Library News

Maria SMITH

Librarian

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND SO IS LITERACY/NUMERACY WEEK!

In celebration of the 2024 LNW from August 29 to September 4, the Library Team has once again organised week-long activities to involve staff and students to celebrate reading, writing and numeracy. The week prior is also BOOK WEEK with this year’s theme: READING IS MAGIC! 

There will be updates on Compass/News Feed on these exciting activities/competitions at Lunchtime in the Library where we currently have sign-up folders waiting for those who want to participate.

LITERACY/NUMERACY WEEK 2024 FUN ACTIVITIES 

  (29TH August-1ST September in the Library) 

Huge thanks to Ms Kerrie Hunter who has donated three big tubs of pre-loved books to raise funds for Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) that Highvale has been supporting for a number of years. Please keep your book donations coming to support ILF and the education of underprivileged children in the Australian Outback.

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR STUDENTS’ AMAZING WORK

Coinciding with our Literacy Week celebration, huge thanks to Ms Abbie Ingham-Dowsing (English Teacher/Leading Specialist) for contributing some of her Year 7 Accelerated English students’ creative captivation and literary exploration of their chosen Independent Reading Unit novels in terms of the characters, themes, plot structures, conflicts and resolutions, settings, titles, among others. These creative works are now on show in our Library Foyer display cabinet.

WHAT HIGHVALE TEACHERS ARE READING

Another exciting segment features our teachers and what they are currently reading, hoping everyone can add an eighth day to each week exclusively devoted to reading. 

MS KERRIE HUNTER (English Coordinator)

When I was younger, I read a variety of genres but now it is just murder and bloodshed!! I predominantly read crime novels and over the holidays indulged in a number of books that kept me guessing. At the moment I am reading the latest Anthony Horowitz who-dun-it, “Close to Death” which I am enjoying. Horowitz is adept at creating believable characters who find themselves caught up in extraordinary situations. I am currently halfway through and have no idea who the culprit is which is just how I like it as it means the author has written well. It leaves me guessing and wanting to reach the end so as to find out. That is good writing.

MRS AMANDA NAIDOO (Year 7 Coordinator)

If you’re into epic fantasy with lots of action, you need to check out “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas. It’s about a badass assassin named Celaena who gets a chance to win her freedom by competing in a deadly contest. The book is packed with cool characters, intense battles and some surprising twists. Plus, there’s a bit of romance and a super interesting world to get lost in. If you love stories with strong heroines and lots of excitement, this book is perfect for you. Give it a read – you won’t regret it!

MRS ELEANOR MOREY (Literacy Tutor)

I recently read a non-fiction book “A Very Secret Trade” by Australian historian, Cassandra Pybus. I thought this was an intriguing title, I’d previously read her book about Truganini. In this book Pybus explores the activities of some otherwise well-regarded leaders in Tasmania in the 19th century and their obsession about collecting. This included collecting human skulls and skeletons of Tasmania’s indigenous people. One of these collectors became premier of Tasmania and others became senior government health officials. They were grave robbing and this continued even into the early 20th Century. Many of these human remains were taken from museum collections in 1988 and given respectful burial.

READING CHALLENGE FINISHING IN THREE WEEKS!

Around 30 HSC students have proactively participated in the Victorian Premiers Reading Challenge and should receive certificates from the Premier of Victoria upon completion.

Inspiring students to write book reviews has been one remarkable benefit of the VPRC. Please enjoy excellent book reviews from our HSC participants! (More book reviews on display on our Library Bulletin Board).

Smale, Holly Forever Geek★★My thoughts on this book are very mixed. This is the end of a series and while the end satisfying the journey is not. This last book in the series proves the writer's previous writing choices unnecessary and pointless. The text written however engaging becomes tedious after copious repetition. Would recommend to those with extremely high patience levels. (Anaaya A. Year 7)

Tozer, Gabrielle The unexpected mess of it all ★★ I believe this book is meant to be realistic fiction. However, it had a lot of drama in it. It is very unrealistic yet plays on your emotions. I recommend this for those who like reading exaggerated stories full of content. If you prefer reading a different range of books, then this is not for you. (Misha P. Year 7)

Jackson, Holly A good girl's guide to murder ★★★★★If love mystery, crime and murder, this book has it all. The clues and events throughout this book worked so well I couldn't keep up with it. I have read most of the series (up to As Good As Dead) and I am sure it's worth your time. You might even learn a few tricks along the way... Great book! Definitely recommend! (Cassandra H. Year 8)

Gold, Hannah The last bear ★★★★★This book is about protecting the environment, a very important but sometimes ignored topic. It is a story of a girl who saves the last polar bear in the world. Due the rising temperature, ice sheets and glaciers are melting, and the number of polar bears on the world is decreasing in real life. It is important that people realise that and take good care of our planet, since it is our home and also to many fascinating creatures. We should respect and protect nature and the environment. (Tingyu L. Year 9)

William Shakespeare's Macbeth ★★★★ While William Shakespeare most definitely paved the way for the authors of our time, I found Macbeth in particular a thought-provoking novel however much the ending was predictable.(Shakespeare kills off everyone most of time anyway) Macbeth begs the philosophical question of how much influence ambition has on our actions, and whether that ambition in its purest form can lead to inhumane things (without being tainted by the will of others). Enjoyable read, but Hamlet is still better. (Freya H. Year 10)

CHECK OUT OUR EXCITING NON-FICTION AND HISTORICAL FICTION JULY ARRIVALS!

An amazing memoir “My Dream Time” written by our own tennis champion Ash Barty, “about finding the path to being the best (she) could be, not just as an athlete but as a person”, a story of the power and joy of doing things we love, the importance of purpose and perspectives in our lives. An inspirational story for anyone finding joy while finding purpose.

 A book about the songs (and how they are made) of Bob Dylan, “the most influential popular songwriter of the last half century” and described by Dean Wareham (musician and author of Black Postcards) as “an essential Dylan book and unlike any other, Hampton left me with a deeper appreciation of Dylan’s uniqueness as both songwriter and singer – his methods, his lyrical and poetic brilliance, his many voices.” 

 Personally obsessed by the magician Harry Houdini, New York Times bestselling author Joe Posnanski produced a novel blending biography, memoir and first-perspective reporting to discover the magician’s metamorphosis into an icon who inspired millions. A magical read!

HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB (HWC)

Acknowledging and celebrating the creative efforts of Freya H. (Year 10) for designing our HWC poster with our slogan CREATE and INSPIRE! Email msm@highvalesc.vic.edu.au to submit entries.

Please enjoy reflective contributions from two of our HSC students who have demonstrated our school value of excellence in doing so.

Reflection on the Central Australia Trip

(Library Monitor Benson Z. Year 11)

That was the last time that I packed up the tent in the Outback; we were on the road again like we had for 10 days, but this time it was different. What we brought back is not just a memory of thrill and joy, but also a panoramic experience of history, tradition, and our ongoing connection to the lands, waters, and wildlife who call it home. I would highly recommend being involved in this Central Australia Camp as a part of a school group.

A Poem

(Anonymous Y10 student)

One thousand times (twice) has this been written,

For Highvale's monthly competition,

Til' time flew on,

And I did shudder,

Of rhyming words with each other,

With hope, I slaved away at each hour,

Second, minute in my power,

With the intention that,

By the by,

This would catch your languid eye,

And give to you, through this newsletter,

Amusement, mirth, and great pleasure,

And so, to brighten thine day,

I shall finish this poem with a touch of drama,

By dedicating it (to you) Calianna.

Live Write is a free, twice-weekly, online writer's group hosted by Writers Victoria.

To find out more about Writers Victoria and the ways we support writers, visit us online at writersvictoria.org.au, where you can browse our upcoming events and workshops, find out more about our services such as manuscript assessments and mentorships, and discover all the benefits of becoming a member. 

https://writersvictoria.org.au/resources/writing-groups/

 STORY STUDIOS AUSTRALIA/MELBOPURNE YOUNG WRITERS’ STUDIO 

(Photo credit: SSA/MYWS website)

An engagingly supportive place for young and talented writers to explore and enhance their creative skill, taking it to the next level. There are also programs for adult writing enthusiasts. For more information, please visit: https://www.mywritersstudio.com.au/

INSIGHT CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION, FINISHING IN SEPTEMBER!

For our budding writers, why not submit an entry to the Insight Writing Competition, please check this out: 

https://www.insightpublications.com.au/2024-insight-creative-writing-competition/

CONNECTING HIGHVALE TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY

The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) 

If you want to know “the most talked about films of the year, hotly anticipated hits from the worldwide festival circuit and future award contenders”, why not come to the Film Festival from August 8-25? For more info, on pricing, location and time, visit the MIFF website on:

https://miff.com.au/program?utm_medium=bolster&utm_campaign=2113mif&utm_source=googlesearch&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi6_4uImthwMVOodLBR1GkwjgEAAYASAAEgIAgPD_BwE

THE MELBOURNE MUSEUM TOURS/MEMBERSHIP 

A must-visit destination to explore and discover diverse collections and vibrant displays at our iconic Melbourne Museum, including stories about “our most fascinating objects (cultures and landscapes), the history of Victoria, and the history of the museum itself”. For more info, check out this link:

https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/melbourne-museum-guided-highlights-tour/