Library News
Maria SMITH
Head of Library
SPRING HAS SPRUNG.. an amazing start to TERM 4!
What a way to start the term with World Teachers’ Day celebrated worldwide on October 5! In Australia, we shine a light on our TEACHERS on October 30, coordinated by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). On this day, we invite our students and our Highvale community “to share a moment when a teacher made a difference in your life and help Shine a light on the amazing work they do”
For our TEACHERS, the stars of the show, snap a photo of your colleagues and tell Australia why they are amazing. The way their actions lead to discovery of what students are good at, what they engage in and what they want to be, the way they show up for their learners in the big and small moments, all worth celebrating!
Use #WorldTeachersDay2026 and tag @aitsl so we can share your posts and add them to our media wall. Please access: https://www.aitsl.edu.au/news-and-media/campaigns/world-teachers-day
WHY NOT JOIN OUR LIBRARY TEAM!
As we march slowly towards the end of this school year, it is also time to search for a fresh bunch of Library Monitors whose roles and responsibilities have been vital to our Library’s daily operations that include running the Circulation Desk and helping supervise Library-managed activities/events throughout the year. This is considered a leadership role that is valued and appreciated, reinforcing our school values and developing students’ agency and work skills while creating a culturally inclusive and caring environment.
LIBRARY MONITORS APPLICATION FOR 2027
For those interested in applying for this role, please answer the following questions in your application:
Please access this link: Library Monitors Application Form 2026.docxor collect one from the Library.
Completed application due by 9th December 2026.
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Library Monitor Reflection:
“I love being a Library Monitor because I love the Library space and providing help. I recommend being a Library Monitor because it gives your real-life experiences while also being a part of the wonderful community.” (Niya R. Y9)
CREATE TO INSPIRE THROUGH OUR HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB!
Reposting this exciting update from CAITLIN K. AND ASHLYNN G. (both from Year 8)
Highvale will be recommencing the HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB with the ambition of publishing a writing ‘in between the lines’ magazine incorporating the literary and artistic works of students in honour of Highvale’s 50th anniversary. This magazine will follow the theme "Create to Inspire”, allowing students to apply their creativity and originality proudly. (Caitlin K.)
Suggested contributions: poetry, short stories (200 words max), biographies, memoirs, book/film reviews, news reporting (of school events etc.) artwork, photography, creative designs, among others. Please forward contributions to the following email addresses:
AXGUO@schools.vic.edu.au (Ashlynn G.)
CSKUM@schools.vic.edu.au (Caitlin K.)
Maria.Smith@education.vic.gov.au (Librarian)
NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN OUR TUESDAY BOOK CLUB!
Amazing news from our Year 8 Library volunteers Maya P. and Sanvi R. who started a BOOK CLUB!
Register using the QR code on the Book Club posters pasted all around the school. Well done Maya and Sanvi for demonstrating our school values of RESILIENCE and EXCELLENCE while going through this creative process. The Book Club is at lunchtime in the Library on Tuesdays, now reading “The Naturals”.
OCTOBER TREATS ARRIVALS
We can never underestimate how fortunate we are to have a well-resourced HIGHVALE LIBRARY, particularly with our main collection of FICTION, NON-FICTION, GRAPHIC NOVELS AND QUICK READS.
Developing the love of reading can bring immense joy and value to you, our readers! You may borrow FOUR BOOKS for THREE WEEKS provided you have no overdue loans. Come and check out our October arrivals!
Secondary Fiction Book of the Month
“Hometown” by Shaun Tan
From the creator of ‘The Arrival” and “Tales from Outer Suburbia”, Shaun Tan’s “Hometown” is an uplifting story of the true meaning of home and family, the choices we make in life and what it means to be human. Tan’s illustrations explore the story of a girl’s choice – staying with her family and friends, and the home she knows and loves, or going with a stranger into the unknown. A timeless classic perfect for your reading moment!
https://www.booktopia.com.au/hometown-shaun-tan/book/9781761180811.html
Secondary Fiction Teasers!
Lower Secondary Adventure
“City of Clouds” by Kiah Thomas
A new and exciting magical adventure set in an original fantasy world with terrific characters and entertaining storyline and themes of bravery, persistence, the importance of friendship and family certain to entice readers for many years to come. Perfectly suited to readers in lower secondary but certainly from the senior primary level.
https://www.booktopia.com.au/city-of-clouds-kiah-thomas/book/9781460769645.html
Secondary Graphic Novel Highlight
“School Bus Graveyard” by Red
A spooky, thrilling story of a group of kids from a Science class, going on a field trip to a haunted house, managing to escape by working together overcoming their differences if they are to find a way to defeat the evil controlling them. Perfect for fans of “Five Nights at Freddy’s and “Stranger Things”.
https://www.booktopia.com.au/school-bus-graveyard-volume-1-red/book/9780241821053.html
CELEBRATING STUDENTS’ CREATIVITY
The Library Foyer provides a lovely display of students’ work while completing their Humanities units of study in Ancient Civilizations that include creating dimensional images of the pyramids, the pharaohs, the long ships, among others. Please enjoy students’ creative demonstration of our school’s value of EXCELLENCE.
VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOL SPECTACULAR 2027
For the 2027 VSSS Show, expressions of interest are now open for schools and students.
Express interest by 13 November 2026 if your school is taking part in the 2027 VSSS to take place at the John Cain Arena on Saturday (August 28) televised later in the year.
Students can also register interest in main cast auditions as singers, dancers, musicians, acrobats, cheerleaders or circus performers, or behind-the-scenes roles in audio, lighting or stage management.
If you would like to work in the performing arts or creative industry, you are invited to express your interest by November 13. Please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/Victorian-State-Schools-Spectacular-ways-to-get-involved and Victorian State Schools Spectacular webpage.
For further enquiries, contact the department’s Performing Arts unit:
- phone: 03 8683 2700
- email: performing.arts@education.vic.gov.au
CONNECT, CREATE AND CELEBRATE AT THE VICTORIAN SENIORS’ FESTIVAL
For the seniors in our Highvale Community, there is great news for you! During the month of October we celebrate the Victorian Seniors’ Festival, a major state-wide event from 1 to 31 of October, with a variety of engaging and meaningful activities for and involving seniors in our community.
In the picture is Mr Eddie Atacador, President of the Knox Community Chess Enthusiasts (KCCE) and Victorian Seniors Volunteer Award recipient, a proactive community advocate for several years with a vision and mission to reduce seniors’ loneliness and isolation through the game of chess. KCCE invites everyone to FREE chess events and meet-ups every Friday (from 10:30 am -12:30 pm) at Your Library/Rowville Library at Stud Park Shopping Centre. https://events.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/event?id=81476
To find out more about the Victorian Seniors’ Festival, please access these links:
https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival
https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/
VALE TERRY DENTON
Remembering children’s author and illustrator Terry Denton who died on September 22, aged 76. Denton illustrated the Treehouse books written by Andy Griffiths, selling more than 10 million copies. Griffiths and Denton had a creative and delightful partnership over three decades, Griffiths referring to it as “a match made in heaven”. (picture credit to ABC/Facebook)