Library Program | Multimedia Programs | Book Awards 


History

J. J. Wilkinson, principal of École Robert H. Smith School, dreamed of possessing a library, a place where his pupils would learn instead of being taught where the classroom atmosphere would be dropped and the child could relax and be himself. In 1934, the dream was becoming a reality, as teachers, students and parents spared no effort to make the project a success. Funds were raised, books were collected and by May of 1935, 800 books, $100 cash to purchase reference works and a classroom and office were provided to accommodate the rapidly growing collection.

Miss Jean N. Miller, a former student, having graduated as a librarian from McGill, became Canada's and École Robert H. Smith School's first teacher-librarian. From these early beginnings, we now have a combined collection of English and French materials, 16,832 titles, and are fully automated using a Windows-based program called ATHENA.

In 1995, The Winnipeg School Division made the decision to pilot a Windows-based library automation program called Athena. Athena is rated #1 in the 1996 Library Technology Reports published by the American Library Association (A.L.A). With the financial support of our Parents' Advisory Group, our library has become fully automated. Our patrons began circulation and searching in February, 1997 and everyone has enjoyed the ease of use and simplicity of the system.

Multimedia reference programs:
The 8 library workstations have shortcuts to a selection of network online reference material available for student and teacher use.

World Book 2006 Online
Canadian Encyclopedia / L'Encyclopédie Canadienne 2006 (Historica)
E-mail

Periodicals:
We also subscribe to the following periodicals in English:

Wild (formerly Ranger Rick): Grades 2-6. Canadian nature and environment information, crafts, adventure story. Very nicely illustrated and presented.
National Geographic World: Grades 3-6. General information of current interest-environmental issues worldwide. Ideas for Science Fair topics.
Zoobooks: Grades 3-6. Thematic topics, differing each month, are presented - ex. wild horses, bears, endangered animals. In depth information on each topic.
Owl: Grades 2-4. General information about health, science, endangered species and also games, contests, and cartoons. Ideas for Science Fair Topics.

We also subscribe to the following periodicals in French:

J'aime Lire: Grades 3-5. Short seasonal stories (2-4 Chapters), puzzles, activities, comics, crafts.
Hibou: Grades 3-6. Canadian magazine of general information. Has Science Fair ideas.
Coulicou: Grades 1-4. Canadian magazine of nature information, games, activities.

LIBRARY PROGRAM

Our library staff includes a teacher-librarian, and part time library clerk. In addition, we have many parent volunteers who assist with clerical tasks, shelving books, picture file preparation, school archives and other on going projects.

We have a combination of scheduled story times for Nursery to Grade 1 and flexible scheduling. During story times, the literature selected is coordinated with the theme in each classroom. Resource-Based Learning is emphasized at our school. Students are encouraged to use a wide range of appropriate print, non-print and human resources with the active participation of a teacher-librarian and teachers. This includes the following necessary steps:

Planning cooperatively
Selecting resources appropriate to the provincial curriculum and reading level of the students.
Teaching and reinforcing appropriate independent learning skills.
Evaluating the product and process.

MYRCA Program

Multiple copies of Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award (MYRCA) books are available for grades 4, 5 and 6 students. The library bulletin board has a summary of each title, cover picture and space for students to fill in stars with their evaluation of the individual book.   
            Yellow star: This is one of the best books I have ever read.
            Blue star: This is a good book and I would recommend it.
            Pink star: This is not a book for me at this time
After the student has read 3 or more titles she/he will be reminded to fill in a ballot and choose their favourite book. These ballots will be counted in April and the count per title sent in. The students are also provided with a bookmark to record their progress as they read through the MYRCA selections. Books from previous years are also used for novel study and Literature Circle in the classroom.