Reading Week is party of the Literacy strategy of the school and is a week packed with literary activities. The primary aim of Reading Week is to have students gain a love of reading and books.

MOUNTHAWK’S LIBRARY REVAMP May 2019

Albert Einstein once declared, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” After nearly a year of planning by a dedicated library committee, Mercy Mounthawk recently cut the ribbon of its newly renovated school library. Having decided to rejuvenate what had become a redundant space, students were asked their opinions about what they wanted their library to be. They created mood-boards, offered lists of titles and authors they would like stocked on the shelves and even suggested a colour palette for its walls. Inspired by their enthusiasm, the committee set about establishing a plan; they redesigned the layout, updated the shelves with modern books, and ordered bespoke contemporary furniture to better meet the needs of modern-day students.

The result has been transformational: an inviting library with a spacious open layout providing greater access to books. Bespoke furniture has been a key feature of the design, combining the school’s signature teal colour with a modern pop of lime green in bean bags and modular items of furniture positioned throughout. The seating plan has been deliberately designed to be both relaxed and formal in tone, offering students a choice based on their preference while reading. Custom-made tables have been specifically chosen to encourage group work, creating a flexible space which allows for debating club, individual study and reading. Strategic placing of bookshelves and other furniture gives the space a more accessible appeal making it an altogether more inviting space. One of the highlights of the newly renovated library has been the artistic pieces designed and created by the Transition Year students. They feature key characters from wellknown works of literature.

The opening was officiated by poet and former Mounthawk teacher, Lola Scollard, and attended by staff, students, members of the Board of Management and representatives from the Parents’ Council. It took place to coincide with English Week and the annual Mounthawk character costume day. Indeed, there was something quite fitting in students dressed as Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Harry Potter meandering their way through the library doors. Without doubt, the Mercy Mounthawk community will from now on have no problem in living out Albert Einstein’s inspirational words as we look forward to hours of enjoyment in our newly renovated library.

Wellread Award Winner 2018
Mercy Mounthawk was successful in its application for the PDST National Wellread award. The award is in recognition of all the initiatives and activities that were used to foster a love of reading in the school community. A portfolio was submitted in May documenting school book clubs, World Book Day celebrations, our One Book, One Community reading challenge, the read wall for reviews, author visits and many more promotions. The school will retain the Wellread title for the next three years.

Reading Week features such activities as:

• A book collection
• A chance for students and even teachers to read aloud their favourite pieces
• A Spelling Bee competition
• A ‘Design a Bookmark’ competition (Bookmarks are also handed out to students)
• A Book Review competition
• A ‘Drop Everything and Read’ time during the week

Our Students Explain the Book-Swop organised for Reading Week: