Maria SMITH

Head of Library

HAPPY READING!

Highvale is a Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge School, sharing the excitement of its 20th year ‘helping young Victorians discover new books and a love of reading” (Premier Jacinta Allan).

As Department of Education (Schools and Regional Services) Deputy Secretary Chris Thompson reiterated: “children who read for pleasure experience benefits that help them learn better at school – including a longer attention span, larger vocabulary, stronger critical thinking, greater empathy, curiosity and a broader imagination”.

For more Reading Challenge info including author ambassador, illustrator and partners, please access the following links:

https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/

https://vic.cbca.org.au/

https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge

https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge-meet-our-author

https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge-meet-our-illustrator

Currently, we have around 20 students registered for the Challenge. If you have not registered, please come to the library or email maria.smith@education.vic.gov.au for your login detail/passwords.

Students can borrow FOUR novels at a time for THREE weeks and can keep renewing if needed. Experience the joy of reading while improving your spelling, vocabulary, thinking, writing and reading skills. So, come and register for the Reading Challenge!

Thank you, HIGHVALE VPRC BOOK REVIEWERS, for your amazing novel recommendations and demonstrating our school value of EXCELLENCE!

- Alyssa P. (8G)

Twins (by Varian Johnson) ★★★★

''Twins'' by Varian Johnson is a truly amazing book about twin sisters who are competing against each other for the role of school president. This book is fascinating and great to read because it has terrific illustrations, and the characters have unique clothing designs. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because it's amazing and funny but wasn't that enjoyable and doesn't deserve 5 stars.

A Million Angels (by Maryon Kate) ★★★★

This was a beautifully written book for teen girls. It was about a girl named Jemima, who was trying to get her dad back home, who had left to serve in the war. I loved this book because the plot was well written and kept me interested until the very end.

- Jeongmin (Aby) W. (10I)

Twelve Angry Men (by Reginald Rose) ★★★

This book is based on a murder case of a young boy and the story takes the reader through how 12 men are deciding on what the boy's status of guilt is. This story shows us 12 different personalities men have in a serious situation. By showing the different personalities readers can find out the pros and cons of letting the boy accused to be innocent or guilty.

The Happiest Refugee (by Anh Do) ★★★★★

This biography is about the author's hardship and journey through his life as an immigrant who escaped Vietnam and attempted to find life in a brand-new country, Australia. He discusses the hardships he faced, that included racism, poverty and differences in culture and language.

Faceless (by Alyssa Sheinmel) ★★★★

A girl is in a tragic accident where her face is completely burned off. She has another chance at life after a girl died in a car accident and her face was given to the main character. She undergoes struggles of love, friendship and confidence as she is given the second chance at living.

- Golnaz S. (8H)

The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue (by Victoria Schwab) ★★★

It was an engaging book, with excellent two-dimensional characters, but the ending left me feeling hollow. Otherwise, not a bad book!

- Vivienne Y. (8G)

Take the Shot (by Sue White) ★★★

This book was simple and easy to read with a uncomplicated story line that was boring at the start but when Bug plays his first game it starts to get more interesting.

The Girl Games (by Joan Holub, Joan) ★★★

It is a good book but unless you have read the other books then you may not understand the characters as well. The storyline is not very exciting, but it is still a decent book!

Stephanie P. (8G)

Caraval (by Stephanie Garber) ★★★★★

This book was full of plot twists and mystery that kept me hooked onto every page.

- Vedaanth K. (8F)

Dark Days (by Derek Landy) ★★★★

Skulduggery Pleasant is continuing to surprise and entertain me as in the 4th book-Dark Days the Stakes Are Higher Than Ever. Skulduggery is trapped in another dimension with the dark gods known as the faceless ones. The fast-paced action and storyline keep you on the edge of your seat, making you want to read the entire series.

- Angelique R. (9B)

The Burrow (by Melanie Cheng) ★★★★★

"The Burrow" is a dark and intense story about a creature obsessed with protecting its underground home. Kafka shows how fear and paranoia can take over the mind, even when everything seems safe. The story is repetitive and heavy, but it powerfully captures the feeling of isolation and insecurity. It's a deep and unsettling read.

- Cathy C. (9G)

The Crucible (by Arthur Miller) ★★★★

Arthur Miller's *The Crucible* is a powerful drama about the dangers of mass hysteria, paranoia, and unchecked abuse of power. A play set in the backdrop of the 1692 Salem witch trials, *The Crucible* is an allegory of McCarthyism and a study of how fear creates irrational accusations and kills innocent people. The characters, particularly John Proctor, struggle with morality, guilt, and redemption, and the play is intense and contemplative.

EXCITING NEW ARRIVALS FOR APRIL/MAY WAITING FOR YOU TO ENJOY!

This Ends in Embers (by Kamilah Cole) The conclusion to the Divine Traitors duology balancing breathtaking moments with brilliant characterisation to create a passionate narrative “when the lines between hero and villain are blurred, (and) deadly sacrifices must be made.

This Song is (Not) For You (by Laura Nowlin) A novel focussing on teenage infatuation and first love, based on the ‘love story’ that transpired within the experimental band “The Icebergs” in the city of St Louis in a neighbourhood called Dutchtown in the early 2010s. A story of how relationships can be complicated particularly for the young and vulnerable.

