Maria SMITH

Head of Library

A POSITIVE WAY TO END TERM THREE!

Our most recent Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) and Reading out of Poverty (ROOP) fundraising totalled approximately $400. This will go towards closing the literacy gap among Indigenous children in the Outback, providing them culturally relevant books and help develop their love of reading.

It has been delightful seeing more Staff dressed in their favourite book characters, including our Admin/Principal Team dressed as Care Bears. We want to encourage more involvement from our students during this annual fundraising through storytelling.

Huge thanks to English/Humanities Teacher Mrs Elly Morey for another beautiful flower arrangement she personally delivered to the Library after every Literacy/Book Week celebration for the last five years! Thank you also for helping judge our poetry writing competition with Ms Jen Warwick. Huge thanks from the Library Team, Mrs Morey!

Let us congratulate and celebrate more competition winners in these photos as they received canteen vouchers: JANET H. (Y11) who guessed how many lollies were in the jar; Most Creative Costumes worn by GUILLEM CG (Y10) and MATHILDE M. (Y8. Poetry writing competition runner-up, ZOE N. (Y12).

Acknowledging more Book Week participants: ANGELA L. (Y10), KERRIE W. (Y11) and SELINA S. (Y11)

HOUSE CUP ‘GUESS THE SONG’ COMPETITION!

On September 16, students enjoyed the “Guess the Song” contest in the Library with School Captain DINETH D. (Y12) dressed up as a yellow chicken (his House colour) running the competition. There was a variety of activities throughout the school to wrap up Term 3, to the delight of students! Well done to our SCHOOL and HOUSE CAPTAINS, and English Teacher Mr Cam Starnes for organizing the event!

CELEBRATING OUR HIGHVALE LIBRARY AND OUR LIBRARY MONITORS

Our Library offers a caring and supportive learning space beyond the classroom. It is a favourite place for our students who love reading, where they can also connect with their peers and simply de-stress after a hectic school day.

Our Library also gives opportunities for literary expression and student agency through the Highvale Writers’ Club re-created by Year 8 students Caitlin K. and Ashlynn G.

Let us continue to appreciate and respect our Library! Let us also thank our Library Monitors for managing the Circulation Desk and other library activities throughout the year. Please enjoy some reflections from students during Literacy Week and the Australian School Library Day.

Reading allows us to … and the Library is my favourite space in the school because …

Reading allows us to learn a wider range of vocabulary and enhance our writing skills.

It allows us to breathe and feel our true colours.

It improves our mindset and entertains us.

It dives into a fictional world of wonders.

Allows us to expand our knowledge and see the world in different angles.

Allows us to express our identity especially as a trans girl

Reading allows us to imagine people in different situations together and see the world in different angles.

It allows us to be creative and have a calm mind.

The Library is my favourite space because it is always quiet. I can release my energy through reading books.

It gives me a space to read in a peaceful area while letting my mind rest and become a better version of myself. I really love the Library; it brings me joy.

When I’m in the Library, I feel at home. It makes me smile.

The Library is my comfort zone and there are many posters that make me happy.

THE CBCA BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNERS FOR 2026!

It is never too late to congratulate the winners (from all categories) of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) that helps promote our books and love of reading for the last 81 years!

Older Readers:

Darkest Night, Brightest Star

Barry Jonsberg

Younger Readers:

Inked

Karen Wasson

Illustrated by Jake A. Minton

Early Childhood:

The Emperor’s Egg

Rae Tan

Picture Book:

Once I was a Giant

Zeno Sworder

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books:

Peculiar Parents

Stephanie Owen Reeder

Illustrated by Ingrid Bartkowiak

CBCA Award for New Illustrator:

A Loo of One’s Own

Eleri Harris

MORE SURPRISE SEPTEMBER TREATS! COME AND BORROW ME!!

Library Reminders for Borrowing: Students can borrow up to FOUR books at a time unless there are no overdue loans. You may keep the book for THREE WEEKS and will be allowed to renew if not finished reading.

WHAT’S ON IN MELBOURNE ON THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

There are heaps to do in our beautiful City of Melbourne especially on the school holiday! There are free activities, exhibitions, events and family shows to entertain everyone, and that includes our Melbourne Royal Show from 24 September to 4 October!

For membership, admission times and ticket prices, please check out this link: https://royalshow.com.au/

For all other activities and entertainment for children and families, try these links:

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/family-and-kids/school-holidays

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/article/things-you-can-only-do-in-the-city

MOONLIGHT CINEMA:

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

WORLD OF THE BOOK:

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/world-of-the-book

FITZROY GARDENS:

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/fitzroy-gardens-outdoor-adventure

LIGHT UP MELBOURNE:

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/light-up-melbourne-after-dark-projections

SCIENCE GALLERY:

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/science-gallery-melbourne

Smile Squad