Two bursaries will be available to members who live within 120km radius of the GPO, deemed to be a metropolitan member and four bursaries will be for members living beyond this radius, deemed to be a country member.

The bursaries will pay full early bird registration for members.

In addition, expenses up to the value of $250 will be met for the country member after the conference on production of receipts. This is to acknowledge the additional costs incurred by our country members in attending the conference.

Four one day bursaries will be available to WASLA member Library Officers or Library Technicians to attend on Wednesday 30th September, 2009.

Applications as email attachments in MS Word should be sent to the Executive Officer at ceo@wasla.asn.au

Your application, no longer than one A4 page, should include your name, school, WASLA membership number & address the following criteria:

• How the bursary will benefit your own professional development in a school library setting.
• How you will develop others within your school library community after the conference.

Please state if you are applying for the metropolitan or country bursary.

All successful applicants will be required to write a report on the conference for the Term 4 WASLA newsletter.

Closing date for applications is: 4pm Friday, 30 April, 2009.

Come and explore the current challenges and issues of school libraries with professionals from all over Australia and our neighbouring countries.

Hear outstanding and challenging keynote speakers: Michael Stephens, Mark Treadwell and Libby Gleeson along with a range of other invited guest speakers and practitioners.

The City of Perth, situated on the banks of the picturesque Swan River, a short ferry ride from the historic port of Fremantle, will host this prominent national event.

With major sponsorship by Envision Ware Pty Ltd, this promises to be a professional conference not to be missed.

Social Activities will include Breakfast in Kings Park, overlooking the Swan River, with author events in Fremantle, as well as possible bus trips to the Swan Valley wineries, an historic journey around Rottnest Island and many others on offer.

For further information regarding the program and registration see the conference website at www.asla.org.au/pd/conference/ or contact the conference secretariat, EECW Pty Ltd, on (08) 9389 1488.

Maria Darby, from Cyril Jackson Senior Campus, is the recipient of the Teacher Librarian of the year Award. Maria was commended for her achievements in her roles as Teacher in Charge of the Library and as Information Communication Technology Coordinator.

Her colleagues commend her as making a contribution to the whole campus in whatever projects or strategies are being implemented to improve the educational experience and outcomes for all the students. She has been a leader in acquiring and adapting resources and modifying teaching methodology. Less experienced teachers have found her to be a great mentor and noted her empathy with students, particularly those most in need. A member of her team in the library notes that Maria encourages a work place with a commitment to a true team effort.

Maria Darby with her Teacher Librarian of the Year Award

WASLA decided to introduce a Library Officer/Technician of the Year award this year to recognize best practice and excellence by library officers and technicians in WA schools.

The standard of nominations was excellent but there could only be one winner and that is Marilyn Horne of Scotch College.

College staff paid tribute to her integrity, honesty, loyalty, passion and sincerity. They attest that Marilyn has outstanding interpersonal skills and relates well to people from all walks of life and to all ages. One of the teachers commented that her help was invaluable in surviving his first year as a new teacher in a new school.

Marilyn Horne with her Library Technician of the Year Award

Both recipients will receive full registration to the ASLA Conference in Perth next year as part of their award. As these are annual awards, start thinking now about nominating colleagues for their outstanding work next year.