BOKA KHATI

MANY LEARNERS at St Michael’s are avid readers and to them the Gertrude Edwards library has been a sacred place of books and learning. Unfortunately the library was out of bounds for more than a year due to Covid-19.

This is the first time in the 108 years that the library has existed. The library was established in 1914 by Gertrude Edwards, who was the Headmistress from 1905 to June 1914.

The readers missed their trips to the library. Rethabile Mothobi says that many of her friends complained because they could not read certain books that they know are in the library. Mehek Johnson says, ‘I miss going to the library, because I love reading.’

Grade 5 and 6 learners were privileged enough to have a library in the English classroom, though. Mrs Heunis established the small library 3 years ago when she wanted to introduce learners to the old classics. These books are available as graded readers, which are modified versions of original stories. Now Intermediate Phase learners can enjoy and get to know Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Mark Twain, Shakespeare and other well-known authors on their level.

The girls also love biographies and Malala Yousafzai’s autobiography is a big favourite.   Of course, Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries are ultimate favourites and no one can get enough of them. Girls have started donating books to the class library, which is great because they are sharing the books that they love.