Children's Book Week

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a volunteer-run organization promoting Australian children's literature since 1945. The CBCA's annual Book of the Year Awards highlight outstanding books, and events like Children’s Book Week® connect young people with reading.

At Heathmont College, we celebrate Children’s Book Week to honour the CBCA's mission and join in the nationwide effort to highlight the importance of literature in young Australians’ lives.

This year's theme, Reading is Magic, highlights the power of stories. To celebrate, we’ve chosen The Magic Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton. This classic series has been enjoyed by generations of Australian schoolchildren and is a great introduction to magical realism. It features characters like Moon-Face, Silky the Fairy, and the Saucepan Man, who explore a tree filled with different lands and adventures.

The Magic Faraway Tree appeals to readers of all ages. Young children enjoy its magical stories, while older teens and adults often remember it fondly from their own childhoods. Our library staff created a Faraway Tree display, which has been popular with students and sparked interest in reading. The display also resonates with staff, reminding them of their own childhood experiences and connecting them with the community.

We've had a great week celebrating Book Week, stay tuned in the next edition of the Gazette for more details about our magical week.

Library and Information Week

Libraries play a vital role in democracy by providing free access to information, fostering informed citizens, and serving as community centres for education and engagement.

They champion literacy, support lifelong learning, and protect intellectual freedom and privacy, ensuring everyone can access information without censorship.

At Heathmont College, our school library is essential in preparing students for active citizenship by offering resources that support the curriculum, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting independent learning and informed debate. By fostering a love of reading and providing diverse materials, our library helps students grasp and engage with democratic principles from a young age.

Premiers’ Reading Challenge – Final Stretch!

We're almost at the finish line for the Premiers' Reading Challenge, with just days left until September 6th. Be sure to log all your reading to count towards winning exciting prizes and boosting your house’s tally! The winner will be announced in the next issue of the Gazette. Keep reading and good luck!

Almost Springtime!

"I don’t know the title of the book, but the cover was Yellow”

Our yellow book display has been a fun way to spark curiosity and get students talking about the books they might have forgotten the names of but remember by their bright yellow covers.

Events in the LRC

Olympics viewing

During recess and lunch, the LRC kept the Olympic spirit alive by airing live sports on our large screens. Students voted on which events to watch, creating an interactive and

engaging atmosphere. This initiative brought more students into the LRC, who thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We look forward to offering similar cinematic experiences in the future!

Creative winter games

Our students have been enjoying winter games in the LRC, like David’s creative marble run and Jenga battles and block building with our library regulars.

The LRC has been filled with fun.

Live at the LRC for International Youth Day

We had a great time celebrating International Youth Day in the LRC at lunchtime!

Our Term 3 'Live at the LRC' event featured a fantastic local band, talented dancers, a solo artist, and a choir.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day memorable. Your enthusiasm and creativity made it a true celebration of youth!

Author Birthdays

TIM WINTON

Born in 1960 in Perth, Western Australia, Tim Winton is one of Australia's most celebrated authors.

Published his first novel, An Open Swimmer, in 1982 at the age of 22, winning the Australian/Vogel Literary Award.

Author of Cloudstreet (1991), widely regarded as a classic of modern Australian literature, and adapted for both stage and television.

Focuses on themes of family, nature, and the Australian landscape, often exploring the lives of working-class characters.

Winner of the prestigious Miles Franklin Award four times, highlighting his significant contribution to Australian literature.

Environmental advocate and passionate about marine conservation, often reflecting these concerns in his writing.

Books have been translated into over 28 languages, gaining him international recognition and acclaim.

John Green

Born in 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana, John Green is a prominent American author of young adult fiction.

Debuted with Looking for Alaska in 2005, which won the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature.

Author of The Fault in Our Stars (2012), a best-selling novel that was adapted into a successful film in 2014.

Writes stories that explore complex themes such as love, loss, and mental health, resonating deeply with teenage and young adult readers.

Co-creator of the YouTube channel Vlogbrothers with his brother Hank Green, fostering a large and active online community known as "Nerdfighters."

Named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2014, reflecting his impact on both literature and social media.

Advocate for education and philanthropy, with proceeds from his projects supporting initiatives like educational scholarships and charity work.

Competitions

Ink of Ages Fiction Prize

If you write historical or mythology-inspired short fiction, you can enter a story under 2,000 words to win some great prizes from World History Encyclopedia and Oxford University Press!

The contest is free to enter, and they accept submissions in English from anywhere in the world.

Submissions open 1 August to 15 September 2024 📜

Enter the Contest

Ink of Ages Fiction Prize is run by World History Encyclopedia and generously sponsored by Oxford University Press.

LRC Team

Queer Youth Now Survey