LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2025
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
Literacy Talk is a section dedicated to literacy development, offering tips, research,
and strategies to enhance a variety of literacy skills.
TipsForReadingWithYourChild.pdfMARCH SPOTLIGHTS
This section highlights important events, social justice moments, and cultural celebrations, ensuring they are recognized and appreciated.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Historical background
The beginnings of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early twentieth century. It emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society.
International Women's Day first took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. That day, over a million women and men attended public events to show their support. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed.
Today
International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8th. It's a special day when we honour the achievements of women throughout history and around the world. This day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women and girls everywhere.
This year's theme is Accelerated Action
Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
RAMADAN
Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset. This year, Ramadan started on February 28. During this time, individuals reflect on spirituality, practice self-discipline, and engage in acts of kindness. The fast, known as sawm, promotes empathy for those in need. It concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival of gratitude and community.
GARDE 5 PODCAST Club UPDATE
We have now recruited our grade 5 podcast team for Season 3.
If you know of anyone interesting in the community that might like to appear on the podcast, please give us a shout and we'll reach out to them.
Here's a link to our previous work: https://sites.libsyn.com/536387/site
Picture book knockout
Picture Book Knockout Returns! 📚 🏆
Get ready for the literary event of the year! After last year's wildly successful debut, Strathcona Picture Book Knockout is making its triumphant return after Spring Break! Mr. Neely will be defending his title win last year with The Barnabus Project with another inspiring book.
How does it work? Every class—yes, even our wonderful PAC parents—nominates their favourite picture book to enter our thrilling tournament. The competition heats up as students and teachers read two contending books side-by-side in each round, cast their votes, and watch as the winners advance—just like March Madness, but with stories instead of slam dunks!
The best part? You can join the excitement from home too! All competing books will be digitized and shared with families, allowing everyone to follow along, pick favourites, and debate the merits of each contender.
Which magical story will claim the championship title this year? Which beloved characters will capture our hearts? Only your votes will decide!
Mark your calendars, sharpen your critical reading skills, and prepare to champion your favourites in this celebration of literature, friendly competition, and the joy of reading.
Let the Strathcona Picture Book Knockout begin—may the best book win!
LIBRARY INFORMATION
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
The 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 the Library Exchange podcast titled,
On this episode of Library Exchange, Julie Saunders and Jan Wilson speak with Amanda Jones, an award-winning librarian, author, and advocate, on issues like soft censorship, the right to access information, and the role of libraries in fostering community and intellectual freedom.
Amanda shares her personal journey, including her impactful advocacy work against book banning, and her appearance at the Sundance Film Festival for the documentary "The Librarians." She highlights the importance of representation in library collections and the ongoing struggle against censorship, driven by her belief that books can indeed save lives.
New BOOKS
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
by Elise Gravel
by Oleksandr Shatokhin
by Jason Chin
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
Below is a list of local upcoming literacy events.
BEYOND THE BUZZ: THE FUTURE OF AI ADOPTION
Saturday, March 08, 1:00pm–2:30pm
Online event
In this thought-provoking and engaging presentation, Avery Swartz, digital pioneer and founder of Camp Tech, provides an insightful look into the rapidly evolving landscape of machine learning and generative AI. With a blend of expertise and humour, Avery offers a high-level overview of how this technology functions, and demonstrates the game-changing potential of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
The discussion goes beyond the hype to examine AI's complex ethical terrain. Through open dialogue, you'll learn how to navigate issues like bias, privacy, and copyright concerns as you harness AI's remarkable capabilities responsibly.
You’ll leave this presentation feeling empowered with vital knowledge and a mindset to implement these powerful technologies ethically while championing inclusivity. Get ahead of the curve by learning how to guide the positive transformation AI can bring. Embrace the future as an innovative leader driving ethical AI adoption.
Registration required - Register for event
Improve your English through speaking and listening about different topics each week in a safe and friendly space. Suitable for all age groups. This program is in partnership with the Chilliwack Learning Society.
ONE SCHOOL ONE BOOK FEEDBACK
Thank you for participating in our school-wide literacy event "One School, One Book" featuring "The Knighthood for Beginners" by Elys Dolan. We would love to hear your thoughts! This delightful story about Dave the dragon's unexpected journey into knighthood has brought our school community together through shared reading experiences.
Tell Us What You Think in the feedback poll below!
I know you all lead busy lives so as an incentive for completing the feedback poll your child will be entered into a draw to win one of 5 new books.
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.
When does my child visit the library?
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
Whose Amazing Life?
You venture deep into the jungle to solve its greatest mysteries. You gaze at Earth from the surface of the moon. You write music that has the whole world humming along. WHOSE AMAZING LIFE? is the new series from the creators of Little Stories Everywhere and Adventures of Cairo. Walk in the shoes of the world’s most inspiring people, from Amelia Earhart to Lin-Manuel Miranda to Ariana Grande. Experience the challenges and triumphs they faced on their journeys — before everyone on the planet knew their names. Listen closely for clues, because we won’t reveal who the person is until the very end of each episode! Each week brings a new adventure where listeners of all ages can immerse themselves in the life of someone amazing.
View other podcast recommendations here
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
The Weird Sisters: a Note, a Goat, and a Casserole
(written Mark Smith, illustrated by Kari Rust)
Type: Chapter Book
Grades: grade 1+
Pages: 72
Published: 2022
The first book in a mystery series features three sleuthing sisters.
One spring evening, three strange visitors arrive in the town of Covenly. Sisters Hildegurp, Yuckmina, and Glubbifer are hoping to start fresh with a new business: a pet store! Their first customer is nine-year-old Jessica Nibley, who has lost her pet goat and hopes the sisters can help track it down. But when the sisters discover a mangled note with missing pieces that suggests they aren’t welcome in town, they suddenly have two mysteries to solve.
Jessica and the sisters jump on a broomstick and fly off to investigate. As they collect clues and get closer to solving the cases, Covenly residents start to look beyond the sisters’ unusual appearances and welcome them to the community as they are.
The first volume in this whimsical chapter book mystery series is filled with hilarious misunderstandings, clever wordplay, and dynamic illustrations. The sleuthing sisters, who are inspired by the three witches from Macbeth (there’s even a recipe for a witch’s stew!), invite Covenly residents and readers to look past appearances and embrace people for who they are, weirdness and all.
TOOL/APP OF THE MONTH
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.
Here's a link to our previous work: https://sites.libsyn.com/536387/site
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.
Bent Out of Shape, Chloe Merwin’s charming allegorical animation
In this animated tale, where shapes and colors reflect society, Ivy and Eve—a square mother-daughter duo—lead an angled existence. But their quiet, predictable life turns unexpectedly when Olive, a vibrant, round-edged newcomer, moves into their neighbourhood.
As Ivy struggles with her biases against this round outsider, young Eve’s worldview begins to take a different shape. Can these metaphorical characters learn to coexist?