Gina Krohn: Glenfield PS
My first year teaching was in 1988; I was teacher librarian at Barraba Central School. Between then and completing the MEd(TL) in 2015, I did postgraduate studies in history, worked as NSW Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia, was (and still am) a part time book keeper for a small local business, became a mum - twice! - joined our local Lions Club (We Serve), did a lot of casual classroom and library teaching and, since 2016, have been the permanent TL at Glenfield PS.
My first year teaching was in 1988; I was teacher librarian at Barraba Central School. Between then and completing the MEd(TL) in 2015, I did postgraduate studies in history, worked as NSW Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia, was (and still am) a part time book keeper for a small local business, became a mum - twice! - joined our local Lions Club (We Serve), did a lot of casual classroom and library teaching and, since 2016, have been the permanent TL at Glenfield PS.
Professionally, I'd like to be a better support to the teaching staff. I'm RFF and struggle to have them see me and the library as a resource (they have the internet!) and not just a dump and run for their class. This did change somewhat during the lockdown periods so I will work to build on that.
Professionally, I'd like to be a better support to the teaching staff. I'm RFF and struggle to have them see me and the library as a resource (they have the internet!) and not just a dump and run for their class. This did change somewhat during the lockdown periods so I will work to build on that.
I also REALLY want to help TL colleagues make connections, support each other, share resources and not feel quite so isolated. I would like the PLCC site, PD sessions and conferences continue to grow and support TLs. In 2022, I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of the NSWSLA John Hirst award which recognises excellence in professional leadership and/or service by an Association member who is either a teacher librarian or who supports school libraries in New South Wales.
I also REALLY want to help TL colleagues make connections, support each other, share resources and not feel quite so isolated. I would like the PLCC site, PD sessions and conferences continue to grow and support TLs. In 2022, I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of the NSWSLA John Hirst award which recognises excellence in professional leadership and/or service by an Association member who is either a teacher librarian or who supports school libraries in New South Wales.
I have the volunteer role of national outreach officer for the Students Need School Libraries campaign, and try to make time to approach authors, publishers, book sellers - anyone! - who will help promote the need for and role of TLs and well-resourced libraries in the lives of Australian students. Too many schools, as we know, are divesting themselves of qualified TLs - our students and, dare I say, the book industry and all who depend on it will suffer if this is allowed to continue. Check out the SLSN site for information on how you can help:
I have the volunteer role of national outreach officer for the Students Need School Libraries campaign, and try to make time to approach authors, publishers, book sellers - anyone! - who will help promote the need for and role of TLs and well-resourced libraries in the lives of Australian students. Too many schools, as we know, are divesting themselves of qualified TLs - our students and, dare I say, the book industry and all who depend on it will suffer if this is allowed to continue. Check out the SLSN site for information on how you can help:
I am also a member of the NSW Teachers Federation Special Interest Group for teacher librarians. this group meets once a term to discuss our ongoing concerns about the devaluing of the TL role. Members of the SIG feel its time for action, and hope to start making a noise about
I am also a member of the NSW Teachers Federation Special Interest Group for teacher librarians. this group meets once a term to discuss our ongoing concerns about the devaluing of the TL role. Members of the SIG feel its time for action, and hope to start making a noise about
Glenfield hovers around 440 students and over 90% EAL/D. I'm fortunate in that the majority of kids love the library and happily get involved with the various activities I organise.
Glenfield hovers around 440 students and over 90% EAL/D. I'm fortunate in that the majority of kids love the library and happily get involved with the various activities I organise.
My favourite books are usually the ones I've read recently. My favourite genre is fantasy and I fear our library collection is beginning to reflect that! I also love the fabulous range of nonfiction available to students now.
My favourite books are usually the ones I've read recently. My favourite genre is fantasy and I fear our library collection is beginning to reflect that! I also love the fabulous range of nonfiction available to students now.
I've had some great school events such as the Book Week Bake a Book (thanks to Sophie Partington for inspiration), but my favourite would be the annual visit from Captain Glenfield. One staff member (identity not disclosed) volunteers to be Captain Glenfield and students need to observe all the staff (office staff included) and work out (I use that term loosely!) by a process of elimination, who CG really is. Clues are posted outside the library, eg. Captain Glenfield is wearing red on Thursday; is wearing stripes, has odd socks on, has a rocket in their room, etc. Of course, we have a few red herrings, just to keep everyone guessing. I tie the Captain's appearance to a bookish theme - a pirate for Find Your Treasure, an astronaut for NSS Give Me Some Space. I'm not sure who will be visiting in 2022 but I know it will be fun!
I've had some great school events such as the Book Week Bake a Book (thanks to Sophie Partington for inspiration), but my favourite would be the annual visit from Captain Glenfield. One staff member (identity not disclosed) volunteers to be Captain Glenfield and students need to observe all the staff (office staff included) and work out (I use that term loosely!) by a process of elimination, who CG really is. Clues are posted outside the library, eg. Captain Glenfield is wearing red on Thursday; is wearing stripes, has odd socks on, has a rocket in their room, etc. Of course, we have a few red herrings, just to keep everyone guessing. I tie the Captain's appearance to a bookish theme - a pirate for Find Your Treasure, an astronaut for NSS Give Me Some Space. I'm not sure who will be visiting in 2022 but I know it will be fun!
I need to: get better at teaching aspects of information literacy; work on my time management skills; find a way to keep on top of all the information we need to be across; get a better system for finding new books; work out more effective assessment strategies for K-6; clear my office; stop collecting stuff that 'might be useful'; not drown... (this list is not comprehensive!).
I need to: get better at teaching aspects of information literacy; work on my time management skills; find a way to keep on top of all the information we need to be across; get a better system for finding new books; work out more effective assessment strategies for K-6; clear my office; stop collecting stuff that 'might be useful'; not drown... (this list is not comprehensive!).
My little bit of library bling I made, and it's cemented in the path outside the library
My little bit of library bling I made, and it's cemented in the path outside the library
Ollie the library dog
Ollie the library dog
Each year I have a different sign on the exterior library wall. I started this is 2018
Each year I have a different sign on the exterior library wall. I started this is 2018
2018: a great year for reading
2018: a great year for reading
2019: we're growing readers!
2019: we're growing readers!
2020: we're wild about reading!
2020: we're wild about reading!
2021: we're in a reading revolution!
2021: we're in a reading revolution!
2022: readers just know how to!
2022: readers just know how to!