Maria SMITH

Head of Library

TIMELY NEWS FLASH COINCIDING WITH HIGHVALE’S LITERACY / NUMERACY AND BOOK WEEK CELEBRATION!

What a thrilling afternoon at Knox Westfield during Book Week, meeting and chatting with the iconic Andy Griffiths, young adults (YA) writer of the best-selling Treehouse series illustrated by his long-time literary partner, Terry Denton. Griffiths just started a new series “You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast with illustrator Bill Hope, that may prove to be another hit for children who love humorous adventure stories!

And inviting Andy Griffiths to Highvale one day - wow, that will be a dream come true for our young readers especially!

EXCITING SPRINGTIME NEWS AT HIGHVALE!

With springtime comes the excitement of our annual Dress-Up Day (on September 5) while fundraising for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Reading Out of Poverty, both empowering Indigenous children through literacy. Equally important is recognizing the crucial role of our dedicated Highvale Teachers and Support Staff in contributing to students’ overall learning outcomes by improving their literacy and numeracy.

Thank you to all our participants in the various competitions and gold coin donations for dressing up in book character costumes, the overwhelming support of Highvale Staff in our mini raffle, prize donations from the Staff Association (Alex Clarke), book gifts from Kerrie Hunter, and book donors for our book sale; competition judges, English teachers Jennifer Warwick and Eleanor Morrey who also served as the Spelling Bee adjudicator and kindly brought fresh flowers to congratulate our Library Team!

Also acknowledging the 100% participation from the Art Design & Technology Department, dressed up as ‘Where’s Wally” and a heartwarming large number of teachers who have supported our fundraising this year!

A special mention to Library monitors Angela L. (9G) and Jonelle W. (9G), for designing and illustrating these engaging posters inviting HSC staff and students to participate in our Literacy/Numeracy/Book Week celebration. A big thank you to all of our Library monitors for generously dedicating their time and effort to supervise activities, particularly our Book Sale.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR LITERACY/NUMERACY WEEK

(with students finding opportunities to demonstrate our school values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, RESILIENCE, INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE)

CELEBRATING THE WINNERS OF OUR LNW COMPETITIONS!

Congratulations to the winners, who will be receiving canteen vouchers! We also want to acknowledge and appreciate everyone who participated and put forth their best effort!

Wordsearch Competition: Khushal K. (9E);

Sudoku Competition: Ayaka K. (11D);

Kahoot Quiz Competition: Chris B. (8H), Yash N. (8H) and Alex L. (8H);

Spelling Bee Competition: Golnaz S. (8H);

Guess How Many Lollies Are in the Jar Competition: Arjun P. (10);

Bookmark Making Competition: Ancella K. (11D)

Most Creative costumes: Shalini T. (12G) and Guillem C. (10A)

A special mention goes to Sally Y. (8D) for winning both the Poetry and 50-word Short Story Writing competitions. Her work showcased exceptional creativity, aligned with the Book Week theme Book an Adventure, and reflected the school value of EXCELLENCE in both poetry and short story writing. Please enjoy her winning entries below:

Also celebrating the excellent efforts of other students who submitted entries to both competitions!

As I ran through the cold alley way with my head down, echoes bounced off the walls, what looked like endless darkness surrounded my view. Shadows lurked around the narrow path. Lights flashed behind me, and sirens wailed. I glanced up to see a tall, wired fence blocking my way.

By Maya P. (7H) (Runner-up for the 50-word Short Story competition)

Beneath flickering streetlights, Dominic resold pencils to survive on the streets of the vibrant Vegas. One night, a stranger bought every pencil and whispered, “Never stop dreaming.” Inspired, he studied by lamplight, earned scholarships, and became a renowned architect. Years later, he rebuilt that street, each lamp post shining bright, his silent tribute to hope, kindness, and perseverance.

The Inspirational Colours Beneath the Pencil by Reyansh K. (8G)

Do not repress me, for I am a free spirit. I move with the wind and the sky. My blood is the river, and my soul is the sun. I am a free spirit; I shan't be caged. Let me soar over the horizon, let me breathe in summer air.

