News from Mrs. Wagman and the…
Thank You
I would like to thank all students and staff for being so patient during the library closure due to our renovations. A special thank you goes to our caretakers who had the daunting task of getting the library in tip-top shape.
Did You Know?
While the library was closed, purchasing, processing and shelving of new books continued. There have been many additions to our already extensive collection. We have many new series, beautiful and engaging picture books, as well as hot-off-the-press new releases for fiction, non-fiction, and young adult selections.
Primary and Junior library orientations have been completed, library schedules arranged, and students are back eagerly visiting the library and borrowing books. All classes have a scheduled library period with Kindergarten to Grade 5 students visiting the library weekly, and Grades 6 to 8 visiting bi-weekly. Kindergarten and grade one students must return their library books in the provided book bag weekly. All chapter books are checked out to students for a two-week loan period. The library is open every recess for Junior and Intermediate book exchanges. Please ensure that you check your child’s agenda or classroom newsletter/calendar for their scheduled library day.
Book exchange is a great opportunity for your child to demonstrate responsibility. Please assist your child to return their library books on time and in good condition. Misplaced, lost and damaged books will be subject to a replacement cost.
Take a look at our Thornhill Woods Library website, where you and your child can view our library catalogue, access the Vaughan Public Library and several YRDSB online resources including Bookflix literacy resource, Encyclopedia Britannica and other wonderful homework research supports. I will also be regularly updating the Library website so keep checking for new entries.
Forest of Reading Program
At Thornhill Woods we will be taking part in the Blue Spruce Reading Program for Grades One and Two. The Forest of Reading program is Canada’s largest recreational reading program run by the Ontario Library Association. The main objectives of the program are to encourage a love of reading and to introduce students to high quality Canadian picture books. Students will hear 10 selected picture books and vote for their favourite selection. You and your family can obtain more information on the Forest of Reading Programs by visiting the Ontario Library Association website at: www.accessola.org/forestofreading
January 27, 2015 is Family Literacy Day. The initiative was first created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999, and has been embraced by literacy organizations, schools, and libraries all across the country.
For literacy activity ideas that you can do as a family at home, check the Family Literacy Day website at:
In honour of Family Literacy Day, we will once again be celebrating our Character Storybook Dress Up Day. Students in grades Kindergarten to Grade Three are invited to dress up as their favourite storybook character. The Kindergarten classes will participate in a parade by visiting the Grades 1-3 classrooms to share their costumes. The classroom with the most participants will win a game for their class. Please remember that your child’s outfit must be appropriate for a busy day at school and outdoor recess. It may also not be accompanied by toy weapons or similar props.
The Title Wave Book Fair is coming to our school January 19th to the 22nd. Your entire family is invited to participate by purchasing the latest and greatest in children’s books. The support of this literacy fundraiser will help us purchase new books and resources for our library. Cheques and credit cards are accepted.
Students will have a chance to browse through the books, making a wish list with their classroom teachers.
Our big Scholastic Book Fair will take place in April to coincide with Boutique night. More details will follow in the coming months.
If you have not had a chance to visit our beautiful Thornhill Woods Library/Learning Commons, please feel free to come in and take a peek. Make sure you take a look at the back room! It is also not too late to volunteer in the library! Volunteers can help in the library by shelving and preparing books for circulation. Training will be provided and volunteers are a great help and addition to our school community.
Please contact me at Ext. 126 if you are interested.
Finally, be a reading role model for your child. Surround your home with reading materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, etc. Cuddle up with a good book and you’ll model how reading can be one of the best parts of your day.
Happy Reading to All!
Marilyn Wagman
Teacher Librarian
Thornhill Woods P.S.
