Amplifying the voices of school libraries: Spotlight on Jonelle St. Aubyn
I am intrigued with the work of fabulous secondary teacher librarian, Jonelle St. Aubyn. Her practice is both familiar and innovative.
Amplifying the voices of school libraries: Spotlight on Jane Dennis-Moore
In this on-going series, we feature the work being done Canadian school library learning commons. This month spotlights the work of Jane Dennis-Moore, who works in the Peel District School Board. Jane is an incredible advocate for student voice and embedding creativity into her library practice.
Amplifying the voices of school libraries: Spotlight on Rabia Khokhar
This month features the work of Rabia Khokhar, a teacher-librarian with the Toronto District School Board. Rabi's focus is culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy.
New North Branch public library reflects a unique public partnership in Sault St. Marie
Schools and public libraries have long been important centres of activity in Ontario communities. The new North Branch of the Sault St. Marie Public Library is a case in point.
Six “big” K-12 library questions in a pandemic world
Recently, members of the Ontario School Library Association (OSLA) council had "big questions" when they chatted online about the pandemic and its impact on K-12 school library learning commons.
Amplifying the voices of school libraries: Summer lending programs
During the 2020 OLA Super Conference, the voices of Canadian school libraries came together to share, discuss and celebrate the incredible work in K-12 school library learning commons in Canada. In the upcoming months, It's elementary will highlight authors and papers from the conference.
What’s happening at school?
The Ontario Ministry of Education has been releasing official announcements related to public schools in the province since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020. Each announcement has led to another phase in remote teaching and learning in Ontario.
2019: Advocating on behalf of school libraries
This year, the OSLA council has dedicated much of its work to advocacy, including sending a letter to the minister of education.
Bridge between: The 2019 OCULA Spring Conference
OCULA members, along with volunteers from the Ontario School Libraries Association, collaborated to present their annual spring conference. This year, the conference focused on teaching information literacy skills to students entering college and university.
At the centre: A conversation with Nêhiyaw educator Amanda Moosemay
Listen to a conversation between Samantha Martin-Bird and Amanda Moosemay about treaties, community hub libraries and a First Nation school library.
Send us your news
We know that our role in school libraries is to serve our students and to support student achievement across all grades and curriculum areas. As long as there are still staff members available to offer this support, we need to share and to celebrate the amazing work happening every day in school libraries.
Technological inclusion: New learning commons creates seats at the digital table
“If not us, then who?” At Central Public School, our principal gives us this daily challenge so that we balance community assets with any gaps or deficits we identify.
Changing times, changing spaces: Reshaping school libraries to align with organizational goals
The Grand Erie District School Board has transformed five school libraries in less than two years, with plans to complete more in the coming school year. We have focused on improving traditional libraries (most are 30 to 40 years old) by developing learning commons spaces.