SLANZA Conference 2013 : Many things…

Lisa asked me to write a piece for the SLANZA Collected magazine about highlights of attending the Wellington SLANZA Conference, with the instruction to keep it brief...  I thought I was doing well at just under 500 words, but the limit was an-almost-impossible 100, so I'll post my entry here as originally written and provide an edited version for Collected which will be, as ever, full to the brim with many great contributions...

The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.  Archilochus

Attending a SLANZA Conference is always rewarding but this year’s conference in Wellington was memorable for a number of reasons – and nothing to do with another one of those “storms of the century” and all the airport shenanigans… 

Wellington’s Winds of Change Conference highlights for me include :

• being challenged to try new things and hearing new ideas.  Sometimes a speaker can encapsulate a big idea in a memorable way – Ross Todd is brilliant at that, and I appreciated Erica McWilliams’ “fox / hedgehog” advice for libraries about taking an approach which is about many little things rather than one big thing – being multi-disciplinary, hybrid, adaptable, tolerant of complexity, getting the right mix of virtual and physical, and embracing people, culture and experimentation…
• hearing from real practitioners at workshops about some of the great things they are doing - Michelle Simms from Te Totara Primary School on “How to gamify your library” gave a workshop which was brilliantly researched and presented, providing both high tech and practical examples of strategies to engage students. Sue Esterman and the students from Scots College with SCRABOL, and Bridget with her flying solo strategies were other highlights. It was hard to choose which workshop to attend and I’m glad that the Conference proceedings are up on the SLANZA website to explore, refresh memory and share… 
• catching up face to face with National Library colleagues from around the country, and putting faces to names – from librarians through their list serv communications, to guest speakers like inspiring Tara Brabazon and steady Cathy Wylie, not to mention the inimitable Kim Hill after years of listening to her on the radio…

I also want to mention that I was very grateful to receive sponsorship to attend Conference from the SLANZA National Executive and Te Tai Tokerau region – it has been lovely in the past to give grants out to people and this year I felt very fortunate to be on the receiving end.  

Also, at the Conference I was presented with the SLANZA Honorary Life Membership Award which was a huge compliment, unexpected and truly delightful. I’ve been an Adviser with National Library for so long, working with many schools over the years, and feel very strongly that SLANZA is a crucial partner and ally in achieving the same goals of successful school libraries to support young learners.  Working with SLANZA committees in Northland over the past 13 years has been a really rewarding part of my job, and continues to be so.

Jeannie Skinner, Programme Adviser, Services to Schools Northland.

SLANZA Award for the Promotion of Reading to Trina Yuretich, Ahipara School

Trina Yuretich, Teacher with Library Responsibility and Deputy Principal at Ahipara School, is an active and energetic teacher who is always seeking new ways to engage students with reading for pleasure, through the library, her classroom and the school community. She was the recipient of the SLANZA Award for the Promotion of Reading in 2013.
 

Amongst various reading activities, Trina has been promoting summer holiday reading for students and staff. Last year she organised a fabulous summer reading photo competition which had many wonderful entries, and here is Trina herself, reading for pleasure in the summer sunshine at 90 Mile Beach, Te Oneroa-a-Tohe...

There was a great article in the local paper, The Northland Age, about Trina getting the Award,  and also in the following week's editorial  by Peter Jackson, where she was lauded :

Petrina Yuretich is one of those teachers who, far from simply teaching their pupils, shares her passion with them. And her particular passion is reading.  A few weeks ago she won an award for that, but her real reward is still to come. She is planting seeds that will grow, making a huge contribution to enabling the children she teaches today to become intelligent, inquisitive adults. Reading is the key that arguably unlocks every other form of learning. It does so in a fashion that hasn't changed since the first book was printed, and will not change despite social media.

A teacher can give her pupils no greater gift than the knowledge that between the covers of a book lie not only knowledge but wonder, the opportunity to experience people, places and events that no lifetime of actual experience ever will. Books can transport the reader far beyond their own immediate world, in a fashion that social media never will, and a child who develops a love of books early is truly blessed.
Petrina Yuretich knows that; she wants to see children reading not simply as a means of gaining knowledge pertinent to their education, but for pleasure. That is a wonderful thing. In the vernacular, it is cool. Uber cool....