By an anonymous writer

“Ahh shark, someone help”, that’s what I’m saying before death, or as I thought. Massive waves were coming, I felt water drift onto me, I screamed for my life. I saw its fins … they were tiny – there was no shark. It was a fish in the waves.

By Deniz C. (7B)

The shark down at the bay had an obsession with pranking beachgoers. He would shout ‘Bear, bear!’. This would make people jump into the water, until he swam past frightening people out of the water, over and over again. He would say ‘This is so fun!”

By Bella B. (7B)

Everyone quickly ran to the shore. ‘Shark!’ the lifeguard yelled. People ran to safety. The shark progressed closer to the beach. His fins helped to keep track of him. With his nose on the sand, the lifesaver called in over the radio – ‘We need back up, shark at the beach.’

By Dhruv S. (7B)

‘Isn’t this nice?’ Terry looks over the glistening ocean, Bob and Cheryl nod in agreement. They jump into the water. Swimming away they spot an island which they climb onto to rest. Lying on the sand Cheryl hears growling behind her. She slowly turns to see a big brown bear.

By Annesha P. (7B)

There was a young boy named Johnny, he loved telling stories. It didn’t matter whether they were true or false, he was so good at telling the stories that they felt real, nonetheless. That was until one day he disappeared, the whole town searched for him for three days and three nights. There were rumours that he had been murdered or kidnapped by those who were jealous of him because as it stood the boy was the town's crown jewel with lords and kings coming from the furthest of lands to listen to his stories. There was also a possibility, that they took him.

The town desperately needed him back; his stories kept the farmers going through the drought. His stories inspired and educated. The town hired the best detective in all the land, Carlton Cunningham. The detective asks all the people in the town, and he learnt that his mother had last seen him at breakfast and his sister at lunch at school, during lunch at the school it started snowing so the boy escaped school to go to the frozen lake. This was the first time he had seen so much snow.

The detective went to the lake and noticed something, a cut in the ice. A deep one. He drilled into the ice there and was horrified to find the boy's frozen body. The town was devastated. The town's a doctor said there was nothing that he could do, but there was a slight chance that the creepy lady at top of the mountain might be able to save him. Baba Yaga was her name, she chucks three brightly coloured vials into a cauldron and then chucked in Johnny, she rode him back out. Alive, dead or something far worse, find out next time.

By Anay A. (8H)

You are now, dear child.

Lost, clearly.

You have not been here before. You do not know.

If you kept walking, hadn’t stopped, hadn’t knocked, you would have found a lake.

A lake I will not go near.

At the bottom of that lake is a wolf. Or maybe just a pile of rocks. I do not know. I will not check.

He is there and he cannot reach the surface. That is what I say.

I fear he will scramble from beneath the water to feast.

Wolves feast on the innocent, you know. Did you know? Your fur is his colour. I’m sure of it.

Forgive me, child. I cannot let you in. You are a stranger. Never let a stranger in.

Your parents told you that, yes? They should say it more.

I thought I said it enough.

Let me tell you.

I left to buy groceries, as any mother would. And I told them to stay put, as any mother would. Don’t mess up the house. Play nice.

Don’t open the door to strangers.

All seven of them nodded. All seven understood. None of them were saved.

I barely leave the house now. Perhaps I’m irrational, but my children barely leave their beds.

If a wolf can sound so much like me, anyone can.

Anyone can lie, child. Do not forget.

You must understand, dear child, that I came home to a trashed house.

You must understand, dear child, that I came home to a wolf in my garden.

You must understand, dear child, that I had gone from a mother of seven to a mother of one.

I’ll never forgive myself. I should have heard their terrified bleats, the panicked pounding of their hooves. I should have protected them…

Leave, child. Go home. Go away.

Grow to never feast, to never taste a prey’s blood on your tongue.

And if you ever find yourself licking your lips at a goat,

Just throw yourself in that river

Before I get to you.

