Far North Coast Teacher Librarians' Group


Minutes

 

Far North Coast Teacher Librarians’ Collegiate

Minutes of Meeting held 15th  November 2007, at Murwillumbah H.S.

Present: Melissa Honey, Colin Ross, Jim Richardson, Andrew Playford,

Janice Edwards, Judy Okunev, Thomas Fleming, Ella Winklees, Mary Brace.

Apologies: Dianne McInnes, Sharon Tucker, Christine Hassal,

Debora Brabham, Linda Constable, Joanne Vining, Ann Zealey,

Kerry Underwood, Louise Secombe

 

Agenda

NCTLC Funding: Tim reported Collegiate has $4,150.00 in trust at Murw. East P.S.. To be transferred to a trust fund at Ballina H. S. or Southern Cross K-12. Funds to be used for TPL activities, on basis of a relief fund if an activity falls short of making a profit, etc..

Future of Collegiate: Andrew spoke of need to formalise Collegiate; to at least have a Contact Person for DET, ASLA, and local TPL activities. Andrew duly elected to that role.

Need to combine Lismore and Coastal Groups – discussion.

Need to have full day TPL funded activities in preference to half day meetings – discussion.

ASLA Conference: Andrew reported  - lots of ideas, issues.

The ASLA State Conference in Sydney 28-29th March should be very good.

DET Web Filter and Censorship: General agreement far too restrictive, DET too tardy re. Professional requests from teachers, often sites remain censored for unknown and/or inconsistent and non educational reasons.

Interactive use of internet (Web 2.0, Myface, Facebook, Myspace, and other blogs, etc) not being used as they could. Vocal discussion. Andrew to write letter to DET re. issue. Everyone needs to pester and raise concerns.

Teachers Federation Workshop: Melissa reported on federation campaign re. T.L. issues. Priorities, core issues, additional integrated issues outlined. If you need clarification of the Federation’s stance on issues ring Lenore Hankinson 1300654369.

BBHS Moodle Site: Jim demonstrated his moodle (learning management system) site, and its educational / interactive nature, possibilities.

Can be located by googling byron bay moodle or moodle.org.

 

Next TPL Day: Full day at Mullumbimby H.S. Term 2 Wednesday May 7th .

Contact Janice Edwards with ideas. Janice.edwards4@edcation.nsw.gov.au.

Watch out for flyers.

 

Colin Ross: Minutes


 

Minutes

Nimbin Central School

Friday 17th November 2006

 

Present:           Janet Ahrens (Nimbin Central), Mel Honey (Nimbin Central),

Corinne Miller (ICT Professional Learning Coordinator North Coast Region), Bev Fairley  Christine Raward,  Libby O’Connor (Byron Bay Public), Vicki Ross (Casual)

Debbie Brabham (Bogangar Public), Louise Secombe, Ella Winkless (Alstonville High), Sue Stock (Mullumbimby High) and some others who didn’t sign.

 

Apologies: Jim Richardson (Byron Bay High)

 

Two Professional Development  presentations

Integrating  Cineliteracy (Film making and associated literacy skills)

Presented by Janet Ahrens. 

Handout presented.  Very valuable practical presentation.  Discussion on logistics and learning

styles.  PSP Schools can order related films / DVD resources for no cost. (www.psp.nsw.edu.au)

ICT Skills : Facilitating  Information Literacy.

Corinne Miller presented a session following on from Term III Inservice.  Emphasis on Web Site

evaluation .  For more information go to the following web sites:

            http://mason.gmu.edu/~montecin/analyzeweb.htm

            http://www.slu.edu/departments/english/research/rcont0.html

            http://www.slu.edu/departments/english/research/rcont7.html

 

General business

Corinne Miller’s position being lost.  Meeting expressed its concern and noted that a position of

Leader Technology needed to assist in up skilling TL’s as needed.  Letter to Carol Carrigan

re position Corinne held and its value.

Future directions of technology discussed.

Portal developments:  need to explore links as new services become available.  For example,

The North Coast Web Site.

