President's+Report+2010

By Virginia Preddey (Written for the 2010 CPTLA Conference) ** 25 years is certainly something to celebrate! It would be remise of me not to pay homage in this report to all those gallant T/Ls who first started this organisation. At last year’s conference we had the honour of having Judy Bull (the founding member) join us at one of our lunches. It was lovely to see her again. **A special welcome to all ‘long time members’. **  In setting the theme for this year’s conference we reflected on the past but decided that it was more important to concentrate on **‘continuing the journey’ **  so that we ensure that our role & the libraries in our care continue to be imperative in creating **‘life-long learners & lovers of literature’ ** . The tone for the conference this year has been guided by the current situation, that being the Federal Government’s Inquiry into school libraries and teacher librarians in Australian schools. In my capacity as President of the CPTLA, I was asked to write a submission as to our views on the matter. This I did and from that I was invited to go to NSW Parliament House to appear at one of the public hearings being conducted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Training. Our organisation was allowed to have 2 representatives so Kate Armstrong (CPTLA Secretary) accompanied me. This inquiry into school libraries and teacher librarians in Australian schools is long overdue and hopefully we can view it as a positive and critical step in ensuring that the role of the teacher librarian is secured for the future. Many of us currently working in this role and many before us, have been campaigning for a long time for this opportunity to highlight the invaluable impact that teacher librarians have on student literacy and learning. In this information age the timing of such a discussion is imperative. Recent developments relating to Australian education, in particular the new Australian Curriculum, ‘My School Website’ and the ‘Building the Education Revolution Program’ could open a new chapter in the education of our children if these innovative actions are put into good practice. What good are such high economic and pedagogical investments if they are not facilitated and managed by the best specialist possible? In a time when information literacy is crucial for all aspects of life, educational leaders need to commit to this next generation by providing them with opportunities to understand and make use of relevant information. This discussion should not just be about information literacy. Teacher librarians also share a love of literature and reading with their students. We are specialists in children’s literature. On a daily basis we aim to excite and encourage the love of reading to children and staff in our schools. Research indicates that literacy standards are higher when reading is widely promoted and supported. This gives clear evidence to the connection between student achievement and the presence of a teacher librarian in a school. School libraries are considered by many to be the ‘hub of the school’. This can only be truly realised with the existence of a teacher librarian. Unfortunately there are an increasing number of libraries in all our dioceses that are no longer managed by a trained teacher librarian. Over time the understanding of our role has been fractured by what can only be considered ignorance. There are some educational leaders who have taken the financial option to replace a qualified teacher librarian with less expensive staff. The cost of this decision extends far greater than the present circumstances. In these situations the impact of this lack of investment attacks the potential of our students. Whilst the above points are fragments of my submission it was evident from the hearing that all representatives had a common thread to their discussion with the hopeful outcome including the following points: · Mandatory position of a qualified T/L in all school libraries · An examination of the inequity of resources school to school (Issue of funding) · An increase in teacher librarian training positions (Now only 3 university courses available- used to be 15!) · <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 11.76pt;">Development of national school library standards The timing of this conference in relation to the current situation in all our dioceses is fortunate. Our Keynote speaker, Karen Bonanno is in the ‘coal face’ of this inquiry. Karen on behalf of ASLA co-wrote a submission & also appeared at the same hearing as myself. She has also been called as a witness representing ASLA at a national level after which she comes directly to our conference! We are fortunate she was able to fit us into her busy schedule!
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 20pt;">President’s Report 2010
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 11.76pt;">Welcome to this special silver anniversary conference of the Catholic Primary Teacher Librarians’ Association! **

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 11.76pt;">What an amazing 12 months I have had since our last conference. Apart from the recent Federal Inquiry the other notable ‘excitement’ in my life as a T/L was my trip to Padua, Italy with fellow CPTLA member, Susan Bryant for the IASL conference. This trip was definitely a highlight of my career. To be given the opportunity to go to such an event is one that Sue & I will never forget. Apart from the spectacular location (& all the good coffee, vino, sites, etc) to learn & socially interact with like-minded professionals from around the world was incredible. Sue & I enjoyed writing a blog each day detailing our journey & we also look forward to sharing a few highlights with you today.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 11.76pt;">A special thank you to my CPTLA committee. Their commitment & support is appreciated. (A special mention must go to Julie Veel who continued on as our Treasurer even thought she has changed careers! – Thanks Jules x)

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">At this point I want to reflect on last year’s highly successful ‘Librarian’s do it … with heart & soul’ conference in Bowral. Judging by the vibrant & collegial <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 11.76pt;"> atmosphere and your very positive evaluations a fabulous time was had by all! <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">Hopefully these conferences will continue, as long as we have continued support and a healthy change over of committee members. At this year’s AGM we plan to address the proposal of rotating the CPTLA committee & venues around our 11 dioceses. We need to have representation & a voice from all areas if we are to stay viable as individuals in our roles and as an organisation. Please think carefully about offering yourself to be on the committee. It is a wonderful way to develop professionally and to have a meaningful & productive role in insuring … **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 84%;">the journey continues! ** <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 11.76pt;"> Yours in all things library… <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Virginia Preddey x Type in the content of your page here.