From the LLC
Hello My Dear Readers
Hello Rockheights families, I miss you all terribly and hope you are all staying happy and healthy at home. I miss seeing your kind faces and smiles in the Library Learning Commons. The other day, I walked into our library and was struck with the beauty of the space that we have all created. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful Library Learning Commons. If you are needing a bit of a distraction these days, the Library Learning Commons is here for you! Please continue to check in for ideas to inspire you in the world of reading. Stay safe and healthy!
No need to return borrowed items to the school library. Fines and fees have been suspended until we return to school.
This document was originally created for elementary libraries but the information is valuable for everyone. Please note the home access password is sd61 to unlock any passwords until June
Online Reading...
Do you have a library card yet? No? No problem!
Here is a link to sign up for a temporary Greater Victoria Public Library card
https://www.gvpl.ca/howdoi/get-a-library-card/
With this card, You will be able to gain access to these amazing resources:
Epic Books
If you would like to access Epic online library and have a free Epic Books account until the end of June, please email me (mhutchinson@sd61.bc.ca) and I will send you an invite and add your child to my class. I will need your child's first name and your email address to create an account.
Happy Earth Day to you all...
In our home,we ran out of full size sidewalk chalk from my daughter's Kindness Walk she created to spread joy. We took all the little bits of chalk and sorted them by colour, crushed them into beautiful groupings of colours, added water and voila, SIDEWALK PAINT!!! I encourage you to celebrate Earth Day and share your creations or thoughts with me if you'd like at mhutchinson@sd61.bc.ca. Here are a few books that you may want to read about Earth Day on Epic https://www.getepic.com/app/user-collection/12499606
You are in my thoughts...happy reading Rockheights
Mrs. Hutchinson is learning some new tricks and I'm excited to share them with you...
I hope you are all healthy and taking care of your families (and of course they are taking care of you). I am reading so much, getting artsy, walking, running (I have disliked running in the past but now its my only option to get moving) and biking. I love seeing all of the Camas flowers and all the blooms on the trees these days. I really do miss you and if you would like to chat, I am always available to chat through email at mhutchinson@sd61.bc.ca or we can set up a phone call (please contact the school and we can set it up). Stay warm and cozy with a book and know thatI am thinking of you all
Tour our new Rockheights Library Resources
On the link below, click it and then click on the little box (open in a new tab) and enjoy Mrs. Hutchinson's tour video of what is exciting and new on our library website.
Untitled: Apr 27, 2020 9:58 AM.webm
Charlie sends her love...
This is what I'm reading now...
I am currently reading This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews a new Graphic that we will have in our library. My daughter read it and encouraged me to read it also. I'm so glad she did because it is the perfect mixture of fantasy, dealing with peer pressure, friendship and absolutely stunning images...
It's the night of the annual Autumn Equinox Festival, when the town gathers to float paper lanterns down the river. Legend has it that after drifting out of sight, they'll soar off to the Milky Way and turn into brilliant stars, but could that actually be true? This year, Ben and his classmates are determined to find out where those lanterns really go, and to ensure success in their mission, they've made a pact with two simple rules: No one turns for home. No one looks back.
The plan is to follow the river on their bikes for as long as it takes to learn the truth, but it isn't long before the pact is broken by all except for Ben and (much to Ben's disappointment) Nathaniel, the one kid who just doesn't seem to fit in.
Tag, you're it! What are you reading? Share it with me at mhutchinson@sd61.bc.ca
Crafty ideas...
Last week we went to the beach and collected a few small rocks (actually a lot and guess who got to carry them all the way?). My kids and I decided to paint beautiful messages on them, sprayed a protective varnish on them and were ready for the next part, sharing them with the community. We walked our hood and put them on tree stumps, in people's gardens and places we thought needed a pick-me-up. It was awesome and it felt really great too! I am sure you are spreading positive messages in your community as well. I look forward to hearing what you are up to...
Trying new things...
I am trying different skills lately and I consider myself creative and crafty, but not really artful. I thought I would attempt watercolour as I was always curious with the whole less is more concept. The top is my first attemp and the bottom is my second attempt. I am proud to have tried and really appreciate how it is a skilled artform. Here is a link, if youd like to try it at home https://mymodernmet.com/watercolor-techniques/
Stay safe and artful...
Here's a great home learning opportunity for families - the annual bird count! All info is available online:
https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-blitz-at-home/
My kids and I signed up and tallied the local birds that we saw on Friday. It was fun and easy and gave me the opportuntiy to use some vintage binoculars and learn about all the incredible birds that live in the neighbourhood. I would love to hear what birds you saw and fingers crossed we could all win some birding prizes:)
Getting Ready...
Our compiled list and bird cheat sheet
On our way home, we bumped into a neighbour who had this bee hotel in her yard. We checked it out and it was so very cool and very busy. Here are some great facts about bees that I found by using the research tool kit on our library website:
https://www.worldbookonline.com/student-new/#/article/home/ar052500/bee%20hive
Hello Felting friends:)
We hope you are all staying safe. We are thinking of you and wanted to create packages of your felting projects so that you can work on them in your homes. We have created them with clean ziplock bags and gloves and each package has additional wool and needles. If you were in the felting club, you should be hearing from Mrs. Peter's in the next few days for instructions to pick up. Please send me pics of your creations to mhutchinson@sd61.bc.ca. Thinking of you and happy felting...
Mrs Hutchinson and Ms. Ness
Click the link above to see the first installment of the drawing contest for May 26
Official Ickabog Website:
Calling all budding artists! J.K. Rowling is inviting you to help illustrate The Ickabog for her. Every day when chapters of the story are uploaded, she will be making suggestions for what you might like to draw or paint to illustrate the story as it goes along. You should let your imagination run wild!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/rowling-ickabog-free-1.5584704
J.K. Rowling unveils new kids tale The Ickabog as free online serial | CBC News
www.cbc.ca
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is releasing her latest book as a free online serial for kids "needing distraction during the strange and difficult time we're passing through" — and she's calling on fans to help create illustrations for an eventual print version.
Summer Reading Program at the GVPL
Thanks for your interest in the Summer Reading Club. We're happy to say kids can look forward to a Summer Reading Club program this year. However, it will look different. The province is developing an online version, and libraries are hoping to also offer the traditional booklets. In the past, Summer Reading Club began on the last day of school, and our librarians visited schools in June to promote the program. Our website always remains a resource of information and news. Once we're ready to go, information will be available at gvpl.ca. Mrs. Hutchinson will keep you posted...
We are now collecting any books you may have...please drop them off at the big wood box when you enter the school.
Thank you for taking care of the books the last few months and bringing them back home!
I do know there is an academic difference in children who read and those who do not. To ensure you have access to books over the summer I have compiled a list of free websites below that offer digital book access. Happy Reading:)
