Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge concluded at midnight last Friday. I am very pleased to report we had 140 students complete the challenge this year and I congratulate them all.
Certificates will be issued to us, from the PRC, later this year.
Book Week 2023 Story Writing Competition
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the “Imaginative Tales - Read, Grow, Inspire” Book Week 2023 Story Writing Competition. After several weeks of anticipation, the creative minds of our students have yielded some wonderful narratives that have transported us to worlds of adventure, celebrated the power of friendship and inspired our commitment to environmental conservation.
Here are the chosen winners of each stage:
Early Stage 1:
Winner - Max O’Shea (KB)
Highly Commended - Chase Gilmore (KG)
Stage 1:
Winner - Florence Atkinson (2B)
Highly Commended - Georgie Gilmore (2B)
Stage 2:
Winner - Theia Vincent (4B)
Highly Commended - Harlan Menghi (4G)
Stage 3:
Winner - Alissa Bishop (6B)
Highly Commended - Jessica McKevith (5G)
Congratulations to all. We will be publishing the winning stories in our forthcoming newsletters. Copies of the stories will also be available for students to read in our library.
Book Week 2023
Mrs Carroll reflecting on a whimsically wonderful week:
Adventures at Corrimal Library and Beyond
As the sun rose on Monday, August 21st, the air buzzed with anticipation at St Columbkille’s Primary School. The corridors echoed with the excited giggles and chatter of Year 1 students. The reason for their enthusiasm? The Corrimal Library Excursion! With hats donned, they set out on their trek, passing the local shops and exchanging polite greetings with members of the public. Some were tired on the way, “Why didn’t we get a bus for this journey?” cried one.
Upon arriving at the library, their eyes widened like doors to new worlds. Awaiting them were not just stories, but realms waiting to be explored. They were treated to an enchanting experience—an immersion in the world of stories. Three tales came to life, with two of them unfurling as live performances. of imagination and learning.
But the journey didn't stop at entertainment. A "heads and tails" quiz, inspired by the book "A is for Australian Animals" by Frane Lessac (a CBCA 2023 shortlisted book), brought the students into a realm of questions and curiosity. Every question posed was a portal to discover, to explore, and to learn.
As Tuesday dawned, the school was once again a hive of activity. This time, it was the Year 2 students who donned their adventure hats for the Corrimal Library Excursion.
Then came Wednesday, a day that saw the entire school transformed into a living, breathing library of characters. It was Book Week Parade Day and the atmosphere was electric. As the clock struck 9 am, a vibrant parade of characters paraded through the school grounds. From Alice in Wonderland to Harry Potter, the pages of beloved books came to life, and the air was thick with the palpable magic of imagination. Even the staff had joined the fray, dressed as the iconic "Mr Men and Little Miss" characters, painting the day with hues of nostalgia and laughter.
The highlight of Wednesday afternoon was the Staff Story Performance, a spectacle that had both students and teachers alike rolling in fits of giggles. The classroom of Mr Men and Little Misses came to life, led by the towering presence of Mr Tall, now a teacher guiding his quirky students through the comedic ups and downs of an unforgettable lesson. Laughter echoed in the hallways as the performance showcased the power of storytelling to bridge generations and tickle the funny bones of all ages.
Thursday, the grand finale of the week, burst forth with a double dose of literary delight. Kindergarten students set foot in the library for their very first Corrimal Library Excursion, wide-eyed and ready to begin their own lifelong love affair with books. Meanwhile, the entire school engaged in a battle of wits with the Whole School Kahoot Quiz. The quiz not only tested their knowledge but also sparked fierce yet friendly competition. Cheers erupted as two winners emerged from each grade, their victory a testament to their dedication to the world of words.
As we bid adieu to this remarkable week, the classrooms of St Columbkille’s Primary School resound with the echoes of laughter, imagination, and the rustling of pages. The Corrimal Library Excursions, the enchanting Book Week Parade, the side-splitting Staff Story Performance, and the brain-teasing Kahoot Quiz – each event etched a chapter in the book of memories, fostering a community that celebrates the joy of learning and the magic of storytelling. With hearts full of inspiration and minds teeming with ideas, the students and staff of St Columbkille’s Primary School look forward to the next chapter of their literary journey, ready to explore new horizons and create more unforgettable moments.
With much gratitude to you all for supporting our 2023 Book Week
Regards