Library as a Wellbeing Space
In this session, a variety of presenters will advocate for the role of the library (and its staff) as a wellbeing space in a school. Presenters include; school counsellor, head of learning resources and teacher librarians. Participants are encouraged to attend with a device to access Padlet, as part of a collaborative activity. This session is of relevance to primary and secondary staff.
About Margaret Tracey
Head of Learning Resources, Ravenswood School for Girls
Having had over 25 years in education, school libraries and technology, Margaret is passionate about the multi-faceted role in leading the physical and virtual school library and as a ‘third space’ with the power to improve wellbeing for students and staff. She is inspired by Ravenswood’s Positive Education Wellbeing Science program that encourages students to view the library as a safe and nurturing space where reading engagement and a love of learning is fostered. Margaret is excited by the library’s ability to stimulate teaching and learning through subject collaboration and targeted reading and literacy programs and events. In order for libraries to remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment, she advocates strongly for the school library to be an innovative, unique wellbeing space that nurtures student voice and agency. Thus challenging students to be better consumers as well as informed producers of resources.
About Helen Morris
Head Counsellor, Oakhill College, Castle Hill
Helen Morris is a Registered Psychologist and Head of Counselling at Oakhill College. In addition to her experience in schools, Helen has worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of mental health settings including in the not-for profit sector, in a psychiatric inpatient unit and for a national telehealth service. Helen is passionate about equipping her clients with the skills and knowledge to manage and improve their mental health.
About Jody McDonnell
Head of Library and eLearning, St Vincent’s College, Potts Point
Jody has 24 years experience as a teacher librarian in the System of Parramatta schools and more recently at St Vincent’s College. She is a Google Certified Teacher and Trainer and is very motivated to curate and deliver micro lessons with the lens of the Information Fluency Framework. Jody is also a keen education technologist supporting teachers and students with online tools for learning.
About Tania Moriarty
Academic Head of Library, Oakhill College, Castle Hill
Tania Moriarty has been working in school libraries for over 20 years. Working in both primary school and high school settings. Most recently she has worked at Abbotsleigh School and is currently the Academic Head of Library at Oakhill College in Castle Hill. Tania is passionate about encouraging reading for pleasure and enjoys the possibilities that AI brings into the library space.
Suggested Standards addressed by this Online Meet-up
Standard 1 Know students and how they learn
Standard 4 Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
Certificate of participation available via request to: info@slansw.net.au
About SLANSW Online Meet-Ups
The one-hour meet-ups take place in SLANSW's Zoom Conference Room and include a presentation from a guest speaker, with facilitated discussion between participants. We aim to include Q&A time as a wrap-up of each online meetup.
A maximum of 100 places are available for each meet-up, so get your registrations in ASAP.
Participation in SLANSW online meet-ups is at no cost to members. Non-members may access the meet-ups for $45 per session.
The one-hour meet-up takes place in SLANSW's Zoom conference room.
Those who register for this event will receive an email within 24 hours before the event, with details to access this online session.