Library News
Mrs Cousens
Library Manager
New Resource Centre (Library) Open!
Our new Resource Centre (Library) opened at the start of Term 3 for classroom spaces and later for book borrowing and lunchtime activities.
While we wait for our new shelving, our books have been set up on trestle tables so our keen readers can keep on reading, especially for the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge. We have set them up in genre sections to assist browsing and reading engagement. Outdated non-fiction books have also been weeded out to ensure our school community has access to relevant, current resources.
At lunchtime, students can read, study, play board and card games, and attend lunchtime clubs. Limited seats are available in our study rooms for senior students to study.
We will celebrate our grand reopening when our new shelving and furniture arrive.
Craft Club ‘Wrap with Love’ Returns – Friday lunchtime (RC3)
‘Wrap with Love’ Craft Club has returned! We meet in the space next to RC3.
We are blessed to have a Maker Space trolley now. Staff are invited to join the students in crocheting or knitting squares to form a blanket to warm someone in need this winter.
Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week (Symphony of Stories) – 22nd to 28th August
In 2026, we celebrate 80 years of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, recognising outstanding Australian books for children and young people. Established in 1946, the Awards celebrate the creativity of Australian authors and illustrators and their contribution to our rich literary culture.
This year’s Symphony of Stories theme celebrates the many voices, ideas and experiences that come together through Australian literature.
We celebrate Book Week in our college library with the following events:
- CBCA Shadow Judging Book Club – Terms 2 to 3, lunchtime (RC4)
- Book Week Playlist Competition – Ends Thursday 27 August
- Art & Craft Lunchtime Activities – Monday 24 August, lunchtime (RC1)
- Year 7 & 8 Dean Rankine Author & Illustrator Workshop – Tuesday 25 August (RC)
- Book Week Dress-Up Parade – Wednesday 26 August, lunchtime (RC)
- Book Week Quiz – Thursday 27 August, lunchtime (RC1)
- Book Fair – free books for our school community in the following week (Week 8)
Year 7 & 8 Book Week Dean Rankine Author/Illustrator Visit – Tuesday 25 August (Period 3 & 4)
On Tuesday, 25 August, award-winning comic artist and writer Dean Rankine (The Simpsons Comics, Futurama, Rick and Morty, Portrait Artist of the Year) will visit our school for a fun, hands-on comic workshop. Students will learn how to create their own comic, starting with simple stick figures and finishing with a completed comic page. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain insight into the creative process of a professional author and illustrator, and to discover how engaging stories are brought to life.
Up to 50 Year 7 and 8 students will be selected to attend the event, which will be held in our new Resource Centre.
More about Dean;
Dean Rankine is a Ledger and Stanley Award-winning comic book artist, illustrator, writer and painter on the ABC's 'Portrait Artist of the Year'. He's best known for his work on The Simpsons Comics and Rick and Morty. His other credits include; Futurama, Invader Zim, Underdog, Oggy and the Cockroaches, I Hate Fairyland and The Riverdale Diaries: Starring Veronica. He's the illustrator of the Brock the Croc series, On The First Day Of School and the Timmy the Ticked-Off Pony series (written by Magda Szubanski). And he's the writer/illustrator of Freaky Tales: Can You Find the Piggies? Can You Find the Easter Bunny? Can You Find Santa's Elves? Mrs Snitch is a Witch and the Death Metal Emo Elves series. He likes watching cat videos.
The library has purchased a collection of Dean's graphic novels for students to borrow after his visit, with several copies to be given away as prizes during his visit!
Book Week Playlist Competition – Ends Thursday 27 August
Can you create the perfect soundtrack for a book you’ve read?
Our school community is invited to submit a playlist of 3–5 songs inspired by a book, along with a brief explanation of why each song fits.
Celebrate this year’s Book Week theme, Symphony of Stories, by bringing a favourite story to life through music!
Prizes: House points, credits, and for the winning entry, a CBCA Book Week lanyard and a pair of headphones!
Entries close Thursday 27 August
Submit your playlist to Mrs Cousens via our online survey link on Compass and Teams, email (barbara.cousens@education.vic.gov.au), or in person at the Resource Centre (Library).
Shadow Judging Book Club – Thursday Lunchtime
Our Shadow Judges had the challenging task of voting for the best book in the CBCA Younger Readers shortlist, using the same criteria as the official CBCA judges. Congratulations to The Paperbark Tree Committee by Karys McEwen, which won our school vote!
The CBCA 2026 Winners and Honour Books will be announced on Friday 21 August, just in time for Book Week.
Our Shadow Judging members will create vinyl record covers inspired by their shortlisted books as a creative response for submission to the CBCA Shadow Judging program.
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge – 2 March to 4 September 2026
With the Premiers’ Reading Challenge ending on September 4, our students do not want to miss some great book prizes and our awards celebration.
