Author Archives: Anais Cayzac

Glasgow 850: celebrating our city in our school library

This year, Glasgow is celebrating an incredible milestone: its 850th anniversary! Across the city, people are reflecting on Glasgow’s long and fascinating history, and we wanted to make sure our students had the chance to take part in the celebrations too. At our school libraries, my colleague Markie Deleavey and I put together some special activities to help pupils learn more about the city they live in: its culture, landmarks, and stories.

Markie created a brilliant activity booklet that students have really enjoyed. It’s full of puzzles, including crosswords, famous Glaswegians and landmarks, and even a section on Glasgow slang. The booklet was designed to make learning about our city fun and interactive and it’s certainly worked!

To go alongside the booklet, I added an activity based on the comic Beats of War by Etienne Kubwabo. The story follows a superhero who arrives on Earth in search of a way to save his home planet from robot invaders and while here, he discovers the power of music. The comic is set right here in Glasgow, and it features several recognisable city landmarks. Students were encouraged to read the story and see if they could spot places they knew.

At St Mungo’s, pupils also created a colourful display showing all of Glasgow’s subway stations, with the nearest libraries and bookshops marked at each stop. They helped choose books set in or about Glasgow, adding them to Markie’s fantastic visual booklist for everyone to explore. Creating this display wasn’t just creative, it also helped pupils build their research and literacy skills while learning more about their own city.

Over the last couple of weeks, our S1 and S2 classes have been coming into the library to take part in a quiz and challenges that test their knowledge of Glasgow. It’s been wonderful to see how engaged and enthusiastic they’ve been asking questions, sharing what they know, and having fun in the process.

These activities have been a great way to celebrate Glasgow’s 850th birthday and remind us all how school libraries can bring learning to life. We’re proud to help our students connect with their local heritage, build new skills, and find joy in reading and discovery.

Youth for Equity: session 2

Stories that matter: exploring homelessness and racist prejudice

The second session of the Youth for Equity project took place at Hillhead High School on March 26th, focusing on two key social issues: homelessness and racism.

We began the day with a powerful workshop led by a representative from Simon Community Scotland. He spoke about the realities of homelessness in Glasgow, the charity’s work, and the impact they’re making in local communities. Students responded with enthusiasm—asking insightful questions about how to help, raise awareness, and ensure the safety of those working on the front lines.

After a short break, we welcomed Etienne Kubwabo, a Glasgow-based comic book creator and filmmaker. Etienne is the author of Beats of War, a comic set in Glasgow and featuring Scotland’s first Black superhero. He shared how his personal journey, including his experiences with racism, has shaped his creative work. He emphasized how art and storytelling can be powerful forces for social change, encouraging students to use creativity as a way to challenge injustice and express identity. Students were encouraged to reflect on representation and identity by designing their own superhero characters. From this superhero gallery, Etienne will select the top three entries and feature one of them in his next comic.

Want to hear more from Etienne? Check out the interview he did with some of our students!

Looking ahead, our third session promises to be just as inspiring, with The Black Curriculum joining us for a workshop this May to teach accessible and engaging Black histories, encouraging social cohesion and knowledge development in young people.

World Book day at St Mungo’s

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Back by Popular Demand: The French Café Returns for World Book Day!

After the overwhelming success of last year’s event, I was excited to reopen the French Café to celebrate World Book Day in style!

Over the course of three days, S1 and S2 English classes visited the library to take part in our unique book tasting experience: sampling a variety of exciting reads in a cozy café atmosphere.

Other classes joined the celebration by taking part in an exciting quiz, with fun prizes up for grabs.

It was a fantastic way to celebrate reading and bring the school community together!

Empowering Young Voices: The “Youth for Equity” Library Project

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This year, four school libraries (Drumchapel High school library, Hillhead High school library, Rosshall Academy library and St Mungo’s Academy library) are taking part in an inspiring initiative called “Youth for Equity,” a project funded by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

The project brings together focus groups of S1-S2 students from each participating school for three interactive sessions centered around critical social issues: LGBTQ+ rights, homelessness, and racism. With the support of three incredible charities—TIE (Time for Inclusive Education), Simon Community, and The Black Curriculum—students are given a platform to explore these topics through discussion, writing, and creative expression.

