Wellbeing & Reading Assembly

Today the pupil librarians hosted a wellbeing and reading assembly for the whole school. Using resources from the National Literacy Trust they shared with others the benefits of reading to help with stress and anxiety.

The librarians reminded everyone about World Book Day which is next Thursday and encouraged them to make use of the WBD token they will be given to claim a FREE book!

(Taken from Read for Good newletter – March/April)

SIX MINUTES A DAY KEEPS THE STRESS AWAY!

With mental health issues on the rise amongst children and young people (What kids think about mental health, CHILDWISE, 2020), research by Mindlab International at the University of Sussex (2009) found that just six minutes of reading a day can reduce stress levels by 68%. Dr Lewis, who conducted the test, said: “Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation.”

Six Minutes Reading A Day Keeps the Stress Away!

The National Literacy Trust (2017) also found that reading to help others  boosts happiness and helps to foster positive attitudes towards reading. furthermore, reading attitudes were found to be the strongest predictors of mental well-being.

With books now regularly being prescribed by doctors as part of the treatment process for many mental health issues, the Reading Agency launched its Reading Well for Children book list .  Empathy Lab have also compiled a fabulous set of books for their 2020 Read for Empathy Book Collections 

As we approach World Book Day (Thusday 5th March) and Mental Health March month in Killicomaine it is important that we pause and think about the value of reading.

So. Do yourself a favour. Get to the library and get reading!

World Book Day 2020

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McDonald’s Happy Meal™ Boxes to carry World Book Day Tokens  in UK and Ireland first partnership.

Today, World Book Day announces its partnership with McDonald’s with the shared ambition of providing every child and young person across the UK and Ireland with a free or discounted book of their own. The partnership sees the £1 World Book Day token appear on Happy Meal boxes from 5th February, expanding the reach and redemption of the scheme with the aim to increase token redemptions.

From Wednesday 5th February to Tuesday 17th March, the £1 World Book Day token will feature on every single McDonald’s Happy Meal™ box across the UK and Ireland. Children and families can swap it for one of a wide range  of World Book Day free books by much-loved and bestselling authors including Anthony Horowitz, Onjali Q. Raúf, Matt Haig, Greg James & Chris Smith and Beth Reekles, or get £1 off a book or audiobook costing £2.99 or more, at their local participating bookshop or supermarket between 27th February and 29th March.

Open Night 2020

Last night saw another successful open night for us here in Killicomaine. The whole school was absolutely buzzing and the library was a hive of activity!

Our theme this year was David Walliams, with some of our pupils dressed as characters from his books. Lots of table activities and games offered the chance to win brand new copies of Walliams’ books.

We also had four pupils dressed as the Where’s Wally character circulating the school with books. Visitors had to spot them and record the titles and authors to win prizes.

    A great night was had by all.
    Many thanks to St. Paul’s in Bessbrook for the loan of the costumes.

    Happy New Year!

    Here we are, a new year and a new decade. If you haven’t been reading as much as you should then now is the time to start. The year begins with everyone completing a new round of StAR testing but don’t let that stop you taking those quizzes! If you got some books as gifts over the Christmas period then now is your chance to make those words count!

    Don’t forget, our book fair arrives next week, so come along and have a look!

    And the winners are…

    Nick finally thawed out after yesterday, the competition entries were checked and the names put into a hat.

    10B2 willingly assisted Nick to draw the winning names. Unfortunately we could only have one winner from the pupil entries and one from the staff.  

    Well done to Mrs Maxwell and to Sam Vennard. Mrs Maxwell has generously decided to donate her prize to the Cash for Kids Operation Christmas.

    Many thanks to everyone who took part, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Merry Christmas everyone!

    Day Twelve – The Challenge is Complete!

    The final day in our Christmas challenge and poor Nick has fallen victim to Princess Elsa, who is the heiress to the throne of Arendelle and possesses the elemental ability to create and control ice and snow.

    Luckily he managed to leave the last clue for you all before being encased in ice.

    “All grown-ups were once children … but only few of them remember it.”

    Get your entry to Ms Fulton in the library before 11am on Thursday 19th December. 

    NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS TIME

    (Entry forms are 50p each and available from the library)

    Day Eleven: Christmas Challenge

    DAY ELEVEN: Nick is here again with the penultimate clue.

    “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

    Who will be the winner of the Kindle Fire? Don’t forget the closing date is 11am on the 19th December. (Entry forms are 50p each and available from the library)