School library out of bounds

The library is the heart of any school, but not at Kaingaroa Primary late last term. In fact the pupils were banned from their library, but only temporarily, and in a good cause.

The doors were closed for what principal Kathy Hancock described as an extreme library makeover, a huge job involving the pupils, aunties, parents/ caregivers, nanas, Jeannie Skinner from the National Library and staff.

“We decided to reorganise the selection, a mammoth task, and sort books into genres rather than just alphabetically. This way a student who has a passion can find all there is in that genre,” she said.

The children had been eager to see the results, and were “pleasantly surprised” by the new order.

Mrs Hancock said she did not believe that some children did not want to read; rather they had yet to find something that captured their interest. Meanwhile, some of the books were old, unread and tatty, but the school had $5000 to spend on new titles, and with the children lodging their requests the new look library would have something for everyone.

And there was an added incentive to get reading in the form of the annual lit quiz. Kaingaroa had entered a team for the first time this year, lining up against schools from all over Northland and finishing just two points behind the team that would now go to Wellington for the national event. The winning team there will represent New Zealand at the international championship in America.

“We have also purchased new chrome books for our Year 7—8 class, with a second funding application under way to extend these to our Year 5—6 students,” Mrs Hancock said.

“We are looking at our senior school and ensuring we are providing a quality curriculum that is underpinned by e-learning. In five years’ time students will be sitting NCEA online, and we wish to provide the thinking, the tools and skills before students reach college.

“Exciting times. Students talk about the value of the instant feedback they receive working online.

“Chrome books and a book in hand are both vital to broad literacy opportunities at Kaingaroa,” she added.

“Like all schools we access funding sources to support our needs. These funding providers are hugely appreciated, enabling schools to acquire equipment and opportunities a school budget cannot always provide. Advisers who work alongside staff, bringing valued expertise, are another key to schools’ successes. Thank you to the Oxford Trust and Jeannie Skinner for their continued support.”