The new school year kicked off with an exhilarating start as we celebrated the success of our summer reading initiatives, Book Bingo and Readopoly. This year’s participation was unprecedented, showcasing the pupils’ enthusiasm for reading over the long summer break. The influx of completed sheets was a delightful sight, and the excitement of awarding house points and certificates set a vibrant tone for the academic year.

In September, the Prep School Library had the pleasure of hosting renowned author and illustrator Jamie Littler. His visit was nothing short of magical, as he captivated our students with tales from his Frostheart and Arkspire series. Jamie’s drawing masterclass in the Theatre was a hit, with students eagerly participating in creating new sketches, now proudly displayed in the Library. The opportunity to purchase signed copies of his books and engage in lively conversations made the event a memorable highlight.

Our library sessions across the PrePrep and Prep Schools have been a cornerstone of our pupils’ reading journeys. PrePrep children delight in selecting new titles each week from a diverse collection of picture books, fact books, first readers, and chapter books. The joy of listening to stories read aloud by Mrs. Macdonald-Brown adds an extra layer of enchantment. Meanwhile, Prep School pupils enjoy the flexibility of exchanging books daily, contributing to the impressive loan of over 5,500 items this year—an increase from the previous year.

While books and reading remain at the heart of our Library, the space also offers a plethora of engaging activities. The Prep School Library has become a vibrant social hub, bustling with children playing Top Trumps, Dobble, Story Cubes, crafting, drawing, and challenging each other in draughts and chess. Additionally, a dedicated quiet period during lunch breaks provides a serene environment for those who wish to read, study, or simply unwind.

This year, we introduced two exciting ‘drop-in’ clubs: ‘Board Games & Lego’ and ‘Comic Club.’ Comic Club has been a creative haven where students explore different graphic novelists and illustrators weekly, inspiring them to draw their own masterpieces. The Board Games and Lego sessions foster teamwork and collaboration, resulting in some truly remarkable builds.

Our Pupil Librarians have been invaluable this year. A heartfelt thank you to Max, Jenson, Oscar, Nathan, Ernie, Reuben, Louie, and Lorcan for their dedication and assistance in managing library activities.

March brought the much-anticipated annual ‘Book Week,’ where the school buzzed with excitement as students and staff dressed as their favorite book characters. The creative costumes added a whimsical touch to the week, complemented by a lively Book Quiz in the Prep School and an adventurous Book Hunt in the PrePrep. The Book Fair was a resounding success, offering a treasure trove of books for students from Kindergarten to Year 8.

As we reflect on this vibrant and dynamic year, we look forward to more literary adventures and the continued joy of reading. Here’s to another year of fostering a love for books and creating unforgettable memories in our school libraries!