LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2026
Embedded Files
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.
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.
LITERACY TALK
Literacy Talk is a section dedicated to literacy development, offering tips, research,
and strategies to enhance a variety of literacy skills.
TipsForReadingWithYourChild.pdfCOMMUNITY SUPPORT
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Thank You, Tycrop! Supporting Innovation at Our School
Thank You, Tycrop! Supporting Innovation at Our School
We are excited to share some amazing news! Tycrop, a local engineering company in Rosedale, has generously donated a Chompsaw to our school. This innovative tool will allow students and teachers to prototype and design using cardboard, opening up new opportunities for creativity and hands-on learning.
With the Chompsaw, our classrooms can dive deeper into STEM education, exploring design thinking, engineering principles, and sustainable practices. Tycrop’s support helps us inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
A huge thank-you to Tycrop for investing in our students and making a real difference in their learning journey! 🌟
JANUARY celebration spotlight
JANUARY celebration spotlight
~ BLACK EXCELLENCE DAY ~
~ 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.
SOCKVEMBER Update
SOCKVEMBER Update
Thank you for helping grade 4-5 students lead this important service-learning initiative.
We are looking forward to expanding this next year. The items have now been delivered to Ruth and Naomi's Outreach Team.
LISTEN TO READING OPTIONS
What is Sora?
Sora is a free reading app that gives students instant access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks from our school library. Think of it as carrying the entire library in your child's pocket!
How it works:
Students can browse, borrow, and read books directly on their phone, tablet, or computer—anytime, anywhere. Books automatically return when due, so there are no late fees to worry about. Your child can even download titles to read offline during car trips or when internet isn't available.
Why parents love it:
Safe, ad-free environment designed specifically for students
Supports reluctant readers with audiobook options
Helps build independent reading habits
Free access to popular titles and new releases
Getting started:
Click on the link above and sign in using your child's SD33 login credentials: studentnumber@sd33online.ca and their password. If you don't have your child's account information, please contact their teacher or the school librarian.
What is Libby?
Libby is an easy-to-use app that connects your family to our public library's digital collection. With your library card, you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free—no trips to the library required!
How it works:
Simply download the Libby app, sign in with your library card number, and start browsing thousands of titles. Borrow books with one tap, read or listen on your device, and they'll automatically return when your lending period ends.
Why families love it:
Access books 24/7 from home
No overdue fines—books return themselves
Great for bedtime reading or listening together
Perfect for vacations and travel
Getting started:
Download Libby from your app store and have your library card handy. Don't have a card yet? Visit your local public library or their website to sign up online!
LIBRARY INFORMATION
LIBRARY INFORMATION
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
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 10-Minute Teacher Podcast titled,
AI as an Assistant: Rethinking Learning and the Future of School
In this episode, we tackle the challenges educators face as uncertainty around AI, demographic shifts, and evolving student futures continue to reshape schools. Teachers are feeling the pressure to personalize learning for every student, and we explore how AI might assist rather than overwhelm us in that work. Jennifer Womble, Conference Chair for FETC, joins us to unpack trends that matter now and in the years ahead. Whether you're attending FETC or not, this conversation will help you make sense of what's next in education.
New BOOKS
New BOOKS
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
Below is a list of local upcoming literacy events.
CHILLIWACK CULTURAL CENTRE
Chilliwack School of Performing Arts Presents Wizard of Oz
Location: HUB International Theatre
Prices:
-Preview Night: $20.00 – All Seats
-$29.00 – Adult
-$25.00 – Senior/Student
Dates & Times: January 15, 2026 – 7:00 PM, January 16, 2026 – 7:00 PM, January 17, 2026 – 2:00 PM, January 17, 2026 – 7:00 PM, and January 18, 2026 – 2:00 PM
We’re off to see the Wizard! Join CSOPA’s MainStage program for the beloved classic tale of the Wizard of OZ. Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. A young farm girl, Dorthy Gale, gets swept away into the fantastical world of OZ by a tornado. She journeys along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to ask the famous wizard of OZ for help in returning home. Along the way, she befriends a Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, who are also seeking to have wishes granted. To gain his aid, they must defeat the Wicked Witch of the West! Will Dorthy and her new friends make it to the Wizard and have their wishes granted, Or has what they sought been in them all along?
Tickets here
ONE SCHOOL ONE BOOK
ONE SCHOOL ONE BOOK
Exciting News: One School, One Book is Coming this winter!
We are thrilled to announce that our school will be participating in the One School, One Book program starting this January! This wonderful initiative aims to foster a love of reading and build a strong sense of community within our school.
What is One School, One Book?
For our new families, One School, One Book is a literacy program where the entire school community reads the same book at the same time. Here’s how it works:
Book Selection: A single book is chosen for all students, from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Family Involvement: Each family receives a copy of the book to read at home with their families.
Reading Schedule: We will provide a reading schedule so everyone can follow along together.
Engaging Activities: Throughout the program, we will have various activities and discussions to enhance the reading experience.
This program not only promotes literacy but also encourages family involvement and strengthens our school community. We can't wait to embark on this reading adventure with you!
Stay tuned for more details and happy reading!
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?
When does my child visit the library?
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
StoryKind sparks the joy and connectivity of storytelling in kids! Geared for kids 8 and up, each week Kelly and Kate will share tips for writing, answer questions they receive from young readers, celebrate the work of teachers and librarians in literacy spaces, and spread the magic of real, human storytelling! New episodes every Monday.
View other podcast recommendations here
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
The Islands of Elsewhere
(written by Heather Fawcett)
Type: Chapter Book
Grades: grade 2+
Pages: 224
Published: 2023
The three Snolly sisters—bossy Hattie, logical Bee, and whimsical Plum—spend a summer in Misty Cove to support their grandfather as he navigates the early stages of dementia. During their stay, they discover three mysterious "in-between" islands on his property: Fairy, Little Fairy, and Ghost. Driven by a desire to save their grandfather’s home, the sisters use a secret map to hunt for a legendary pirate treasure hidden by their ancestor, Lucy Juniper. While the science-minded Bee is initially skeptical of the local legends, the islands' rumored magic soon becomes a high-stakes reality as the girls fight to keep their family together.
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
Recipe of the month
Recipe of the month
Is there anything better than a slow morning and a perfectly cooked breakfast? This month, we’re handing the spatula over to Buddy Oliver to show us how it’s done.
In this month’s featured recipe, Buddy proves that you don’t need fancy knife skills to make a gourmet meal. Whether you’re cooking with your kids or just looking for a foolproof 5-minute lunch, this "Perfect Omelette" is a game-changer.
Season 4 - Call for guests
Season 4 - Call for guests
Season 4 of the Grade 5 Positivity Podcast – Community Guests Welcome!
The Grade 5 Positivity Podcast, recorded in the Strathcona Library, is back for Season 4 with a new focus inspired by podcasts like @StillRyan.
This year, students will interview guests around one simple question:
What makes you happy?
Episodes will include a few warm-up questions, connections to life in Chilliwack, what guests do for work or interests, and then a deeper conversation about happiness and joy. The goal is to help students practise listening, speaking, curiosity, and positive reflection.
We’re inviting parents, family members, and community friends to join us as podcast guests. No experience needed—just a willingness to share and connect with students.
If you’re interested in being involved, please get in touch. We’d love to hear your story!
The positivity podcast
The positivity podcast
We are activly looking for Grade 5 students who are interested in working on Season 4 of The Positivity Podcast. In anticipation of the new season please feel free to check out our first 3 seasons wherever you get your podcasts.
POSITIVITY - INSPIRATION - JOY - INQUIRY - INFORMATION
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.”
Page updated
Report abuse