Julia Smith - Te Tai Tokerau SLANZA National Executive Representative
I am the librarian at Kerikeri High School Library in the far north of Te Tai Tokerau. After gaining my Bachelor's in Library and Information Studies in 2010 I have been full-time in this position. I love promoting the love of reading with book talks, activities, lessons, interactive displays and on Instagram; enjoying the challenge of connecting books with students. I am passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued and represented. I attend Te Ao Māori classes at my local Te Pūkenga, and fortnightly workshops on Kaupapa Māori within education, including decolonising ourselves and our schools. This ongoing journey has proved hugely insightful and valuable. A SLANZA member for nearly twenty years, I took on the role of National Executive Representative in 2014, then was honoured to be co-president between 2017-2019. This role on the National Executive is one way to give back to the school library community the knowledge and professional learning I have gained through my involvement with SLANZA. |