With our library now officially opened and blessed, there is no better time to celebrate the wonderful things already happening – and everything still to come. At the heart of our new library is a vision to nurture curiosity, spark imagination, and support growth in literacy and critical thinking for every student.

As guest speaker and former Canberra student turned published author, Peter Papathanasiou, shared so beautifully at the opening:

“Books don’t just educate and entertain us – they help us grow. They teach us empathy, resilience, and curiosity… they remind us that we’re never truly alone, and that there’s always a story waiting to connect with us.”

The library is a sanctuary – a space created for your child to explore, reflect, and flourish. As Peter described, it is “a gateway to learning, to creativity, and to possibility.”

Year 7 & 8 Reading Program

All Year 7 and 8 students are now participating in our new reading program. Each cycle, students visit the library for dedicated sessions that include paired reading, comprehension strategies, and reading for pleasure. These sessions are designed to build reading stamina, develop fluency, and foster a lifelong love of books. Progress will be monitored and feedback shared with students and their families.

You can support this at home by creating a few quiet minutes each evening for your child to read aloud, or by reading alongside them. Ask about the book they are reading, what they have discovered, or how the story has challenged their thinking. These conversations help students reflect and connect with their reading beyond the page.

Lunchtime in the Library

The library is open every lunchtime and has quickly become a hub of curiosity and learning. Students are welcome to read, complete assessments, seek support, or enjoy puzzles and games. Chess Club is also held on Thursdays and led by our senior students – a great opportunity for peer mentoring and friendly competition.

Homework Club

Running Monday to Thursday until 4:45pm, Homework Club is more than just a quiet place to complete assignments. It is a space where students can access support, collaborate on projects, join reading groups, and access tailored resources with guidance from library staff. Parents are always welcome to visit and borrow a book too!

Online Resources at Your Fingertips

Via the JPC Library page on Canvas, students can access research guides, referencing help, and other tools to support their learning – all available on LearnPath in Oliver.

To support families with this, our library team will be running a session for parents in Week 2, after school on Tuesday. This session will walk through Canvas access, research skills, and helpful tips to support your child’s learning. We hope to see you there – please do not forget to RSVP.