Renee Mason Aalia (Cp) Email & Phone Number

Western Isles, Scotland, United Kingdom

Strategic leadership and management of Public and School Library Services across the Western Isles.

Yarrabilba, Queensland, Australia

Foundational Teacher Librarian for a brand new Catholic secondary school in Yarrabilba, Queensland. Established the College library from scratch including developing an engaging fiction and non-fiction collections with an emphasis on curriculum resourcing and high interest/low literacy texts, as well as developing a substantial graphix collection (manga, comics, graphic novels). Co-teaching and supporting students and teachers with literacy, information fluency and embedding digital… Show more Foundational Teacher Librarian for a brand new Catholic secondary school in Yarrabilba, Queensland. Established the College library from scratch including developing an engaging fiction and non-fiction collections with an emphasis on curriculum resourcing and high interest/low literacy texts, as well as developing a substantial graphix collection (manga, comics, graphic novels). Co-teaching and supporting students and teachers with literacy, information fluency and embedding digital technologies including Virtual Reality. Part of the whole-school literacy team.Part-time in 2021-2022, becoming full-time in 2023 as the College expands and I take on teaching responsibilities in the HASS department, including developing the Year 7 Civics and Citizenship program.My 2023 extracurricular focus beyond developing a culture of library clubs, including Bookclubs and a Library Ninjas program (library monitors), is to work with our guidance and learning support teams to develop our Esports program, including providing opportunities for student leadership, and developing strategies and opportunities for the explicit teaching of social skills within Esports. I am also working with an EQ colleague at Yarrabilba State Secondary College to start a localised school esports competition. Show less

Ipswich, Queensland, Australia

Job-share Teacher Librarian role at a multicultural Catholic primary school in Goodna (Ipswich, QLD). I developed units of work founded in the English curriculum targeting literacy and information fluency, as well as co-teaching with a Year 5 teacher to plan and facilitate a Minecraft game development unit with Year 5.I taught Year 1, 3 and 5 during teachers’ NCT time.

Boonah, Queensland, Australia

I own and manage a bookstore and creative collective in rural Queensland, providing a space in the main street of our small town to showcase local artists and makers, particularly women.

Gold Coast Mc, Queensland, Australia

I managed library and information services for a co-educational Catholic Secondary school on the Gold Coast. I successfully genrefied and updated our fiction collection to improve access for students, and led the integration of Textbook Hire into the Library LMS. I introduced various digital resources, including Britannica, Gale in Context and Learnpath research guides, and led professional development for staff to improve usage. I taught information and digital literacy skills across the… Show more I managed library and information services for a co-educational Catholic Secondary school on the Gold Coast. I successfully genrefied and updated our fiction collection to improve access for students, and led the integration of Textbook Hire into the Library LMS. I introduced various digital resources, including Britannica, Gale in Context and Learnpath research guides, and led professional development for staff to improve usage. I taught information and digital literacy skills across the curriculum. I took a lead role in introducing VR and AR emerging tech to the College, researching and developing a proposal for school leadership, purchasing equipment, developing learning activities to meet curriculum goals, and implementing procedures for managing devices and software. My major focus in our initial year was collaborative planning with teachers to embed VR and AR into the curriculum. I led this with training for teachers and team-teaching using Oculus Go headsets. I initiated the Junior and Senior Esports program, facilitating trials and training, teaching social skills and resilience and taking teams to compete in The Fuse Cup and Chisholm Invitational. I coordinated Book Week, National Simultaneous Storytime and other literary events to promote reading across the school. I also established Junior and Senior Bookclubs, as well as our “Library Ninjas” service program - training and managing student volunteers to promote the library and assist with library duties. I successfully implemented “Device Free Days” to encourage digital well-being and introduced Lego and board games.In my first year at the College I successfully lobbied our P&F Association to fund the revamp of the old "library computer room" to create a much needed "Senior Study Space". Over my 3 years at Aquinas I had the privilege of seeing each new senior group step up and meet the expectations of the space and develop more positive relationships with library staff. Show less

Moogerah, Queensland

I established a café business as part of my family's enterprises, including developing a business plan, recruiting and training staff, sourcing suppliers, renovating the premises and marketing and promotion. I designed and created the business cards, banners and road signage, as well as creating and managing social media accounts.

