LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 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.
READING LINK CHALLENGE 2026-2027
READING LINK CHALLENGE 2026-2027
Calling all Grade 4 and 5 readers! The Reading Link Challenge is a team reading competition where students work together and answer trivia-style questions about a collection of six books. Teams take part in challenges at school, with winning teams potentially advancing to library and community levels.
Students only need to read a minimum of two books to participate. Choose the books that interest you, and remember: audiobooks count too! Most of the titles are available as audiobooks through public library and the Sora app.
🎄LIBRARY CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER🎄
We are excited to announce our first Virtual Christmas Book Fair in partnership with The Owl and Cat Bookery!
Families can shop online and support our school library at the same time. A portion of every purchase made through our fundraiser will be donated directly to Strathcona Elementary School and used to purchase new books for our library collection.
Shop here:
Strathcona Virtual Christmas Book Fair - https://owlandcat.ca/strathcona-virtual-christmas-book-fair-
Fundraiser Dates: Now through November 30th
Whether you're looking for holiday gifts or your next family favourite, every purchase helps put more great books into the hands of our students.
Thank you for supporting literacy at Strathcona and helping us grow our library collection for all learners!
Happy reading and happy holidays! 📖✨
Orders to be picked up from the school on Dec 15th and 16th before or after the Christmas concert days
2026-11-05-144149528.mp4meet the owners
meet the owners
Flyer
Flyer
owl and cat landing page explanation.mp4LIBRARY ONLINE CATALOGUGE
You can view and reserve books in the Strathcona library from the new online website by selecting Strathcona from the list: https://www.sd33.bc.ca/insignia
Tutorial videos will follow in December.
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.
OCTOBER's Library Estimation Winners
OCTOBER's Library Estimation Winners
The Library Estimation Challenge for October was to estimate the combined age of 27 staff members. The actual combined age of those staff members is 1323 years. Congratulations to the following five students for their very close estimates:
Nora D. (Smyth) - 1275
Charley K. (Smyth) - 1300
Ekam S. (Smyth) - 1287
Chloe F. (Smyth) - 1372
Christian C. (von Doehren) - 1378
Please stop by the library to claim your prize!
NOVEMBER's Library Estimation Challenge
NOVEMBER's Library Estimation Challenge
The Library Estimation Challenge for November is to estimate the weight of this stack of books in grams.
🎃 MINI PUMPKIN & SQUASH in the LIBRARY! 🎃
Thank you to all the families who participated. The level of creativity this year was amazing! We randomly drew 10 names from a hat from all the entries, and the winners are:
Violet H - Istace
Lexi B - Istace
Skylar L - McCague
David P - Willms
Madison M - Istace
Beau D - Harbridge
Landon T - Albeluhn
Holden P - Harbridge
Aubrey G - Halko
Robson C -Neely
Congratulations to our winners! Please pick up your prize from the library.
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 The EduCurious Podcast titled, An Interview with Gabriel Morales and Brain Connections
When we think about parent volunteers, we often picture parents helping with classroom parties, fundraisers, field trips, or other special events. But what if we invited parents to be involved in the academic work happening at school, too?
LIBRARY BOOK EXCHANGES DAY BY CLASS
LIBRARY BOOK EXCHANGES DAY BY CLASS
Sockvember
Sockvember
Grade 5 students will continue to support Sockvember this month
This school-wide initiative invites students in k-5 to donate new thick thermal-socks and essential toiletries to support unhoused population during the cold winter months. Donations can be dropped off in the wooden bin just inside the library. At the end of the month, the items will be donated to Ruth and Naomi’s who will use their outreach teams to get the products in the hands of those who need them.
Thank you, in advance, for helping the school learn the importance of caring for vulnerable members of our community.
Items:
Socks - thick thermal type, toothbrushes, toothpaste, underwear, wipes, disposable menstrual products, body wash, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, etc...
Strathcona trivia night
Strathcona trivia night
Thank you to all those families who attended our 2nd Family Trivia night and special thanks to our sponsors:
Strathcona PAC, Cheam Source for Sports, Jim's Pizzaria, Bozzini's
The Chilliwack Cultral Center, Bastion Games, The Bookman, and Kent's Ice Cream
New BOOKS
New BOOKS
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
BOOK CARE:
WATER BOTTLES
Please keep water bottles away from library books—books don’t like getting soggy! Please consider putting library books in a separate plastic bag so they make it back to school dry and ready for their next reader.
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 Grade 1 Family Book-a-Day, a new literacy initiative inspired by the “Classroom Book-a-Day” movement. Thank you to the first 10 fanmilies who signed up. As soon as I've purchased the 10 rolling bags, I will contact you for pick up.
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
Grimwood - Book #1
written and illustrated by Nadia Shireen
Type: Illustrated Chapter Book
Grades: 2+
Pages: 240
Published: 2023
Foxes on the run! A crabby cat out for revenge! Fox cub siblings Ted and Nancy are being chased by Princess Buttons––the scariest street cat in the Big City. Running for their lives, the pair flees for Grimwood—a peaceful town in the countryside. The only problem? Grimwood is NOT as they expected.
When Ted and Nancy arrive in Grimwood, instead of peace and quiet, they’re met with thieving eagles, dramatic ducks, riotous rabbits, and a whole host of unusual characters. Grimwood is . . . weird. But when Princess Buttons tracks them down, they must unite with the other animals of Grimwood in a mind-bending race against time!
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.
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!
Recipe of the month
Recipe of the month
Egg and Mushroom Rolls
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