Library News
Scholastic Book Club
Thank you to all of you who made purchases to the Book Club Magazine Issue #7. You should have received your orders by now, Friday afternoon at the latest.
Issue #8 of the Club Magazine will be sent home with students soon.
As always, thank you for supporting this resource fundraising initiative.
Scholastic Book Fair
We are absolutely delighted by the fabulous response to our recent Book Fair and we extend our thanks to everyone who participated in making it a resounding success. Your support has been truly wonderful.
The Book Fair resulted in a total of $4,538 funds raised. As we raised over $4000, a substantial sum of $1,588 will be designated as commission, which will be thoughtfully invested in acquiring books for our library and classrooms. This not only enhances the learning resources available to our students but also promotes a lifelong love of reading.
One key factor that undoubtedly contributed to the fair's success was its timing, coinciding with our Grandparents Day. We express our gratitude to the students who not only visited the Book Fair themselves but also took the initiative to bring their grandparents along!
Once again, thank you for your enthusiastic support and for helping us continue to provide valuable literary resources to our students. Your contributions have a lasting impact on their education and love for reading.
NSW Aboriginal Languages Week
In Week 3 we recognised the inaugural NSW Aboriginal Languages Week, celebrating the multitude of distinct indigenous languages in NSW. This annual event, observed from Sunday to Sunday during the week of October 24, aligns with the historic passage of the Aboriginal Languages Act in 2017.
The primary objective of this week is to shine a light on the cultural significance of Aboriginal languages, as we endeavour to bring them back from the brink, and to preserve them.
We invited students into the library during their lunchtimes to learn how to speak some Dharawal language. We played Dharawal word games and enjoyed learning words and phrases from a book and website by Dr Edwards, a Walbanja Woman, from Yuin Nation with Dharawal Nation Kinship ties.
Dr Edwards book "Dharawal: Words, Phrases and Activities" is a ground-breaking resource produced through decades of working with Dharawal and Yuin knowledge holders and we have copies in our library.
If you would like to learn Dharawal, or teach your children some words, please refer to Dr Jodi Edward's website:
https://www.dharawalwords.com.au/kinship
On her website, Dr Edward has provided an invaluable resource. She has painstakingly recorded every Dharawal word she has listed, ensuring that the pronunciation is accurately preserved. It is important to note she received permission from Dharawal Elders to teach the language in this manner.
“Keep languages alive and culture will thrive!”
Please see the Aboriginal Languages Trust website for more information -
https://www.alt.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/latest-news/aboriginal-languages-week-announced-in-nsw/
Mrs Carroll’s Musing
As we recently celebrated Grandparents Day, coupled with the Book Fair, I couldn't help but reflect on the importance of such community events, especially in light of the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. These occasions are not merely gatherings; they are essential for the thriving heart of our school.
School events like these serve as a powerful unifying force, bringing together students, parents, teachers, and school staff. They create an environment where we all become part of a collective whole, fostering a sense of community and connectedness that can significantly enhance the overall school experience. In essence, they make us feel like we belong and that feeling is priceless.
Beyond their role in connecting us, community events play a pivotal role in cultivating a positive school culture. They establish an atmosphere where everyone feels valued, respected, and appreciated. This, in turn, leads to increased morale and satisfaction among students, parents, and staff. They're the building blocks of an environment where we all thrive.
Many of these community gatherings also serve as valuable fundraising opportunities. The funds raised are not just numbers; they translate into support for the school's initiatives, enrichment of our educational resources, and enhancement of our students' experiences. From educational materials to extracurricular activities, these funds provide the means to make our school an even better place for learning and growth.
In our diverse world, celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion is paramount. School community events often provide a platform for these celebrations. They enable our students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds and perspectives, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.
But the significance of community events goes beyond culture and connection. They offer a fertile ground for skill development. Students, through participation in events such as public speaking, leadership roles, organisation, and teamwork, have the opportunity to cultivate essential skills that will serve them in their personal growth and future success. These gatherings encourage parents to actively engage in school events and in their child's education. This engagement can have a profoundly positive impact on students' motivation and academic performance, creating a powerful support system for their educational journey.
And let's not forget the fun! Community events provide not just a break from the regular school routine but an opportunity for students, parents, and staff to come together, have a good time, and revel in enjoyable experiences. These moments contribute to a positive school atmosphere and create lasting memories.
In essence, school community events are the lifeblood of a supportive and thriving educational environment. They promote unity, understanding, and the well-being of students, parents, and school staff. We come together not just to learn, but to grow, connect, and succeed as one community.
Thank you for being part of our SCC community and we look forward to more such enriching experiences together.
Best wishes to you all -
Mrs Katrina Carroll - Library Administrator