Struan, Isle Of Skye

Owner and manager at Bog Myrtle Skye bookstore, café and vintage store. I networked with community, services, business and artists to turn the boookstore into a vibrant community hub. I designed, marketed and facilitated community learning and social events, including printmaking, breadmaking, Makaton signing for toddlers, and Bingo and Quiz nights in partnership with local charitable organisations, as well as coordinating regular events such as Bookclub, knitting and craft groups.I… Show more Owner and manager at Bog Myrtle Skye bookstore, café and vintage store. I networked with community, services, business and artists to turn the boookstore into a vibrant community hub. I designed, marketed and facilitated community learning and social events, including printmaking, breadmaking, Makaton signing for toddlers, and Bingo and Quiz nights in partnership with local charitable organisations, as well as coordinating regular events such as Bookclub, knitting and craft groups.I planned and coordinated a week-long programme for Book Week Scotland in November 2017 which featured breadmaking and baking workshops for children and adults, a literary themed dinner with a charity book auction that raised £600 for our local school to purchase literacy materials, and an author panel with Highland based authors Paul Rees and Fiona Macbain.I partnered with local organisations such as SEALL (Skye and Lochalsh Arts Organisation), Skye Reading Room, Struan Community Gala, and Loch Ness Knit Fest to co-host events such as poetry readings, author talks, knitting workshops and community fundraisers. Show less

Portree, Isle Of Skye

Developed and facilitated learning programmes for adults across Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross, including recruiting and supervising Adult Learning Tutors, developing partnerships with local stakeholders, marketing and promoting events, and working closely with Library staff to facilitate learning opportunities.Part of the initial committee developing opportunities for learning and community engagement at Tigh na Drochaid respite centre. Facilitated family learning opportunities and… Show more Developed and facilitated learning programmes for adults across Skye, Lochalsh & Wester Ross, including recruiting and supervising Adult Learning Tutors, developing partnerships with local stakeholders, marketing and promoting events, and working closely with Library staff to facilitate learning opportunities.Part of the initial committee developing opportunities for learning and community engagement at Tigh na Drochaid respite centre. Facilitated family learning opportunities and revitalising of community garden.Identified opportunities for future learning partnerships, including Viewfield Garden Collective, Atlas Arts and local businesses. Show less

World

Travelling sabbatical - road tripping Brisbane to Cairns, learning Spanish and teaching English in Spain 🇪🇸 and returning to my favourite destination - Scotland, and the Isle of Skye.

Qingdao, Shandong, China

Managed information resources for a K-13 British international school. Responsible for reimagining the library to successfully meet IB and CIS requirements. Key achievements in this role included:• Making information literacy and 21st Century skills a major school focus;• Collaborating with teachers and school leaders to develop an information literacy continuum;• Teaching across subjects and school grades, including team-teaching and EAL;• Project-managing the upgrade of… Show more Managed information resources for a K-13 British international school. Responsible for reimagining the library to successfully meet IB and CIS requirements. Key achievements in this role included:• Making information literacy and 21st Century skills a major school focus;• Collaborating with teachers and school leaders to develop an information literacy continuum;• Teaching across subjects and school grades, including team-teaching and EAL;• Project-managing the upgrade of archaic Library software management system to Follett Destiny;• Training and development of local Chinese Library staff;• Revitalising Library services and spaces to meet the needs of all users; • Updating the Library collection, introducing and managing digital resources and Home Language Collection;• Playing a key role in our successful application for IB Diploma accreditation, including mapping ATL skills across Secondary, improving resources, and developing an interactive IB Study Guide.Developing whole school reading culture is integral to my role as a librarian. I pioneered multiple initiatives to promote reading in the school, including introducing Panda Book Awards and Readers Cup, as well as facilitating whole-school Book Week. I adapted library programmes and resources for EAL students, working with EAL teachers to ensure learner needs were met, and provided intensive EAL support for students in small groups or one-to-one.Active member of Beijing Librarians Network and Shanghai Librarians Network. Attended ACAMIS conference in Guangzhou in 2014. Show less