Coven: The Graphic Novel Experience (by Soman Chainani) A spin-off graphic novel with Hester, Anadil and Dot – also known as the Coven- in their hunt for world justice and truth. From the bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil series.

GETTING TO KNOW OUR BEAUTIFUL BOOKWORMS

Sai G. (11B)

“My name is Sai Gawali and I am in year 11. I have been reading ever since I can remember, and it is my biggest passion. Literature, fiction and thrillers are a few of my favourite genres. I like reading because it transports to me to different worlds every time and I can live different lives through the characters.

I benefit from reading in several ways- it improves my vocabulary, strengthens my outlook on different topics, influences my perspectives and most importantly, teaches me to focus and concentrate for longer periods of time.

One of the novels I love to talk about is ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott. It was the first novel which was ‘unputdownable’ for me. The characters, the settings and emotions discovered in the novel are very relatable and provide an insight into adult life.

The Harry Potter series was another such book series for me- absolutely fantastical!

To all the to-be bookworms- read popular books first, find out your style and favourite genre then start looking deeper into less-known authors and novels. If in a reader’s block, find out people with similar or completely opposite tastes and ask them for book recommendations…who knows your style might have changed? And to all my fellow bookworms- keep reading!

WHAT HIGHVALE TEACHERS ARE READING

Huge thanks to our Year 7 Level Coordinator/VCE Biology Teacher, Mr Christian D’Ademo for this wonderful book recommendation:

Hello students! If you're a fan of fast-paced science fiction, video games or 1980s pop culture, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is a must-read novel. Set in a bleak future where most of humanity escapes reality through a vast virtual world called the OASIS, this novel follows teenager Wade Watts as he embarks on a high-stakes digital treasure hunt. The prize? Control of the entire OASIS and a fortune beyond imagination. Author Ernest Cline’s story is a thrilling blend of dystopian fiction and geek nostalgia, filled with clever puzzles, virtual battles, and countless references to retro games, movies, and music. The book also raises questions about technology, escapism, and the meaning of reality, making it more than just an action-packed adventure. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or just love a gripping underdog story, Ready Player One delivers an immersive and entertaining experience that's hard to put down.

HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB (HWC)

HWC’s slogan ‘CREATE AND INSPIRE’ encourages students to express themselves in a positive way to inspire their peers through artwork, poetry, short stories, reflections among others. Please click the link and enjoy our most recent contribution from Ben Y. (7B) who has demonstrated our school value of EXCELLENCE.

Ben Y The Fate of Hyrule.docx

INSIGHT CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION

A reminder to our aspiring writers of the opportunity to compete in the Insight CWW until 1 September, with a total prize offer of $3,000, please access the link for more information:

https://www.insightpublications.com.au/insight-creative-writing-competition/

BOROONDARA LITERARY AWARDS

Another opportunity for Highvale students to enter a writing competition until May 11, an initiative of the Boroondara Council in partnership with the Rotary Club of Balwyn, with a total prize of $5,000. Please access the link for more info on past winners and how to enter the competition:

https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/your-council/community-awards-and-ceremonies/boroondara-literary-awards/enter-boroondara-literary-awards

WHAT’S ON IN MELBOURNE

Enjoy our wonderful City of Melbourne, click on this link for free and paid events: https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on-may

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

Come along for a FREE viewing of contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen every Thursday from 4:15 to 6:15 pm on the following dates: May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9 and November 13. Feel free to stay for snacks and a chat afterwards.

Location: narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services (Library Entrance ) 141 Therry St., Melbourne Contact details: 1800 695 427 and email address: libraryevents@melbourne.vic.gov.au

WHAT'S ON IN KNOX

Australian Craft and Foods Market Expo at the Caribbean Park in Scoresby, check out this link for more information.

https://www.mycommunitydiary.com.au/Victoria/Knox/CommunityDiary/All

Knox Engage! Youth Crew

Calling out young people in Knox to participate in designing, developing and delivering programs for the young people in Knox. The programs enhance leadership, public speaking and event management skills. If you are 12-25 years old and you work/live/study in Knox, join and meet up monthly at the Youth Hive, Knox Library, Westfield Shopping Centre-Knox.

Registration is required: contact Alex in Youth Services on 92988000 or youth@knox.vic.gov.au.

https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/news/calling-young-people-knox-0

Celebrating Education Week

Education Week (from May 19 to May 23, 2025) is an annual celebration of public education in Victoria, with this year’s theme: Celebration of Cultures.

Throughout Education Week, school communities are encouraged to celebrate and share ideas to promote our rich cultures and cultural connections in Victorian schools. For more info, please access the link: https://www.vic.gov.au/education-week#education-week-resources

CELEBRATING ESP DAY ON MAY 16

HIGHVALE RECOGNISES, HONOURS AND CELEBRATES THE EXTRAORDINARY WORK OF OUR EDUCATION SUPPORT PERSONNEL POSITIVELY IMPACTING OUR STUDENTS, STAFF, PARENTS, CARERS AND THE REST OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

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