2024, Term 3, Edition 13 - Casey Grammar School

Library

Term 3 is always the library’s busiest term. With Book Week sitting right in the centre, we tend to stretch out our celebrations and hold a range of events to celebrate reading, writing and books in general.

Foundation – Grade 2 students started our events with Perform Education coming to perform their show Maybe a Miracle. This followed the story of two siblings as they harnessed their skills of writing and illustrating a book to fill in time rather than their usual fighting and being bored all the time.

Together, they also read some of the books that were nominated for the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards. Students had already read these books during their sessions in the library and were excited to see known titles being spoken about during the play.

Grades 3 and 4 students have been using their library periods to talk about research skills. Whilst many times students use their research skills to write information-based assignments, one author Amelia Mellor spends a lot of time using effective research skills to write her fiction novels. It was an interesting way for the students to view research — that it does not always link to fact-based assignments.

Sometimes these skills can be used to create a fantasy world but have truth woven through the fabric to create a deeper understanding of characters or setting. Students were then able to take activities they started in their session with Amelia back into the classroom and continue a creative writing and illustrating activity.

Grade 5 students have been looking at lyrics and Grade 6 has been studying poetry. So, when they were able to hear Karen Comer speak, they were a very attentive audience. She writes verse novels which is a series of poems that still follows a narrative.

These types of novels are really selective with their words, implement many writing conventions spoken about in class like metaphors and similes as well as the use of rhythm to help generate emotion and flow. Since she has spoken to students, all our verse novels are flying off the shelves and reserve lists of her book are a mile long.

Book Week dress up involved the whole school which is a great way to spark conversations and connections with favourite books, characters that inspire and a chance to show off creativity skills. Junior School had their parade which allows students to get on stage. For some this is a nerve-wracking experience, so it offers them an opportunity to develop confidence and resilience.

For others it is their chance to shine on stage and they relish the opportunity to be the centre of attention, even for a few moments in time. But the conversations continued throughout the day, back in the classrooms, in the library and will form one of the many memories of school.

It has been busy but such a rewarding term in the library. The library staff always provide immense support to make this happen, so a huge thank you for all that they do beyond what might be seen at an event, to keep students reading and engaging in literature.