Following is an archive of the 2025 Conference:
From Books to AI: Libraries Have It Covered
2025 ISLA Conference



The 2025 Illawarra School Libraries Association Conference, From Books to AI: Libraries Have It Covered, promises to be an engaging day for all. Connect with Library staff from all sectors and engage in sessions that provide opportunities and resources to support AI in School Libraries, Book Week, and discover innovative Google and Microsoft tools and strategies to enhance the library experience.
Non-Teaching Library staff will have access to all speakers to enhance their understanding of future technologies in libraries as well as the opportunity to develop skills and office efficiencies in the Ms Outlook Tips and Tricks breakout session for Non-Teaching Library staff.
Collins Booksellers and Koori Curriculum will have pop-up bookstores for purchasing opportunities.
Please bring a charged personal device to maximise learning opportunities.
Register now and be part of an inspiring day of learning and networking.
Date: Friday 20 June 2025 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM (UTC+10)
Following is an archive of the 2024 conference: Connected Libraries

The CONNECTED LIBRARIES CONFERENCE will be your wellspring of intellectual, social & emotional sustenance that will leave you satisfied, gratified, and inspired!
At the very centre of our schools, like hybrid super connectors, our library spaces, our collections, our staff team, and our very ideas all work in unison to draw students and teachers in, and we facilitate new, vital, and purposeful connections.

Whether it’s identifying the perfect book for a student’s needs, locating the best resources, or exploring new pedagogies for growth, the CONNECTED LIBRARIES CONFERENCE program is bubbling with ideas.
Join us for a dynamic day of learning; engage with library staff from all sectors in sessions designed to provide ideas, inspiration and usable resources.
- Children’s Illustrator Focus: Dale Newman is an Illawarra-based artist and award-winning children’s book illustrator. Learn about her experiences and her collaborative process of creating children’s book covers.
- Teacher Librarians as Curriculum Leaders: Helena Vassios on utilising the Information Fluency Framework across KLA’s to enrich student learning.
- Enhance Your Skills: Participate in an advanced Canva workshop. Library assistants can gain inspiration for Book Week ideas using a Cricut machine.
- First-Time Attendees: Access the “Introduction to Canva Resources” from last year’s conference and prepare for the “Beyond the Basics” session.
- Network and Collaborate: Engage with speakers and share Book Week ideas with colleagues.

Connected Libraries Conference Mapped to The Australian Professional Teaching Standards: Click here or copy the following link to download a copy of a document mapping the Connected Libraries Conference to The Australian Professional Teaching Standards: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gp76HFLyNd6uWNt9VdMxjHk-7akJupME/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113845673654213696066&rtpof=true&sd=true
Click here or copy the following link to download a copy of a document mapping the Connected Libraries Conference to The Australian Professional Teaching Standards: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gp76HFLyNd6uWNt9VdMxjHk-7akJupME/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113845673654213696066&rtpof=true&sd=true
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers Mapped to the Connected Libraries Conference 2024, presented by The Illawarra School Libraries Association
Based on the conference description and the NSW Professional Teaching Standards (Proficient Teacher Standard Descriptors), here is a summary of the specific teaching standards that will be met by attending and participating in the conference activities.
Session 1: Canva Workshop Beyond the Basics
Presenter: Adam Pullinger and Peter Noakes Description: This practical workshop will train attendees on advanced Canva tools to create promotional materials.
Relevant Standards:
- 2.6.2 Use effective teaching strategies to integrate ICT into learning and teaching programs to make selected content relevant and meaningful.
- This session will enhance teachers’ ability to incorporate ICT tools into their teaching strategies, making content more engaging and accessible for students.
- 3.4.2 Select and/or create and use a range of resources, including ICT, to engage students in their learning.
- Learning to use Canva effectively will allow teachers to create visually appealing resources that can help engage students.
Session 2: Teacher Librarians as Curriculum Leaders
Presenter: Helena Vassios Description: Demonstrating the utilisation of the Information Fluency Framework across KLA’s to enrich student learning.
Relevant Standards:
- 1.5.2 Develop teaching activities that incorporate differentiated strategies to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
- The Information Fluency Framework can be adapted to meet diverse student needs, promoting differentiated learning strategies.
- 2.1.2 Apply knowledge of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area to develop engaging teaching activities.
- The session will provide insights into integrating curriculum content effectively to create engaging learning experiences.
Session 3: Utilising the Services of The State Library of NSW
Presenter: Pauline Fitzgerald Description: Outlining opportunities for teachers and students to engage with the State Library’s resources.
Relevant Standards:
- 2.3.2 Design and implement learning and teaching programs using knowledge of curriculum, assessment, and reporting requirements.
- Attendees will learn to design teaching programs that incorporate the State Library’s resources, aligning with curriculum requirements.
- 4.1.2 Establish and implement inclusive and positive interactions to engage and support all students in classroom activities.
- Engaging with State Library resources can help create inclusive learning experiences that support student engagement.
Session 4: Using Cricut Cutting Machines for Dynamic and Professional Library Displays
Presenter: Sharon Richardson Description: Training in using Cricut machines to create professional-looking display materials.
Relevant Standards:
- 3.4.2 Select and/or create and use a range of resources, including ICT, to engage students in their learning.
- This session provides skills to create engaging visual displays that can enhance the learning environment.
- 4.2.2 Establish and maintain orderly and workable routines to create an environment where student time is spent on learning tasks.
- Professional displays can help maintain an orderly and engaging learning environment.
Session 5: Introduction to the Practices of an Illustrator for Children’s Books
Presenter: Dale Newman Description: Learning about the collaborative process of creating children’s book covers.
Relevant Standards:
- 2.1.2 Apply knowledge of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area to develop engaging teaching activities.
- Understanding the illustration process can enhance teachers’ ability to incorporate visual storytelling into their teaching.
- 3.3.2 Select and use relevant teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem-solving, and critical and creative thinking.
- Insights from an illustrator can inspire creative teaching strategies that develop students’ critical and creative thinking skills.
Networking and Collaboration Sessions
Description: Opportunities for professional conversations and collaborations among attendees.
Relevant Standards:
- 6.3.2 Contribute to collegial discussions and apply constructive feedback from colleagues to improve professional knowledge and practice.
- These sessions will provide a platform for sharing ideas and receiving feedback, enhancing professional practice.
- 7.4.2 Participate in professional and community networks and forums to broaden knowledge and improve practice.
- Engaging in these sessions will broaden attendees’ professional networks and knowledge, contributing to improved teaching practices.
Summary: The specific teaching standards addressed by attending and participating in the conference activities are: 1.5.2, 2.1.2, 2.3.2, 2.6.2, 3.3.2, 3.4.2, 4.1.2, 4.2.2, 6.3.2, and 7.4.2.
Following is an archive of the 2023 conference: Moving Forward With Libraries
2023 Illawarra School Libraries AssOCiation Conference
The ISLA Committee is excited to announce the 2023 Conference. The theme of the day, Moving Forward with Libraries, encompasses the future of all libraries. The role of libraries is continually evolving, and school libraries are at the forefront of change and innovation. The great range of speakers will inspire. Ticket sales close Wednesday 11 October at 4.00pm.

