by Sally Blake

School Libraries Transform

SLANZA (School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa) believes that all school students in New Zealand, at every level of their education, should have access to ​effective school library services that will support their reading and learning.

Our School Library is involved with the national campaign, School Libraries Transform. This campaign is all about raising awareness of how important school libraries are and school librarians. We are fortunate to have an awesome School Library and two School Librarians. We know the transformative power our mahi accomplishes. We know that because of our work students gain higher academic results in NCEA. We know library users have higher literacy rates. We know our spaces provide manaakitanga. We know the community that our library provides enables our students to flourish. There are multiple stories across Aotearoa where we have seen our libraries be a haven, a place of solace, but also a busy place of noisy learning, quiet reading and a supportive community. But not every school in New Zealand is so fortunate. How can you help? Sign the petition to the Ministry of Education to save School Libraries.

A huge thank you to all of our library service students who help out in the library with duty, homework club, GenConnect, displays, and general Library duties. We couldn't do all the amazing things we do without your help. The photo above shows some of our wonderful Library helpers celebrating after a thank you pizza lunch.

Exams are upon us and the Library has lots of fantastic help available in the way of study guides you can take out and great links on the Library Website. Check it all out here. Good luck everyone and pop in and see Miss Howie or Ms Blake for a chocolate after your exam.
Are you looking for somewhere to study? LC3 is available to you all day until 5pm for NCEA study. Also Turanga, the big Library in town, has a special study space for students. Check out their schedule here.

The Korea Community Painting Club are exhibiting in the Library. Do pop in and see some wonderful art works. Why not stop a while and nab yourself a good book or magazine, and maybe have a coffee in the Red Cafe.

Pizza Reading Parties have been super popular this term with classes. Miss Howie has been reading aloud to classes while they munch on their pizzas. A huge thank you to the New Zealand Book Awards Trust who team up with Hells Pizza to bring us this great programme. Students read 7 books and get a free pizza. What is not to love about pizzas and reading. The Reading Challenge continues over the Summer holidays so do pop in and pick up a reading wheel from See Miss Howie or Ms Blake.