I have spent the better part of the last few weeks frantically writing a report for the Principal for the "new library" which was promised to us with the recently released government funding. Only to find out that the first tranch of money will go to a new sports hall and the library will be built in 2 years. Two months ago I was told that the new library would be underway by the end of this year! NOT!!! My level of disappointment has been so high as it strongly reflects the school's priority and this does not gel with mine! Coupled with the readings and the work on my assignment I have started to reflect on why and how Principals come to such decisions and why places like libraries are not valued or seen as an integral learning portal. Does this stem back to their own recollections of what a library meant for them? Do they not see the library as the hub of the school and its learning community? Do they secretly not value the work we do? Do they think we file books all day??? How then can we effectively canvas support from them when their actions speak louder than their words?
It has been interesting following the readings and in particular the forum comments. There seems to be a huge disparity between what is realistic and idealism. The contention that Principals ask teachers and teacher- librarians to collaborate on units of work seemed to illicit rather though provoking discussion. The reality is that when Principals create structural changes such as timetables and allocated meeting time it will be embraced, currently time limitations hinder the process which is a poor reflection on a school's ability to embrace RBL and RBT given the supportive data we have!
Back to the assignment!
