LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 2025
Embedded Files
Indigenous land acknowledgement
Indigenous land acknowledgement
Éy swáyel
Strathcona Elementary School's library and those who use it are proud to live, work, play and read on the Stó:lō unceded traditional territory of the Pilalt tribe.
My journey towards reconciliation involves broadening my own knowledge and understanding of the Halq'emeylem language, incorporating local Stó:lō stories into library time, introducing traditional language to students, and elevating the visibility and accessibility of indigenous books in the library collection.
teacher-librarianship PHILOSoPHY
teacher-librarianship PHILOSoPHY
My educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the Constructivist Learning Theory, believing that students build knowledge through experiences and reflection. I also attempt to foster a growth mindset and nurture curiosity when I am designing library programming. I prioritize hands-on learning experiences, allowing children to explore, discover, and construct their own understanding.
I embrace a “freedom to read” attitude, encouraging students to explore a diverse range of books that ignite their passion for reading, rather than limiting choice based on reading ability. This approach helps cultivate a genuine love for reading and lifelong learning. Our library is a place where students can discover books that reflect their own experiences and open windows to new perspectives. Strathcona's school library is committed to offering a collection representing diverse perspectives, that includes voices from all backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, ensuring that every student can find something that resonates with them. This exposure nurtures empathy, understanding, and a global outlook.
Finally, I envision our Library Learning Commons as a vibrant hub of creativity, play, storytelling, and innovation - a space where students feel empowered to explore ideas, collaborate with peers, and develop critical thinking skills. By providing a rich, diverse, and inclusive environment, I aim to inspire learners to become confident, independent thinkers who are well-equipped to navigate an ever-changing world.
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
(This section highlights important events, social justice moments, and cultural celebrations,
ensuring they are recognized and appreciated.)
SOCKVEMBER
Grade 5 students will continue to support Sockvember this month
This school-wide initiative invites students in k-5 to donate new thick thermal-socks and essential toiletries to support our local homeless population during the cold winter months. Donations can be dropped off in the wooden bin just inside the library. At the end of the month, the items will be donated to Ruth and Naomi’s who will use their outreach teams to get the products in the hands of those who need them.
Thank you, in advance, for helping the school learn the importance of caring for vulnerable members of our community.
Items:
Socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, underwear, wipes, disposable menstrual products, body wash, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, etc...
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Indigenous Veterans Day is acknowledged annual in Canada on Nov 8th
National Indigenous Veterans Day was created in 1994 to honour the distinct contributions of Indigenous soldiers, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous service members. Before its establishment, the service of Indigenous veterans often went unrecognized in broader national commemorations. While they fought alongside their fellow Canadians during major conflicts, their experiences and sacrifices were frequently overlooked.
The creation of a distinct Indigenous Veterans Day emerged from efforts to address these historical oversights and provide a dedicated time to recognize the thousands of Indigenous soldiers who served in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. This day also seeks to address the systemic inequalities and challenges that Indigenous veterans faced when they returned home.
City of Chilliwack events
(Remembrance Day 2025 - City of Chilliwack)
Downtown Chilliwack
Service starts at 10 am at Evergreen Hall, procession begins at 10:30 am from Evergreen Hall with the ceremony immediately following at Veterans Memorial Park (45820 Spadina Avenue).
Sardis Procession & Ceremony
Procession begins at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #295 (5661 Vedder Road) at 10:30 am with the ceremony immediately following at All Sappers Memorial Park (5571 Vedder Road).
The Memory Project - https://www.thememoryproject.com/
LITERACY TALK
📚 Reading Link Challenge Is Back! 🎉 Strathcona Elementary is excited to join this year’s Reading Link Challenge—a fun, team-based reading competition for Grades 3, 4 and 5 students! Teams work together to read six selected books and answer trivia questions in a friendly showdown that builds teamwork and a love of reading.
💡 Students don’t need to read all six books—if each team member reads just two or more, they’ll be ready to compete! Audiobooks count too.
📢 Encourage your child to listen for announcements later this month about team meetings. If they love stories and working with friends, this is a great chance to get involved!
Let’s cheer on our Strathcona readers! 💪 Below are the chosen books this year.
JUST HARRIET
JUST HARRIET
A young girl named Harriet is sent to stay with her grandmother on a small island for the summer. While there, she uncovers family secrets, makes new friends, and learns important lessons about honesty and forgiveness.
willowdeen
willowdeen
A heartfelt story about a curious girl who loves all creatures—especially the ones others overlook. When her town’s magical animals begin to disappear, Willodeen discovers that every creature has a purpose and that even one small voice can make a big difference.
The tale of despereaux
The tale of despereaux
The enchanting story of a brave little mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart. Through courage, kindness, and forgiveness, Despereaux proves that even the smallest hero can bring light to the darkest places.
Stella Diaz
Stella Diaz
Follows a shy girl who sometimes mixes up her Spanish and English but is learning to find her voice. With the support of her family and friends, Stella discovers that speaking up can lead to confidence, connection, and kindness.
The islands of elsewhere
The islands of elsewhere
A magical and heartfelt story about a girl who moves with her family to a mysterious island filled with strange creatures and hidden secrets. As she uncovers the island’s mysteries, she learns about belonging, bravery, and the power of family.
THE ICE CHIPS
THE ICE CHIPS
Follows a group of young hockey players who discover that their local rink can transport them through time. Their first adventure takes them to the early days of hockey, where they learn about teamwork, friendship, and the history of the game they love.
FAMILY BOOK-A-DAY
FAMILY BOOK-A-DAY
Grade 1 Initiative
We’re excited to launch Family Book-a-Day, a new literacy initiative inspired by the “Classroom Book-a-Day” movement.
Each participating Grade One family will receive a crate containing 7 picture books—one for each day of the week—to enjoy together. Crates are picked up on Friday (or Monday) and returned the following week for a fresh set.
Why join?
Daily reading helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. Sharing stories as a family strengthens connections, sparks curiosity, and encourages lifelong reading habits. Picture books are short and can be enjoyed together in just 15 minutes a day.
We’re starting with 10 families. If you’d like to participate and are in Grade 1, please fill out the form below. We’ll select the first 10 families who sign up.
Let’s build a joyful community of readers—at home and at school!
READING FOR ALL AGES
READING FOR ALL AGES
There are different ways to read a book:
Read The Pictures – Immerse yourself in vibrant illustrations, where images tell their own tale, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
Retell The Story – Relish the joy of retelling. Share the story with others, infusing it with your unique perspective and enthusiasm, creating a bond between you and the narrative.
Read The Words – Dive into the written words, where sentences paint vivid pictures and characters spring to life within your imagination.
Listen To Reading – Enjoy the magic of storytelling through listening. Whether it's a teacher, parent, peer, or audiobook, hearing a story read aloud builds comprehension, vocabulary, and a love for language.
These four ways to read a book guarantee an adventure filled with wonder and endless possibilities. Happy reading!
LISTEN TO READING OPTIONS
What is Sora?
Sora is a free reading app that gives students instant access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks from our school library. Think of it as carrying the entire library in your child's pocket!
How it works:
Students can browse, borrow, and read books directly on their phone, tablet, or computer—anytime, anywhere. Books automatically return when due, so there are no late fees to worry about. Your child can even download titles to read offline during car trips or when internet isn't available.
Why parents love it:
Safe, ad-free environment designed specifically for students
Supports reluctant readers with audiobook options
Helps build independent reading habits
Free access to popular titles and new releases
Getting started:
Click on the link above and sign in using your child's SD33 login credentials: studentnumber@sd33online.ca and their password. If you don't have your child's account information, please contact their teacher or the school librarian.
What is Libby?
Libby is an easy-to-use app that connects your family to our public library's digital collection. With your library card, you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free—no trips to the library required!
How it works:
Simply download the Libby app, sign in with your library card number, and start browsing thousands of titles. Borrow books with one tap, read or listen on your device, and they'll automatically return when your lending period ends.
Why families love it:
Access books 24/7 from home
No overdue fines—books return themselves
Great for bedtime reading or listening together
Perfect for vacations and travel
Getting started:
Download Libby from your app store and have your library card handy. Don't have a card yet? Visit your local public library or their website to sign up online!
PUMPKIN DECORATING PROJECT CONCLUSION
PUMPKIN DECORATING PROJECT CONCLUSION
🎃 Thank you to all the families who participated!
The pumpkins looked fabulous. As I mentioned, I placed all the names into a draw and randomly selected 10 winners. The names and their classrooms are listed below.
Please stop by the library as soon as possible to claim your free book!
Donovan B - Roseboom/Fiddes
Olive M - Ball
Kinlee L - Harbridge
Lucas T - Ball
Bethany N - Roseboom/Fiddes
Izhar M - Roseboom/Fiddes
Remi H - Ball
Reya G - Halko
Averie-Lynn E - Roseboom/Fiddes
Cohen M - Ball
LIBRARY BOOK EXCHANGE DAY BY CLASS
LIBRARY BOOK EXCHANGE DAY BY CLASS
LIBRARY INFORMATION
LIBRARY INFORMATION
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
Educational Pedagogical Perspectives section of the newsletter offers a diverse range of viewpoints on education, schools, and learning. It will offer insights from experts in the field, including teachers, researchers, and policymakers. The section aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding education and to encourage critical thinking about the future of learning.
This month, I'd like to share a podcast from The Memory Project podcast titled, Codebreakers.
Thousands of women served in intelligence facilities like Britain’s Bletchley Park and Canada’s Camp X during the Second World War. The Memory Project Archive contains stories from women who were recruited for these secret roles through the British Women’s Royal Naval Service and the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Find out about more what they were doing and their oaths of secrecy. Find out about more what they were doing and their oaths of secrecy.
Learn more about Camp X, intelligence and espionage at www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
~ New BOOKS ~
~ New BOOKS ~
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
~ BOOK CARE: ELEMENTS ~
Books and other library materials all have archenemies. One of those just happens to be the mighty elements themselves. How you ask? Well, just watch this video. And remember, book care, it's good for everyone!
It is crucial to store and transport these books within a protective 'second skin,' such as a book bag (available for purchase at the library for just $1 while stocks last) or a similar water-resistant bag.
BOOKS FOR BABIES
BOOKS FOR BABIES
We are thrilled to continue our "Books for Babies" program again this year. This heartwarming initiative is designed to celebrate the arrival of new additions to our Strathcona School community, whether through birth or adoption. When a new baby joins our Strathcona family, we will be gifting a special package that includes a cherished book. We believe that fostering a love for reading from the very beginning is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of learning and strengthen our community bonds. We look forward to sharing the magic of books with our newest members and hope this program will be a source of delight and inspiration for all.
Welcome to Strathcona, where reading is not just a passion; it's a tradition!
If you know a Strathcona family that qualifies for the Books for Babies package, then please contact the library.
INVITATION TO STORYTELLERS
Share Your Story on the Positive Podcast!
Everyone has a story to tell – including you!
Storytelling is a huge part of our curriculum, and we believe that stories don't just come from books on shelves. They come from real people with real experiences. That's why we're inviting you to be a guest on our Positive Podcast.
We're not looking for superstar storytellers or perfect performances. We're looking for authentic voices and genuine stories. Maybe you have a memory from your childhood, a family tradition, a lesson you learned, or just something that made you laugh. Whatever it is, we want to hear it.
When you share your story with our students, you help normalize storytelling. You show them that everyone has something worth sharing – and that includes them, too.
We welcome all kinds of stories: funny ones, thoughtful ones, short ones, long ones. There's room for every voice.
Want to share your story? Email Mr. Lister at christopher_lister@sd33.bc.ca for more information.
Your story matters. We hope to hear from you soon!
THE SCHOOL LIBRARY IS FOR GROWN UPS TOO
Besides serving as an invaluable resource for students, the school library extends its welcoming doors to adults as well. Should you intend to frequent the library, I can create an account for you, much like the process at a public library. Our library has an excellent selection of chapter books suitable for family read-alouds, as well as a diverse assortment of picture books perfect for nightly bedtime stories with your children.
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
Each episode explores one “what if” question, like “What if kids ruled the world?” and “What if candy were good for you?” Take one question, let students answer it, then listen to the What If World podcast to see how Mr. Eric tackles it.
View other podcast recommendations here
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
Growing Home
by Beth Ferry (Author), Terry Fan (Illustrator), Eric Fan (Illustrator)
Type: Chapter Book
Grades: grade 2+
Pages: 272
Published: 2025
Growing Home by Beth Ferry is a heartfelt chapter book about a boy whose family must leave their beloved farm and move to the city. As he navigates the challenges of a new school, unfamiliar surroundings, and missing his old life, he discovers that home isn’t just a place—it’s the people we love and the memories we carry with us.
Recipe of the month
Recipe of the month
Nadiya Hussain's Healthy Chicken Shawarma
Nadiya Hussain's Healthy Chicken Shawarma
BOOK DONATIONS
The school library will gladly take any children's books you would like to donate only if they are in excellent used condition.
Feeling philanthropic? The school library would love to receive any hardcover book on this list.
The Book Man, our very own family-run locally-owned used bookstore in downtown Chilliwack, would be more than happy to help you purchase books on this list. You can find their contact information here.
If the Book Man cannot find a copy then you can find it on the school library's Amazon Wish List
Thank you for the recent donation!
The positivity podcast
The positivity podcast
We are actively looking for Grade 5 students to participate in season 4 of the The Positivity Podcast. In anticipation of the new season please feel free to check out our first three seasons wherever you get your podcasts.
POSITIVITY - INSPIRATION - JOY - INQUIRY - INFORMATION
There’s an oft-repeated question, a conversational game of sorts, that asks, “If you could go back in time and change one thing in the history of the world, what would you change?” We sometimes forget that one thing can be done right now to positively impact the future.
An engineer builds a working retractable lightsaber after 100+ failed attempts
Engineer and HeroTech YouTuber Jacob Uy spent months on what may be one of the best lightsaber designs available to the general public: a retractable lightsaber that fits inside an original Star Wars style hilt.
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