They are encouraged to add their books and book reviews to the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge platform, and to visit the Resource Centre (Library) for book verifications and assistance. If they cannot make it to Check-in Tuesday, we can assist them on other days of the week.
Year-level groups will go into a lucky draw for canteen voucher prizes when they visit for VPRC book verifications.
Young Australians Best Book Awards (YABBA)
Have Your Say: 2026 YABBA Shortlist
Year 7–9 students are invited to read and nominate their favourite book by an Australian author from the 2026 YABBA Shortlist.
Choose one book and tell us briefly why you think it deserves your vote.
How to vote: Complete the online survey shared on Compass and Teams, or submit your nomination in person to Mrs Cousens in the Resource Centre (Library).
Participants receive credits and go into the draw to win a $10 canteen voucher!
Nominations close at the end of Term 3.
Student Library Anthology Book Prizes
The following students were rewarded with a book of their choice this term for sharing their thoughtful library stories: Harini T, Japjot G, Marita L, Shahla J, Shumaila I, Shiren J, Asma R, Atlas P, Ayesha R
Their stories will be added to our 2026 College Anthology.
Shout Out Book of the Week
Cristiano Ronaldo: soccer star by Todd Kortemeier
Shahla 9D
Summary of what the book is about: Cristiano Ronaldo by Todd Kortemeier is a short and engaging biography for young readers. The book explains Ronaldo’s journey from a poor childhood in Portugal to becoming one of the world’s greatest soccer players. It uses simple language, colourful facts, and pictures to keep readers interested. It is inspiring because it highlights Ronaldo’s hard work, discipline, and success. A great choice for kids and soccer fans who want a quick introduction to Ronaldo’s life and career. ⚽️
Why do you like the book? I liked this book because the book explains his journey from a young boy with big dreams to becoming one of the best players in the world. I also like how it shows his determination and how he never gave up even when things were difficult.
Who do you recommend the book to? I would like to recommend it to kids and soccer fans who want a quick introduction to Ronaldo’s life and career. ⚽️
How would you rate the book? 5 stars
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Abbiigail 8A
Summary of what the book is about: This book is about a boy named August Pullman (Auggie) who was born with facial differences. He starts at a school for the very first time and makes friends with Jack Will and Summer. He also learns how to overcome challenges.
Why do you like the book? I like this book because it shows kindness, friendship and teaches how to cope with everyday challenges. It is very inspiring and also a great book & movie.
Who do you recommend the book to?
I recommend this to students who like emotional, heartwarming stories.
How would you rate the book? 5 stars
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Ayesha 12H
Summary of what the book is about: The Kite Runner is a story about friendship, family, mistakes, and forgiveness. It follows a boy named Amir and his friend Hassan in Afghanistan. The book shows their lives, struggles, and how Amir tries to make up for a mistake from his past.
Why do you like the book? I like this book because it is emotional and teaches important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and making the right choices. The story is interesting and keeps the reader wanting to know what happens next.
Who do you recommend the book to? I recommend this book to people who enjoy emotional stories, history, and books about friendship and life challenges.
How would you rate the book? 5 stars
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Journey of Football by Preet Patel
Asma 10H
Summary of what the book is about: Cristiano Ronaldo rose from a poor childhood in Madeira to become one of the greatest football players in history through unmatched discipline and hard work. He achieved global stardom at Manchester United and Real Madrid, won five Ballon d'Or awards, and built a massive "CR7" business and charity empire.
Why do you like the book? I like this book because CR7 is the best soccer player in the entire world, which means he is the GOAT
Who do you recommend the book to? For the CR7 non-supporters because they should learn and know about RONALDO
How would you rate the book? 5 stars
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden
Abbiigail 8A
Summary of what the book is about: Millie, a young woman struggling to get her life back after a prison sentence, takes a live-in maid job for the perfect Winchester family. She quickly uncovers dark secrets and finds herself trapped in manipulation and escalating danger.
Why do you like the book? I like the book because it is a psychological thriller, and the movie is great.
Who do you recommend the book to? Whoever likes psychological thrillers, mystery and plot twists.
How would you rate the book? 5 stars
Students and staff are invited to submit a creative response to a book that deserves a big shout-out! You can choose a drawing, book review, video or another creative response. We have an online form to assist you, and physical copies are available in the library. Your favourite book will then be promoted to the school community! Students will receive credits for their participation, and staff will receive their own shout-outs!
We are displaying our student shout-out books on our Student Voice pinboard and digitally on our large display screens!
VHAP Term 2 Celebration
It was a privilege to celebrate our Victorian High-Ability program students at the end of last term. They displayed great commitment and dedication to their online high-achiever classes.
English stream: Ebony 7C, Sophia 7E
Maths stream: Levon 7B, Belinda 7E, Cody 8C