At our school library, our goals are to encourage reading and the development of information skills. We aim to have a welcoming atmosphere to all members of our school community.
At LEPS the students have a library lesson at least three of the four terms each year. There are two Teacher Librarians: Mrs Jill Masters, who is full-time, and Mrs Peggy Pearce who works Wednesdays. We collaboratively plan with the classroom teachers so that the library lessons are connected to the lessons in the classroom and are based on the English, history and geography syllabus. We also promote literature and encourage the students to regularly read and borrow from a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books. Students in Kindergarten to Year 4 need to have a library bag.
The library collection is selected, organised and maintained so that the students have the latest books that are of high quality and high interest. Several sources are used by the Teacher Librarians to keep up to date: The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) lists, The Premier's Reading Challenge lists, online book reviews and student recommendations.
The library is open during lunch times Monday to Thursday, and before school Monday, Thursday and Friday, for years 3-6. Here students can enjoy time reading, drawing or playing board games including chess. Every term, we have a wonderful team of student Library Monitors helping return and shelve books. We also appreciate the couple of parents who help with shelving and tidying, and would welcome more parent helpers.
The exciting news for the library is that it is in the process of being renovated! This is a partnership between the school, the P & C and the Before and After School Care. The non-fiction books have been moved into the one area and the signage has been updated. This has created space for a new area where all the fiction books will be able to be together. We are looking forward to new shelving and seating arriving soon to refurbish the fiction area.
New arrivals to the school enjoy reading books in their own languages.
Many students use computers at lunch time for individual school work.
Chess is a favourite before school and lunch time pastimes.
Many students also belong to the Creative Workshops chess club and join the interschool chess competition after school.