The end of the school year is here! Please have students return all library books. There is no borrowing over the long summer holiday. 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 2025 cohort of Year 12 students who have already borrowed text books for the new school year. 

The Library continued to support the reading interests of our students in Term 4. Reading for pleasure is at the forefront of the Library’s values. A small cohort of Class 3 students participated in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge this year. They received certificates for their achievement and indeed one student received a Gold Award for having participated for four years in a row! The Library looks forward to even more students taking part in 2025. Remember also to visit one of the Richmond Tweed libraries and enjoy the books over the summer holidays. Check out what to read next! 

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

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 with the younger children. 

Shearwater Library plays a central role in the community and life of the School, including Book Club, the lunchtime games club, a study space for the High School Distance Ed students, and a weekly gathering place for the Student Representative Council (SRC). 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. 

The Library has seen more change this year.  We have welcomed a new part-time staff member, Breony Lester, a qualified teacher librarian, who supports our students with a warm rapport. We look forward to continuing to work with Breony in 2025. 

New locational signage has been added. This followed on from the new carpet and furniture at the beginning of the year. It has all added to the wonderful Library experience and space.

Finally, a huge shout out to our Library team – Terri Graham and Denise Miller- who are central to the running of 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. 

Warm regards

The Library Team