Community+Based+Library+Media+Programs

Community Event: A Trip to the Great Barrier Reef

The Summer School theme for the year is UNDER THE SEA. In order to help families celebrate the summer school phenomenon, the library organized a family night in the library. We used the portable polycom device to connect with the Reef Ed program located on the Great Barrier Reef explorer program. This family night also served as a way for parents and the community to see how the polycom can enhance education. Parents, students and community members were able to see the polycom in action, receive a bit of training on what it is and how it works.

Then we connected with the Great Barrier Reef for a tour of their reef as well as a swim in the shark tank. There are cameras and the diver has a way to communicate through his gear. He could both hear and answer questions. There were questions from 4 year olds (What is at the bottom of the ocean?) and 96 year olds (what kind of training do you need to be a shark rehabilitator?) Overall it was a success and many students and parents want to know where we are going next.

This was held on June 20th. We had the library open, offered a free supper and a tour of our library facilities and books.

Here is a link to the [|Reef Ed Program]

We got subway food and some items from the grocery store. 160 people.

Food cost: $400 Conference cost: $300