Regional Networks.  Contact Colleen Foley regarding linking Collegial,s web site to this network.

Stock Take questions.  Lots of answers in 2005 Scan (November)

 

Thanks to Mel for a great meeting up in the mountains.

 

Next meeting at Alstonville High School on Thursday 15th March from 9am – 12.30pm.

Corinne Miller will present a Workshop “From Word to Web”

Contact Ella Winkless: Phone  66 285222  for additional Agenda Items.

 

Colin Ross

Minutes


For news of coming meetings and other activities scroll down and click on Next Meeting and Next In-Service in the navigation bar at the bottom of the page.


Lismore District Minutes

Tweed/Ballina District Minutes


Lismore Minutes:

NORTH-COAST TEACHER-LIBRARIANS’ COLLEGIAL GROUP

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 9TH SEPTEMBER 2005 AT LISMORE HIGH SCHOOL

 

Present:

Cheryl Griffin (Lismore HS), Debbie Brabham (Bogangar PS), Robyn Beck (Alstonville PS), Sue McLeod (Kadina HS), Diane Condon (St Mary’s HS Casino), Sharon Tucker (Bonalbo CS), Sue Stock (Nimbin CS), Janelle Jeffery (Casino PS), Lee Rogers (St John’s College Woodlawn), Vicki Ross (Byron Bay HS), Pauline O’Brien (Trinity Catholic College).

 

Apologies:

Marg Brace (Kyogle HS), Helen Creagh (Richmond River HS), Andrew Playford (Ballina HS), Colin Ross (Southern Cross K-12), Terry McCullagh (Wollumbin HS), Vicki Fitzpatrick (Trinity Catholic College), Jim Richardson (Byron Bay HS), Helen Latimer (casual).

 

Feedback on Professional Learning Conference

Vicki Ross reported that the Active Thinking – Quality Teaching professional development activity held on 29th July was very successful. The overall cost had been approximately $6,626, which was covered by registration fees plus some existing funds. The venue of Invercauld House had caused technology problems due to the absence of a broadband internet connection. The workshops attracted a variety of responses, from very positive to quite the opposite. Classroom teachers who attended were disappointed that the emphasis was on teacher-librarianship. However, everyone enjoyed the networking opportunity.

 

Suggestions for future professional learning events

There have been some suggestions for future professional learning events. These include James Herring (Teacher-Librarians and the internet), using ASLA / SLAV publications, TL advocacy in schools, information literacy across the school, cutting edge technology in classroom, OASIS, copyright.

 

Problems with RFF and lack of support staff in primary schools

This was discussed. Janelle Jeffery has written a letter to Colleen Foley outlining some of the difficulties facing primary teacher-librarians. It was suggested that she send copies of the letter to others. It was also suggested that there may be some value in having a principal attend our meetings, or having a teacher-librarian attend a principals’ collegiate meeting.

 

ASLA Libraries in the move

This professional development activity is scheduled for 29th October 2005 in Sydney.

 

Graphic novels

Sue Stock attended a professional learning session on graphic novels. Sealight Books at Maleny (http://www.sealight.com.au/) have a comprehensive supply. Many school libraries are now featuring displays of graphic novels and working with English teachers to promote them.

 

Book Week

There was some discussion about how we celebrate Book Week, ranging from author visits, book review competition, display of “Books through the ages”, etc.

 

The Internet vs Books

Many teacher-librarians are finding that students use the internet in preference to books when carrying out their research. In some cases, teachers setting assignments require students to use a variety of resources (e.g. a book, a magazine, an internet site). Many also require students to hand in their notes along with the assignment, and to include a bibliography, to cut down on the possibility of plagiarism. It appears that magazines are not used much by students since the advent of the internet, and not many schools maintain a vertical file any more.

 

The use of structured worksheets that require specific information is good, especially for low ability students. Some schools have a note-taking grid saved on their network that students can cut and paste into, from information they obtain from the internet.

