ALL AGES
There are different ways to read a book:
Read The Pictures - Immerse yourself in vibrant illustrations, where images tell their own tale, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
Retell The Story - 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.
Read The Words - 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!
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
In a distant future that’s either really bad or really good (depending on whose side you’re on), two strange and unlikely champions embark on a series of adventures to stop a wicked A.I., and in the process must struggle to understand “old-fashioned” ideas like “kindness” and “just hanging out not doing much”.
View other podcast recommendations here
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
A Galaxy of Whales
(Author Heather Fawcett)
Type: Chapter Book
Grades: grade 3+
Pages: 177
Published: 2024
A Galaxy of Whales follows 11-year-old Fern Mackenzie as she navigates family, friendship, and growing up while helping with her family's whale watching business in Goose Beach. Faced with competition from a rival company, a photography contest, and evolving relationships, Fern struggles to reconnect with her best friend and confront her enemy. Through adventure and self-discovery, Fern learns the true meaning of friendship and family, making this an engaging and layered story.
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 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
The positivity podcast
Grade 5 students are currently working on Season 3 of The Positivity Podcast. In anticipation of the new season please feel free to check out our first 2 seasons wherever you get your podcasts.
POSITIVITY - INSPIRATION - JOY - INQUIRY - INFORMATION
There’s an oft-repeated question, a conversational game of sorts, that asks, “If you could go back in time and change one thing in the history of the world, what would you change?” We sometimes forget that one thing can be done right now to positively impact the future.
This clip from the BBC Earth documentary Mammals shares a rare glimpse into the world of a wolverine family. These notoriously elusive creatures inhabit remote boreal forests and tundra across the Northern Hemisphere and reveal a tender side to their family life.