The final few weeks of term have been eggs-cellent in the Homestead and Lilly Pilly libraries in the lead up to the Easter holidays! As centres of connection and collaboration, the libraries have engaged students in significant community events, fun and creative activities, and challenges involving teamwork and sharing. 

In celebration of Clean-Up Australia Day, students reused and recycled waste materials to cleverly create a koala, symbolising our commitment to protecting the environment and animal habitats. Its limbs were crafted from the packing bubbles that come with our library book deliveries and the texture of fur on its body was recreated by the fabric wrap used for bunches of flowers. Other items will be added to finish the design, and it will hang out in the ‘tree’ in the Homestead Library once complete. 

Students have enjoyed coming together to celebrate Easter with a variety of activities, including making origami bunny faces, colouring, and doing puzzles and word searches. It is always nice for the students to spend some down time together during breaks or before school, crafting and chatting, and we have seen some incredible creativity! 

Another popular activity in the library this term has been playing chess. At lunchtimes, Peter and Hamza from Year 10 have been encouraging the Year 4 to 6 students to improve their strategies. There is also always interest in our giant chess board in the Lilly Pilly’s Gumnut Garden from the Prep to Year 3 students. 

It is wonderful to report that borrowing from our libraries has increased from last year as we see students, families and staff using our resources. We are proud of the work we have put into curating a collection that meets the needs and interests of our community, and we can connect to encourage and enjoy a lifelong interest in reading. 

Happy Easter, to those who celebrate. 

Kelly Whiteway, Amy Carpenter, Josie Maiorana, Deborah Nel and Mandy Sines
Library Staff