 

Collegial web site

There was a general consensus that our web site needs updating. Our page was done in the very early days of webpage design, and probably needs to be redesigned.  Colin Ross, who is our current webmaster, was not present at the meeting, but Vicki Ross and Pauline O’Brien offered to assist with this. Do we need a committee? Do we wish to continue using Nornet as our service provider? An after-school meeting will be arranged to discuss this issue.

 

Casual Ancillary staff

An experienced ancillary staff casual who is available for relief work is Noni Williams (ph: 66214962).

 

Next meeting will be at Alstonville Primary School on Friday 2nd December 2005 commencing at 1pm. Bring some Christmas food to share.

 

Proposed agenda:

Collegiate webpage

Feedback on James Herring’s Information Skills & Internet Workshop

Book display

Sharing of the best / most exciting thing that has happened in our libraries in 2005

 


Meeting: SJS Library Trinity: Friday 27th May

Chairperson:             Denise O’Brien

Attendance:              

Vicki Ross (BBHS), Cheryl Griffin (LHS), Louise Secomb (KPS),
Christine Raward (TCPS), Jan Martin (WCS), Pauline O’Brien(TCC), Denise O’Brien (TCC), Fiona Miles( SCPS), Janelle Jeffery (CPS), Dianne McInnes (LHPS), Sharon Tucker (BCS), Helen Latimer (Casual), Diane Condon (SMH)Vicki Fitzpatrick (Woodlawn), Genevieve Jilek (LPS)

Apologies:                 

Helen Creagh(LHS), Tim Mulroy (MHS), Sue McLeod (KHS), Colin Ross (SCS), Margaret Brace (KHS), Jim Richardson (BBHS), Andrew Playford (BHS),

Welcome:

Val Thomas (Deputy Principal) on behalf of College Principal. Brother Peter Pemble, spoke of importance of teacher librarians & school libraries. Brother Peter joined the group for morning tea.

Report from Andrew Playford – ASLA Canberra Conference:

Andrew’s report did not arrive in time for the meeting. It was suggested it be presented at next meeting.

Far North Coast Teacher Librarian Webpage:

All present acknowledged the good work of Colin Ross & the effort he puts into maintaining the webpage. Colin is happy to maintain the webpage but also happy to have others to help.

Webpage discussion included: the importance of webpage being updated regularly; minutes from meetings of previous year(s) to be removed; possibility of links to conference papers be included; the need for the listing of relief teacher librarians & ancillary staff to be updated; Pauline O’Brien offered to assist Colin with webpage.

I.T. at Trinity:

Gary Evans, Technology Manager at Trinity explained the college IT structure, Intranet services and future planning of ICT teaching & learning delivery.

Professional Development Day “Active thinking…Quality Teaching” Update -  Vicki Ross:

Vicki gave an update on the organisation. She recommended earlybird applications. Organisers are anticipating/planning for 100 participants. Flyers to be distributed via email/fax within the week.

It was agreed that Collegiate funds would pay for the organisational expenses incurred by Vicki & her attendance at the Development Day.

Information sharing:

Brochures and website for Sealight Books, a Graphic books supplier based in Maleny were distributed. Online brochures for primary & secondary age groups can be obtained from their webpage: http://www.sealight.com.au.  The owner is a teacher-librarian and is most helpful, will suggest a start-up collection.

NEXT MEETING:
Lismore High School
Friday 9 September. (Week 8 Term 3) 12 noon – 3.15pm
Bring lunch to share.

