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Archive Exploration
We were joined in the library this week by volunteer archivist, Stacey Armes. She is writing a book incorporating images that capture the history of Wymondham and the surrounding area and comparing them to modern equivalents. No book like that could be complete without an entry or two from our school, which will be celebrating its 80th year in 2019. The process of organising and reviewing the school archive turned up some brilliant examples of local and social history and we will be doing more to bring some of these stories to a wider audience in the run up to the anniversary next March. Look out for appeals to former students coming soon.
The New Librarians
The library team expanded today with the welcome addition of four new Student Librarians. Will, Annabelle, Ellie and Jasmine will be helping out at break and lunchtimes as well as helping deliver upcoming library events.
All library regulars, these four already know their way around the shelves. They are fantastic at recommending great reads and discussing books of every genre. It may take a week or two to get the hang of our unwieldy library software, but I know they will have it figured out
in no time!
ABA finds new home
For the last couple of years I have been lucky enough to help facilitate the brilliant Anti-Bullying Ambassador’s programme at Wymondham High. With varied and increasing demands on my attention and the installation of a brilliant Wellbeing Team at the school, it was decided to handover the group to be led by Miss Vlatseas from this new team.
The students do an amazing job befriending and supporting students in need from all year groups. As a parting gift I was able to take delivery of, and pass on their new sweatshirts and I look forward to seeing the, now much more visible, Ambassadors on patrol around the school at lunchtimes and on open evenings. Students can also pop into The Source (student meeting room) at lunch on Mondays and Thursdays to chat, ask questions or just hang out in a safe, welcoming place. Brilliant!
Carnegie Returns
This year’s Carnegie Award shortlist is one that looks filled with personal stories, new perspectives and interesting timeframes. Shadowing is due to begin in the library on Wednesday lunchtimes after the Easter holiday. With the inclusion of several of this library’s favourite authors, there will be a great deal to discuss each week before the Celebration Event in June. Check out our progress reading and reviewing at: carnegiegreenaway.org.uk – scroll through the W’s to get to the Wymondham High Shadowing page.
Proven Brilliant
For the first time in many years, Wymondham High students took part in the Smartlaw Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition, this year. With just a couple of months to prepare, our crack legal team of year 8 and 9 students were able to mount both a successful defence and prosecution in the Norfolk regional heat. Despite beating both other schools that they faced, the team sadly did not gain enough points overall to win the heat. Mrs Sharpe and I were immensely proud of the enthusiasm and hard work that the students brought to this project. Each did a great job in their role and supporting each other. On our return to school, the Principal agreed and the team celebrated their success with a well-earned treat – a Nando’s lunch in the Library. (But please don’t tell any other students or they’ll all want one!)
Watch Out!
Book Fair Bargains
The next few days sees the annual Scholastic Book Fair in full swing. Located this year in North Reception the book fair is a brilliant opportunity to find some fantastic new reads while supporting the school library. Every £1 spent at the fair equals a donation to the library that can be spent on additional resources from Scholastic.
Don’t worry if you don’t make the fair itself however, you can shop for books anytime at: scholastic.co.uk *remember to select Wymondham High Academy when prompted. 
Late Late Late
One of my least favourite things about being a librarian is when I have to tell students to bring their books back. I like to assume that every late book is not lost or fogotten but so well loved that the reader just can’t bear to part with it!
February has seen the latest batch of grumpy library letters go home to parents asking for the return of books that in some cases have been on loan for more than a year.
In many cases this is the first time a parent will know what their child has been reading as initial responsibility (and all of the reminders) go to the student first. This can lead to some confusion at home and occasionally, challenging enquiries sent to the library…
Is it worth the grumpy replies? Absolutely. Just one day after around 200 letters went home, 44 long term overdue books have already come back saving the school money but more importantly – putting books back on the shelf for the next reader to discover and love.
Carnegie is coming
The Carnegie Greenaway longlist announcement was made today. Follow this link to check it out and let us know what you think:
http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/press.php?release=pres_2018_Nominations_Carnegie.html
Carnegie always inspires conversation in the library and some of this year’s selection is no exception. Can’t wait for the shortlist and shadowing to start next month!
