Maria SMITH

Head of Library

HATS OFF TO OUR HIGHVALE TEACHERS!

Happy World Teachers’ Day!

OCTOBER 31ST (FRIDAY)

World Teachers’ Day established in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation is celebrated on October 31 this year. On this important day, we recognize and honour the passion, dedication and hard work of our teachers who play a vital role in shaping the minds and futures of our students not only in terms of academic achievements but also in developing respectful relationships, valuing diversity and working collectively with respect and appreciation, the last three values reiterated by Mr David Howes (Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Services).

https://eduvic.sharepoint.com/sites/SchoolUpdate/SitePages/World-Teachers-Day-2025-t4.aspx

This year’s celebration focuses on “recasting teaching as a collaborative profession”. Please access these links to find out more about this year’s WTD celebration and how we can demonstrate appreciation and gratitude for our teachers.

https://www.vic.gov.au/world-teachers-day

HIGHVALE STUDENTS HONOUR AND CELEBRATE THEIR TEACHERS!

Heartwarming messages mostly written by Year 12 students’ during their “Celebration Week” will be displayed in the library and the main staffroom. Highvale students respect and appreciate their teachers’ overall support in many ways while they provide inspiration and guidance through the students’ learning journey. Beautiful hard-written messages in personalized cards and signed bookmarks (with beautiful teacher quotes) are also handed personally to teachers on October 31 when we celebrate WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY! (in the photo, Library Monitors prepare and cut out beautiful quote messages for teachers)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER AS ONE OF OUR LIBRARY MONITORS IN 2026?

As student leaders at Highvale Secondary College, LIBRARY MONITORS make an important contribution to school life and the presentation, operation and functioning of the Highvale Library, including organising and running special events. Library Monitors assist on the circulation desk, help with the shelving of books and keeping the library neat and tidy. The Monitors help in the library at Recess – 10.35am to 10:55am and at lunch from 1:05 pm to 1:50 pm.

The Library Monitor’s program enhances our student-volunteers’ communication, interpersonal and employability skills while demonstrating our school values particularly of responsibility, respect and integrity.

Interested students, please access this application link and submit completed form as an email attachment or in person at the library by 5th of December 2025.

Library Monitors Application Form 2026

MORE AMAZING VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE BOOK REVIEWS!

Please enjoy more amazing book reviews as the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge finished for another year! Well done students for demonstrating our school value of EXCELLENCE! Never stop sharing your wonderful ideas and creativity!

A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin

Betrayals and shocking deaths dominate this instalment, including the infamous Red Wedding, where key Stark leaders are killed. Jon Snow faces challenges with the Night’s Watch, and Daenerys Targaryen continues her conquest of Slaver’s Bay, gaining power and followers. Political alliances shift constantly, making survival a dangerous game. (Cathy C. 9G)

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne of Westeros. Eddard “Ned” Stark becomes the king’s advisor but uncovers dangerous secrets, while across the sea, Daenerys Targaryen begins her rise to power. The book sets the stage for political intrigue, betrayal, and war. (Cathy C. 9G)

The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Collection by Jenny Han

Belly Summers spends every summer at a beach house with her family and the wealthy Fisher boys, Conrad and Jeremiah. That summer, she starts to notice changes in herself and in how the boys see her, leading to romance, heartbreak, and complicated friendships. Through love, jealousy, and growing up, Belly learns more about herself and the meaning of family and summer memories. (Cathy C. 9G)

Powerless by Lauren Roberts ★★★★★

Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a fast-paced romantasy full of intrigue, tension, and electric chemistry between its leads, Paedyn and Kai. While some tropes feel familiar, the sharp banter and high-stakes world make it a gripping and addictive read. Once I started this book, I was unable to put it down. (Aishaanya A. 7A)

Reckless by Lauren Roberts ★★★★★

Reckless, the second instalment in the Powerless trilogy, turned out to be better than the first one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would gladly read it again for the thrilling experience of Kai and Paedyn's witty dialogues and adventures. (Aishaanya A. 7A)

EXCITING NEW NON-FICTION ARRIVALS FOR EVERYONE! COME AND BORROW ANYTIME!

Students can borrow FOUR novels at a time provided books are returned or renewed during the three-week loan period.

To start with, SCIENCE simplified “covers the most up-to-date terms and theories, inspiring a heightened level of a subject that underpins our everyday lives” (Science Museum) while Australia’s Endangered Animals and their Habitats collection shares Australia’s most threatened animal species and their habitats.

Women in Great Aussie Sports series focuses on popular sports played by women in Australia today. The Ultimate Adventure Sports series is another exciting collection giving kids an insight into an amazing world of adventure sports like downhill skateboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing and skydiving. These are all now ready for you to borrow!!

AND MORE BIOGRAPHIES, WELLBEING BOOKS AND STORIES IN LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH!

OCTOBER HAS LIKEWISE BROUGHT MORE EXCITING NOVELS FOR YOU TO ENJOY THIS SPRING!

If you are into adventure-with-aliens, asking questions ‘about how we figure out who we want to be, whether it’s too late to change, and the importance of friendship”, enjoy “The Experiment” by Rebecca Stead.

There is this middle grade historical fiction “War Games” by Alan Gratz “that covers themes of racism, prejudice, poverty, theft and the effects of unchecked hatred”.

Have you ever heard of Jake Jensen, a teenager who wants to become a guitar hero, accidentally summoning a teen ghost band that needs to escape a terrible demon. Can Jake and his best mate rock their way to the afterlife? Come and borrow the Ghost Guitar by TJ Doom and find out what happens next!

What about the timeless story of three children living in different parts of the world in different decades! Amazing story of hope for three children who endured harrowing journeys in their lifetime, portrayed by Alan Gratz in the “Refugee: The Graphic Novel”.

WHAT’S ON AT THE STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA

What an iconic treasure we have at the heart of our beautiful city of Melbourne! Why not take advantage of the wonderful opportunities the State Library of Victoria has to offer, from exploring the library’s immense catalogue collections, FREE events and exhibitions, activities and guided tours for families and the whole community.

Please click the link to find out more! https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/

THE VICTORIAN STATE REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

In honor of “all who have served, suffered, or died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations”, we pause for one minute’s silence each year on November 11 at 11 am – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The service will be live-streamed and available via the shrine.org.au website, or their Facebook and You Tube channels https://www.youtube.com/live/KG0GH-U7ZzY

Details of this free and child-friendly service below, no bookings required but seating limited. For more information, please visit this link:

https://www.shrine.org.au/remembrance-day-commemoration

DATE: 11 November (Tuesday) from 10:30 am to 11:30 am

LOCATION: Second World War Memorial Forecourt in Melbourne, Victoria

REMEMBER TO REMEMBER

(11TH November 2025)

Uniform Shop