This week we celebrated 80 years of Library Day at Otago Girls’ High School.

An annual event, Library day not only celebrates the importance of the school library as a place of learning and comfort in the school, it also results in us being able to swell the bookshelves through the donation of hundreds of books. This year over 300 books were donated as the result of contributions made by the PTSA ($1500), BOT ($500), School Council ($400), ex-girls’ branches, departments, staff and students. Many of the books purchased are chosen by the girls themselves and so reflect what they want to read. We are very fortunate to have such a well resourced library and it truly is a hub of peace and learning in the school. Book borrowing figures collected each year show that the reading of physical books here at OGs has not waned, despite the widespread availability and use of digital devices for reading. The importance of reading for personal and academic growth is reinforced at the school through the silent reading sessions each day after lunch and the library plays an important role in providing books of interest to the girls. It is also a valuable resource for all curriculum areas with our librarian, Mrs Smallfield, skilled in helping students to develop their research skills. Evidence of the popularity of our library can be seen in the fact that we have 80 librarians, ranging from Year 9 to Year 13. The girls operate under a roster system and are one of the key reasons the library is so well managed. As a school we are very grateful for the generous donations that support the library.

Library Day was the focus of our school assembly this week but we also watched a very moving video produced by Head Prefect Maddy Campbell. Her video was made to support Shave for a Cure. Today is a mufti day to raise funds for two of our Year 13 students who are making the sacrifice of shaving their hair. The shave will take place next Friday with all funds raised being donated to the Cancer Society to advance their research. The video involved interviews with numerous girls who were asked about the importance their hair had to them and how they would feel if they lost it. It also portrayed the story of a cancer survivor and how she had managed her journey with cancer, a disease that affects almost every family in New Zealand. It is extremely humbling to see our girls take on causes such as this and to do things that really make a difference for others. More information on this is contained in this newsletter.

This week our musicians and choir have been to the fore. Congratulations to everyone involved in Rockquest, Chamber Music Competitions and Big Sing. You did yourselves and the school proud.