27 August 2021
Term 3 is always a highlight on the library calendar as we have our annual Book Week celebrations. This year we have extended our celebrations across the term rather than trying to fit them into one week. Our first two events were an author visit by Adrian Beck and the Harry Potter Escape Rooms, both occurring in Week 5. Further events include a virtual performance which will be held in Week 8 for the Palm House boys and a visit from Andrew Joyner who will work with the Year 6 boys in Week 9.
Adrian Beck visit
Adrian lives in Melbourne and unfortunately could not be here in person due to COVID restrictions so we had a virtual visit. Adrian worked with the Years 3 to 5 classes. Here are some of the boys’ comments about our virtual visit with Adrian:
“Adrian taught us how we can take events and experiences from our lives and exaggerate them to turn them into stories.” Beau Leon 3R
“I loved how Adrian Beck showed us how to get ideas for our stories.” George Eastaugh 4T
“I liked how Adrian shared brainstorming strategies to produce creative and fun ideas for stories. In 30 seconds he brainstormed things that could happen after returning to school after lock down. His best idea was that the staff room had been taken over by rats.” Vincent Farnsworth 3R
Harry Potter Escape Rooms
In Week 5, over 180 boys from Years 2 to 6 competed in the Harry Potter Escape Room. People competed in the escape room during their library lesson, as well as at recess and lunch. In Week 4, boys from the Library Committee, myself included, went to the Years 2 to 6 classes, explaining all about the The Harry Potter Escape Room, which has been a combined effort between the Library staff and the Library Committee. The turnout was amazing, with 47 teams of four signing up. With a week to get everyone to escape, we had been expecting to have 15 teams sign up. As you can imagine, there were a few panicked moments trying to figure out what to do! Luckily, the Library staff found a solution, which was to add an extra two escape rooms, and to run some during class time. All of the Library Committee members had fun watching everyone complete, giving clues on the way.
Daniel Song
Library Captain
Book Week Parade
On Monday we held our annual Book Week parade which had some last-minute alterations due to early morning heavy rain. This sadly meant that parents were unable to attend the event and mini parades were held throughout the day in the Junior School Function space. Alice in Wonderland (Mrs Taylor) did a wonderful job of running each of these mini parades. Here are some comments from the boys about the parade:
“The parade was really fun, it was disappointing that it was not outside. My favourite costume was the wardrobe from Narnia made by Rupert.” Thomas Wallett 4T
“I liked the parade better because I was not embarrassed parading in front of all the parents.” Oscar Sounes 4T
“My favourite costume was Harrison Russo dressed as a dinosaur.” Tommy Alexander 4T
Overall, the costumes were fantastic and we would like to thank all of the parents and teachers for inspiring boys to create and wear their costumes with pride. The costumes sparked amazing conversations about books and characters and showed the richness that books bring to our lives.
Book Week Model Making Exhibition
The annual Book Week Model making exhibition has been a popular activity among boys and families. We received 35 entries this year and are always in awe of our community’s creativity. Here is a selection of photos from our exhibition. Entries will be on display in the library until the end of Week 7.
Alison Winter and Sue Dansie
Teacher-Librarians