Beaudesert, Queensland

Led a small team through a process of change and innovation at our central library branch. I managed day-to-day operations including budgeting, reporting, collection development, and took an enthusiastic lead in improving community engagement and public programs. As part of the Library Management Team, I coordinated regional programs, services and collection management.I successfully implemented a range of new public programs, including author talks, technology classes and book clubs;… Show more Led a small team through a process of change and innovation at our central library branch. I managed day-to-day operations including budgeting, reporting, collection development, and took an enthusiastic lead in improving community engagement and public programs. As part of the Library Management Team, I coordinated regional programs, services and collection management.I successfully implemented a range of new public programs, including author talks, technology classes and book clubs; launched ‘Conversations’, a monthly forum for locals to share their stories; worked as a team to fund, develop and facilitate a community digital literacy/local history project; expanded Library outreach, building relationships with community stakeholders and attending local events; revitalised our Library space, creating a 21st century Library environment with limited budget; facilitated staff training in futures-planning and digital literacy.In addition to managing my branch, I coordinated Library Services for Young People and Families. I developed and coordinated a cohesive school holiday programs across 5 library branches, and after I approached other areas of Council about collaborating to create a school holiday program across the Community Services Department we developed Council's "World of Fun" program, which continues to grow and engage community. I supported library staff to deliver initiatives for young people and their families; revitalised our volunteer programme, including building a team to tackle community literacy needs; and developed our Junior and Young Adult collections, including hosting community book selection afternoons and evenings and expanding our Graphic novel collection in response to borrower feedback. Show less

Darwin, Northern Territory

Managed the Primary Library at a K-12 IB candidate school, supporting units of inquiry in classrooms and working with the cross-campus library team to promote whole-school reading culture. In this role, I:• Worked closely with the PYP Coordinator to support the implementation of the PYP curriculum;• Provided training and support for staff, e.g. using wikis, team teaching UOI with Year 1 teachers;• Developed the collection, including building relationships with suppliers and… Show more Managed the Primary Library at a K-12 IB candidate school, supporting units of inquiry in classrooms and working with the cross-campus library team to promote whole-school reading culture. In this role, I:• Worked closely with the PYP Coordinator to support the implementation of the PYP curriculum;• Provided training and support for staff, e.g. using wikis, team teaching UOI with Year 1 teachers;• Developed the collection, including building relationships with suppliers and coordinating Book Fair;• Negotiated the purchase of iPads and Bloggies for the library, assisting IT with set-up and staff training. Show less

Swanbank, Queensland

Created and updated a corporate archives database and improved user access as part of the Records Management team. Identified relevant documents of Local History significance for local history association.

Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

As inaugural librarian for a rapidly expanding international school I utilised limited resources to establish a vibrant space supporting language, literacy and inquiry. I introduced Chinese language resources, trained Western and Chinese library staff, and taught Kindergarten and Secondary EAL.I was actively involved in the Staff Management Team, assisting with Secondary curriculum development, improving English language support, and redesigning the school’s website.

Swanbank, Queensland

Developed and facilitated environmental education programs at a working power station and landfill.

Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Teacher of English and SOSE (Studies of Society & Environment). Developed and delivered learning activities and assessment for students in Years 9 – 11.

Portree, Isle Of Skye

Gold Coast, Queensland

Graduate Certificate In Education, Education

BCE scholarship for further studies in education. Subject areas included: Contemporary Literacies, Leading Educational Change.

Master Of Education - Med, Teacher Librarianship

Contemporary library studies including e-learning, learning spaces design, database design and management, children’s and young adult.

Bachelor Of Education - Bed, Secondary Education And Teaching

Activities and Societies: Student Council College Netball team

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, History And English

Activities and Societies: Student Council College netball team

Certificate Iv, Development And Management Of Youth Pathways Arts Initiatives