Project launch at Drumchapel High School Library

The first session took place on March 12th at Drumchapel High School Library, where students had the opportunity to attend a session with TIE and South Asian actor, playwright and comedian Sanjay Lago.

Sanjay shared his powerful poetry and personal experiences, encouraging students to embrace the strength of their diverse voices. Through interactive exercises, he inspired them to write their own poems—showcasing the value of storytelling and self-expression in shaping a more inclusive world.

This session marked the beginning of a journey where young people are not only learning about equity but also becoming active participants in shaping a more just society.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming sessions as we continue to explore these important conversations through the lens of creativity and collaboration.

Holocaust commemoration week @St Mungo’s

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Holocaust Memorial Day 2026

The 27th of January marks the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. To honour this solemn occasion, students from the Rights Respecting Group have created a powerful commemorative display. The display showcases a collection of books that explore the tragedy of the Holocaust, reminding us of the importance of remembrance and the responsibility we all share to learn from history and ensure that its mistakes are never repeated.

Throughout the week, 13 classes visited the library for a special lesson centered on White Bird by R.J. Palacio. This powerful graphic novel beautifully illustrates the importance of standing against cruelty and recognising our collective responsibility to challenge injustice. While White Bird tells a poignant story set during the Holocaust, it also serves as a lens to explore broader themes such as bullying, kindness, empathy, and resilience.

Designed for S1 and S2 students, the lesson takes place over two or three library periods, blending discussion, analysis, reading, and creative activities to deepen students’ understanding and engagement with these important themes.

White Bird - A Wonder Story (A Graphic | Extra

For additional context and engagement, students also watched the trailer of the book adaptation. This multimedia element provides a visual and emotional perspective on the story, helping to bring it to life and inspiring students to explore the novel or graphic novel further.

To bring the lesson to life and encourage participation, the final activity involves creating origami birds. These birds will be added to our Holocaust memorial display, transforming it into a vibrant, participatory tribute. This hands-on task allows students to connect their creative expression to the themes of hope and remembrance, reinforcing the importance of learning from history and standing up against injustice.

This lesson is not only an opportunity to educate students about the Holocaust but also a chance to instill values of kindness, compassion, and courage while emphasising the importance of standing against discrimination in all its forms. By combining literature, film, art, and hands-on activities, we hope to create a meaningful and lasting learning experience for our students.

Merry Grinchmas?! @St Mungo’s library

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The holiday spirit was alive and well at St. Mungo’s this year, as the library was magically transformed into a whimsical Grinch Land, thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of our library assistants and a team of extra festive “Elves.” With every corner decked out in green-and-red cheer, the space captured the mischievous charm of the Grinch while radiating the warmth and joy of Christmas.

A Creative Journey to Grinch Land

Turning the library into a holiday wonderland was a school-wide effort that brought students together in the spirit of collaboration and creativity. Students of all ages pitched in to design and decorate, bringing their artistic flair and love for Christmas to life. From hanging Grinch-themed ornaments and stringing up colorful fairy lights to painting oversized cutouts of the Grinch and Whoville signs, the library became a festive masterpiece.

A Festive Scavenger Hunt for S1 and S2 Classes

The younger students, particularly those in S1 and S2 classes, were treated to a week-long Christmas scavenger hunt within the library. This activity not only added a touch of adventure to the season but also encouraged students to explore the library and interact with its many resources.

The scavenger hunt was packed with holiday goodies like candy canes, chocolates, and small Grinch-themed prizes, making it a cherished memory for everyone involved.

The Joy of the Season

St. Mungo’s Library has always been a hub of learning and community, but this holiday season, it became so much more—a place where students and staff could share in the joy and magic of Christmas together. Whether it was decorating, scavenger hunting, or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere, Grinch Land brought smiles to faces young and old.

As the term comes to a close, one thing is clear: the students of St. Mungo’s have a special knack for embracing the Christmas spirit, even if it comes with a Grinchy twist. Here’s to more festive fun and creative celebrations in the years to come!

Book week Scotland @St Mungo’s Academy

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Celebrating Book Week Scotland in Our School Library

Last week, our school library was alive with excitement as we celebrated Book Week Scotland with a variety of engaging activities. From themed library visits to creative projects and lunchtime events, students had plenty of opportunities to explore the theme of hope in inspiring and imaginative ways.

