Where’s the library? Just look for the sign!

School library sign

Our new librarian noticed that new students and their parents had no idea where the library was. Even when she pointed it out, many were unsure which door she was referring to. So she tentatively asked me if I was interested in making her a library sign. Well, there was only one thing I could say to that: “Goody!” I bought a large sheet of craftwood from the local hardware story and drew a lovely big oval on it. My husband very kindly cut it out for me and a friend and I spent a couple of happy afternoons painting it.

I particularly like the lively colours and “cartoony” feel of this design. And, not to waste an opportunity for a giggle, we’ve given each of the books a fun title/author combination like “Late for School” by Miss D. Buss.

Big friendly library display

Close-up of children’s artwork

A friend and I had such fun making this display. The theme for book week was “Across the Story Bridge”, so we thought it would be appropriate to use the Sydney Harbour Bridge and involve every child in the school. I drew up four male and four female figures, each holding a book. Each child chose a figure and wrote their name and favourite book title on the cover. I’ve got to say, it was extremely awkward laying out so much paper across my friend’s dining room floor to paint the bridge. It was also very difficult to stick it up on the wall. And after all that, we also required lots of help from parent volunteers to cut out the figures for the littlies who weren’t so good with scissors. However, it was definitely all worth it in the end. The kids loved colouring their pictures and searching for their artworks after they’d been added to the display. Most importantly, they eagerly spent time discussing which book was their favourite. In the end, there were around 350 children represented, and it looked more spectacular than these photos show.

Tired old school mural gets an upgrade

I was tired of looking at these depressing old columns in front of the school canteen. They were painted by the students years ago, and they definitely hadn’t improved with age.

When I mentioned them to the school principal, quick as a flash he replied “Are you offering?”. Well, there’s no sense in whinging about something unless you’re prepared to do something about it, so while I was there each morning for assembly, I pondered the problem and a friend and I came up with a new design which I mocked-up in paper for staff approval.

At our request, Bunnings very kindly donated some paint. Then the two of us spent two and a half weekends at the school painting the new mural, and singing musical hits at the tops of our voices to the empty playground from our ladders. It was good fun and very satisfying. Here are the results: