The end of the school year is here! Please have students return all library books, including textbooks no longer required. There is no borrowing over the summer holidays. The Primary School Tricks to Tunes music books also need to be returned. However, the music teachers are happy to see these books borrowed over the holidays for those avid music students who plan to continue their music practice.

The exceptions are the incoming 2026 cohort of Year 12 students who have already borrowed textbooks for the new school year.

Aussie Bird Count 

At the beginning of Term 4, students had the opportunity to participate in the Aussie Bird Count — the largest citizen science project run in Australia. We had many participants and together we sighted and/or heard 39 different bird species throughout the week. It was wonderful to see some different faces visiting the Library, reporting their sightings and getting involved in real world science. Here is a list of the bird species that we reported to Bird Life Australia: Bird species sighted at Shearwater.

It has been wonderful sharing the stories of our local birds with staff and students over these last few weeks. Nearly everyone I spoke to had a sparkle in their eye as they described a special interaction they had with a bird friend. We found great value in getting involved.

In our Library sessions, we have been deepening our knowledge as we navigate through various non-fiction texts. We have learnt how to identify birds by sight and sound, how to take notes, identify keywords and organise information. All with the goal of contributing our local knowledge to a greater body of knowledge, helping scientists to have a better understanding of our bird populations Australia-wide.

“Everyone can be a citizen scientist” – (Helen Weston, 2023).

Citizen science is scientific work undertaken by members of the general public, done under the direction of, and in collaboration with, professional scientists. It helps people all over the world contribute in a meaningful way to the Unesco sustainable development goals. Projects like this wouldn’t happen without the support and time given by volunteers. If your family would like to get involved, have a look at these websites to get you started QLD Citizen Science Projects and Citizen Science Australia. We’d love to hear what you find out.

Buddy reading in the library

Preschool and Kindergarten classes have enjoyed visiting the Library this year for buddy reading with the Primary classes during library sessions. It is such a joy to see the interaction between the older students and younger children.

Recreational reading 

The Library continued to support the reading interests of our students. Reading for pleasure is at the forefront of the Library’s values. A small cohort of Primary students participated in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge this year and received certificates for their achievement A huge congratulation to them all! The Library looks forward to even more students taking part in 2026.

Remember, research shows that the benefits of reading for pleasure are extensive and long-reaching. Reading for pleasure:

• boosts academic achievement, and provides a foundation for critical, digital and information literacy
• builds cognitive function and stamina when immersed in the flow of reading
• develops empathy and knowledge — of self, other worlds, culture, heritage, and ways of being and thinking
• empowers students to become active citizens
• improves and builds psychological wellbeing and healthy behaviours, and
• crucially for young people, reading can be relaxing and provide an escape.

Source: National Library of New Zealand, Reading for pleasure — a door to success

Remember also to visit one of the Richmond Tweed Libraries and enjoy the books over the summer holidays. Check out what to read next! A great way to check the recommended reading age of a book is to visit Commonsense Media or Wheelers Books.

Our School Library

Shearwater Library plays a central role in the community and life of the School:  Book Club, lunchtime games club and parent gatherings, study space for the high school distance ed students, and a weekly gathering place for the Student Representative Council (SRC) to meet. The Library also provides a safe and inclusive space for reading and time out from the busyness of a school day. The librarians work to ensure that all staff, students and community members with whom we interact feel safe, respected and valued.

Finally, a huge shout out to our Library team – Yvonne Barrett, Breony Lester, Terri Graham, Denise Miller and Kaori Leeman – who are central to the running of the Shearwater Library. They do an amazing job – including wonderful book displays!

Have a restful and relaxing summer holiday with family and friends and engaging books to read.

The Library Team