MASLA

17/09/2026

This article is a MUST read. Titled “Educationally indefensible” it asks the Catholic Diocese to explain why the decision has been made to cut the primary teacher librarians in the Maitland- Newcastle diocese in a climate of Australia’s decline in literacy; “An educationally indefensible course of action.”
I love that it asks the Diocese to explain this decision process and what the impact will be. What is the research behind this move. Be accountable!!!!
“It’s a really big reduction, and if we’re looking at how we can improve student engagement, student wellbeing, student literacy and student learning, then these decisions just don’t support that.”

Catholic Schools Maitland Newcastle continues to come under fire from literacy and education bodies nationwide over its plan to cut teacher-librarian positions in 58 schools across the Diocese.

04/09/2026

Please sign and share widely.

Created by the wonderful authors and illustrator Kate and Jol Temple who know how important this is.

Mandate qualified teacher-librarians in schools!

02/09/2026

📚 WHO WILL TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO NAVIGATE THE INFORMATION AGE?

Teacher librarian positions are being cut.

At a time when literacy standards are falling and reading for pleasure is declining, we need to be investing in reading — not reducing the educators who champion it.

Teacher librarians help students discover books, develop a love of reading, build literacy, research effectively and think critically in a world increasingly shaped by misinformation, social media and AI.

This isn’t just about jobs.

It’s about our students and their future.

📢 We need your support.

If you believe teacher librarians are essential to our students and our schools, please write a short supporter statement telling us why.

Whether you’re a parent, student, teacher, author, former student or community member — your voice matters.

Please share this post and add your voice.

📚 Help us save teacher librarians.
Help us protect reading.
Help us protect our students’ futures.

Emails can be sent to [email protected]

16/08/2026

MASLA network meeting this Wednesday.
Come along for collegial discussion and support, stay for dinner and a chat.

06/08/2026

A fun, cheap activity to get students excited about book week is making me and others smile this year.

Toilet roll book characters are making their way to the library and gee they are impressive.

Here are just a few examples of the creativity on display.

05/08/2026

My book week display is finished.

It isn’t anything over the top but as always student centred.

Displays are up featuring student responses to shortlisted books ( I have spotted a few typos on some signs😔, I am only human)

Proud to say no AI used in any of my displays.

Love to see yours.

08/03/2026

Any local TL’s here are two events you won’t want to miss.
As part of LitUp, Katrina Nannestad will be in Maitland.
She will be hosting a session at Maitland Town Hall for students and then an event for TL’s, teachers and parents at East Maitland Library .

10/02/2026

Library Lover’s Day.

I have a love letter hunt happening, where I have some little pictures of love letters hidden around the library, which students need to find.

I’ve also asked students and teacher to write some love letters to the library.
My first few love letters are in from staff and oh my, 💌 the love is real.

What are you planning to celebrate this day?

16/01/2026

Library Lover’s Day

It’s the first thing to celebrate in the new year, and what a great thing to celebrate.

In my library this year I’m celebrating by writing love letters to the library 💌.

I have designed a template and will have staff and students write a letter to the library saying what they love and why they love it.

I have also hidden 14 small love letters around the library and will ask students to find them, writing down the location for a chance to win a prize.

How are you celebrating Library Lover’s Day in your library?

15/01/2026

Hi everyone, hope you are enjoying the holidays.

While there has been a disturbance in the ether of things, we need to promote the good.

I have had two authors reach out for possible visits in the local area.

Kate Foster will be around beginning of March which is Week 6 of term 1

Liz Anelli will be travelling over from UK to promote her new book in July / August.

Both are fantastic presenters and amazing in their respective fields, so if you are interested please reach out and I’ll put you in touch.