LIBRARY NEWS

Welcome to Week 5 in the library; it’s hard to believe we’re already nearly halfway through the term. Over the last two weeks, Kindergarten students borrowed their first library books, and they’re beginning to get into the routine of returning them, too. The Premier’s Reading Challenge opened yesterday, and some great new books are about to hit the shelves.

This Week’s Reads

Kindergarten continues to explore stories with a friendship theme, and this week, we're enjoying two of Alison Lester’s ‘Noni the Pony’ books. We met Coco the cat, Dave the dog, and several other animals on Noni’s farm. Students had a lot of fun naming ways that Noni was a great friend to others, and they got to draw them, too. Kindy continued to learn about caring for books and the library by looking for clues on what should and should not be there. They spotted the cupcake pretty quickly!

Stage 1 - Over the past two weeks, Stage 1 students have explored the works of Australian authors Graeme Base and Libby Gleeson, engaging with stories that spark creativity and deeper thinking. Last week, they read Uno’s Garden by Graeme Base, a beautifully illustrated book highlighting the importance of caring for God’s creation and protecting the environment. Inspired by the story’s imaginative creatures, students designed their own unique animals by combining the features of several other animals. This week, students are reading ‘Clancy and Milly and the Very Fine House’ by Libby Gleeson and enjoying illustrating their own homes to share with the class.

Stage 2 -Stage 2 students are continuing their journey through Australian Legends of Literature, enjoying the works of Morris Gleitzman and Alison Lester. Last week, they had plenty of laughs listening to Pizza Cake by Morris Gleitzman, a collection of entertaining short stories. This week, they’re stepping into a very different kind of story with Running with the Horses by Alison Lester. This beautifully illustrated novel takes readers on an emotional journey as Zelda and her father flee the Austrian Royal Academy of Dancing Horses during World War II in search of safety. Over the next two weeks, students will explore this powerful story, experiencing Lester’s stunning artwork and rich storytelling. Will Zelda and her father find freedom? We can't wait to find out together!

Stage 3 - Stage 3 students have been diving into various genres, focusing on mystery and spooky stories. They have explored the key features of these genres, brainstorming examples and discussing what makes a story thrilling or eerie. Last week, students enjoyed the first chapter of The 39 Clues by Rick Riordan, a fast-paced adventure mystery where two children race to uncover hidden clues that could make them the most powerful family in the world. This week, they’re delving into the spooky and action-packed world of Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, discovering what makes this series so intriguing. Along the way, students have also explored the difference between episodic and epic series—discussing books where characters remain the same and can be read in any order versus stories where characters grow and change, requiring the books to be read sequentially. It has been fantastic to see students so engaged in discovering new books and sharing their favourite series!

5F brainstorming book series that they enjoy

New Books!!!

Exciting new books have arrived and are ready to hit the shelves! Students can look forward to borrowing fresh titles, including graphic novels, junior fiction, and non-fiction books, this week. This term, we have ordered new copies of some beloved series that students will surely enjoy again.

We’re also grateful to the Armidale Catholic Schools Office for providing a box of new books each term, helping to keep our library collection vibrant and engaging for all students. Happy reading!

SORA eBook of the Week

Did you know that all students at HTS have access to SORA, the Armidale Diocese's digital library? SORA offers a fantastic range of eBooks and audiobooks that can be borrowed anytime, anywhere! Each week, SORA releases reading recommendations for Primary and Secondary students, highlighting exciting and meaningful titles. This week’s featured books celebrate the season of Lent, focusing on themes of giving, kindness, and helping others. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to explore stories that inspire generosity and compassion. Log in to SORA and discover your next great read!

Premier’s Reading Challenge - Commences 24 February 2025

The 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) has officially begun! This optional reading program encourages students to develop a love of reading by exploring a wide range of books. The challenge runs from 24 February to 22 August 2025, giving students ample time to discover new stories and improve their reading skills. Students will receive a permission note to participate this week, which can be returned to their classroom teachers. Next week, passwords will be issued, allowing students to log the books they read. We encourage all students to take part and enjoy the adventure of reading!

If you want more information about the challenge, visit the PRC website. You can also print a copy of the PRC permission note here.

Secondary Chess Club

The HTS Chess tradition lives on! Mr. Ricky Muggleton has stepped up to fill the big shoes left behind by Chessmaster Mr. Koch, bringing strategy, competition, and plenty of brainpower to the board. Each Tuesday at lunch, secondary students sharpen their skills and compete for spots in future tournaments. In an exciting new twist, Mr. Muggleton has also opened the club to eager Year 6 students, allowing them to develop their chess mastery early. Whether you're a seasoned player or just learning to tell your pawns from your knights, Chess Club is the place to be—so bring your best moves and get ready for some checkmates!