Monday, March 29, 2010

Building of our new SBPS Library is just around the corner!!

Here is a video of a larger but very similar library to the one
 SBPS is getting VERY soon!!!

Library from NSW BER on Vimeo.
This is an example of a Library Building.


Sandy Beach Public School has selected a new library 
as part of the Primary Schools for the 21st Century program.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The new iPad has huge potential.

 DK demonstrate how things will look on the iPad.
How will these devices affect libraries?

Do you know how to take a screen shot?

Being able to take a screen shot  is a very important skill for teachers.

If inappropriate material appears it really helps if teachers can illustrate the material to facilitate the process of  blocking the site quickly.

In the event of an error having a screen shot allows the IT help technicians to focus on the exact problem which helps to speed up the process of repairing the problem.

If you are using a Windows machine

  Print screen               Capture the entire screen 
 Alt-Print Screen         Captures the active window to the clipboard.
 Copy the image into Paint or any image editing application.

If you are using a Mac:
See: Built in options


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Federal Minister for Education orders School Libraries Inquiry

The House of Representatives Standing Committee 
on Education and Training has been asked by the Federal Minister for Education
to inquire into and report on the 
role, adequacy and resourcing of 
school libraries and teacher librarians 
in Australia's public and private schools.

This inquiry is critical in gathering information and insight into what is happening in and to school libraries in Australia - something that hasn't been done since the 70s - and shaping their future. 


It has taken over two years of consistent and persistent lobbying to get this and we really need a wide range 
of submissions from a wide variety of sources.  Many significant organisations, including those beyond education, are making submissions but the stories and thoughts of individuals are also critical. 

Submissions close April 16 so we are urging people to submit NOW.
to: edt.reps@aph.gov.au
Please use "Inquiry into school libraries and teacher librarians in Australian schools" as the subject line.
Submissions can be sent in the body of the email or as an attachment in Word or pdf format.

They can also be sent on disk or CD ROM, again in Word or pdf format to:

Committee Secretary Standing Committee on Education and Training PO Box 6021 
House of Representatives Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600 AUSTRALIA

If you want to send a hard copy submission, it should be typed on A4 paper. This helps with reproduction of the submission. Where typing facilities are not available, hand written submissions are acceptable, but care should be taken to ensure that they are legible and suitable for photocopying.

It is helpful if each hard copy submission is sent with an electronic version on disk or CD-ROM, preferably in Microsoft WordR or Portable Document Format (PDF). This assists committees with publishing submissions
on the Parliament's website.

Whatever the format or delivery message, each submission must include ...

The author must sign a written submission either on his or her own behalf or on behalf of the organisation making the submission.

Those signing on behalf of an organisation should indicate the level at which the submission has been authorised (eg President, Chief Executive, Secretary).

A return address for correspondence and a contact telephone number should be provided with the submission. Submissions forwarded by email must include the name, postal address and phone number of the person or organisation making the submission.

Remember you can request that all or part of the submission should remain confidential. 
This should be indicated clearly in the front of the submission. You could also consider presenting any confidential information in an appendix to the submission to allow the body of the submission to be published.

For further information: 
The main site is http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/edt/schoollibraries/index.htm 
and details about preparing submissions etc is available at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/documnts/howsub.htm

A big thank you to
Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian for kindly providing this information.


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Flyer to share announcement of Inquiry into School Libraries for your staffroom

 I received this post from David Strempel today. I think it is a great idea to alert our staff to the wonderful decision that the Government has decided to hold an Inquiry into School Libraries and 


"This is truly a momentus day for TLs across Australia, is it not? 
To celebrate the announcement I have prepared a poster (under)
which I have plastered on the staffroom fridge.
Feel free to use it in any way you see fit."  David Strempel


Julia Gillard has requested an Inquiry into school libraries and teacher librarians in Australian schools.

 I have posted this really important update from Georgia with Barbara's encouragement.

From Georgia Phillips on behalf of The Hub, Campaign for Quality School Libraries in Australia http://hubinfo.wordpress.com/

"I am pleased to announce that your efforts have been successful!!

