Library News
Maria SMITH
Head of Library
CELEBRATIONS EMPOWERING RESPECT AND EMPATHY
In creating a culturally safe and respectful environment, we at Highvale Secondary College acknowledge the importance of two celebrations: Refugee Week (June 14-20) that recognises the diversity and contributions refugees make to Australia; and NAIDOC Week (July 5-12) that celebrates the voices/achievements/cultures of First Nations Peoples. The HSC Library has a rich collection of books on Indigenous arts/culture/people and for events happening throughout Victoria, please access: https://www.naidoc.org.au/
Aligning with Refugee Week is the Multicultural Film Festival 2026 on June 18, a leading initiative of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and Swinburne University of Technology, screening ten officially selected films (from 767 submissions) at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).
The event highlights this year’s RW theme A Million Stories reflecting the Department of Home Affairs granting Australia's one millionth permanent humanitarian visa since the end of the Second World War.
It has been an honour to be invited to the MMF that celebrates multiculturalism and impactful creativity. Master of Ceremonies former VMC Chairperson/SBS broadcaster, award-winning filmmaker (in pictures) Helen Kapalos with Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward MP, Wurundjeri Man Thane Garvey and VMC Chair Viv Nguyen highlighted the journeys and lived experiences of refugees shared through storytelling in film, encouraging a deeper understanding and empathy to build stronger and more inclusive communities.
The Happiest Refugee currently our Year 8 English text, is an inspiring story of Australia’s famous refugee-comedian Anh Do and his family’s struggles to build a life through sweat and tears, back-breaking work, loneliness and isolation in a foreign land however in the end with his courage and determination, Anh Do has achieved his dreams! A must read for everyone!
LIBRARY MONITORS EXCITING UPDATE!
Amazing news from our Library volunteers Maya P. and Sanvi R. (both from Year 8) who came up with the idea of starting a BOOK CLUB!
What a great start to Term 3! 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. (They confidently shared this exciting news during the Junior School Assembly on June 24.)
THE VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE UPDATE
We now have 75 days remaining before the Reading Challenge finishes in September. Students who have entered the Reading Challenge, please keep registering your books online to receive a Thank You certificate from the Victorian Premier upon completion of the Challenge.
Huge thanks to our Reading Challenge book reviewers who continue to demonstrate our school value of EXCELLENCE through writing amazing reflections to inspire everyone to read books!
The cruel prince by Holly Black ★★★★
Very cool book, I enjoyed the dynamic between the three sisters and the ending was unexpected. (Miranda L. Y8)
The wren hunt by Mary Watson ★★★★
It was an enjoyable book! It blended in the fantasy elements well into the regular world. (Myra D. Y7)
The fire star: a Maven & Reeve mystery by A.L. Tait ★★★
I found it a bit boring but maybe I'm just not the target audience for this type of book. I liked Reeve's character though. (Miranda L. Y8)
Holiday heartbreak by Rachel Renee Russell ★★★★
This was my first ever time reading a Dork Diaries book and got to say, it kept me reading! As the school Sweetheart Dance is coming up, Nikki is trying to get her crush on board. But when Mackenzie comes by, Nikki isn't quite sure if her crush likes her at all. Read this book for the best ever drama you've ever read! (Diya V. Y7)
Diary of a wimpy kid: Greg Heffley's journal by Jeff Kinney ★★★★★
As Greg Heffley enters middle school, it's a roller coaster and a completely new experience for him and his best friend Rowley Jefferson. Filled with lots of humour and the iconic cheese touch, I can guarantee you, that as soon as you read this book, you will be laughing out so loud!!! (Diya V. Y7)
Picking daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti ★★★★
This novel really kept me over the edge, eager to know what happens next in the story, a sweet second chance romance about Daniella "Daisy" Maria, a hopeless romantic who unexpectedly runs into her childhood best friend and first love, Levi, after a four-year estrangement at a bar end up fake dating and confusion often lurks between them about if its love or fake relationship. (Resa R. Y8)
McManus, Karen M.
