HIGHVALE WELCOMES SPRING CELEBRATING LITERACY/NUMERACY WEEK

What a way to welcome springtime!

Why celebrate LNW? This annual Australian government initiative encourages children to engage in reading, writing and numeracy while also recognising the important role and achievements of teachers and parents in this field.

While celebrating LNW with week-long lunchtime activities in the Library, Highvale has also been fundraising for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) that is now currently working with over 400 Communities, having been able to gift over 750,000 books for all Indigenous children in remote Australia to enjoy equal access to literacy resources that includes books in their first languages.

HIGHVALE donated $978 last year, efforts acknowledged with an ILF THANK YOU CERTIFICATE:

We certainly acknowledge the support of our LIBRARY MONITORS for helping put together and supervise lunchtime activities during the celebration particularly the book sale.

The Library Team is also grateful for all those who donated and bought pre-loved books, the biggest donor this year being MS KERRIE HUNTER, Head of English, giving away five large tubs of amazing novels!

Congratulations Chloe C. (7A) on winning the Sudoku Challenge; Amelie P. (8.6) and Anna H. (8.4) Word Search Challenge; Teagan M. (9.6) and Stella M. (9.6) for winning the Blooket/Kahoot Quiz; K.T. (9.8) for beating the Spelling Bee Challenge; and Jessie Y. (9.0) for guessing “How Many Lollies in the Jar” competition.

To all our STAFF and STUDENTS who dressed up in their creative outfits and participated one way or the other, you have cheered us all up and have made HIGHVALE an amazing school for all of us.

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WONDERFUL WINNERS OF THE LNW COMPETITIONS!

Reilin T. (9.8) for the 50-word Short Story Writing Competition (Theme: Reading is Magic)

“My hand brushes against the cover, with my palm naturally grasping the weight. As my finger gravitates towards the edges of the page, unfolding a world of imagination. My eyes decluttering through the thick jumbled words. One blink and I’ve teleported to another world as if it was pure magic.”

Freya H. (10.3) for the Poetry Competition

Elegy of the Windborne Waltz

(An extended metaphor comparing the significance [or insignificance] of human life to a falling leaf.)

One who is chosen by the wind

who pirouettes and spins

with a pitifully fictitious elegance

for a final ode;

the last performance

gently graces the extended arms of below

sinking into the mass

of other fallen dancers

who have long since uttered

their endmost lament.

These are the entries for the Bookmark Competition: Arjun M. (7D) for bookmarks 1 and 2 below.

Lynn P. (7I) and Bao MaI V. (7I) for bookmarks 3 and 4 respectively, Ancela K. for bookmark 5, Sinuli T. (7A) for bookmarks 6 and 7, and Hayley T. (7A) for 8 and 9 bookmarks (no winners decided at this time).

VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE NOW FINISHED!

For completing the Reading Challenge, we celebrate the efforts of 17 HSC students: Year 7 students Savindu H., Reyansh K., Alyssa P., Ker She P., Lynn P., Golnaz S., Janri S., Anaaya A., Misha P., Senuli T.; Year 8 students Amelie P. and Ben B.; Year 9 students Tia B., Olivia C., Tingyu L. and Meghan N. and Year 10 Freya H.

These students read nearly 500 books altogether from April to September and will each receive a “Thank You” certificate from the Victorian Premier, The Honourable Jacinta Allan.

Special mention of the excellent efforts of our poet Freya H. (10.3) for submitting around 20 amazing book reviews of all the books she has read for the Reading Challenge. Most of these reviews published in our HSC Library News/Newsletter and the VPRC website.

WHAT HIGHVALE TEACHERS ARE READING

MRS AMANDA NAIDOO (Humanities Teacher/Year 7 Coordinator)

“Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a classic that I really enjoyed. It follows four sisters-Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy- as they grow up, and even though the story is set in the 1800s, it’s still super relatable. The way the book captures their journey through life’s ups and downs is both heart-warming and emotional. Jo is my favourite character because of her independence and strong spirit. The book made me feel happy and sad as I watched the girls grow into beautiful women. It’s a touching read that I think a lot of people would really appreciate.”

HIGHVALE WRITERS’ CLUB

Acknowledging and celebrating the creative efforts of Freya H. (Year 10) for designing our HWC poster with our slogan CREATE and INSPIRE!

HWC opens up opportunities for students to express themselves in a creative manner while inspiring others in our Highvale community.

To submit your entries, please email msm@highvalesc.vic.edu.au

Supporting and connecting writers at all stages of their development, Writers Victoria is a valuable networking opportunity for budding writers in our Highvale community. https://writersvictoria.org.au/

Live Write is a free, twice-weekly, online writer's group hosted by Writers Victoria.

To find out more about Writers Victoria where you can browse upcoming events and workshops, manuscript assessments and mentorships, and discover all the benefits of becoming a member, check out: https://writersvictoria.org.au/resources/writing-groups/

AMAZING RESOURCES FOR OUR WELLBEING AND MINDFULNESS

Why not visit the library and try out some of our new arrivals that will enhance wellbeing and mindfulness, please check these out (Happiness, Reducing Stress, The Gifts of Silence, The Keys to Kindness, Meditation and Mindfulness, Ten Traits of Resilience and Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children):

CONNECTING HIGHVALE TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY

WHAT’S ON IN MELBOURNE

Why not book early for the ultimate unmissable theatre events such as “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Musical”, “Tina: The Turner Musical”, “My Brilliant Career” before the hectic entertainment season!

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/article/the-ultimate-theatre-guide-to-melbourne

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjbSqo4SZiAMVfqtmAh2wRR2iEAAYASAAEgJb0PD_BwE

MONASH LIBRARIES

With free membership for every Victorian resident, why not visit the Monash Libraries that has six 6 branches (Clayton, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Mulgrave, Oakleigh and Wheelers Hill. as well as a Home Library Service. Please click for opening hours and other details:

Monash Public Library Service website

Libraries - opening hours

Join online

Library catalogue

https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/Things-to-Do/Libraries

KNOX LIBRARIES

Serving a population of 435,000 residents across the three municipalities, Your Library Limited is a co-operative venture of three outer eastern metropolitan councils – Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges. It is a not-for-profit registered charity, providing beneficial services including fun events for the whole family, adult courses and digital access to available resources. For more info, access the following link: https://www.yourlibrary.com.au/

Drama Club