She is the sort of teacher who, despite the unions, bureaucrats and politicians, gives her profession a good name, and who children will remember fondly, and with gratitude, long after their school days have ended.
We've all had great teachers at some point in our academic careers, no doubt - the writer and his contemporaries benefited immensely from some stunningly good teachers at Kaitaia Primary, Intermediate and College all those years ago - and it is gratifying to know they are still being produced by a system in which many have lost faith. Long may they continue to introduce their charges to a world that only they and parents can unlock for them, so that they too might experience the lightness of being that books and education can offer...

SLANZA Principals' Award to Lee Whitelaw, Ohaeawai School

Lee Whitelaw, Principal at Ohaeawai School was a recipient of SLANZA’s Principals’ Award in 2013.

Lee has placed the library at the heart of literacy learning at Ohaeawai since she arrived at the school. She understands the vital importance of creating enthusiastic, fluent, engaged readers and writers, and sees the library as integral to achieving that goal.  At Ohaeawai, a decile 2 school of 160 students, 55% Māori, 96% of the children are reading at or above National Standards. 

The library is well staffed and supported, has strong and collaborative partnerships with the classroom programmes, and is actively creating readers and supporting learners throughout the day.  The library is also providing positive library experiences for the whole school community with parents regularly visiting to select books to share with their children.  

To hear Lee talk about her view of the library at Ohaeawai, see the Leading a learning community video on the Services to Schools website, and for more about the library and its school community relationships, see this short interview with Liz Christensen talking about how the library is involved with the Reading Together programme. 

SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau Committee meeting 10 August 2013

The rain didn't deter a hardy bunch of SLANZA TTT committe members gathering at Alfresco's Restaurant and Bar in Paihia.  Whilst enjoying a leisurely lunch we discussed numerous possibilities for Term 3 and 4 events.

Look out for more details when these events are confirmed.

SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau Committee meeting - Saturday 10 August in the Bay of Islands

Come and join the Committee for a delicious lunch and discussion about future events in a Bay of Islands cafe on Saturday 10 August.  Leave a comment if you are able to attend.

Winds of Change SLANZA Conference - 15-17 July 2013 - Wellington

Beehive photo courtesy of Julia Smith

Report back on the Winds of Change SLANZA conference – 15-17 July 2013

A small contingent of keen and eager Northland Librarians attended the SLANZA conference in the holidays.  Some of the group battled stormy/windy weather preventing them from flying into Wellington on the Sunday.  Luckily we all missed the earthquakes which hit Wellington after we left which damaged windows in the new National Library building, stairwell damage at Wellington Girls’ College and caused falling masonry in Featherston Street where we were staying.

It is hard to know where to start when talking about the conference.  There were so many good moments.  The conference was well organised, the keynotes and workshops were relevant, the food was good and as always it was great to connect with other Librarians from around New Zealand.  It was particularly good catching up with other Boys Secondary School Librarians to discuss matters relevant to our schools.

 It was a very intense experience and I found my head reeling from all the information and in fact I still need time to reflect on which ideas I can best incorporate into my work at Whangarei Boys’ High School.

Several workshops stand out.  One was by booksellers, John and Ruth McIntyre of the Children’s bookshop in Kilbirnie, Wellington who enthusiastically promoted a selection of new books. 

Another by a Scots College team of Sue Easterman, Library Manager, Will Struthers, Head of Middle School English and three year 11 students, collaborated to hold a summer reading competition linked to a website where students from the middle school could review books.  Prizes were awarded and, thanks to the hard work of the students involved, there was a marked increase in boys reading. 

Lastly, a workshop by  SLANZA President, Bridget Schaumann, Librarian at Kings High School, Dunedin who shared her strategies for coping as a solo Librarian and how to eliminate jobs that don’t need doing, deliver a great service and keep your sense of humour.

