LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2025
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Indigenous land acknowledgement
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.
WELCOME BACK
WELCOME BACK
Welcome back to school, Strathcona families! 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 (LLC) has to offer. Whether you want to read a book, conduct inquiry research, create a project, or just relax and enjoy the space, the LLC is here for you. I look forward to working with you and supporting your reading and learning goals.
I recognize the vital role families play in fostering a love of reading. I invite you to visit the library, participate in our events, and share your own reading experiences with your children. Together, we can create a community of readers who are curious, informed, and empathetic.
Let’s make this school year a fantastic one filled with discovery and growth!
See you soon! - Mr. Lister
teacher-librarianship PHILOSoPHY
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.
SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
TERRY FOX
Friday, September 20th
Terry's Story - https://terryfox.org/terrys-story/
Terry Fox represented the best that Canadians have to offer. He was an example of courage, humility, determination, and perseverance. From a young age he exemplified these attributes that made him an inspiration for not only Canada, but the entire world.
OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, September 17th
Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm
During the inside portion of the event, please feel free to stop by the library and check out this amazing space. I'll also be available to check out your next family read aloud!
NATIONAL TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY
Monday, September 30th
Website: https://nctr.ca/
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
LIBRARY INFORMATION
LIBRARY INFORMATION
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
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 School Librarians United podcast titled, Horror in Our Elementary Collection
This podcast discusses teaching young students to understand and combat misinformation, emphasizing compassion and empathy. Melanie Trecek-King, a biology professor, explains how confirmation bias, emotional appeals, and the reiteration effect contribute to misinformation. She provides strategies for educators to enhance students’ information literacy and critical thinking skills, using non-triggering examples and practical tools.
LIBRARY BOOK EXCHANGES DAY BY CLASS
LIBRARY BOOK EXCHANGES DAY BY CLASS
New BOOKS
New BOOKS
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
by Peter Brown
by Mike Bender and Chuck Dillon
by Melissa Stewart
by Sarah Travers
~ 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
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.
FAMILY BOOK-A-DAY
FAMILY BOOK-A-DAY
Grade 1 Initiative
We’re excited to launch Family Book-a-Day, a new literacy initiative inspired by the “Classroom Book-a-Day” movement.
Each participating Grade One family will receive a crate containing 7 picture books—one for each day of the week—to enjoy together. Crates are picked up on Friday (or Monday) and returned the following week for a fresh set.
Why join?
Daily reading helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. Sharing stories as a family strengthens connections, sparks curiosity, and encourages lifelong reading habits. Picture books are short and can be enjoyed together in just 15 minutes a day.
We’re starting with 10 families. If you’d like to participate and are in Grade 1, please fill out the form below. We’ll select the first 10 families who sign up.
Let’s build a joyful community of readers—at home and at school!
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
Discover What Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) Has to Offer! We’re planning a short after-school visit from FVRL staff one day in October, and all families are invited. Whether your child already has a library card or not, this is a great chance to learn more about the wide range of free services FVRL provides—like borrowing books and audiobooks, accessing digital learning tools, and joining engaging programs for kids and families. Library card registration will also be available for those who need one. If you're interested in attending, please click the link below to let us know!
Is Your Child in Grade 4 or 5? Ask Them About the Reading Link Challenge!
Strathcona Elementary is once again participating in the Reading Link Challenge, a fun and engaging reading competition designed for students in grades 4 and 5. Teams work together to read selected books and answer trivia-style questions in a friendly challenge that promotes teamwork and a love of reading. If your child enjoys reading and working with others, this could be a great opportunity for them!
Students will need to listen for school announcements in October to find out when meetings will take place. Please ask your child if they’re interested in joining a team!
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
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.
Listen To Reading – Enjoy the magic of storytelling through listening. Whether it's a teacher, parent, peer, or audiobook, hearing a story read aloud builds comprehension, vocabulary, and a love for language.
These four ways to read a book guarantee an adventure filled with wonder and endless possibilities. Happy reading!
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
Jasper Rabbit's Creepy Tales
written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Peter Brown
Type: Illustrated Chapter Book
Grades: K+
Pages: 88
Published: 2025
Jasper the Rabbit is back! A little older and wiser, he collects creepy stories to share as cautionary tales. If you’re ready for some chills and chuckles alike, tune in as Jasper weaves the yarn of Charlie Marmot and the particular pickle he found himself in.
See, Charlie here has a problem: his tonsils have become infected and have to come out. No biggie, right? But when he decides he wants to keep them in a jar for show and tell, things get creepy… First, strange slurping sounds in his room keep Charlie awake the night before his surgery. Then, he goes to the doctor only to be told his tonsils are already gone! Could it be they’re out for revenge?
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
The positivity podcast
We are actively looking for Grade 5 students to participate in season 4 of the The Positivity Podcast. In anticipation of the new season please feel free to check out our first three 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.
An online retailer in China, JD, has a character in its advertisements it calls Joy, a dog, and in this video, Joy encounters someone new.
Sometimes there are people around you who, if you knew them just a little better, might turn out to be someone special in your life. Do you agree? Why or why not?
If this seems true to you, that certainly says something about the people you may not like at the moment. It may also say something about you in the eyes of others.
Did you have another takeaway from watching this story? If so, what?
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