SEMKIW SEPTEMBER/2018

LIBRARY LEARNING
COMMONS NEWS
“A learning commons is a whole school approach to building a participatory learning community” (CLA, 2014)

An Exemplary
Library Has … 



An Effective TL

- Credentialed

- Depth of understanding of
current curriculum and school
literacy goals

- Create a deliberate and
welcoming environment

Administrator Support

- Adequate budget for

resources and role demands

A New Chapter: Creating
- Open dialogue to keep
library on track with jointly
Our Exemplary Library
developed criteria for school “The exemplary library is a classroom and a welcoming
goals
 place of learning for students in the school, in a sharp
- Appreciation of energetic,
innovative TLs contract to a separate place to ‘visit’” (Ontario Library
Association, 2009)
Community Support
This year the vision for our library learning commons has shifted.
- Developing parent support With administrative support, we are looking at taking steps to
by keeping the library
utilize this space in the best way possible. These changes will
commons space open for
enhance the effect the library will have on our whole school
parents to connect with their
children
 community and the learning that will take place! The library will
- Collaboration with other TL’s no longer just be a place for book exchange and instead will
in the district
 underscore, influence, and inspire learning opportunities for both
- Fundraising and literature staff and students!
focused events

- TL attendance at PAC “When in doubt, go to the library” (J.K.Rowling)

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SEMKIW SEPTEMBER/2018

ACTION PLAN:
“Research has shown that a well stocked library, staffed by a credentialed
[teacher-librarian], has a positive impact on student achievement,
regardless of the student’s socio-economic status” (OLA, 2009)

What does an Exemplary Library mean for…

Upcoming Projects STAFF STUDENTS

Students in Division 1 have just
completed their Socials
summative assessments on
Ancient Egypt. Follow along on
their expeditions and adventures
as they teach you what they’ve
learned by “exploring” Ancient
Egypt through the magic of
green screen videography. 

Division 9’s non-fiction text
feature booklets, brochures, and
slideshow presentations are
available on the “New and Now”
shelf. Come by the LC to check
them out!
 LITERACY, MATH,
The week of Sept. 24th, Adrienne
Gear will be coming to visit our
students and staff to explore
Core Competencies and Reading
Power. You don’t want to miss out
on this amazing week!
*COLLABORATION
TIME: Do you have
something you are not
sure about or need
support with? Let me
help plan, facilitate,
assess, and supplement
with resources!
*IN-SERVICE TRAINING:
I can offer training time
for you to learn
something new! ADST,
SCIENCE, SOCIAL?
There are many new
additions the collection,
let me help you explore
these multi-media
options!
Students will come to
library prep to not only
exchange resources…
*INFORMATION and
TRADITIONAL
LITERACY: Students will
take part in targeted
lessons to help them
engage in 21st Century
learning and reading
skills.
*MORE LIBRARY TIME:
The library will be open
at all times to all
students. Our learning
commons can facilitate
use in many modes.

12 Days of Authors
Don't forget to check out the QUESTIONS?
Learning Commons Smart Board
to gather clues about this LETS CONNECT:
month’s Mystery Author; submit SEMKIW_SARA@LC.CA
your guesses by April 30 for a
chance to win a new book! TWITTER: @SARASEMKIW

INSTAGRAM: @LIBLC

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