By Cassidy M. (11E) (Excerpts from her poem)

THE VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE

Eighteen students from Highvale successfully completed the VPRC, which concluded on 5th September. In recognition of their efforts, each student mentioned below will receive a ‘thank you’ certificate signed by the current Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, along with previous Victorian Premiers.

Anay A. (8H), Anaaya A. (8G), Cathy C. (9G), Savindu H. (8D), Grace H. (7D), Vedaanth K. (8F), Ethan M. (7A), Max N. (8G), Daksh P. (7I), Lynn P. (8H), Alyssa P. (8G), Amelia P. (9G), Sanvi R. (7H), Riya S. (8E), Aagvi S. (7I), Yue Tong T. (8A), Vivienne Y. (8G), and Amelia W. (8F).

Congratulations to these students for embodying our school value of EXCELLENCE!

CBCA 80TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

It’s also a milestone for the Children’s Book Council of Australia celebrating its 80th year, inspiring and encouraging children develop the love of reading. Please access the link for a complete list of the 2025 CBCA winning authors, illustrators and publishers:

https://cbca.org.au/2025-winners/

As the school Librarian, it was an honour to have been invited to the CBCA 80th celebration at The Atrium in Federation Square. The event supported by the State Library of Victoria and the Victorian Premiers” Reading Challenge in its 20th year of inspiring the love of reading among our young children. It was such a thrill meeting author/illustrators Anna Walker, visually impaired brilliant storyteller Olivia Muskat, illustrator Prue Pilcott, and CBCA-Victoria officers, members and volunteers. Also very proud to share how we celebrate Literacy/Numeracy/Book Week at Highvale, among other positive things.

WHAT’S ON FOR FAMILIES DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

THE MELBOURNE ROYAL SHOW

A Day that is more than just a day out! It’s memories in the making for 11 unforgettable days from September 25 to October 5 at the Melbourne Showgrounds with various experiences to share with family and friends. Please visit the link:

https://royalshow.com.au/

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: VIKING ADVENTURE

So many other fun activities for families on the school holidays, this is just one of them. Come and visit our great City of Melbourne and enjoy what is has to offer in many more positive ways! Please access the link:

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

WHAT’S ON AT THE MONASH PUBLIC LIBRARY

YA (YOUNG ADULTS) WRITING WORKSHOP: HOLLY CARDAMONE

Tuesday 30 September, 2.30pm-3.30pm

Glen Waverley Library (03 9518 3030)

FREE / BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL / FOR ages 13-17 years

Melbourne-based author Holly Cardamone will join us to workshop creative writing to help young writers develop their skills, as well as talk about her new young adult fiction title, Summer, in Between.

AMAZING EVENTS AT YOUR LIBRARY!

Your Library serves communities around Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges. Membership in person or online is FREE for any Victorian resident provided there is proof of identity and a Victorian address on first visit. Children under 16 will need the signature of a parent or guardian to sign up for Your Library membership.

https://www.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/joinonline/

Please browse through various activities (from author talks to bookshops, creative and fun sessions, storytelling, etc.) at Your Library using this link:

https://events.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/

CHECKMATE & CELEBRATE (the Knox Seniors Festival!)

Join in for friendly games, simultaneous exhibition and experience fun on the giant chessboard! All ages and abilities are welcome on Saturday (October 11) at the Knox Library -Ngarrgoo) Westfield Knox, Level 3 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South

For bookings: call 0409 417 719 - RSVP by 9 October

CONGRATULATIONS Highvale School Captains featured in Herald Sun’s issue (15/09/25) CLASS OF 2025: Meet the student captains leading Victoria’s Top 100 Public High Schools with HIGHVALE SECONDARY COLLEGE making it to TOP TEN! (from left to right: Ryan E., Jiyaa K., Riddhi J. and Sachi W.)

2025 Year Level Coordinators

Year 7 Coordinators

Year 8 Coordinators

Year 9 Coordinators

Head of Junior School

Year 10 Coordinators

Year 11 Coordinators

Year 12 Coordinators

Head of Senior School