Themes connecting through our speakers’ presentations will include:
- Fostering understanding and connection to Dharawal culture and language through libraries.
- Theoretical understanding and practical applications of the Information Fluency Framework.
- Our role and opportunity to shape school libraries as spaces connecting reading, literacy and wellbeing.
- Upskilling you and your students to be digitally literate and dazzling visual communicators.

This will be a conference that will leave you inspired and equipped with new knowledge and skills… everything you need to be Moving Forward with Libraries!
Networking opportunities will be provided during the fully catered morning tea and lunch. Local bookseller, Collins Booksellers (Thirroul) will have a display of books for browsing and purchasing.
Details:
~Thursday 19th Oct 2023
~The Grange (Golf Club)
10 Kembla Grange Place
Kembla Grange, NSW 2526
Links to Professional Teaching Standards
Professional Teaching Standards links to ISLA Moving Forward with Libraries Conference 2023 / PDF Download Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vk3JvFhNaWB-lk5l_Jee-g5GMFvF56cj/view?usp=sharing
Professional Teaching Standards links to ISLA Moving Forward with Libraries Conference 2023 / Word Doc Download Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iOsrLUjA9gY7O_WhLRoY-nL6tIgc-8hy/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113845673654213696066&rtpof=true&sd=true
Following is an archive of our 2022 conference: For All Readers

This will be a day of inspiration and insight with great guest presenters, book shops, and networking.
We Are For All Readers
At heart, we are all readers, and equally, we are all connected by our passion for supporting reading in our schools. ISLA brings you a program of presenters to inspire and empower you. We are thrilled with our line-up of speakers!
we are For All Readers

A school library collection is a tapestry of stories woven to transform students lives for the better. Listening to creators and curators of stories deepens our connections to the what, why and how of building a school library collection.
We are for all Readers

Already a successful screen and stage writer, author Maryam Master, has just launched her second novel (middle fiction) No Words . This is the story of a 12 year old refugee who’s trying to establish a new life in Australia, grapple with his past and, most importantly, find his voice. Ben Quilty wrote in response to No Words: “So Beautiful, so moving. Buy it for your young people. It will be one of the most important books they ever read”. Maryam’s first novel Exit Through the Gift Shop is one of the CBCA shortlisted books for 2022 and has such power and positivity.



Illustrator & author Christopher Cheng is the award-winning author of more than 40 children’s books. His latest picture book, Bear and Rat is an international hit and it’s an uplifting story about love and friendship through the hardest of times. “Bear and Rat is a heartfelt, emotion-filled, tear-triggering masterpiece… Filled with hope and truth and love, this is a story that shows readers a path to forever friendship” (Kids Book Review, 2021). Bear and Rat is a CBCA 2022 notable as well. We can’t wait to hear from Christopher!



What’s happening in children’s literature? What are the emerging trends? What’s hot? Who is looking good for all the awards? Listening to Paul Macdonald is always the fastest and most fun way to find all of these answers! As well as being an author and publisher, Paul has won numerous awards in teaching such as a Quality Teacher Award and The Premiers English Scholarship. Paul won the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award in 2012 for his contributions to raising the profile of teen fiction. Paul also was the winner of the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children’s literature and literacy in Australia.

During the mid-morning session, you will have the choice of attending a breakout session with either Gabby Cundy or Debbie Rosa.
Gabby Cundy is a team member of ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics. From ISLA network meetings we know that our students cannot get enough of graphic novels, comics and manga. It’s going to be great to hear from Gabby as she shares her knowledge and ideas about this genre and its subgenres.

The other mid-morning breakout session will be with Debbie Rosa, Libraries Information Officer with the NSW Department of Education. Debbie will share all the latest news about Oliver (OPAC) and there will definitely be some Q&A time, so bring your questions! This is highly recommended for SASS staff and library technicians.

Venue: The Tops Conference Centre. 51 Bendena Garden, Stanwell Tops NSW 2508
Linking to NESA Standards
If you need an example of linking the conference program to NESA standards, you can view and copy a sample provided by a high school teacher -this of course can be adapted to a primary context. Click on the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9Z9wRD87ZqtvEEyXAk76Ms9r5p3Eh6f/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113845673654213696066&rtpof=true&sd=true
Keep up-to-date with announcements and ISLA happenings through our ISLA Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/isla.group
