Maria SMITH

Librarian

'EVERYONE BELONGS’ ON HARMONY DAY!

Led by SRC Representatives, Aiden N. (7G) and Arjun M. (7D), students enjoyed a Kahoot Quiz Lunchtime in the Library as part of Harmony Day Celebration. A documentary focussing on Diversity and Inclusion entitled “Anna and Lucinda” was also shown. A number of staff and students also proudly displayed their multicultural outfits, please enjoy some photos taken on the day, with permission to publish:

HSC STUDENTS’ HARMONY DAY REFLECTIONS

“Harmony Day is a day to celebrate and be grateful for everyone’s different culture. It is important to celebrate this day so that no one feels scared or worried to show their culture and traditions to everyone. It is also a day where you may be able to show your cultural dances.” (Neah T. 7G)

“Harmony Day is a day where everyone can get along with one another and a day where everyone can feel proud of who they are as a human being.

It is important because everyone can share who they are as people and not feeling insecure about who they are or who they want to be.” (Senuli T. 7A)

“With Harmony Day, we can learn about different cultures, understand people from different countries, bring peace and harmony to the school, stop racism and know more about one another.” (Tingyu L. 9.5)

“It is a day where we look at all the different countries and people are from and try to learn about their culture. It is important to celebrate Harmony Day to remind people that everyone matters and should be treated with fairness and respect.” (M.A. 7G)

“Harmony Day is important because we need to acknowledge other cultures and understand other people. We celebrate it to have fun and understand, and know other’s heritage, history and culture.” (Hayley T. 7)

“It is a day to celebrate everyone’s cultures and rights, and it respects everyone and who they have become today.” (Thinushi 7H)

It is important to appreciate the culture and differences in the world.” (Amelia 7C)

LIBRARY MONITORS END-OF-TERM ‘THANK YOU’ GATHERING

To acknowledge the support of our Library Monitors (some away on the day) for a hectic Term One, a quick sweets spread on the last week of Term was served and enjoyed by everyone. The meeting also pre-viewed what Term Two might look like for upcoming Library events. Well done Library Monitors!!

OUR FAVOURITE SEGMENT IS BACK… GETTING TO KNOW OUR BEAUTIFUL BOOKLOVERS!

Please enjoy delightful reflections from three of our HSC booklovers:

Apollonous K. (7G)

My name is Apollonous, I am 12 years old and I am obsessed with reading. I read so much even when I eat! I started reading at 3 years old. Reading is so fun because it is relaxing and makes you smarter.

I could not put down “The Ranger’s Apprentice” by John Flanagan because it transported me to a whole different world .I would recommend “Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins and “Wings of Fire” by. They are both good books and you also learn new words from these.

Yes, reading has definitely helped with my studies as I learn new words and focus more in class .Some strategies I can share with other studies: Just read many different books and when you find the types you like, read them all.

Senuli T. (7A)

My name is Senuli. I started reading when I was in kindergarten. In Year 2, I started reading chapter books. I was inspired by my sister Thenuli because she also loved books.

“Wings of Fire” I could not put down because of how much I relate to it. I also love the plot and how the story is written. I recommend “Wings of Fire” and “The Famous Five though they are completely different genres. They are really descriptive and have really good vocabulary.

Reading has helped me improve my vocabulary, grammar, new text types and genre choices. Strategies I can share with other students: Read for 15-30 minutes a day. Keep a reading journal to keep track of the books you have read.

HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB

Our HWC is a vehicle for students to develop and enhance their thinking, writing and creative skills while inspiring others. It also encourages them to have a go such as through participating in creative writing competitions such as the one below, please check it out!

Entries for the 2024 Insight Creative Writing Competition are OPEN.

Here is a quick reminder from Insight Publications of the guidelines to help Years 7 to 12 students get even more creative with their entries.

- All year levels have an upper limit of 1400 words. There is no minimum word limit.

- Other creative writing forms in addition to short stories, including poems, scripts and more are accepted.

- This year’s theme (Beauty in the unknown) is optional to give entrants the freedom to write about anything that inspires them.

To download the submission form and view all entry conditions, please click below:

DOWNLOAD CONDITIONS OF ENTRY AND SUBMISSION FORM

COMPETITION KEY DATES

Entries open: 18 March 2024

Entries close: 1 September 2024

Longlist announcement: 18 October 2024

Shortlist announcement: 1 November 2024

Awards ceremony: TBA

CONNECTING OUR HSC FAMILY TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY

Our Knox Public Library located at Westfield Shopping Centre is now open to the public. The Library is part of Your Library Eastern Regional Libraries operating across the municipalities of Knox, Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges, serving around 430,000 residents in these areas and surrounding municipalities.

Had the pleasure of meeting two of the Knox Librarians (Brooke and Debbie in the photo with permission to publish) who extend a warm invitation for everyone to join and enjoy the benefits of our amazing and spacious Knox Library with special areas for various purposes and clientele.

To find out more about how to join, meet authors, painting classes and other amazing events and activities, please access the links below or call 1300 737 277

https://www.yourlibrary.com.au/2024/02/new-knox-library/

https://www.yourlibrary.com.au/

Words Aloud *Storytime for grown-ups at the Miller’s Homestead in Boronia

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Miller’s Homestead at 30 Dorrigo Drive (corner Melrose Court) in Boronia.

Share your own poems, stories, spoken word and writing with others, or simply meet other wordsmiths every 1st Wednesday of the month (except January) from 6 to 8 pm.

WHAT’S ON IN MELBOURNE IN APRIL!

From festivals, exhibitions, events, wellness and other (some free) activities for the whole family, find out What’s On in Melbourne in April, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for one! Please click the link for more treats:

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on-april

WISHING OUR HVSC STAFF, STUDENTS AND THE WHOLE HIGHVALE COMMUNITY A SAFE AND REFRESHING EASTER HOLIDAY!

Highvale Secondary College Newsletter

Respect, Resilience, Responsibility, Integrity, Excellence

28th March 2024 · 29 Mar 2024

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