Libraries
The libraries at Sacred Heart provide the ideal age-appropriate space to learn, study, research, and collaborate. Between our two library collections, we offer access to over 34,000 books in English, Japanese, and French, as well as a variety of periodicals, online collections of ebooks and audio books, and scholarly databases. Students are encouraged to read for pleasure, and develop media literacy and research skills through once-weekly library lessons for students in K3–Grade 6. Our library staff keeps up-to-date on new titles and is constantly cycle in new books, so the collection is always fresh.
Kindergarten and Junior School Library
Our Kindergarten and Junior School library is a nurturing space filled with picture-books, age-appropriate chapter books, and periodicals for children. Students check out between two and four books per week during their weekly library lessons, and engage in activities that develop their ability to understand and think critically and analytically about the media they consume. Parents are also welcome to stop by before and after school, and to check out books for the whole family to enjoy.
Middle and High School Library
The Middle and High School library collection is divided into a non-fiction collection, packed with resources for research and study, and a fiction collection, filled with age-appropriate books ranging from the classics to current popular novels. Students use the library space freely before and after school, as well as during their free periods during the school day. The space is divided into a quiet study area and a talking area, which serves as a dynamic space for collaboration as well as relaxation during the day, giving girls the option of decompressing with a good book for a break in their studies. Students are encouraged to check out books, periodicals, and other items from the wide media collection.
Students in fifth and sixth grade have library lessons once a week. Additionally, library staff are available to recommend books, assist with reference and research, and help students utilise the online platforms and databases.
Sakura Medal Programme
The Sakura Medal reading programme brings together students from international schools across Japan each year. Students have the chance to read and vote for their favourite books in a number of different categories, including Picture Books, Chapter Books, Graphic Novels, Middle School Fiction, High School Fiction, Japanese Picture Books, Japanese Chapter Books, and Japanese Middle/High School Fiction. There is also an annual Sakura Medal Art Competition in which students can participate. This robust programme helps develop a love of reading in students, and invites collaboration and friendly competition between international schools in Japan, deepening our international community.
For more information, visit the official Sakura Medal website.