Departments

Library Learning Commons

The Library Learning Commons provides a safe, friendly environment, offering a balanced collection of print and digital resources to meet both curricular and personal interest needs. Through virtual and physical learning partnerships, we provide integrated learning opportunities, which are global, connected, social, cross curricular and interdisciplinary. In partnership with classroom teachers, the teacher-librarian teaches guided inquiry, whereby students learn to define problems, form questions, explore ideas, analyse, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate new understandings. We strive to challenge students to think critically about the information they find, to instill in them a passion for reading and learning, and to equip them with multiple literacy skills for success in life after secondary school.

The J.H. Atkins School Library Information Centre (SLIC) at VHSS is a hub of activity, learning and sharing. Our Library Technician and Teacher-Librarian have created an inviting atmosphere in which students can study, research, share and learn. As the SLIC team, our aim is to teach students the research skills they need to succeed in an information-rich future. We provide students with access to a wide range of print, non-print and electronic learning resources to support the curriculum. We encourage reading for pleasure, self-knowledge and ultimately a life-long love of reading.  We inspire students to create, innovate, and collaborate by using technologies in our learning commons such as the 3D printer, robots, and coding kits.  Our overall goal is to foster learning and to improve student achievement. Students are encouraged to use the SLIC resources for both school and recreational purposes.