The highlight of the conference, in my opinion, was a panel discussion chaired by Kim Hill (2012 International Radio Personality of the year and host of Saturday morning show on National Radio) with Bernard Beckett (author and secondary school teacher), Glenn Colquhoun (Dr and poet) and Kate de Goldi (author and book reviewer).  It was a lively discussion about the future of the Libraries and also the controversial book Into the River by Ted Dawe which won the NZ Post Children’s Book Award.  (Bernard Beckett was the convener of the judging panel.)

I am now looking forward our annual Northland Secondary PD Day in September.

SLANZA Winds of Change Conference - Wellington - July 2013

Only a week to go now until the SLANZA Conference in Wellington.  I can't decide what I am most looking forward to - the workshops, the keynotes or maybe the authors panel?  Or just the chance to get together with all the other awesome librarians and chat over coffee about books and libraries and other topics close to our hearts.

SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau AGM - Saturday 22 June 2013

 

After the wonderful session with Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham last weekend we held the SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau AGM with the following members present:

 

Lisa Salter, Dee Brooker, Ngaire Morey, Di Eastwood, Julia Smith, Jenny Wilson, Kaye Neely, Jill Hatherly, Liz Christensen, Elaine Shields, Jeannie Skinner.

 

Here is an extract from the Minutes of that meeting with the naming of the new committee members setting out their responsibilities.  We would, of course, welcome support from any other SLANZA members in Northland at any time.

 

Lisa Salter's report is also below.  Lisa is doing an amazing job as National Executive Representative and I hope that everyone can offer her plenty of support in this demanding role.

 

Dee Brooker

 

SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau AGM

Saturday 22^nd June 2013, 3.30pm Kerikeri High School Library

 

1.    SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau Committee

 

·         National Executive Representative / Co-Chair : Lisa Salter offered to continue as the National Executive Northland representative for another year.

·         Secretary / Co-Chair : Julia Smith volunteered to be the new Co-Chair / Secretary of SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau

·         Treasurer : Kaye would like to hand over the Treasurer’s role to a current SLANZA member, and so we offer her grateful thanks for a role ably done over many years.  Jeannie nominated Jenny Puckey as Treasurer, and she accepted the nomination.

·         Communications : Dee Brooker volunteered to take over the role of maintaining the SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau blog http://slanzanorthland.blogspot.co.nz/ and communicating through the NZ school library list serv as needed.

·         Memberships – Jeannie will take on the memberships role encouraging schools to join SLANZA. We currently have 31 members in Northland and our target is to double that by the next AGM!

·         A committee was drawn together from expressions of interest and anyone else too is welcome to come up with ideas, share organisation roles, and provide support at events etc on a casual basis.

Committee 2013 / 2014 : Lisa Salter, Julia Smith, Dee Brooker, Jenny Puckey, Jan Hobbs, Elaine Shields, Liz Christensen, Clare Giesbers, Jeannie Skinner.                                             

 

Te Tai Tokerau AGM Report 2013

Lisa Salter, NE Representative / Chair TTT

 

In August 2011 I took over the Chair of TTT after years of excellent service from Di Eastwood.  I would be grateful if another member would consider taking up this position.  We would like to improve the structure of the region by appointing someone else to the membership portfolio to look after our members and encourage new members, as well as a committee of a few to plan and gauge interest in events.  I would also like to encourage a member to consider taking the National Executive role for the region.  I would be happy to step down at the next AGM.

 

Professional Development

In 2012 we were excited that SLANZA was able to bring Ross Todd to New Zealand, but TTT was not well represented at the workshop due to distance and cost.  Anita Vandenberghe presented a workshop in Term 2 in Kerikeri on Creative Library Displays with 28 librarians present.  In Term 3 we had Robert Baigent, Services Manager of Any Questions/Many Answers, up for an afternoon information session.  He outlined this great free online NZ resource for school students as something that we can to promote to our students, teachers, parents and explained how to get the most out of it. 

