We have had an amazing year in our Library! The Library is a dynamic resource hub catering for the variety of needs that are required to support teaching and learning outcomes at WBHS. As well as supporting students during their break periods, and during the year we have seen a significant increase in the number of students visiting the Library.
Our Senior Study furniture and spaces have been revamped to cater for the specific study needs of our senior students. The seniors have also created an inclusive space for their break times to relax and socialise in a comfortable setting.
The Library became part of our future focused learning platform that has seen the purchase and installation of new furniture to support our teaching and learning practices across the school. The flexible learning spaces also incorporate the introduction of an interactive board and a class set of chromebooks.
Chess Mania Hit WBHS
The Chess Club started with a bang! More than 30 students signed up for our weekly Thursday lunchtime games and after buying 5 new chess sets, every week the enthusiasm and games have increased so that we have struggled to find enough boards for all who want to play Chess. During the year, we were able to run in-school competitions.
WBHS Chess Club attended the Interschool Chess Challenge local heat at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College organised by the Sydney Academy of Chess. In Term 1, our team were awarded the trophy for the 1st placed school and one of our students was awarded 3rd prize and another 5th prize for the individual prizes. This achievement on the day saw us progress with 5 students into the semi finals. Due to the covid lockdown and restrictions, our semi finals were played online and yet again our team was successful and progressed through to the grand final. And finally, our wonderful team played the grand final online and in the overall Interschool Chess Challenge for NSW schools, were successful in 2nd place. A fantastic effort by our excellent team.
NSW Junior Chess League. WBHS entered a team of 4 students in the NSW Junior Chess League, Country Secondary Schools Competition in the Hunter Region. This competition had our team play in a round of matches over the 4 terms and we were awarded the ‘Hunter Region Champion Runner Up’ trophy.
Robotics Club
The Library was successful in receiving a ‘WBHS special projects funding’ grant which enabled the purchase of 6 Ultimate 10 in 1 DIY programmable robotic kits and special laptops to assist the students in programming these robots. Robotics Club was introduced in Term 2 at lunch time which saw the successful build of the robots and beta testing. The club will continue their journey into 2022 and onwards.
Author Visit – Phillip Gwynne
Early in 2021, WBHS Library (in conjunction with the English faculty) were lucky to have a visit from well-known Australian author Phillip Gwynne. Three creative writing sessions were conducted for our English students. The students enjoyed the sessions immensely and our author was very impressed with the quality of creative responses from our students.
Library Lovers’ Day
Staff and students attended our annual ‘Library Lovers' Day’ enjoying the sweet treats and our vibrant decorations. Students were encouraged to pick one of the books in our ‘Blind Date with a Book’ display.
Game Changer Challenge
During 2021, WBHS Library was able to register three Year 7 teams into the Department of Education’s Game Changer Challenge, a design thinking program. Our three teams submitted their entries and one team, our Flying Llamas were lucky enough to be selected into the Virtual Heats. Due to their excellent performance in the Virtual Heats, our team became part of the Ultimate Finals (unfortunately due to covid was run virtually). This was an amazing achievement by the students and bring on 2022’s challenge.
Graphic Novel Collection
2021 saw a new collection added to our Library space due to popular demand by students. With the help of two of our students, our new collection took shape and is frequently visited by many students. This might be the start we need for 2022 to initiate a Manga Book Club?
Street Library
Many senior students and staff at our school are avid readers and were known to swap books or recommend reads. A discussion commenced with a couple of Year 11 students and the Street Library was created. Our Street Library has been set up in our Senior Study area where all staff and senior students can grab a read or add some past reads. It is definitely expanding!
Book Clubs and Jigsaw Corner
Book Clubs were initiated in both Year 7 and Year 8. A welcome luncheon was held, and the students enjoyed this opportunity immensely. Both year groups were well represented and had fantastic book suggestions to add to our Google classroom discussions. The jigsaw corner is our local drop in for students whenever they feel like puzzling. Great place to meet new friends, have a chat or just chill out.
Senior Hub
Warners Bay High Senior HUB successfully provided support to students during their HSC and preliminary studies while under the stress of covid 19 restrictions. Academic and wellbeing support was provided by the Senior Study Coordinator and the Year 12 Learning and Support team in the form of workshops, study support and seminars. The opportunity for students to study during the holidays was also provided during each term break by the study coordinator.
