News from the Library
International Women’s Day 2026
Sunday 8th March was International Women’s Day, and we were invited to reflect on the theme "Give to Gain." Students and staff were asked to share stories of inspiring women or girls in their lives: a friend, relative, or a famous figure they admire from afar.
Congratulations to Jaiden Dollery for writing an outstanding story about Joan Baez. Ms Wallace presented Jaiden with their prize. Thank you to everyone who entered; it was truly uplifting to read your stories.
Joan Baez
Folk singer Joan Baez is an inspiration to me and thousands of women across the globe. She still actively advocates for human rights for immigrants, women, queer people, and people of colour, as well as condemning war, slavery, and prison institutions. Baez's involvement in social justice is honourable because she never gives up, even if it means she may end up in prison or her name becomes tarnished. Her protest songs like "We Shall Overcome", "God on Our Side" and "Joe Hill" became anthems amongst the revolutionaries of the 1960s, unifying people from all walks of life with music. Joan Baez is truly one of the most formidable female activists of the 20th and 21st century. Her work is an incredible inspiration to me as I start to enter the sociopolitical climate, as her activism has encouraged me to be critical of systems that supress innocent people.
~ Jaiden Dollery
Shadow Judging 2026
Love reading and rating books? Want your voice heard? Become a book judge and help decide the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year winners. Shadow Judges will be asked to read 6 books during term 2 and the term 1 and 2 holidays, then give their opinion on which book they believe should win the CBCA Book of the Year. Participants will meet regularly during school hours and discuss the books using the same criteria the adult judges use when deciding the winner. It is a great way to develop critical reading skills and hold discussions with like minded students. There will be one more information session in the Library next Tuesday 24th March, at recess.
Readings Teen Advisory Board
Applications for the 2026 Readings Teen Advisory Board are now open. If a student would like to be part of a teen reading group that meets monthly online, gets free books, and have a work experience day at a publishing house, they can apply to teenadvisoryboard@readings.com.au by 5pm, Monday 30th March, 2026. For the whole story, check out the website
Artisan of the Month, & Resident Writers
Artisan of the Month and Resident Writers both close this Sunday. If you have been meaning to enter now is your chance! Send your entries to library@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au and include in the body of the email the following: I declare that this entry is all my own work
Reading Recommendations
In response to International Women’s Day, the following are some great books featuring strong women:
She Can Really Lay It Down - Featuring an exposed spine designed to look like the neck of a guitar, this book pays homage to the rock goddesses who shredded, sang, and stormed the stage with ferocity and passion, inspiring a whole new generation of fearless, talented performers.
Not Now, Not Ever - On 9 October 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard made her 'misogyny speech' (as her words became known) -- a speech which continues to energise and motivate women who need to stare down sexism and misogyny in their own lives. With many contributors, this book explores the history and culture of misogyny, tools in the patriarchy's toolbox, intersectionality, and gender and misogyny in the media and politics.
When Women Were Dragons - In a world where girls and women are taught to be quiet, the dragons inside them are about to be set free. This timeless speculative novel set in 1950s America exposes a world that wants to keep girls and women small - and examines what happens when they rise up.
Shout Out to the Girls - Let's hear it for the Australian women who have shaped our history and are expanding our future! Shout-outs to 50 awesome Australian women with easy-to-read biographies of their incredible achievements. From Cathy Freeman to Turia Pitt, Edith Cowan to Julia Gillard, Mum Shirl to Vali Myers, plus rally car drivers, molecular biologists and more, this book is a celebration of women in all fields, from all walks of life, and from Australia's past and present.
Joanne Montgomery & Sarah van Doorn
Library Staff