Goodbye to 2020!

Just a quick post to wish you all a fantastic end of term break, and to thank you all for for the opportunity to work with you this year.  It has been a crazy year in so many ways - but I think that we have made it - although whether still of a sound mind, remains to be seen, of course. 

For those of you who are moving on, I wish you all the best wherever you may be next year - and everyone else - I'll see you back here next year!  

Philosoraptor

  Make sure you have a relaxing break and definitely spend time  reading!!  Not only does it lower blood pressure - it could truly be considered a matter of survival! 

  Remember - Dinosaurs didn't read and now they're extinct!         Coincidence? - Well, I think not!!  

  All jokes aside - have an awesome Christmas break and we'll get to do it all over again next year.  

Project Based Learning Weblinks

I came across the Edutopia website the other day, and even though it is American based, some of the information and articles do look pretty interesting.  If you get a few moments, you may enjoy having a quick 'squiz' through some of the links below. 

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/project-based-learning-getting-started-basics-andrew-miller

https://www.edutopia.org/article/exploring-social-justice-issues-through-pbl

https://www.edutopia.org/article/starting-small-pbl

https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-quests-project-based-learning

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/pbl-and-steam-natural-fit-andrew-miller

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/project-based-learning-gamification-go-great-together-heather-wolpert-gawron

https://www.edutopia.org/practice/arts-infused-project-based-learning-crafting-beautiful-work

Middle Years Science

Middle Years Science classes have been working with Miss Squires on Biomes and Ecosystems, with a focus on Human Impact and Environmental Issues.  

For this, they have chosen a creature and made a Diorama of it along with its habitat.  To go with this display, there is also a booklet about their creature and the lifestyle, and where it fits into the food web.  

Below are photos of a few of the gorgeous creations that the classes have done - and these will all be on view in the Art Display that opens tomorrow night.  

Kingsley - Wedge-Tailed Eagle

Nathan - Orca

Jet - Saltwater Crocodile

Estella - Black Flying Fox

Shaun - Black Panther

Weblinks on Reading and Libraries

When you get a few moments, check out some of the links below which talk about students and their engagement with reading.  

There are also a couple promoting libraries and their role in today's society.  I have also included one that talks about the rationale and purpose of libraries and librarians - and why we do what we do.  As well, there is an article about school libraries and activating the 'Third Space' which is a concept that is being seen more and more in various places in communities - and is becoming an important consideration in many school libraries today.

Although many of these articles are talking about Public Libraries,  I can see no reason why a lot of it can't also be true of school libraries.  Most 'library stuff' isn't really about the books - it is more about the connections made, and the time and information shared. 

https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/book-talks-with-librarians-opportunities-and-perspectives?

https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/successful-student-reading-engagement-initiatives

http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/community-centered-23-reasons-why-your-library-is-the-most-important-place-in-town/

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2017/03/30/how-public-libraries-help-build-healthy-communities/

https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/colab/2020/03/03/third-places-and-four-spaces-the-evolution-of-public-libraries/

https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/scan/past-issues/vol-36--2017/unlocking-the-third-space-activating-your-library

https://www.blyberg.net/darien-statements