Learning Resource Centre: Library Programs

Author Visits

The LRC offers extension and enhancement programs such as our well established visiting author program. Each year we invite a minimum of three authors or inspirational speakers to come talk to the students during a lunch time. The program makes real connections with student’s passion for reading, and meeting a real life author is a buzz, particularly when they get to ask their questions. 

Some of the previous authors we have had visit MacRob include:

• Yassmin Abdel-Magied
• Clementine Ford
• Alice Pung
• Lili Wilkinson
• Cath Crowley
• Demet Divaroren
• Melina Marchetta
• Isobelle Carmody
• Maureen McCarthy
• Amy Brown (2024)
• Jessica Zhan Mei Yu (2024)

Premiers Reading Challenge

The PRC has been running at Mac.Rob for 12 years now. As part of the program, all year 9 students are encouraged to read at least 10 books from the year 9-10 PRC reading list as well as 5 books of their own choice. Many students read well over the 15 books required and we keep a tally of how many books each student, and each class has read, so that we can reward the school's most voracious readers with a trip to the Melbourne Writers Festival. The program aims to facilitate Year 9 form group bonding together as a new group of people, enhance literacy and encouragement of reading at the school, and making the students familiar with the LRC. 

For more information see our Premiers Reading Challenge Page. 

Library Displays

The LRC uses regular displays to promote items in the collection. From much-loved favourites to hidden gems to award winners. Previous displays have included Women’s History Month featuring biographies from inspirational women, Dr Seuss' birthday, audiobooks, cooking and Australian YA. Keep an eye on the display space in the library space.

Students are also welcome to make displays about any themes they want to promote in the school. These include Pride Month and Neurodiverse Week. Come see us for a chat and we will help!

Stella Schools 
                
Since 2018, the LRC has organised for Stella Schools to run creative writing workshops at Mac.Rob. This started with the 'Writer in Residence' program in 2019, with Stella Prize winning author Emily Bitto providing a four day intensive writing workshop for Mac.Rob students. In 2019, the 'Writer In Residence' program continued, run by The Lifted Brow editor Ellena Savage. The 'Writer in Residence' program has been a great opportunity for the students to build confidence in their creative writing and to meet professional authors they can model their writing on. Part of the program is encouraging students to share their writing, and so each year we create an e-book of student writing. You can access the 2018 e-book here and the 2019 e-book here. The Stella Schools program continued in 2020 with 38 students participating in a 'Writing For Self Care' workshop provided by Evelyn Araluen. 

Staff Easter Function

Once a year at Mac.Rob we have a morning tea and easter egg hunt for staff in the LRC. This event is attended by nearly all staff members, and they have a lot of fun searching for easter eggs the students have hidden all around the library. They can also just have a relaxing tea and hot cross bun, with the school holidays not far away. 

Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme
The LRC involves itself in the wider school program in several ways. The Duke of Edinburgh or DOE program is one such example. Students in year 10 opt into this course as an elective choice. Part of the requirements to obtain the award is to participate in a suitable civic or social service. Volunteering in LRC is one way the students can fulfil this requirement. Every year we have two students, usually one per semester, to assist in various activities in the LRC. These include shelving, sorting, maintaining equipment etc. Working in the LRC develops confidence, skills and knowledge of LRC resources and rapport with adults.

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