Issue 139
Term 4, 2026
New websites and apps
Download the entire collection of records for these digital resources, plus a few more, which you can upload directly into your library management system. Select ‘Connections Term 4 2026’ and click on the Download button
Diversity in children's books
Type: Podcast
SCIS ID: 5572109
Audience: arents, school staff
This is a six-part series for parents, teachers and writers, produced by Better Reading aided by a Copyright Agency Cultural Fund grant. Six Australian guests speak about the importance of diversity in children’s books and their experiences of the publishing scene.
State Library of Victoria: bibliotherapy podcast for kids
Type: Podcast
SCIS ID: 5572091
Audience: Students
URL: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/bibliotherapy-kids
These audio bibliotherapy sessions introduce children to the healing and nurturing power of literature. Using texts as an invitation to reflect on our own self-concept and perspective, practising bibliotherapist Susan McLaine hosts two episodes, one for 7- to 9-year-olds and one for 10- to 12-year-olds.
For the love of libraries
Type: Podcast
SCIS ID: 5572102
Audience: School staff
This ALIA schools podcast for school library staff covers a range of topics suitable for everyone from newcomers to experienced library staff and even school leadership. The podcast shares stories, resources and practical tips on school library issues, from staffing to reading and advocacy.
Bibliotherapy Australia
Type: Website
SCIS ID: 5572079
Audience: School staff
URL: https://bibliotherapyaustralia.com/home
Dr Susan McLaine is the founder of Bibliotherapy Australia and the developer of Heart-Centred Bibliotherapy, which focuses on how stories are offered and how reflective reading experiences are held by the reader. This website offers resources such reading lists and the podcast ‘Story Aloud’ which is a calm and meditative collection of stories written and read by Dr McLaine.
Orygen
Type: Website
SCIS ID: 1832866
Audience: School staff
URL: https://www.orygen.org.au/
The Orygen organisation researches, advocates and educates on youth mental health. The website includes research and also has some excellent resources, including reading, PDF fact sheets and toolkits about topics relating to youth mental health.
Student Wellbeing Hub
Type: Website
SCIS ID: 1785402
Audience: School staff, students, parents
URL: https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au
Informed by the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework, the Student Wellbeing Hub provides information and resources for students, teachers and parents to assist them to create and maintain a safe and welcoming school environment. It is guided by the National Safe Schools Framework, with resources aligned to the Australian Curriculum. The Student Wellbeing Hub has been developed by Education Services Australia for the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.
Schools - mental health and wellbeing toolkit
Type: Website
SCIS ID: 5572066
Audience: School staff
URL: https://www.vic.gov.au/schools-mental-health-toolkit
Find resources for teachers and school staff to support student and staff mental health and wellbeing. It includes information about evidence-based programs available to schools, the Mental Health Practitioners initiative, MHiPS (Mental Health in Primary Schools) program for employing a Mental Health and Wellbeing leader. It also contains frameworks for schools to use when structuring their approach to mental health and wellbeing support.