Samantha Rogut Head of Library and Information Services K-6

A quiet place?

The Primary Library is not always a quiet place. Nor should it be. Often it is filled with the sounds of students engaging in lively discussion, communicating with each other face to face, recommending texts to one another and discussing all manner of interesting and relevant topics. It is the perfect place to interact with peers and teachers and it is an environment that encourages and promotes human connection. The connections that students and staff make with one another, the Emanuel community and the world that makes this an exceptional place to be.

The discussions are wide and varied and provide insight into the minds of Emanuel students. Here just a few to give you an idea of the richness of discussion:

• I was recently asked what book I would recommend for a Year 9 student to read.
•  A student explained that she could see her family’s heritage reflected in a book we had.
• I was reminded by a student that the next book in the series she was reading comes out in November. She will continue to remind me weekly until I’ve added it to my Booktopia order.
• A student explained that they didn’t want to borrow a book because they would just lose it and be sent an overdue notice. I’m working on finding a way to change this student’s mind.
• A Year 5 student sounded elated when telling her friend that she had seen a younger student reading a Wings of Fire graphic novel. “Yes!”, replied her friend on hearing the news, simultaneously fist pumping the air. They were both big fans of the novel series.
• I heard that Kornmehl and Year 2 Buddy reading was the best part of a student’s week.

These discussions are mere snapshots of how the students feel about the library space, but they provide important information about what is important to the students who are the library’s biggest users. They help inform the development of our collection and the way in which library services should be crafted to support them as users. 

Emanuel Book Bingo

Primary School students are being encouraged to participate in the Emanuel Book Bingo during Term 4. 

The competition involves reading 5 books from the bingo board by the end of Week 8. During Week 8 all entries will be entered into the prize draw. There will be a book prize for each year group, perfect for reading over the summer holidays. 

Entry forms are available from the Primary Library during Library lessons, at recess and lunch times. The Emanuel Book Bingo card may be completed by students at all reading levels.

Out and About

There are currently some fantastic exhibitions for children and families taking place across Sydney. They make a great day out in the city as the weather warms up.

The State Library of NSW

Imagine…the Wonder of Picture Books

‘The best stories never end … They keep going on inside you.’ Ursula Dubosarsky, March of the Ants . Stories and characters from much-loved Australian picture books come to life in this celebration of children’s literature. Come and see some of the most beautiful picture books and artworks in the State Library’s collection and beyond. 

Australian Museum

Sharks

Submerge yourself in Sydney’s newest hands-on family exhibition.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Brickwrecks – Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks

This exhibition is a unique combination of Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught’s stunning LEGO® models, plus real shipwreck objects, hands-on interactives and audio visual experiences that bring to life astonishing shipwreck stories.

Fun Day

The Year 6 Fun Day will be held on Friday 4 November 2022 this year. Additional information will be emailed to parents in the coming weeks.