Julia Gillard has requested an Inquiry into school libraries and teacher librarians in Australian schools.  See http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/edt/schoollibraries/index.htm

In this election year, the timeframe is all too short. One month!!  SUBMISSIONS MUST BE IN BY APRIL 16.  Nevertheless this is our opportunity for the federal government to look at possible recommendations on school library funding and staffing, the first review since the 1970s.

Terms of Reference
To inquire into and report on the role, adequacy and resourcing of school libraries and teacher librarians in Australia’s public and private schools.

Specifically, the committee should focus on:
·         the impact of recent policies and investments on school libraries and their activities;

·         the future potential of school libraries and librarians to contribute to improved educational and community outcomes, especially literacy;

·         the factors influencing recruitment and development of school librarians;

·         the role of different levels of government and local communities and other institutions in partnering with and supporting school librarians; and

·         the impact and potential of digital technologies to enhance and support the roles of school libraries and librarians.

As a result of submissions, the committee can recommend those things stated in the petition that so many of you signed

These are ... that the government:
·         collect national data on school library staffing, funding, and scheduling;
·         tie funding so that states can and must adequately staff and fund school library programs and services;
·         require that literacy programs and other national curricula should explicitly recognize the central role school libraries have in student achievement, literacy attainment, and preparation for post-secondary success;
·         develop national school library standards;
·         increase teacher librarian training positions in university programs.

The brief is quite broad and can accommodate these issues and more, such as special grants for
·         Improving Literacy through School Libraries,
·         collection of information on TL training programs and numbers enrolled,
·          make recommendations on inclusions in pre-service teacher training on IL and TL collaboration
·         development of a national IL curriculum
·         nominating a National School Library Day, and much more.

We hope that you will assist the associations you belong to to make considered submissions within this short timeframe. Guidelines for submissions can be found at http://www.aph.gov.au/House/committee/documnts/howsub.htm#inquiry

Individual submissions will also help the House Education and Training Committee members understand our dreams and the reality.

This is an valuable first step in improving school library funding and staffing in Australia for the 21st century.

Thank you for your time and support and congratulations on all your efforts so far"

Georgia Phillips  posted by Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian (with permission)
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Monday, March 15, 2010

FREE WEB 2.0 PROJECTS is now available

Terry Freedman, ICT in Education,  invites you to download your own free copy of this great Web 2.0 resource.


A new, revamped, much expanded version of the Web 2.0 projects book is now
ready!

Here is some information about the book:
 *   87 projects.
 *   10 further resources.
 *   52 aplications.
 *   94 contributors.
 *   The benefits of using Web 2.0 applications.
 *   The challenges of using Web 2.0 applications.
 *   How the folk who ran these projects handled the issues...
 *   ... And what they recommend you do if you run them.
 *   What were the learning outcomes?
 *   And did I mention that this is free?!




Try these free books from Harper Collins Children's Books

A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning By Lemony Snicket Illustrated by Brett Helquist and Michael Kupperman A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning
The Thief By Megan Whalen Turner The Thief
Free online for a limited time @  Harper Collins Children's Books


Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Howard Gardner on Multiple Intelligences


An Interview with Howard Gardner on his work in Multiple Intelligences

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Authors visit Coffs Library

Coffs Harbour City Library in conjunction with

The Book Warehouse
Presents:
Sharyn Killens & Lindsay Lewis



Authors of
“The Inconvenient Child”

Tuesday  9 March 2010     @ 5.30pm

@ Coffs Harbour City Library       Cnr Coff & Duke Streets           COFFS HARBOUR

This is the extraordinary true life story of Sharyn Killens - a no-holds barred biography that will strike a chord with many who are familiar with life in Sydney, particularly Kings Cross since World War II. From foster care, to a convent orphanage, eventually to “The Cross” Sharyn’s life journey continues. Her solace is her love of music.


Determined to find her father, Sharyn sets out to find her roots, a quest that takes her across the world, and eventually to America’s Deep South.



Bookings required~ RSVP 8 March 2010



Refreshments will be available       Gold coin donation



For more information contact Judy on 6648 4905 or judy.atkinson@chcc.nsw.gov.au
www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/citylibrary