It's all happening!

I haven't posted for a while, as I've been busy with our new library. 

Firstly, we had to move all the books and resources from various parts of the school into our new space. 

Then it was a matter of arranging the furniture to create collections. 

Next, all the books awaiting accessioning and covering had to be collected, moved to the new library, sorted and labelled, ready for processing. 

In Week 3 the library opened for Homework Club before school and Library Club at lunchtimes. The faces of the students were filled with wonder and excitement as they entered our beautiful new space. 

In Week 4, I was able to invite all classes to begin library lessons, which included library borrowing. 

In addition to the 5 Student Librarians, who've been invaluable to me in preparing the new library over the past weeks, I have also appointed 2 Library Monitors per class. These students will help ensure that everything in the library is cared for and kept in place. 

Everyone who visits our new library wishes that they could stay. A sense of peace, light and joy abounds.

I have had so many volunteers assist me over the past weeks. They include parents and grandparents working in the library and many, many others working on covering books at home. 

It is certainly a whole community effort. Well done, St Brigid's!

Our new library!

On Thursday, I was able to visit our new library and Music/Drama room. They are wonderful learning spaces! Imagine how the library will look with all of our new books on the shelves. 

I took a few photos to share, since I know our students and teachers are keen to see the finished space, and school is now over for this year. 

The Aboriginal painting that our whole school helped to paint, takes pride of place. 

There are many pieces of colourful and interesting furniture in the library, it hasn't been properly arranged yet, but you'll be able to get the general idea. 

There is a beautiful white Caesarstone counter top on the circulation desk. I think I look very smart, sitting there, ready to scan books (minus my computer and scanner!), don't you?

Look at these colourful tables and chairs for our younger students - they can be arranged in many different ways. 

We even have window seats, where students can relax and read, with book storage underneath.

There are spinning book carousels that will hold our Junior Fiction (A.K.A. yellow spot books) and Graphic Texts (A.K.A. blue spot books).   

The Music/Drama room has a kitchenette (it's hidden in a cupboard!). 

I can't set up the library just yet, as there are a few more finishing touches that need to be completed. As you can see, though, I am SO excited and can't wait to turn this amazing space into St Brigid's library! 

What do you think of our new library? Leave a comment below (it'll come to me to be checked before you see it appear).

Papua New Guinea Book Donation

After the fire, we were fortunate to receive thousands of donated books from other schools, publishers, booksellers, authors, families and other businesses. 

Some of these donated books were surplus to our needs, so I contacted Michael from the Lasallian Mission Council. They are collecting donations to fill a container that will be shipped to classrooms in Papua New Guinea. We are so pleased to be able to pass on some of the generosity we received, to others. 

Building Program - Week 8 Progress

Our new learning spaces are beginning to take shape. Dividing walls are being built inside the new Year 6 classrooms. 

In the new library we can now see the frame of the new circulation desk. This is going to be a truly unique feature of our library. I have also included more photos of the circular parts of the ceiling, that many students have been interested to see.

Please share your thoughts on our new spaces by posting a comment below.

Building Program - Week 7 Progress

During the school holidays the builders worked hard on our new learning spaces. They have made such great progress! There are now new windows on the old library building. 

We are now almost at the  halfway mark and each of the spaces is beginning to take shape. The ceiling in the new library has unusual circular features.

In the new Year 6 learning space, we can see new windows being installed and the framework for the rooms inside is now in place.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates of the coming weeks!

Building Program - Week 3 Progress

Our building program has been in full swing for nearly 3 weeks now. We have many different trades people working so hard to rebuild our library and new Year 6 classrooms, as quickly as possible. 





We're getting used to having less space on our playground and everyone is trying to remember not to run, as it's dangerous when our space is limited. 

Although we can hear the noise of the building going on, it really doesn't disrupt our school day. We're used to it by now and it's not very loud anyway. It's the sound of progress!

It was wonderful to watch part of the roof in the old library being replaced with a new frame and covered by a tarpaulin, to keep out the rain. That part of the roof had been badly burnt in the fire. Hopefully, next week we'll see the tiles replaced too. 

Inside the new library space, the preparations are being made for new walls, flooring and shelves. 

Whilst inside the old library, new frames have been erected for the classroom walls.  

My father was a builder, so I love hearing the sounds and smells of building happening around me. It makes me think of him!

Building Program - Week 1 Progress

The builders have already made great progress with the rebuilding of our library and new Year 6 classrooms. 

Firstly, secure fencing was erected to keep students and teachers safe. 

There are new boundaries on the playground and teachers have been vigilant in making sure students stay within these boundaries at all times. 

You can see below that scaffolding has been erected in front of the old library and many other preparations have been made to commence the repair work there.

The old Year 6 classrooms and Drama/Music room have seen the most radical changes this week. The wall between 6B and 6W has been demolished and part of the wall between 6B and the Drama/Music room is also on its way to the rubbish skip. 

What do you think of the progress so far? You can add your comments below this post. When you add a comment, you won't see it straight away. It will come to me first, so I can check it before it appears on my blog.
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