Music

While there is debate whether public figures like entrepreneur Bill Gates and virologist expert Robert Webster were on the money when predicting the COVID outbreak back in 2015, what is not up for parley is the vital role that our College Library had during this pandemic year. Considered as one of the “essential” elements of our school during this difficult and testing year, our library has functioned as a space to help develop a better perspective of our global experience and understand the power of connection.

We may not have been able to enjoy our usual Reader’s Cup Competition, or celebrate Book Week in our usual fashion. But we continued to remain a hub of learning, sharing and enjoyment in one another’s company. So what then, were our highlights?

This year we continued to celebrate important community initiatives like Science Week, Mother’s Day and Child Protection week to name a few. The fabulous displays collectively designed by the innovative Library team, consisting of Laurel Brown, Laura Fryer, Marta Goddard and Laura Simpson, were always a welcomed visual sign post in our humble space.

We also continued to provide a safe and engaging community during the lunchtimes for all students, with competitions like Chess and Jenga being favourite pastimes which the boys participated in. Of course, our newly formed Friday 'Maker Space' activities further allowed boys to show case their Stop Motion expertise, and talented they were! Coupled with the various puzzle challenges set up in 'The Swamp', lunchtimes in the Library continued to be a hive of activity all year round. And let's not forget all the fun enjoyed during Book Week!

Apart from being a very important community area at lunch, our Library ensures that we subscribe to the latest research databases. Improving literacy skills and building on the boys' love of reading also continued to be one of our challenges this year, and it was this goal which drove the inclusion of many new reading books into our collection.

Once again, our Library Monitors ensured that the frenetic pace of the library was manageable with their assistance before school and during lunch times. A huge thanks to the boys who selflessly volunteered their own personal time to help out - this giving spirit does not go unnoticed.

We now look to the future of where our Library is heading…watch this space for some exciting announcements in 2021!

Pudy Timbs | Learning Resource Coordinator