Xstrata promotes reading at St Joseph's School, Cloncurry

It's that time again, where the books chosen by students have arrived at schools!

Students from St Joseph's Catholic School in Cloncurry were thrilled by the staff from Xstrata Copper Ernest Henry Mining  who attended their Book Giving Assembly on 1st November, 2012.

Ernst Henry Mining staff started the assembly off by reading There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Thong to the students. The students were then presented the books they'd chosen, and they were all eagerly flipping through, showing Xstrata Copper Ernst Henry Mining staff the books they had received (pictures below).

Thank you Xstrata Copper Ernest Henry Mining!

(Photo courtesy of Xstrata Copper Ernst Henry Mining)

Whalan featured in Good Reading Magazine!

Whalan Public School, in the Greater Western Sydney was featured in the Good Reading Magazine in the October 2012 issue!

"Lots of school children have found reading to be a dreary chore. But as HELEN POLIOS, Deputy Principal of Whalan Public School in Sydney's western suburbs writes, if you give kids enough exciting stories, they'll take to reading without even having to try."
- Good Reading Magazine, October 2012

The article appeared in the School of Stories section, sharing how the reading culture is spread throughout the school. The students were asked to write a book review on books that they have read. They wrote reviews on books they've borrowed from the library, books from the Twilght Tales box launched by author Deborah Abela, and books they received and now own through the Books in Homes Programme sponsored by The University of Western Sydney, Higher Education Participation Program - Bridges to Higher Education.

 

 

 (Click here to download PDF version of the article)

Claymore students choosing books with Janssen-Cilag staff!

Today, Claymore Public School, in Sydney NSW, had their Term 4, 2012 Book Choosing Assembly.

Miss Gilroy, the librarian read out sections of the 48 titles in the Preview Pack to the students. All the students listened attentively as Miss Gilroy brought each of the books to life. The students were so excited as each new book was read out to them!

The students made their book selections and filled out their order forms. Sponsor representative - Ms Laura Wilden from Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd - was there to help the students with tough decisions of choosing their favourite four books!

Thank You Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd!

If you would like to see the list of books on offer this term, download a copy of the latest Book Catalogue from our website!

We also have a competition on Page 2 of the catalogue, every student who enters will receive a certificate, and we'll also pick out 20 winners to receive a special prize pack!

Jungdranung Kids Visit Sydney!

Today, 9 students from Jungdranung Remote Community School in the Kimberley visited Books in Homes at Milsons Point in Sydney. They were accompanied by their Principal Sue Smith and her husband Garry.

Jungdranung is located 150 km east of Kununurra, on a road that can take over 5 hours to navigate.

Map of Jungdranung

 These guys have traveled 15 hours on Sunday to get to Sydney - lets put some perspective into this trip, you can jump on a plane in Sydney and fly for 14-15 hours and arrive in LA or India - this is an enormous effect especially if it's your FIRST trip away from home!!

Photo by Kimberley H

These students had all met the attendance criteria set by the school for the year.

After a good nights sleep, the Jungdranung kids jumped on a ferry from Manly and visited the Taronga Zoo on Monday. Tuesday, they visited the Dinosaurs at the Australian Museum and caught up with Books in Homes for Fish 'n' Chips in our boardroom.

Photo by Kimberley H

Books in Homes volunteer Kimberley, gave lesson in photography!

We all had a fabulous afternoon and hope that you all come back and visit us again soon!!

Photos by Kimberley H

Photo by Kimberley H

Books in Homes Stroll

Today, Books in Homes Australia gathered a crew of people all dressed in orange T-shirts and orange caps, and participated in the Sydney Running Festival.

Strolling across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, we had our Book Selection Committee member Frank Pearce and his wife Fay, Books in Homes Role Model Chris Cheng and his wife Bini, Books in Homes Role Model Tony Flower's wife Ceri, and their two sons - Joshua and Tallis. We formed quite an eye catching group!

We were not only strolling, we are also fundraising for Plunkett Street Public School! Principal, Elizabeth McGlynn and teacher, Juliet Coyle joined us on this beautiful Sunday morning!

We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to our lightning-fast Books in Homes Strolling Team for helping to make this day so special and successful! We hope to see you again next year!

St Dominic's Centre

Students from St Dominic's Centre entered the Newcastle Herald Schools Competition, which includes an article on the Books in Homes Programme. Their entry is published in the Newcastle Herald on 14 August 2012!!

Also a SPECIAL THANK YOU to sponsor Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, GPP Consulting and Transqual Logistics Training for investing in the Books in Homes Programme at St Dominic's Centre!

Congratulations Frank!!!

Bachelor of Education graduate, Frank Pearce, has recently been recognised for his outstanding contribution to Catholic education in NSW. Frank is the recipient of the Brother John Taylor Award for excellence in Catholic Education in recognition of the impact he has made as the State Coordinator for Aboriginal Education.

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Frank Pearce has been on the Books in Homes Australia Book Selection Committee for over 11 years. He has generously volunteer his time three times a year to choose the books that make up the Books in Homes Primary Programme Catalogue, which is distributed to all participating children around Australia.

Congratulations Frank!!!