LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - June 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.
END OF YEAR LIBRARY FEEDBACK
END OF YEAR LIBRARY FEEDBACK
The library is always looking for ways to improve—whether that’s building our collection, offering better services for students, or strengthening our connection with the community. With that in mind, I’d love to hear from families! Please share any feedback you have about the library or ideas for changes you’d like to see. The poll is anonymous.
JUNE SPOTLIGHTS
This section highlights important events, social justice moments, and cultural celebrations, ensuring they are recognized and appreciated.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
📣 National Indigenous Peoples Day – School Event Announcement!
June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada — a special time to honour and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It’s an important opportunity for all Canadians to learn about and appreciate the rich traditions and diverse stories of Indigenous communities across the country.
To recognize this important day, our school will be hosting a celebration on the school field on Monday, June 22nd. Students will take part in activities that honour Indigenous cultures, stories, and traditions. We look forward to coming together as a school community to learn, reflect, and celebrate.
We hope to see everyone there!
Pride Month is an annual celebration that honours the significant contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community to history, society, and cultures worldwide. It typically takes place throughout June each year. The origins of Pride Month trace back to the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 in New York City. During these riots, members of the LGBTQ+ community protested against police raids at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar. The events at Stonewall marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Schools celebrate Pride Month to foster inclusivity, educate on LGBTQ+ history, and support LGBTQ+ students, combating bullying and fostering acceptance. It's a vital opportunity for dialogue, promoting empathy, understanding, and creating safer, more supportive environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Picture book knockout
Picture book knockout
Second Round DETAILS
Second Round DETAILS
Second Round Promo Video.mp48 of the 16 books have made it into the second round. The second round will be played this week, and the semi-finals and final will take place next week. Please free read to read, and vote at home even though you child is also playing at school.
📖 What is Picture Book Knockout?
📖 What is Picture Book Knockout?
Students will listen to pairs of picture books (“matchups”), then vote for their favourite. Winning books move on to the next round until we crown a school-wide champion!
🏫 What’s happening at school?
🏫 What’s happening at school?
In the first round (the “Round of 16”), your child’s class will read and vote on one side of the bracket.
As the tournament progresses, classes will continue reading and voting during the:
Quarterfinals (8 books)
Semifinals (4 books)
Finals (2 books)
🏠 How can families join in?
🏠 How can families join in?
We would love for families to be part of the fun!
To help students experience all the books, we encourage you to explore all the book matchups at home together.
👉 Access the live Picture Book Knockout bracket:
https://linkly.link/2jg8h
👉 Learn how to use the bracket and vote:
https://linkly.link/2jgAR
Summer Checkout
Summer Checkout
📚☀️ Summer Reading Starts Soon! ☀️📚
We’re excited to announce our Summer Book Checkout, happening June 22–24!
Want to keep the reading going all summer long instead of letting those books gather dust on the shelves? We’ve got you covered! Simply fill out the form here to sign up.
This is the perfect chance to:
Dive into a longer novel 📖
Take home an entire series 📚
Discover new family read-alouds for the campfire 🔥 (or wherever your summer adventures take you!)
No matter what your summer looks like, we’re here to keep your reading list full and exciting. Happy reading! 🌟
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
Every Summer, Fraser Valley Regional Library hosts Summer Reading Club (SRC) for all ages. Record your reading all summer long for chances to win prizes. The more you read, the more chances to win!
How to Join
In-person:
Visit your closest FVRL location to register and pick up a paper SRC Reading Record
Track your reading progress and read 15 minutes or more each day
Collect progress stickers (Kids SRC only) and enter prize draws at your closest FVRL location
Online:
Register or sign in to FVRL’s Beanstack or download the Beanstack app
Join the current FVRL Summer Reading Club challenge for your age group
Track your reading progress and read 15 minutes or more each day
Log your reading to earn badges and enter weekly prize drawings
Both: Track your reading online and on paper for more chances to win!
STORYTIME ON THE FARM
STORYTIME ON THE FARM
Join the Agassiz Library at Earthwise for a busy buzzing bee Storytime and tour of Earthwise Farm. Rhea from Earthwise Society will teach us all about pollinators and what they do on the fam. Sit back relax and enjoy the nature around you.
Things to note:
Bring a blanket to sit on for Storytime
All participating bees are of the stuffy variety
Sign up here
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.
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
PAGES AND CO - Tilly and the Bookwanderers
(written by Anna James)
Type: Illustrated Chapter Book
Grades: grade 3+
Pages: 288
Published: 2019
A magical adventure to delight the imagination. A curl-up-on-the-sofa snuggle of a debut from a uniquely talented author.
Eleven year-old Tilly has lived above her grandparents’ bookshop ever since her mother disappeared shortly after she was born. Like the rest of her family, Tilly loves nothing more than to escape into the pages of her favourite stories.
One day Tilly realises that classic children’s characters are appearing in the shop through the magic of ‘book wandering’ – crossing over from the page into real life.
With the help of Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland. Tilly is determined to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother all those years ago, so she bravely steps into the unknown, unsure of what adventure lies ahead and what dangers she may face.
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
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.
The Lemonade Machine 2, an inventive Rube Goldberg long take
In 2018, a group of chain reaction YouTubers joined forces to build an epic Rube Goldberg machine they called The Lemonade Machine. In 2026, Steve Price of the Sprice Machines YouTube channel and the Domino Masters television show posted a 15-minute, house-wide follow up: The Lemonade Machine 2.
Page updated
Report abuse