RESOURCECENTRE REPORT I was fortunate to have been granted the privilege ofattending the 30th annual Conference ofthe International Association ofSchool Librarianship (lASL)in Auckland,New Zealand in the July holidays. I believe that it is ^ important to keep up-to-date with international trends as well as to keep measuring oneself and the facilities on offer against such standards. I came back from the Conference with the knowledge that we are doing much right at the College but also with the realization that there are certain ideas that we could expand upon. Much ofwhat thepupils learn today will be obsolete by the time they enter the workforce. was used to good effect by several Departments although more need to come online. I continue to encourage the love of reading in our pupils and it is indeed a most rewarding experience when pupils respond and come to realize the gripping power ofthe written word. Much of our Resource Centre budget is spent on purchasing books that will whet the pupils' appetite for further reading pleasure and intellectual stimulation. Many of the Conference speakers highlighted the fact that much ofwhat the pupils learn today will be obsolete by the time that they enter the workforce. Leading educationalists stress the important role that the school library should play in the education process in the Information Age. On the technological front our computer facilities were again,out of necessity, upgraded this year. In addition, ten extra computers were installed and quickly put to good use! The school Intranet Thanks to Mandla Miya and Sipho Mapumulo who supervised,tidied and then locked up the Resource Centre every evening after 3rd prep. Thanks also to Lynne Richards,Dee Coe and especially Jill Hunter who have assisted at various times this year in the never-ending task ofaccessioning, covering,labelling and repairing our huge book stock. A special thanks to my assistant Vicky Mare whose unfailing good humour,loyal support and sheer hard work have kept the Resource Centre functioning smoothly. P ISAAC ZULU The Zulu Department continued its quest to register Zulu as one of the recognised languages. As the previous syllabus, methodology and changes implemented in 2000 proved to be much of a success, nothing much was changed for 2001. Instead ofchanges,2001 was used as a year ofemphasis. The arrival ofthe new part-time teacher,MrZungu,has stabilised the department, as he did not take long to settle down. He became popular with the boys and most ofthem certainly seem to have enjoyed a different approach to teaching. In the department he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the vision and the goals ofthe department were met. Due to his hardworking he has been rewarded with a full-time post at i: earsney, which to the department was good news as it meant the continuation of building on the foundation already laid. The number ofboys taking the subject in Grade 10 to Grade 12 continues to increase steadily The number ofboys taking the subject continues to increase steadily. 72 What is pleasing is that more non-Zulu speakers are starting to get involved with this subject. However, there is still some concern from the society about the difficulty ofthe subject. As far as the department is concerned, it is the will and the correct attitude, which drives one to success, not the assumption ofthe language difficulty. For the benefit of the country, the department will continue to encourage non-Zulu speakers to engage in this subject and will continue to make sure that they succeed. In Grade 8,periods will be increased next year, which will allow the department more time to apply the basics ofthe language with more fun. The Grade8Zulu elective has had good support and we have no doubt that those boys who had an opportunity to attend it, have gained some edge on cultural diversities over others. B NDABA
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