 

Because of our large geographical area and the sparsity of members in any one area, we do not get support for after school or evening events.  This year, in response to requests, we are focusing on offering authors in schools exclusively to our members.   In Term 1 we were extremely fortunate to host Joseph Delaney, internationally bestselling author of the Spooks Series.  He did a public event in Whangarei and this was well supported including a van load from Kerikeri.  Des Hunt is currently touring Northland.  This was offered to all member schools and 16 have taken up the opportunity.  In Term 3 we have Tania Hutley and are gauging interest for Term 4.  While we positively promote the conference to our members, we struggle to get more than a few members involved.  We had only two applications for the two NE conference grants. We hope to share the best of the conference with the rest of our members late in Term 3.

 

Communication

The Te Tai Tokerau blog  is used to spread information and allow members to become familiar with blogging.  Both Jeannie Skinner (TTT Secretary) and I share responsibility for keeping it up to date and interesting, we encourage members to do a post.   With Jeannie Skinner’s direction we also have online communities at National Library Services to Schools including Northland Networks, Northland PD Day, and Northland registered librarians. Jeannie is promoting these every chance she gets throughout the region.   Our blog also links to the SLANZA website.  We like how this keeps our webpage up to date, highlights our news and links directly to the blog. 

 

Advocacy

Jeannie Skinner continues to be a shining light for SLANZA in Northland.  Every opportunity she gets, be it at a network meeting, blog post, school visit, etc she plugs the benefits of SLANZA membership.  I believe that is why Te Tai Tokerau membership is so strong.  

 

I am grateful to have been supported by SLANZA to attend the LIANZA Advocacy workshop in Auckland in March last year as well as the Ross Todd seminar.   Fortunately for my region, National Library supported Jeannie Skinner’s attendance as well.  We have been sharing what we learned at our local network meetings and on the blog.  

 

Things have been quite settled in the region this term.  The main comment I am hearing from members is problems regarding budgets or lack of them. 

 

Finance

We have now received our Book Protection Products PD money for 2012 and 2013 and are grateful for this sponsorship as it enables us to bring in guests like Mal Peet.  We are looking for practical suggestions on how to support our region’s professional development with this money.

 

Lisa Salter

Te Tai Tokerau National Executive Member for SLANZA

Des Hunt

As part of the Northland tour organised by Lisa Salter, NZ author, Des Hunt visited the WBHS Library last Thursday.  Des Hunt is well known for his stories with adventure and environmental themes and distinct New Zealand settings.

He entertained and informed eight Year 9 and 10 classes with his unique presentation, combining an animated Power-Point show with science demonstrations.  He used the science experiments as a metaphor for different aspects of the reading and writing cycle.  Whilst some students may not have got the idea of a metaphor, they all certainly enjoyed the science experiments and will remember the author who ended his presentation with a bang - literally!

“All writing is travel writing because it takes you on a journey…”

Like Dee in the previous post, I was taken by this quote from Mal Peet at the SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau event on Saturday.  It captured my imagination, and reflected the journeys that Mal and Elspeth took us on as they spoke, and through their books set in different lands and times. 

Elspeth spoke about finding the germ of an idea through her research and then the process of spinning the story through walking and talking about it and playing it out until Mal could take it and put it into words to make it come alive. Their recently published book, Mysterious Traveller, exquisitely illustrated by PJ Lynch, came from hearing about Timbuktu in Mali, Africa, being at the intersection of trade routes, where a kilo of salt and a kilo of gold were of equal value, and where there was a renowned guide who was blind but could lead people through shifting sands using his knowledge as signposts.

I thought the idea of crafting the story initially in an oral way was interesting – how maybe we need to have time to talk about a story, tease out the threads and connections, before we launch straight into writing it down…

Mal writes up in the attic room, Elspeth’s office is downstairs, and there is a cow bell which Elspeth rings if she wants Mal to come down…  Someone suggested that it was shades of Downton Abbey, but Mal replied, more like Pavlov’s dog – never knowing if the summons was about a sandwich or hoovering!

There was a question about the classification of books – teen, adult etc and Mal suggested it is adults who buy the books for children and so the classifications are for them – the children will read what they will…  He spoke about reading to children, and the ability then to read to them at their understanding level rather than their reading level which is sometimes lower.

