Maria SMITH

Head of Library

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK (27 May- 3 June)

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is framed by the anniversaries of two significant milestones – the successful 1967 Referendum (27 May) and the High Court Mabo decision (3 June).

Now in its 25th year, Reconciliation Australia reiterates the importance of NRW as a time for all Australians to learn more about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore more ways how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme, All In, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day… it will not happen by itself and will not happen without all of us. For more info, please visit

https://www.reconciliationvic.org.au/act/reconciliation-week

In the spirit of national recollection, Highvale SC has recently installed three flagpoles at the Junior School courtyard with the Australian National flag, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags flying side by side.

While spreading awareness, understanding and respect for tradition through cultural immersion, the Library permanently displays the AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) map to enlighten students’ curiosity on the general locations of larger groupings of indigenous people in their clans and dialects.

Students also participated in wordsearches on Australian art/culture and First Nations people and displayed individual colouring of native animals with Aboriginal names. “Tales from Dreamtime” posters and stories also showcased in the Library foyer and throughout the school to encourage immersion into Aboriginal culture, art and literature, overall encouraging participation in the ALL IN spirit of reconciliation.

RECOGNISING ALL OUR STUDENT LEADERS AND VOLUNTEERS AT HIGHVALE!

Special mention to our Library Monitors for their valuable support in running our Circulation Desk on different rosters at lunchtime and helping out on Library-managed activities and special events.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK “YOUR YEAR TO VOLUNTEER” was held on 18-24 of May.

THE HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB

We have some creative explorations happening at the moment, huge thanks to Year 8 students Ashlynn G. and Caitlin K. for their exciting proposals to refresh our Writers Club, so watch this space!

What a lovely surprise submission from Freya H. (Yr 12), reflective of her experience understanding culture and the subjugation of certain narratives. A passionate reader and book reviewer, Freya has been inspired and really appreciates the Australian society as wonderfully multicultural, but she thinks the media and social media still hold a romanticised Western lens to certain subjects. Thank you, Freya, for demonstrating our school value of EXCELLENCE through poetry writing with magical visuals while sharing your honest reflection on the role of media/social media in influencing public opinion.

Red Sun or 红日

Envious I was once

Of the simple red sun

Resting atop a blanket of white.

But the stars in me were alright

Were just dwarfed by the height

Of the crossing lights, the neon signs.

I learned to name your Sakura

before I knew the plum blossom’s name.

My grandfather’s calligraphy brush

gathers dust in my cloud of shame.

Yet those sanguine roses will always bloom

Bowing down in traditional costume

And I’ll gently rise -

not to replace your sun with mine,

but to trace the star of five

that glimmers solemnly

Under the same sky.

NEW SCIENTIST MAGAZINE, AN AMAZING READ TO SATISFY OUR CURIOSITY!

The New Scientist is a popular science magazine exploring aspects of science and technology, publishing weekly English-language editions in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.

Privately donated monthly, this magazine has been a popular read in the Science Department and now enjoyed by our Library student-patrons. Visit our Library and satisfy your curiosity on any science and technology matters! Be amazed!

VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE, NEVER TOO LATE TO REGISTER!

To all our Reading Challenge participants and those submitting amazing book reviews, keep up the fantastic work you are doing to enhance your thinking, literacy, spelling and vocabulary. Your love of reading can inspire your peers to do the same while demonstrating our school value of EXCELLENCE!

You may borrow FOUR books at a time provided you return books on the due date. Thank you for being responsible looking after our Library resources.

For those who want to register for the Reading Challenge, your login details are ready in the Library front desk, or you can email the Librarian on

maria.smith@education.vic.gov.au

Please enjoy our latest batch of AMAZING BOOK REVIEWERS!

Two can keep a secret by McManus, Karen M. ★★★★★

This book was really good. I really liked the middle bits. None of it was boring at any point. I really liked how they included a bit of a love life on the side for us to root for as well as the investigation. I think that the end was really interesting and the story was very well planned and thought out. Overall, I think it was a great story, and I really enjoyed it. (Sayha DS. Y7)

One of us is lying by Fiona Mackenzie ★★★★★

This book was really good. The middle parts didn't feel like fillers; like they were there just for the sake of being there. Every part of it was enjoyable but my part was the favourite because you would never have guessed what happens at the end. The storyline is so intricately planned out, great read! (Sayha DS. Y7)

Noni, Lynette.

Wandering wild ★★★★

This book was an absolute wonder to read! I enjoyed every bit of it! I love the storyline and the character development of Charlie and her bond with the Hollywood star, Zander Rune. I rate this book a 4- star because of the way the story was laid out and its change throughout characters. (Nicole L. Y8)

Avatar, the last Airbender, Part one, The search by Gene Luen Yang ★★★★★

I love how this comic, no matter what part it is, I love how it centres on Zuko and Azula longing to see their mother, with each having different views. I especially enjoy the scenes where Zuko looks so happy, after everything he has gone through leading up to the moment where he reunites with his mother, who was the one who loved him ever so much.This comic, focuses on Zuko's longing for peace and comfort from the one who knew him more than most people. I love this comic. 5/5 stars (Nicole L. Y7)

The compact Australian bird guide by Peter Menkhorst ☆☆☆☆☆

A great tool for identifying birds quickly and the illustrations are beautiful, clear and detailed. The information is all summarised neatly meaning that the book is not big and bulky and can be carried around easily. I had no idea of the sheer number of Australian birds until I read this book. A must-buy if you want to get into birdwatching! (Miranda L. Y8)

WHAT’S ON IN OUR CITY OF MELBOURNE DURING THIS NATIONAL RECOLLECTION WEEK

Reconciliation Week Storytime

For this FREE family event, come along to Library at the Dock this Reconciliation Week as they read 'Ninni Yabini' by Cheryl Kickett-Tucker and Tyrown Waigana and other First Nations stories, suitable for ages 3 to 5 years. No bookings are required.

Royal Botanic Gardens Tour

Wominjeka! Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide.

Explore and gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia through a journey identifying significant native plants within the Royal Botanic Gardens while learning about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and ongoing connection to Country.

For various other (free or paid) events, art exhibitions, cultural festivals, workshops, theatre and interactive activities for young children and families, please visit https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/free and enjoy our beautiful City of Melbourne particularly during the upcoming colder months.

2027 Space-X-plore Tour

Reserve Your Spot Today