The past four weeks have been relatively quiet in the Library.  New books coming in, books being loaned out, classes coming in for study and for reading, computers being charged, games being played.

Displays

Our latest display has of course been about celebrating Easter and we have the usual light-hearted posters with sage sayings such as “Easter egg hunts: proof your child can find things if they really want to.”  But we also have a table display called “It’s not just about the bunnies…” dedicated to books we bought last year to explain the religious significance of Easter for students interested in the messages from the Church and from history. 

Anime / Manga Club

The Manga Club hosted in the Library and run by Mr Kumar has been a great success in its inaugural term with 60 students attending over the course of the term.  Monday sessions were structured around activities while the Friday sessions were focussed on watching anime movies.  Mr Kumar writes:

Monday activities always brought great discussion and laughter along with some great anime and manga drawings from the students.

The students had an amazing time as we talked about their favourite anime, manga and characters.

Fridays are the most popular session as it provided the best opportunity for anyone to come and take part regardless of their interest or knowledge in anime or manga. Throughout the term we watched Ponyo (2008) as they were happy to keep watching it and wanted to finish the movie off, even though a lot of them had seen Ponyo several times before. We’re currently watching Pokémon: The First Movie (1998).

In Term 2 Mr Kumar will run Chess Club on Mondays and on Fridays will be Animation Fridays.

Chess Club will be for people of all skill levels to come down and play against each other, it will also be for people who want to learn the game or learn more about chess, everyone is welcomed. We have had chess boards in the library for several years and this initiative may be the beginning of a more immersive experience. Animation Fridays will be where students get the opportunity to watch different animated movies and tv shows from all around the around, yes that Anime as well.

Parent Book Club

The Parent Book Club had its first meeting for 2023 on Thursday 30 March. It was lovely to welcome many new Year 7 parents to join our group. We discussed what our students are reading, while sharing a cheese platter and a glass of wine.

Sally Rippin, well know children’s book author and illustrator says, ‘one of the best ways for an adult to have a genuine insight into childhood is by reading children’s books.’ It is a great way to connect with the young people in our lives by sharing books and discussing what we read and learn. During Parent Book Club, I introduce the latest trends in young adult literature, present the books that are popular at Kilbreda and throw in a few ‘oldies but goodies’ to consider. If time allows, we also share some of the adult books being read.

Our next gathering will be in Term Two and anyone is welcome to join. You don’t even have to read, just come, listen to the chat, and meet other parents.  If you are interested, you can contact me Yvonne.langford@kilbreda.vic.edu.au and I’ll send you the details.

Yvonne Langford
Teacher Librarian

Writing Competitions

Details of a second writing competition has been received by the library.  This could be a great thing for aspiring student authors to attempt over the holidays.  Find the links to this new “Insight” writers’ competition along with the “Whitlam Institute” competition advertised earlier (but still open) at the Kilbreda Libguides (Click here).

Recent Theme for Advertising Books: Enemy to Lover.

From time to time we recognise that a particular theme has taken hold on the imagination and reading habits of our students. In these cases we create a simple guide to that theme and provide other advertising to encourage reading.  You can have a look at the Enemy to Lover guide here. 

So, this is what has been going on during a ‘quiet’ month in the Library.  Next time I hope to be able to tell you that the new Australian puppets which have been bought and donated have arrived and how they have been embraced by our students.  I will also bring an update on how we are working our way through cataloguing the College Archives so that they may be searched and retrieved more easily by future staff, students and alumni.

Happy Easter to everyone!

Angus Pearson
Library Coordinator