In spite of the weather, things are hotting up as we approach the Book Fair! Our theme, Reading Oasis: A Cool Place to Discover Hot Books, is certainly looking appropriate.

Come and warm yourself up at one of our events, or browse through our books for sale – a percentage of sales comes back to the school in the form of new library books – parents, grandparents, whanau – please support the library by purchasing books!!!

Our events include visiting speakers:

• Peter Chin: former Dunedin mayor who has visited us for our last Book Fair, and the children greatly enjoyed his reading and discussion
• Ann Cronin: University of Otago PhD student, neuropharmacologist and science communicator who uses zombies to facilitate learning!
• Majella Cullinane – poet and current recipient of the Robert Burns Fellowship at the University of Otago who is working on her first novel
• Philippa Duffy: General Manager at University Bookshop, formerly at Craig Potton Publishing and recently involved in the Writers and Readers Festival in Dunedin
• Dunedin City Library: Zac and Wendy will be coming to read to the children and talk about the vast range of books and other material available to borrow, in hard copy or electronically
• Katherine Milburn: Hocken Collections – how our history is preserved in writing and certainly tells a story!
• Oceania Gold Nuggets: A favourite story or two from Otago’s premier basketball team, and open to questions about basketball!
• Sheralyn Weepers: Resource Teachers of Maori in Otago/Nga Takawaenga Matauranga ki Otago, who will inspire the children with Maori legends
• Janet Pereira: Dunedin author of children’s books, including the very successful and beautiful picture book, “Blackie the Fisher Cat”
• Elizabeth Pulford: Award-winning writer of children’s and adult books, based in Waikouaiti, who has created the amazing Lily series, as well as other wonderful children’s titles.

 

Other activities include:

• Storytelling through Samoan Sasa (sitting drum dance) – A day at Sacred Heart (thank you Mr Tili! )
• Art and Writing Competitions, with prizes for first and second places in each class
• Dress-up Friday – come as your favourite book character (also at PFA AGM – see below)

Parents are welcome at any and all of the above events, and we will send out a timetable in advance.

And don’t forget the PFA AGM on Thursday 12th June, 5.30pm, BYO supper, followed by a very engaging guest speaker Joan Turner, a highly respected expert in literacy and consultant to Otago University College of Education. Joan will talk about literacy across all areas of the school, how the emphasis changes and how parents can assist children at home. Book character dress-up for children on the evening, and through Friday!

 

From your Book Fair Organisers

Megan Millar-Coote, Sarah Gallagher and Kate Wilson