Exploring Hope Through Stories

During their library visits, S1 and S2 students how the concept of hope is portrayed in stories. They reflected on these themes and wrote down their own hopes and wishes for the future—whether for themselves, their families, or the planet. The students also read three texts from the Book Week Scotland collection, chose their favorite, and brought their creativity to life by designing imaginative book covers for their selected stories.

Members of the “Storytelling for Wellbeing” club took Book Week Scotland beyond the library walls, roaming the school to interview readers about their reading habits. They captured insightful and inspiring responses, which I compiled into a final video showcasing the diverse ways reading enriches lives. This initiative highlighted the importance of storytelling in fostering connection and wellbeing.

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A Lighthouse of Hopes

Our library assistant created a stunning Book Week Scotland display, complete with a lighthouse as a central feature. Students’ “stars of hope filled with their written wishes, were added to the lighthouse’s beams of light, symbolizing hope shining brightly for all to see.

The Jar of Hopes

The “Reading Buddies” group also contributed to the celebrations by writing heartfelt messages of hope, which were placed into the library’s “Jar of Hopes.” This simple yet meaningful activity added a personal touch to the week’s events, reminding everyone of the power of hope to inspire and connect us.

Lunchtime Fun: Quizzes and Lanterns

Lunchtimes were buzzing with activity as students participated in a fun quiz and got hands-on with lantern-making. These creative moments allowed students to engage with the theme of hope in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, while fostering a sense of community.

A Week to Remember

Book Week Scotland in our school library was a wonderful celebration of storytelling, creativity, and hope. The activities not only encouraged students to think deeply about the theme but also provided them with opportunities to express their thoughts and dreams in imaginative ways. A big thank you everyone who participated and helped make this week so memorable!

We can’t wait to see what next year’s Book Week Scotland brings!

The Collaborative Jigsaw Table: A Space for Mindfulness and Growth

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The Collaborative Jigsaw Table has become a versatile and impactful resource across year groups. For our S6 pupils, this table offers a refreshing mental break from the pressures of academic life, providing a mindful activity that reduces stress and supports their overall well-being during challenging times. For BGE (Broad General Education) pupils, the 1000-piece jigsaw represents a collaborative yet achievable the value of breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps—a skill that translates to their wider studies.

It has been particularly rewarding to see students set aside their phones during lunch to focus on the jigsaw, showing their growing interest in activities that promote focus, patience, and teamwork. Through this engaging task, pupils are developing valuable skills, such as spatial and visual reasoning, concentration, and perseverance. These skills not only enhance their approach to academics but also foster a positive attitude toward tackling difficult tasks across all subjects.

The Collaborative Jigsaw Table is more than a puzzle—it’s a space for mindfulness, growth, and a reminder of the power of persistence.

Reading buddies program @St Mungo’s academy

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Our “Reading Buddies” program at St. Mungo’s Academy Library, developed in partnership with the Support for Learning and RE departments, continues to make a wonderful impact! This program pairs senior pupils with BGE pupils, providing a supportive environment to build confidence and strengthen literacy skills in reading, writing, and spelling.

Each week, senior pupils meet with their younger reading buddies in the library, working with resources and activities I’ve curated specifically for this program. Through these sessions, senior pupils mentor their buddies, fostering a love of reading and building meaningful connections across year groups.

We’re thrilled to see the dedication and progress from all participants and look forward to the continued success of “Reading Buddies” throughout the school year!

Halloween murder mystery @St Mungo’s

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Breaking News: Grisly Scene Uncovered in St. Mungo’s Library

In the early hours of October 31st, a horrific discovery was made within the quiet walls of St. Mungo’s school library. A staff cleaner stumbled upon the bodies of two individuals, both apparently victims of a gruesome death. The disturbing find has sent shockwaves through the school and local community.

Victim 1

Victim 2

It took a full week for a dedicated team of young investigators to make sense of the chaotic scene and identify the victims. Numerous clues were uncovered at the scene, each more perplexing than the last, adding layers of mystery to an already chilling case. Glasgow police, who deployed their top specialists, meticulously examined these clues to determine what led to this tragic event and to provide answers and closure to the grieving families.