Library News
Maria SMITH
Head of Library
CHECK OUT OUR NEW BOOKSHELVES!
It has been hectic in our Library and can certainly say we have been booked out! The great news is our new shelving units look amazing, with some books displayed front facing, increasing visibility to boost engagement and circulation. Our students are certainly thrilled!!
Special thanks to our Library Monitors and other student volunteers for giving up part of their lunchtime during this exciting refurbishment thoughtfully expedited by our Principal Team and Business Manager. Some weeded novels were donated to the recent Glen Waverley Uniting Church Book Sale; and in the spirit of sustainability, our old shelving units donated to a primary school.
WHAT GOOD TIMING! The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now Open!
The annual VPRC is now open for Victorian children from early childhood, primary and secondary school students particularly from Years 7-10. The 2026 Challenge theme: “Stories to discover. Stories to tell”.
The Challenge is to read 15 books (5 Challenge books and 10 personal choice books) from 02 March to 04 September 2026. Students completing the Challenge receive a ‘Thank You’ certificate signed by the current Premier and former premiers of Victoria.
For the Challenge rules and guidelines, login details and other relevant information, please click this link: https://www.vic.gov.au/register-and-log-in-premiers-reading-challenge
For our Years 7 to 10 Highvale students wishing to join, please contact the Librarian for your login details: maria.smith@education.vic.gov.au
EXCITING NEWS! Andy Griffiths named the 2026-2027 Children’s Laureate
The Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation (ACLF) has recently announced Australia’s most beloved and bestselling author for young readers, Andy Griffiths, as the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2026-2027!
“As Australian Children’s laureate for 2026-2027, I’m looking forward to travelling to every state and territory to share some of my favourite ways to have adventures with words, pictures and ideas in the hope that I can encourage as many young people as possible to experience the horizon-expanding and life-enhancing joys of reading, writing, drawing and imaginative play”. (Andy Griffiths, 2026-2027 Children’s Laureate)
As the school librarian, I am certainly thrilled with the news and deeply honoured having met our Children’s Laureate at a 2025 Knox Westfield book signing. Will be truly exciting to have him at our school one day! Please access the link for details of the Laureate announcement:
LIBRARY LOVERS’ RECOMMENDATIONS
Some students’ feedback about our Library and various books they would recommend for everyone to read, please keep sending these to inspire other booklovers.
“One thing I like about our Library is the calming atmosphere that’s just the right amount of quiet without being eerie. The book I recommend the most is Powerless by Lauren Roberts. I used to love reading as a kid but phased out of it around Grade 5 and I have this book to thank for rekindling my spark for reading. I could sing praises for this book, but I’d be here all day because it truly is very special to me. It is probably best you find out its magic by reading it yourself”.
Anaaya A. (9G)
“The library is a quiet study place during chaotic times. I like the library because it is a nice place to study in.
Brian C. (8C)
“I love to read and the library is just for that. I love the quiet environment, it’s just what I need after a stressful day. Some books I’d recommend (these are in the library): The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, I loved this Young Adult fiction trilogy; it has enemies to lovers as a sub-plot, but it’s focused on the plot”.
Library Monitor Sanvi R. (8H)
I would also recommend The Perfectionists and The Good Girls by Sara Shephard. This is a two-part series focused on a great murder mystery, one of my favourites! I love the different points of view and the plot twist. I would recommend it for those who want a good murder mystery that focuses on friend groups and mystery.
Sanvi R. (8H)
“I loved A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, it was so good I could not stop reading until it’s finished. It is perfect for someone who loves a murder mystery book that is hard to put down.
What I love about the library is its welcoming and caring nature”. Library Monitor Maya P. (8H)
COME AND CHECK OUT OUR MARCH ARRIVALS! (You can borrow four books at a time!)
Lower Secondary Fiction Highlight
A Light on the Rocks by Helen Edwards
(Blurb) In 1859, fourteen-year-old Daisy is travelling on the SS Admella from Adelaide to Melbourne, when the steamship is wrecked on a submerged reef near Cape Banks, in what became known as one of Australia’s worst maritime disasters.
A century later, siblings Max and Rose spend their summer holidays at Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, perched on a reef, eight miles out to sea, where their father is head keeper. As they unravel the secrets of the past, an accident leaves their father and the assistant keeper injured, and Max and Rose are left to care for them while ensuring the lighthouse keeps burning all night.
Set across two timelines, connected by place, mystery, and magic, A Light on the Rocks is a haunting tale, about survival, self-belief and the wild beauty of the sea. With a ghost horse, a singing whale, and real events woven through the narrative, this is a masterful maritime adventure that brings the almost-forgotten history of the SS Admella and the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse to life. (Blurb)
Secondary Graphic Novel Highlight
Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton
Debut cartoonist Georgina Chadderton examines the fun and challenging parts of growing up with her autistic brother, Rob. A story about friendship, family and disability, heartfelt and irresistible! https://www.vate.org.au/human-being
WRITING COMPETITION AND OPPORTUNITIES TO INSPIRE
The annual Insight Creative Writing Competition is now open and free for all high school students, aiming to ignite a passion for creative writing and inspire the voices of the future. Enter the competition and share the chance of winning over $3000 worth of cash prizes.
This year’s optional theme: IGNITE Entries Open: 20/03/2026 and close on 01/09/2026.
For more information, please access https://www.insightpublications.com.au/insight-creative-writing-competition/
VATE (Victorian Association for the Teaching of English) also invites high school students and teachers across Victoria to share their stories and be included in the human (Being) anthology celebrating queer voices, experiences and creativity.
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN for short stories, poems, personal pieces lists, letters, comics and illustrations. There’s no ‘right’ way to write.
Please access the link for more information: https://www.vate.org.au/human-being
SHARE YOUR STORIES to celebrate CULTURAL DIVERSITY/HARMONY WEEK
On 21-29 March, we celebrate Cultural Diversity. This coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) on March 21.
Inclusive of these dates, we also have Harmony Week with its theme: EVERYONE BELONGS highlighting inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging. The colour orange signifies support for this day. SHARE YOUR STORIES and please check the link to join our diversity conversation:
https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/join-our-diversity-conversation
SPREADING AWARENESS ON GENDER EQUALITY (International Women’s Day 2026)
Let us continue to spread awareness on gender equality as UN Women Australia announces: ‘Balance the Scales” to ensure “fair, inclusive and accessible justice for every woman and girl”. As UN Women Australia CEO Simone Clarke reiterates: “True action takes more than words. Together, we have the power to dismantle discriminatory systems, unlock transformation, and deliver justice, safety, and dignity for all woman and girls”. https://www.iwd.net.au/
The theme for global IWD 2026 “Give to gain” focuses on the power of reciprocity and support to make a difference to the lives of women and girls. There are various forms and ways of giving to gain, and other info, from this website:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Get-Involved-With-Giving