The cousins by Karen M. McManus★★★
This book started slow and progresses gradually. I found that halfway through the book, there were a few twists and turns but not enough to keep me engaged, and overall, the book still felt tedious. However, towards the end, when the plot twist was revealed, I was genuinely shocked and would never have predicted it. The plot wasn't rushed as well, which is what drew me in for the end. (Saanvi V. Y9)
The lost heir: the graphic novel by Tui Sutherland ★★★
I rate this novel 3 stars because of the mystery and sometimes you do not know happening and it makes you want to read more because of the interesting plot that is happening. I like the storyline of this book. (Kyra P. Y7)
BROWSE AND BORROW FROM OUR JUNE ARRIVALS!
Keep snuggly during the winter months with our latest June arrivals, check these out! (Students can borrow up to FOUR books at a time for THREE WEEKS provided they have no overdue books.)
Secondary Fiction Book of the Month
Written by Hayley Lawrence, Into the Storm is a fabulous, suspenseful adventure story of two strong-willed and stubborn teenagers from two different worlds but who both love outdoors and “pushing the boundaries of Mother Nature”. A story set in the Tasmanian wilderness, highlighting family, family protectiveness, learning to let go, learning from others, accepting decisions, grief, love and ultimately hope. (Lamont Reviews)
Secondary Graphic Novel Highlight
This graphic novel Lionel Messi takes readers on a thrilling journey through the life and career of the soccer sensation Lionel Messi from his early days in Rosario, Argentina to his rise as the world’s most celebrated player. This novel is a must-read for soccer fans, delving into the challenges faced and overcome by Messi, showing how his determination and genius transformed him into a global icon and a symbol of excellence. (Lamont Reviews)
Secondary Fiction Highlights
https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=six%20take%20one&productType=917504&pn=1 (Six Take One)
https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=the%20game%20of%20oaths&productType=917504&pn=1 (The Game of Oaths)
https://www.booktopia.com.au/wildheart-bec-manser/book/9780241753194.html (Wildheart)
https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=a%20flash%20in%20the%20dust&productType=917504&pn=1 (A Flash in the Dust)
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-between-worlds-b-b-amy-mae-baxter/book/9780008793890.html (The Between Worlds B&B)
https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=the%20ghost%20horse%20of%20snowy%20river&productType=917504&pn=1 (The Ghost Horse of Snowy River)
https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=cleopatra%20the%20girl%20who%20would%20be%20king&productType=917504&pn=1 (Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King)
https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=Lies%20we%20told%20this%20summer&productType=917504&pn=1 (Lies We Told This Summer)
WHAT’S ON IN OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY ON THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!
A great opportunity for families to enjoy time together on the school holidays with lots of fun-filled events and activities in our City of Melbourne. Check these highlights:
The National Gallery of Victoria
A variety of FREE family events and activities at the NVG International this school holiday daily (10-5 pm): a world display of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art. The total collection has doubled in size to more than 70,000 works of art since the NGV opened in 1968. A truly iconic Melbourne building that offers extraordinary visual experience with diverse exhibitions that also include our First Nations Peoples collection, programs for children, films and late-night/opening performances. Link for more information:
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/ngv-international
Docklands Firelight Festival
Enjoy Melbourne’s FREE epic winter festival at Docklands to take over Harbour Esplanade from July 3-5 (from 5-10:30 pm), featuring dazzling fire performers, fire pits and flame jets, a laser light show, roving entertainers among others. There will also be pop-up food/drink stalls plus waterfront restaurants and bars. Link provided for more information:
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/melbourne-magic-festival
Melbourne Magic Festival
From June 29 to July 5 (10:00-11:30 pm), Melbourne becomes a magical hub with magic shows, workshops and live shows (from child-friendly to adults-only) with over 140 performances including three international guest magicians. (Location: Arrow on Swanston, Carlton VIC)
Links for more information:
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/melbourne-magic-festival
Docklands Waterfront Farmers Market
Until November 15this year, enjoy a bustling waterfront event along Harbour Esplanade with a strong lineup of fresh Victorian produce, artisan cheese and baked goods, ready-to-eat food and coffee, family friendly activities, the Calypso Lady boat bar and the exciting Ship4Good Community Open Day. An amazing FREE family day on the waterfront!
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/docklands-waterfront-farmers-market