Proposed agenda:
Collegiate webpage
ASLA Canberra Conference Feedback (Andrew)
Active thinking- Quality teaching Prof Development Day feedback
Note-taking scaffold (Marg Brace)


Meeting Alstonville High School : Thursday 18th November 2004-11-24

Chairperson:            

Ella Winkless

Attendance:              

Vicki Ross (BBHS), Jennifer Blair (LHPS), Laurie Bellett (XCC), Cheryl Griffin (LHS), Louise Secomb (KPS),
Christine Raward (TCPS), Jan Martin (WCS), Robyn Beck (APS),Colin Ross (SCS), Chris Wallace (WRPS),
Jim Richardson (BBHS), Ella Winkless (AHS),
Janira Gordon             (AHS), Tim Mulroy (MHS), Dianne McInnes (LHPS), Janelle Jeffery (CPS),
Sharon Tucker (BCS), Helen Latimer (Casual), Andrew Playford (BHS), Margaret Brace (KHS)

Apologies:                 

Helen Creagh, Fiona Miles, Gerry White, Sue McLeod, Pauline O’Brien, Denise O’Brien

Welcome:                  

From Principal. Emphasised role of Excellence and Innovation document.

 

Windows:                  

Windows OASIS. Jim’s letter to Director General. Replies from Directorate. Jim Referred to Colleen                             
Foley. Jim to contact Colleen regarding progress and implementation, on behalf of group.
Web address to view the Windows OPAC is:                      
http://schoolsystems.det.nsw.edu.au/schools/default.htm

Copyright:                

Laurie spoke on his recent attendance at a copyright seminar.
To note that new laws are coming in to effect January 2005 so things can change.
Lots of “maybes, depends, possibly, etc.” regarding copyrighting material in schools.
Music issues very complicated.
                                    Excellent sites for information are: www.copyright.org.au
                                                                                        www.copyright.com.au
                                                                                        www.copyrightaware.gov.au
                                                                                        www.sofweb.vic.edu.au
Laurie tabled very good material on copyright and schools.
If you would like a copy, contact Colin 66 860 503   

Issues raised:
“Within certain limits” was a catch phrase throughout the seminar.
Copyright is much freer for students with disabilities.
Backup copies of any sort aren’t allowed - only systems programs can be backed up.
Cannot transfer copyrighted material from one format to another unless you have the                                                       
approval of the producer.
(e.g. video to DVD).
Books are usually 10%.
Format issues are still being examined, e.g. if a program is not available on DVD is it legal to copy to DVD
if school only has DVD players?
Can hire videos, DVDs provided it is strictly for educational purposes. Best to do this under the school’s name.

Excellence & Innovation:    

Andrew presented this document which should be at all schools. Very important to have a look and provide feedback from the questionnaire contained within.
Group discussed question 13 a), b), c), d).
Andrew will write a response on behalf of the Group.
Discussion on this document emphasised importance of communicating our role as T.L’s and information specialists which are of immense importance in teaching/learning. Onus on everyone to be proactive in pushing the process of information skills.
RFF issue discussed.
Be wary of hidden agendas.

Professional Development Day:      

Vicki and Tim
To survey all T.L’s regarding date and focus of PD day for 2005. Particularly who will be attending?
Structure of day discussed. Possibly one day for SASS staff – Centralised funding for training in advanced OASIS library could be available.
T.L’s could have another day.
Key note speaker? Discussion. Kelvin Grove, Charles Sturt.
Information on PD Day tabled and discussed. Available for viewing at:
Professional Development Day 2005

Online Databases:                

Several Online databases discussed, e.g. EBSCO, E-Library, News Store, as well as Current Issues News Paper Clippings.
Ella will collate databases used and found useful by T.L’s.
Possibility of subscribing as part of a group of schools for a discounted price to one of these databases discussed.

Prac. Students:                     

Jim raised the problem of Southern Cross University prac. students having a low understanding of information skills. Not taught formally at University.
Need for T.L’s to discuss these matters with any prac. students at their schools.

Principals:                             

Janelle discussed concerns relating to Principal perceptions of collegial meetings. Need to write to Principal’s Council, Excellence and Innovation Survey,
ASLA to continue to advocate our role.

ASLA:                                               

Margaret reported on 2004 ASLA Conference “Tide is Turning”. Discussed many issues.
To view papers from Conference go to:
http://www.asla.nsw.edu.au/asla2004/present.htm      username: asla2004 password: trawl
Thankyou Margaret!

