Students may borrow each week from St Joseph’s well-resourced, computerised Learning Hub. The reading collection provides quality literature and interest-based material for every reader.
We ask that all children have a hub bag to protect their books. Each class has a weekly borrowing session and parents are encouraged to show an interest in the books their child borrows. Children also participate in formal information skills lessons each week.
Ashton Scholastic Book Club operates within the school, providing families with the opportunity to purchase books and encourage reading at home.
A Book Fair is held during Book Week, giving students, parents and friends the opportunity to purchase quality books at very reasonable prices. Commission earned through the sale of the books provides valuable new resources for our Learning Hub collection and classrooms.
Students are able to participate in the annual Premier’s Reading Challenge, encouraging them to read a wide variety of specially selected books. If students reach their target, they will receive a special certificate from the NSW Premier.
Each class has one Learning Hub lesson each week, usually working on projects or activities related to a current unit of study whilst enhancing their research, report writing and information skills. Children are also introduced to a wide range of texts, assisting each child to identify their individual reading interests. Book studies include a focus on the shortlisted books of the yearly Children’s Book Council of Australia Annual Awards. This leads us to Book Week held in August, where we celebrate with a special event such as a costume parade or a special presentation by a visiting author, magician or theatre group. The Learning Hub is are decorated to match the theme of Book Week.
The Learning Hub also runs various projects to enhance students’ collaboration and digital skills. These currently include the Book Week video group and the Minecraft Education club.