Mal was entertaining as he spoke about his boyhood ambitions (to captain England's football team and failing that, draw cartoons for Beano), his writing process, relationships with publishers and illustrators, and the travel which has enriched his writing.  He talked about having a novel in his head being like playing three dimensional chess, with transparent pieces, against yourself – carrying it around in your head like a glass bowl of water…

Luckily for us, Mal’s self-professed speech impediment – ‘I can’t pronounce the word “no”’, meant that he and Elspeth fitted in the session in their last few days in New Zealand while on holiday in Northland, and it was an enjoyable and interesting afternoon for the 30 – 40 people gathered there.

Thanks to Kerikeri High School for the venue and hospitality, Di for afternoon tea, Books on Hobson for providing books for sale, and to Lisa Salter, Kevin from Books on Hobson and Clare Giesbers who provided books for the successful raffle won by many happy ticket holders.  Congratulations also to Ahipara School who brought along a group of students who asked interesting questions.

Teachers / book clubs may be interested in the Walker Books Classroom Ideas resource kits for Mal’s (and other people’s) books – here is the page for Secondary Fiction Classroom Ideas http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Teachers/Classroom-Ideas/Secondary-Fiction-Classroom-Ideas

Cheers, Jeannie

NZ Author - Des Hunt

So looking forward to Des Hunt visiting Whangarei Boys' High School later this week.

Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham - 22 June 2013 - Kerkikeri High School

So enjoyed the informal session with Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham yesterday.  I could have listened to them for hours they were so entertaining. A  quote from Mal "All writing is travel writing as it takes you places".  Nice.  Now to snuggle by the fire and read "Tamar". 

Thanks so much to Jeannie for the organisation and her special cake, Di for her excellent scones, Julia for the  local mandarins and Lisa for the lift.

Mal Peet Heads North

SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau invite you to afternoon tea and a few laughs with a most entertaining and engaging presentation by  Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham

2.00pm Saturday 22 June 

At Kerikeri High School Library

Mal Peet, Internationally celebrated UK author. He has won the prestigious Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Prize for Children's Fiction, and his work has been translated into many languages. His young adult novels include Keeper (2003), Tamar (2005), The Penalty (2006),Exposure (2008) and Life: an Exploded Diagram (2011).

With his wife, Elspeth Graham, Mal writes picture books for younger readers. Their Cloud Tea Monkeys (2010, illustrated by Juan Wijngaard) was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal in the UK and won an Aesop Award in the USA, and the second book in this series, Mysterious Traveller, illustrated by P J Lynch, has just been launched.

All welcome – teachers, students, librarians, parents…

Free for Students, SLANZA members and their schools, $10.00 for non-members.

Programme :

2.00pm – Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham

3.00pm – Afternoon tea, book signing and informal chat

3.30pm – SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau AGM

Please pass this information on to anyone you think would be interested, and RSVP to jeannie.skinner@dia.govt.nz with the number of people who will be attending, thank you.

SLANZA events are kindly sponsored by Book Protection Products.

Hi -

I am working with Des Hunt to organise a visit in Term 2 (probably the week of June 24 - 28) for SLANZA member schools.  He is keen for me to get a few schools together in the area from Warkworth through to Whangarei.  If there is enough interest I can approach him for a visit further north as well.

Pricing is negotiable based on the number of days, but if it is more than two costs would be:
Morning $300.00+gst
Afternoon $200.00+gst

He visited our local schools a few years ago and the students still talk about it.  His books are rarely on the shelves here and while he has a huge appeal for boys, the girls like him too.  His target audience is Year 6 - 9.

Please let me know asap if you are interested and whether you would prefer morning or afternoon visit.

Lisa Salter RLIANZ
SLANZA Te Tai Tokerau representative
and National Communications Leader
www.slanza.org.nz

lsalter@ruawaicollege.school.nz

Read Ruawai Library's Book Review Blog at:
ruawailibrary.wordpress.com

An Exciting Opportunity for Schools

The line-up has been announced for this years' Auckland Writers and Readers Festival and I AM EXCITED!
Patrick Ness, author of The Knife of Never Letting Go series will be there!  Check out the full programme at Writers & Readers website and start planning.
Lisa Salter

New Beginnings

Happy New Year

I hope you have all had a good rest over the holidays and are going back to work refreshed and ready to go.  For me holidays are never long enough and the idea of being ready to sit in a daily morning meeting when for the last month I was lounging around home is a challenge.  BUT if I want to get paid, I must get with the programme!  In many ways I am looking forward to heading back to the books, the kids and the daily routine, I hope you are too.