Next Meeting:                       

Kyogle High School, Thursday 3rd March, starting at 12:30pm.
Contact Margaret Brace on 66 321 300 for any agenda items.
Bring a plate for lunch at noon.


Meeting Xavier College : Thursday 26th August 2004

Chairperson:             Laurie Bellett

Attendance:               Vicki Ross (BBHS), Ella Winkless (Alstonville HS), Helen Creagh (RRHS), Cheryl Griffin (LHS)
                                    Gloria McCowan (Xavier), Fiona Miles (Southern Cross K-12), Christine Raward (The Channon
                                    PS), Lee Rogers (Woodlawn), Diane Condon (St Mary’s HS Casino), Janelle Jeffery (Casino PS)
                                    Helen Latimer (Casual TL), Colin Ross (Southern Cross K-12), Andrew Playford (Ballina HS)
                                    Laurie Bellett (Xavier College), Genevieve  Jilek (Lismore PS), Margaret Brace (Kyogle HS)

Business arising:        A welcome from Laurie to everyone.
                                    His new Library feels fresh and looks impressive.

                                    Clickable Worksheets and Webquests now on Internet site on Links page.

                                    Andrew : CBC ALOUD Grants.  Application successful.  To be called “Authors on the move”.
                                    Funding to be finalised.  Conditions apply.  For disadvantaged schools.  ASLA Membership                                                
                                    recommend it.

                                    ASAL Conference for 2004 program available at: www.asla.edu.au/asla2004

                                    Vicki:  On-line databases – Vicki has made enquiries regarding cheaper alternatives to current                                                
                                    situation in relation to SMH  and other databases.  Colleen Foley has indicated Departmental                                                
                                    subscriptions to Data bases too unwieldy and complicated.  SMH in the Classroom discussed.
                                    Joanne Petrachus frm SMH in the Classroom is available for training.  Colin to investigate.

                                    News Store is a good on-line service (Fairfax Newspapers).

                                    Ella:  Half price offers for two or more schools subscribing to On-line databases such as ANZ                                                
                                    Reference Centre, EBSCO, E-Library.  Comes to about $1,000 a year per school.  Other T.L.s take                            
                                    advantage of free trials offered by such services. Names to Ella of schools interested.

                                    Windows – based OASIS
:                                   Advice from Colleen Foley. Trial has finished - successful.  Introduction into schools stalled due to                         
                                    funding issues.
                                    Collegial Group to write letter showing interest in it being introduced and when it will be available.
                                    Jim Richardson to write letter on behalf of Group.

Agenda Items:           Professional Development Day
                                   
Vicki – Different options but would strongly recommend a workshop based day.
                                    Vicki recommended different options and those present gave feed back on their preferences from                           
                                    options presented on sheet “TL PD DAY – BASIC GOALS”.Vicki to collate and report back at                                
                                    next meeting.
                                    Organising Committee for PD Day formed: Helen Latimer, Dianne, Vicki, Andrew, Genevieve, Colin.
                                    A day for Committee to meet to be organised by Vicki.
                                    Issue raised of whether a separate Primary Conference needed.
                                    Conference date end of first Term 2005 (not a Wednesday).Conference venue to be decided.
                                    Money in reserve.

                                    SASS Meetings
                                    Will welcome Private Schools at any time. Flyer will be distributed accordingly.

                                    Copyright Issues
                                   
Laurie reported that Free to Air material can be copied onto DVD.
                                    Classroom Video and other Companies have a policy that transferring a title from Video Cassette to                             
                                    DVD is fine provided that Video Cassette is destroyed: ie: One copy is maintained.

                                    Book Raps
                                   
Helen Creagh did a very successful rap with the illustrated book “The Rabbits”, by John Marsden                                 
                                    with some Year 7 students.  Students very proficient - Helen recommends raps.
                                    Conducted by DET.

                                    Librarians’ Lunch
                                   
At the Church Restaurant Sunday 19th September.

General Business       Media on demand – discussion.

