LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - MARCH 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.
all_about_early_literacy-information_for_parents_and_caregivers.pdfONE SCHOOL ONE BOOK - SURVEY
ONE SCHOOL ONE BOOK - SURVEY
A huge thank you to all the families who participated in our "One School, One Book" initiative this year! We hope you and your children enjoyed diving into the funny, magical world of The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex. It is always a joy to see our community come together over a great story.
We Need Your Feedback for Next Year
While we love creating these shared reading experiences, it is a significant financial commitment. Providing a physical copy of the book for every single home cost almost $3,000 this year.
This initiative was only made possible through a combined funding effort from:
Community funding TeksMed Services and The Bookman
Our School PAC
The general school budget
The school library budget
Because this is a large, shared expense across multiple budgets, we want to ensure the program is truly serving our families before deciding whether to fund it again next year.
Your voice is critical. We are asking all parents to fill out a very brief survey to evaluate the program's impact. We would like at least 100 responses, we have 42 to-date, to ensure we are making an informed, fiscally responsible decision that reflects our community's wishes.
Please take a few moments to share your thoughts here: One School One Book Participation Survey - The Story of Gumluck The Wizard 2025-2026 – Fill out form
Thank you so much for your time, your honest feedback, and your continued support of reading at home!
MARCH celebration spotlight
MARCH celebration spotlight
~ INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY ~
~ INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY ~
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Celebrating International Women’s Day
March 8 💜
March 8 💜
Mark your calendars! This March 8th is International Women’s Day—a global celebration of the incredible achievements of women throughout history and in our own community.
Swing by the library this week to check out our "Trailblazers & Change-Makers" book display! It’s the perfect time to share a story with your child about a woman who changed the world. Whether it’s a scientist, an artist, or a hero from history, let’s inspire the next generation to dream big.
~ WORLD WATER DAY ~
~ WORLD WATER DAY ~
Be a Water Hero this March 22! 💧
Did you know that March 22 is World Water Day? It’s a day when the whole world celebrates how amazing water is! We use water for drinking, splashing in puddles, and keeping our bodies healthy. But did you know that 1 in 4 people in the world don't have a clean tap to turn on?
This year, our theme is "Where Water Flows, Equality Grows." In many places, girls and women spend hours every day walking long distances just to carry heavy buckets of water home. When we make sure everyone has water close by, those girls can spend their time in school—just like you!
Library Challenge: Can you find a book about the ocean, a river, or a rainstorm? Check out our "Water Wonders" display all week!
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
Library book requests
Library book requests
If your family is looking for a specific book that is not currently in our collection, please submit the title and author using the link above, and we will do our best to source the book.
general library feedback
general library feedback
We value your feedback and welcome your thoughts about our school library. This form allows families to share comments, ideas, or suggestions anonymously to help us improve library programs, collections, and services.
You might comment on things such as:
Your child’s library experience or reading engagement
Library programs, events, or activities
Access to resources or borrowing procedures
Ways the library can better support students and families
All feedback is read thoughtfully and helps guide future library decisions. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective.
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 Assess That podcast titled,
Assess THAT with Tom & Nat! (Assessment, Feedback, Grading, and Learning)
AI has sparked fear, urgency, and a wave of reactionary policies in schools, but what if the real issue isn’t the technology itself? In this episode, Tom and Natalie argue that AI didn’t break assessment; it exposed long-standing weaknesses in task design, clarity, and how we define academic integrity. Rather than framing AI as a cheating problem to be solved through bans and detection tools, they invite listeners to reconsider what meaningful evidence of learning actually looks like in an AI-present world.
New BOOKS
New BOOKS
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
by Nora Mickum & Elly MacKay
by Deborah Marcero
by Estrela Lourenço
COMMUNITY Literacy EVENTS
COMMUNITY Literacy EVENTS
Below is a list of local upcoming literacy events.
Puppetry comes to life with Little Onion Co.’s Otosan! When spirited Shizou hides in her gruff father’s suitcase and secretly travels to the dangerous arctic North, they encounter grizzly bears, snowy owls, white wolves, and other Arctic critters. Forced to put aside their differences, the pair must face challenges together and come closer to a mutual understanding. Based on the author’s real-life experiences, Otosan features puppets, real wildlife footage projections, highly physical storytelling and an original score that transports audiences to the North itself.
Get Tickets Here
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival – Best of Fest is coming to Chilliwack! Driven by passion for film and the outdoors, VIMFF annually selects unique, award-winning films to tour across Canada! Whether you love nature and the outdoors or are a cinephile at heart, VIMFF promises a night of phenomenal filmmaking excellence! Enjoy a blend of love for adventure with pioneering filmmaking bringing us a night packed with energy, exploration, and some seriously amazing athleticism!
Get Tickets 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.
When does my child visit the library?
When does my child visit the library?
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
Calling all Chief Detectives! Bust or Trust is a podcast for curious kids who’d like to get to the bottom of some of the world’s most interesting mysteries. From Big Foot to the Lost City of Atlantis, “Myth Truster” Tiernan Douieb and “Myth Buster” Athena Kugblenu take you through each case. It’s up to the Chief Detectives listening to decide if they bust the myth or trust it!
A real family listen, full of fun facts and silly jokes, this podcast encourages young listeners to think critically about “evidence” and how to debate and disagree in a playful and productive way. Recommended for ages 8 – 12
View other podcast recommendations here
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
Timmy Failure Series
(written and Illustrated by Stephan Pastis)
Type: Illustrated chapter Book
Grades: grade 3+
Pages: 304
Published: 2013
Take Timmy Failure—the clueless, comically self-confident CEO of the best detective agency in town, perhaps even the nation. Add his impressively lazy business partner, a very large polar bear named Total, and what you have is Total Failure, Inc. From the offbeat creator of Pearls Before Swine comes an endearingly bumbling hero in a hilarious caper accompanied by a whodunit twist. With perfectly paced visual humor, Stephan Pastis gets readers snorting with laughter, then slyly carries the joke a beat further—or sweetens it with an unexpected poignant moment—making this a comics-inspired story that truly stands apart from the pack.
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
Big, puffy, and perfect for sharing, a Dutch Baby, also known as a German pancake, is a simple but indulgent breakfast. You only need a handful of kitchen staples to make this pancake recipe, and it puffs up beautifully with a custard-like center. Top it with some berries and powdered sugar, and you’ve got a sweet treat that everyone will love.
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar (I use 1 tablespoon)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
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.”
Meeting two young kangaroo joeys at Melbourne Zoo
Seven-month-old Bree is just beginning to venture out of her mother Fern’s pouch. She’s nibbling grass, ducking back in for milk and comfort, and showing what native mammals keeper Heather calls “zoomies.” Ten-and-a-half-month-old Zach is nearly ready to leave the pouch for good, spending more time out on his own.
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