Library News
Maria SMITH
Head of Instrumental Music
REMEMBRANCE DAY 2025 AT HIGHVALE “LEST WE FORGET”
On this day in 1918, the guns on the Western Front “fell silent after more than four years of devastating conflict”. Germany’s signing of the Armistice (an agreement to stop fighting) marked the end of the First World War and gave birth to this day of remembrance.
At Highvale, students cut out and pasted red poppies on the library bulletin board and during Focus Group as a gesture of gratitude and respect while honouring the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives for PEACE and FREEDOM.
In a special way, we also remembered those who have died as a result of current humanitarian atrocities and regional conflicts around the world.
CONGRATULATIONS FOR FINISHING THE VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE!
The following students proudly accepted their VPRC ‘Thank You’ certificates signed by the current and former Victorian Premiers. You have inspired EXCELLENCE, one of our important school values!
LIBRARY MONITORS APPLICATION FORM
Application to join our Library Team of Monitors is now open. This Student Leadership role offers opportunities for our volunteers to develop interpersonal, communication and employability skills. Likewise, the Monitors provide valuable support to the library as a supportive learning and cultural space beyond the classroom.
Please access the link to apply for this voluntary role that starts at the beginning of Recess (10:30 am) and Lunchtime (1:05 pm to 1:50 pm).
Library Monitors Application Form 2026
GRAPHIC NOVEL NOVEMBER ARRIVALS:
Love me, Love Me by Io Sakisaka
A new romance by leading Shojo manga creator and author of Ao Haru Ride, Io Sakisaka who in her spare time, likes to paint and sleep. Her works include Call My Name, Gate of Planet, and Blue. Strobe Edge. Ao Haru Ride was adapted into an anime series in 2014.
“In the story there are two heroines. These two girls have completely different views on love. Their views are simply difference of opinion – neither is right or wrong. If I had made just one girl the heroine, it might influence my readers to think the heroine’s view is right and the other view is wrong. But that is not my intent, so I’ve made them both heroines. I want to enjoy portraying the love story of each girl, and I hope you all enjoy the journey with me”. (Io Sakisaka)
King’s Beast by Rei Toma Ajin boys who show signs of special abilities are enlisted to serve in the imperial palace as beast-servants and shields for their royal masters, to be kept or discarded as desired. When they were children, Rangetsu’s twin brother Sogetsu was ripped from her arms and sent to the palace to attend Prince Tenyou as a beast-servant and Rangetsu’s only hope at avenging her brother is to disguise herself as a man and go into the palace.
Find out what happens next as Prince Tenyou is not what Rangetsu expected. Does Rangetsu have any chance of finding justice for her brother, or will she become just another Ajin casualty? SERIES 1-12 ALL YOURS!
Rei Toma has been drawing since childhood, and she created her first complete manga for a graduation project while enrolled in a design school. When she drew the short story manga "Help Me, Dentist," it attracted a publisher's attention that made her debut. After she found success as a manga artist and other art fields, Rei also ventured into illustrations for novels and video game character designs. She is also the creator of Dawn of the Arcana and The Water Dragon's Bride.
WHAT’S ON AT THE STATE LIBRARY!
STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA UNLOCKED: A GUIDED TOUR BEFORE THE DOORS OPEN
For the cost of $39 per person, why not join the State Library of Victoria’s exclusive 9:15 am guided tour and experience SLV’s grand and iconic Dome and hidden magnificent heritage spaces before the doors open to the public! Discover catacombs hidden beneath the library floors, discover the treasure trove of original card catalogues, and uncover one of Melbourne’s most infamous relationships between Library founder Sir Redmond Barry and the bushranger Ned Kelly. (The tour is suitable for children aged 8 and above.)
WHEN: 01 July 2025 9:15 am – 28 February 2026 10:15 am
MEETING POINT: Hansen Hall via Mr Tulk Café on La Trobe Street
Please note: This tour includes stairs, alternative accessible route available upon request. Please call 03 8664 7000 or email slvtickets@slv.vic.gov.au
For other free and exciting events and exhibitions for everyone, please explore what the State Library Victoria has to offer by accessing this link:
https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/hidden-histories-guided-tour
WHAT’S ON AT YOUR LIBRARY (KNOX)!
YOUR LIBRARY at Knox offers an amazing program of activities for this upcoming festive season, serving patrons and families in the Knox City Council, Maroondah City Council and the Yarra Ranges City Council areas. Please access the following links for info on event categories, location and other details:
https://events.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/
https://www.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/whats-on-guide/
https://www.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Festive-Fun-Program-2025.pdf
WHY NOT SIGN UP FOR THE BIG SUMMER READ!
The Big Summer Read aims to engage children and their families in a fun and dynamic reading program.
The program runs from 1 December 2025 until 31 January 2026. To register and for terms and conditions please visit
For other online and face to face events activities at the Monash Public Library, please access
https://monlib.events.mylibrary.digital/
SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2026!
BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECTACULAR! Why not register for the 2026 VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOL SPECTACULAR!
Expressions of interest are open for schools to participate in the mass choir, mass dance or specialty acts which will be performed on Saturday 29 August 2026.
Book an audition (video or in-person) to perform in the main cast (musicians, dancers, singers, acrobats, circus performers) or register for a crew role (lighting, audio, vision, stage management). Please copy and paste the link below to find out more about this spectacular event and register!
https://web.cvent.com/event/ed045402-88a5-4423-9e56-7677e2bdb4c6/summary