                                    Janelle: Workshop with Gary Crew at BB Writers Festival.  Water Tower illustrated book.
                                    Very Good.

                                    Andrew is conducting “Visual Literacy Workshops” for producing Videos and enhancing Visual
                                    Literacy, at Ballina High School (Full day course)

Next Meeting:            To be determined. Any volunteers?


Meeting Byron Bay High : Friday 4th June 2004


Chairperson:   Vicki Ross

Attendance:    List below
Apologies:       
List below

Date of Next Meeting:


26th August 2004 at Xavier College, Skennar’s Head
Laurie Bellett  ph. 6687 6484

Agenda for Next Meeting:

1.   Professional Development Day:

      split groups into Primary and Secondary

2.      Aloud Program

 

Business Arising:

Correspondence:

- Letter from Colleen Folley has no reply, re- subscriptions

- Letter written by S Stock Nimbin PS re: putting onto ListServe a
   request to get a bulk subscription for:
Macquarie net, etc.

- G Proxy: functions include 1: library enquiry 2: available to all schools; and  3:proxy server as well

 

General Business:

1.   Look at P.T.C. on line clickable workshops

2.   EDNA online - knowledge ie. edna.edu.au: access to modules at link

3.   Request: compile a list of online clickable worksheet sites: motion to send

      Pauline O'Brien (Google/'clickable worksheets' pobrien@trinitylismore.com

      Send any websites to Pauline O'Brien ie: worksheets, assignment setting etc

4.   St George District Office: 'eduweb' (has good facilities for school intranet

      and worksheets etc.

5.   Professional Development Day & 'Aloud Program' (Childrens Book Council) discussed,

5 .1 Bringing authors/illustrators to North Coast
a. Funding is available
b. www.cbc.org.au
c. Andrew Playford
to look into it.
5.2  Information Skills:

ideas on assignments;

workshop day needed

person for promotion of information skills needed for PD Day    Primary contacts: Libby O'Connor & Janelle    Secondary contacts: Vicki Ross &. Diane Condon
Lyn Howie: ideas for visual literacy

6. Jim Richardson (Byron bay HS)

- Spoke on Prac. Students and that no prac students seem to be aware of Information Skills Document

- Need for students to be familiar with the document

- Sharon Tucker (Bonalbo Ctrl) to write to Southern Cross University with this issue.

7. Teacher Librarian Assistants:

- Meetings at Byron Bay discussed

- E-mails sent re. Meeting times

8. Senior Students: Jim Richardson to speak to secondary teachers

MINUTES OF SECONDARY GROUP:  Supervision of senior students

Jim has advised his executive that he will be operating under the assumption that he has no more duty of care than any teacher

has for senior students anywhere in the school during a study period. Helen reported that she has been told by a teacher with

a legal background, that we probably wouldn't be expected to take any more responsibility than that.

Behaviour and numbers of students in the library is an issue however. Some TLs only allow seniors in if they have schoolwork to do; others allow them as long as they conform to set standards, and space is available.

 

PRIMARY SCHOOL ISSUES
- Relief from face to face
- Libby to fund guidelines concerning the amount of RFF
- New Library: book purchases outside core library list must be;     
a)
     checked by Colleen Foley

1.         put through tendered Book Seller in Sydney

 

 

PRESENT    

Diane Condon

St Mary’s HS

Lee Rogers

Woodlawn College

Pauline O’Brien

Trinity(SJS)

Chris Wallace

Wyrallah Road PS

Denise O’Brien

Trinity (SMS)

Sue Stock

Nimbin Central

Jan Martin

Woodenbong Central

Sharon Tucker

Bonalbo Central

Debbie Brabham

Bogangar PS

Laurie Bellett

Xavier College

Andrew Playford

Ballina HS

Janelle Jeffery

Casino PS

Fiona Miles

Southern Cross K-12 (Primary)

Helen Creagh

Richmond River HS

Vicki Ross

Byron Bay HS

Jim Richardson

Byron Bay HS

 

 

APOLOGIES