Library

“We regard ourselves as a future-focused College Library that prepares students with the resources and skills required post-Oakhill.”

Mrs Lynn Revai

PJ Walsh Library has been evolving over recent decades from a traditional knowledge centre that houses print collections and archives and where quiet reading, research and individual study are the norm, into a modern and interactive learning space.

It is a place for connection, collaboration and content creation. It is a welcoming space that supports both the curriculum and social development goals of the College. This benefits students in their literacy attainment and reinforces the development of digital citizenship skills. Our College Library is a space that offers a connection.

Student voice is important to us. Some Year 7 English classes this year participated in a Lightning Writing activity answering the question: What do you like about our College Library? Students responses included: “felt welcome”; “nice Librarians to help you”; and “a place for homework and to catch-up with friends.” Comments about books were popular: “Terrific graphic novels”; and “the latest books”. Students expressed appreciation for the learning space: “a great place to learn and have fun at the same time”.

We regard ourselves as a future-focused College Library that prepares students with the resources and skills required post-Oakhill. Databases such as EBSCO Explora and Gale mirror university databases for academic literature and students are taught digital literacy. Our Library is open after school to enable students to access resources and to self regulate by using the Library for their ‘On Target’ study.

The Library COVID-19 pandemic response allowed our Teacher-Librarians to continue to team-teach information literacy via Teams whilst providing access to 24/7 resources through our Library webpage and content creation tools such as Canva, Padlets and Picture in Picture Powerpoints. Years 7 and 8 enjoyed a Super Sora quiz to explore our eBook collection and functionality. Read to Succeed continued with broader access to digital resources such as webpages, eBooks and podcasts. 47 students were recognised with a Read to Succeed Principal’s Award.

The Library staff provide opportunities to learn and connect through Library clubs. Reading, Coding and Virtual Reality and Writing, culminating in the Write a Book in a Day incursion, which raised over $2,500.00 for the Kids Cancer Council.

Just Read time allows a hush to blanket the College campus, and we escape into the world of a good book. This ability to be still and have some sustained reading time gives us a sense of calm and is conducive to our wellbeing. We delved into our home bookshelves during remote learning and even found energy for a book workout with some big heavy books. A bit of fun to break up our remote routine. We hope our Library has inspired, challenged and motivated students to achieve their potential.

Mrs Lynn Revai