While we have been on holiday our darling Jeannie Skinner has been busy motivating us even while we rest.  I just had a look at the National Library Services to Schools online communities and the Northland Networks page (* http://schools.natlib.govt.nz/community/groups/northland-networks) is filled with things to do and ponder.  I guess most significant is the updated National Library page, don't be confused because it's not the same as it was.  It looks easy to find things, but because it's different it may be a good idea to have a play before someone needs something yesterday!

The July conference in Wellington is shaping up well and I hope many from Northland will attend. There are plenty of scholarships available so if money is your only barrier, get packing! 

I look forward to catching up with you all early this year.  We need to have an AGM and plan some events for the year, start thinking about what you could benefit from most and let me know.

All the best for the coming year.
Lisa Salter

 *You have to log on to view.  If you haven't yet joined it's free and easy. 

Happy Holidays

It has been an eventful year for SLANZA with Ross Todd inspiring us and a conference to look forward to next July.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the enrichment of the region.  Special thanks to Kaye Neely, our treasurer, and Jeannie Skinner, our secretary, the region could not function without the dedication of these special ladies.

Wishing you all a happy, restful and fulfilling holiday season.  I look forward to working with you all again next year.

Lisa Salter

Study grant recipients for 2013

Study grant recipients for 2013

Warmest congratulations go to Helen Muxlow, Judy Waenga, Pamela McKirdy and Vivian Wang – our latest study grant recipients.

We look forward to reading about their study experiences next year.

Michele Ayres
SLANZA Professional Development team leader

Vacancy - National Executive Administration Officer

IS THIS YOU?Do you want a challenge?
Do you have excellent administrative and clerical skills?
Are you highly organized?
Are you confident using online tools such as Google Apps and other online tools?
Are you comfortable with online banking and managing finances?
Are you passionate about school libraries and education in New Zealand?
Do you want to be more involved with SLANZA?

Answering YES to these questions could mean you’re just who we’re looking for! 
SLANZA is looking for an Administration Officer. The position is a demanding but rewarding one. It is not necessary that applicants work, or have worked, in a school library but a general understanding of the way that the education sector works would be advantageous.

We need someone who is highly organised, who can communicate well and who understands financial matters as they relate to organisations such as ourselves. Experience with MYOB or other accounting programmes and databases would be an advantage. We would like a person who is responsive to challenges and who is good with systems and comfortable working in an online environment and to a deadline.

SLANZA is offering this paid contract position of up to 10 hours a week to the right person, who will work closely with the President and the members of the National Executive.

This administrative role involves:

• National Executive Secretary
• Membership Secretary
• SLANZA Finance

Although our meetings are held in Wellington it is not necessary that the person appointed resides there.
If you would like more information, the position description is attached below, or email slanza@xtra.co.nz

Applications in writing, to be addressed to the President at slanza@xtra.co.nz

Applications close on Wednesday, December 12th.  We would expect to appoint before Christmas.


Position Description.pdf
Download File

New "Collected" Out Now

Hi

Blue Sky Thinking! If the sky was the limit, what would you hope for?

Are you ready to be inspired? Are you ready to be challenged? Are you prepared for some mental fitness to keep your mind active over the summer, filling your head with ideas and inspiration? How can you make positive changes in your career and your library?


Open this issue of SLANZA's Collected magazine and see what the leaders in the field have to say. You will get to know a couple of the fabulous key note speakers gearing up for next year's conference in Wellington bringing us 'winds of change' as well as some local experts keen to share their dreams with you.


Get comfortable, open your mind and follow this link!

Oh, and while I have your attention... The conference committee have started a Facebook page to keep you up to date on their progress. Check it out when you have a chance and 'like' it to stay informed.

Lisa Salter
SLANZA Communications Leader