MS DEB SCHINCKEL
teach er librarian
T
he library collection continues to be updated and relevant to the boys’ interests and supports the requirements of the Australian curriculum. New series which have enticed the boys to read widely include Jake Maddox, Hot Dog, Time Machine Magazine, Aussie Sparklers series and more titles from favourite authors like David Walliams, Andy Griffith and Ahn Do. New titles with a science, STEM focus including digital technologies, engineering, science experiments and information have been eagerly borrowed by the boys. I have continued to support teachers through collaborative planning in english, history and geography and resourcing all curriculum and interest areas.
FOP chose to again support author/ illustrator visits this year so we were able hold workshops. Chris Collin sang, danced and read his way through entertaining sessions with Years 1 and 2 boys. Frané Lessac work-shopped with Years 3 and 4. Frané writes and illustrates and shared her writing process and illustration techniques with the boys. They worked with “Patakina’s Pumpkin”, a multi-cultural story, and the book A to Z of Australian Animals. The activity involved drawing their own Australian animal. Mark Greenwood worked with the Year 5 and 5/6 H boys, focusing on his knowledge of Australian history. He engaged the boys with artifacts and mystery and had them creating their own mystery stories after discussing his research for the new series History Mysteries. Brian
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SOUTHPORTONIAN
Falkner worked with Year 6 in Term Three and had them writing their own story outlines focusing on the writing process that Brian uses. Unfortunately, Dave Hackett was unable to meet his commitment with Preschool and Reception due to illness. I sincerely thank FOP for their support in this literacy program which encourages the boys to enjoy reading widely and to improve their writing skills. Paul Craft has again worked with Years 2 and 4 classes sharing Aboriginal facts, dreaming stories, cultural awareness and informing the boys of the amazing array of food and medicines the native plants in our school grounds offer.
In March, Mrs Jasna Poeszus and I took 20 Year 6 boys to Somerset Celebration of Literature. The boys were involved in sessions with Chris Collin, Tim Harris and Will Kostakis. From discussions with the boys they found the day interesting, fun and worthwhile, with many purchasing books and collecting autographs.
The annual Reader’s Cup was held in July. Nine TSS teams participated, (each comprised of four Year 6 boys) and 15 teams from Year 6 at St Hilda’s competed in the quiz. The participants were required to read three books (Ugly by Robert Hoge, The Rabbits by John Marsden, Cyclone Tracy by Alan Tucker) prior to the quiz. They were then asked eight questions about each book and ten general book knowledge questions. There was a first time draw for overall winners. TSS team TF 2 Clan: Daniel Matheson, Declan Carl, Angus Ayre and Benedykt Dominikowski (They drew with St Hilda’s Squad Goals: Nell Ryan, Luci-Jill Seabrook, Ava Manton, Portia Cunningham and Jessica Morey). These boys are joint holders of the overall Reader’s Cup Championship and the TSS Reader’s Cup Champions titles for 2018. Thank you to all the boys who participated and provided afternoon tea, and to St. Hilda’s teams for their enthusiasm and participation.
