Maria SMITH

Librarian

NEWS FLASH: THE INAUGURAL MULTICULTURAL YOUTH AWARDS 2024

As media representative, it was a privilege to attend the inaugural MY Awards 2024 at the Victorian Parliament on October 5 with distinguished guests including Minister for Youth, The Hon Natalie Suleyman (in the photo). What an inspiring bunch of resilient and goal-driven young awardees (for 13 categories) from multicultural communities!

This is an OPEN INVITATION for HIGHVALE STUDENTS to be inspired and be nominated for the MY Awards 2025. Please access the link for more information: https://multiculturalyouthawards.com.au/about/

VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS

VPRC participants awarded Certificates of Achievement (signed by The Hon Premier Jacinta Allan) at the Junior School Assembly on 30th October 30. (Well done Anaaya A., Reyansh K., Misha P., Ker She P., Janvi S., Senuli T., Lynn P., Savindu H., Amelie P., Ben B., Meghan N., Tingyu L., Olivia C., Tia B. and Freya H.! (permission to publish photos)

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY 2024

Please enjoy heartwarming VCE students’ messages to our dedicated Highvale teachers. ‘Thank you’ messages were also sent personally to some teachers in celebration of World Teachers’ Day.

Thank you for all your support. Your kind personalities always made the last 6 years a lot easier. Thank you and keep inspiring!	We appreciate everything you do, thank you for playing your part in supporting students through high school, it doesn’t go unnoticed.	Thank you for dedicating your life to foster a generation full of purpose and hope. Never stop teaching!

Thank you for all the good laughs and fun times. Without these light moments in our schooling, I probably would have dropped out or not put the effort in.	Thank you, without your help and understanding I would be struggling severely. You guys deserve more than just a day of recognition.	As a Year 12 … I’d like to thank all my patient teachers who have helped me the most! I’m beyond grateful, Happy Teachers’ Day!

Thank you for being so dedicated to our learning over the years!	Thank you for being so supportive… you have pushed me to do my very best and I am so grateful!	Thank you for the countless efforts and work behind the scenes to make sure students excel.

We are so grateful for all your persistent efforts in teaching and helping us to grasp content, thank you!	Thank you for putting so much effort to help me do my best and improve!	We wouldn’t have done it without the effort and patience you have put in for us. Thank you!

Teachers at Highvale, please continue to make us smile every day and inspire many generations to come!	You have been so caring, motivated and passionate! Keep teaching with all your skills and knowledge!	You guys mean so much and have such an impact on our lives that we will never forget! Happy Teachers Day!!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A LIBRARY MONITOR FOR 2025?

For application forms, please see the Librarians (Mrs Smith/Mrs Baldwin) or access link below. Tell us why you would like to volunteer as a Library monitor/helper for 2025. What qualities would you bring to the role of Library Monitor? What ideas and activities could you suggest for our Library to keep improving?

Please submit Library Monitors Application Form 2025 by 2nd December 2024.

EXCITING NEW ARRIVALS TO HELP ENHANCE WELLBEING AND MINDFULNESS!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO HELP ENHANCE LANGUAGE STUDIES AND SOCIAL SKILLS

WHAT HSC TEACHERS ARE READING

Thank you MRS AMANDA NAIDOO (Year 7 Level Coordinator/Humanities Teacher) for regularly contributing to the Teachers’ Reading Recommendation segment. Please email msm@highvalesc.vic.edu.au to share more exciting reads, HSC Staff warmly invited.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is an amazing read. It’s set in the Roaring ’20s, with all the parties, glamour, and wild energy of that era. The story follows Jay Gatsby obsessed with chasing his lost love, and it really pulls you into this world of wealth, ambition, and secrets. What I loved most is how it feels like a snapshot of that crazy time in history, but also how the ending totally shocked me—it’s so unexpected and tragic. Definitely worth reading if you like twists and historical settings.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is about Huck and his journey down the Mississippi River, filled with all kinds of exciting and funny moments. What I loved most were the quirky characters and wild adventures they find along the way—it is such an entertaining mix of humour and heart. Even though it’s light-hearted, the book also touches on important themes like friendship and freedom. If you enjoy stories packed with adventure and interesting twists, this one’s a must-read!

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is packed with twists and unforgettable characters, especially the sneaky Long John Silver, who keeps you guessing the whole way through. While the treasure hunt keeps things exciting, what really sticks is the lesson about greed and selfishness—it shows how those traits can come back to bite you. This book isn't just about finding gold, it's about the journey, loyalty, and the consequences of your actions. If you’re looking for an adventure with depth, this one delivers.

Persuasion by Jane Austen is a beautiful and emotional read. It tells the story of Anne Elliot who reconnects with the love of her life after being persuaded to reject him years ago. What I love about this book is how it explores themes of regret, love, and maturity. Anne is such a relatable character—quiet, strong, and full of depth—and it’s really moving to watch her navigate the chances she thought she’d lost. The story reminds you that sometimes love finds its way back, even when all seems lost. A must-read for romance lovers!

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen is about Catherine Morland, a young girl with a big imagination, who quickly realizes that not everything is as it seems. What really stood out to me is how the story shows how easy it is to misjudge people based on appearances or first impressions. You never really know someone’s true character until it might be too late. While there’s some suspense, the book is mostly a light, fun romance with a twist. It’s a great reminder not to jump to conclusions!

ENJOY OUR JIGSAW PUZZLE CORNER!

At long last, our majestic peacock jigsaw puzzle got completed right on the last day of Term 3. Huge credit to Ms Kristen Ryan for inspiring students to keep going despite the challenges completing the peacock puzzle. And now, students are again excited to start and finish our 1000 Dinosaurs Jigsaw! Come to the Library at lunchtime or anytime you need to de-stress.

BUT WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Our Library has also started a SCRABBLE CLUB!

Come and play scrabble on Fun Friday or any day after School. Improve your vocabulary, spelling while having fun with friends and classmates! Try it out starting this Friday! Thank you Thisen and friends for promoting our fun scrabble game!

WHAT’S ON IN OUR CITY OF MELBOURNE! (Enjoy Springtime and celebrate LIFE!)

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

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/spooky-bones-and-bodies-stompers

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/library-cinema

Study Session	Location	Time
Junior School Tutoring	S3	3pm - 4pm
English (Years 7, 8 & 9)	Library	3pm - 4pm

Tutoring