Maria SMITH

Head of Library

EXCITING SPRINGTIME AT HIGHVALE WITH LITERACY/NUMERACY/BOOK WEEK CELEBRATION!

LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK 2025 observed on August 29-September 4 to encourage reading, writing, and numeracy in students while recognising their achievements and the efforts of teachers towards enhancing students’ skills. Here is a link on the importance of literacy and numeracy, among other important information.

https://nationaltoday.com/literacy-numeracy-week/#:~:text=Literacy%20&%20Numeracy%20Week%20is%20observed,mathematics%2C%20reading%2C%20and%20writing.

CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK TURNS 80 IN 2025!

The Children’s Book Council 0f Australia (CBCA) has dedicated the last 80 years to inspiring young minds to journey through the countless worlds that books offer.

HIGHVALE SC celebrates both events to contribute to enhancing our students’ literacy and numeracy skills through activities culminating to a Dress-Up Day (September 5) inspired by the theme: Book an Adventure!

SIGN-UP NOW FOR LITERACY & NUMERACY WEEK ACTIVITIES IN THE LIBRARY FROM SEPTEMBER 1-5

Activities:

Sudoku/Wordsearch (1st September – Monday)

Kahoot Quiz (2nd September – Tuesday)

HUGE BOOK SALE (from 3rd September – Wednesday)

Spelling Bee (4th September – Thursday)

Dress-Up Day (5th September – Friday)

Guess how many lollies are in the jar! (ongoing)

Credit to Library Monitor Angela L. (9G) for our LNBW Week poster

“BOOK AN ADVENTURE” DRESS-UP DAY FOR A GOLD COIN DONATION!

This is NOT a free-dress day but dressing up appropriately and respectfully on September 5-Friday in your favourite book character or “Book An Adventure” theme as part of our school fundraising for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) and Reading out of Poverty (ROOP) organisations that empower indigenous children through literacy.

Throughout this LNB Week, we have other competitions on poetry writing, 50-word short story writing and bookmark making, and winners receive canteen vouchers!

Please submit your contributions to the Librarian: maria.smith@education.vic.gov.au

THE INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION (ILF)

With its 2025 theme “Strength in our Stories, For Now and Future Generations”, the ILF continues to provide Indigenous communities culturally relevant books, book kits and learning resources and opportunities to create and publish books in their own language. Please visit this link for more info: https://www.ilf.org.au/

READING OUT OF POVERTY (ROOP)

This year, Highvale is also fundraising towards ROOP that aims to empower indigenous children (particularly in remote Yarrabah, Far North Queensland where we can help build pop-up libraries and provide 2,500+ new books, inspire a love of reading and close the literacy gap among indigenous communities where only 20% meet basic reading standard compared to 96% in major cities. For more info: https://roop.org.au/

VICTORIAN PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE FINISHING SEPTEMBER 5!

By the end of July, more than 21,000 students across Victoria completed the VPRC with over 1.5 million books read!

Well done to Highvale students nearly completing the Challenge. These students have also written some amazing book reviews and recommendations; some published on the VPRC website.

Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee ★★★★★

This book follows our protagonist Jun Wu who is separated from his mother and twin brother at a young age, sent with his father to the other side of a country split in two. He wishes to compete in the Guardian's Tournament and become the next guardian of the Scroll of Heaven. This book includes themes of Martial arts, ancient history and fantasy. It was a really good read, and I highly recommend it! (Lynn P. 8H)

The Devil’s Due by Bonnie Macbird ★★★★★

This book has a lot of interesting words that can help many students to improve their vocabulary. While the plot may confuse readers due to many things happening at once in the end of the book, there is an unexpected plot twist that I never saw coming. (Vedaanth K. 8F)

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee★★

Based around major issues from the past such as racism, sexism, and injustice, To Kill a Mockingbird powerfully explores how these problems affect individuals and society. Through the eyes of a young girl, the story highlights both the cruelty and the hope that exist in a divided world. (Misha P. 8B)

The Jasmine Project by Meredith Ireland★★★

A book that brings nostalgia from childhood classic like Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid with more flare and higher writing structure, making it applicable and appealing to older audiences while still maintaining a bubby feel. (Anaaya A. 8G)

WHY NOT VISIT OUR LIBRARY TO HELP COMPLETE OUR LATEST JIGSAW PUZZLE, PLUS MORE!

Some excited Year 12 students relaxing at lunchtime in the library “Jigsaw Corner” having a go at our 1000-piece “Movie Visual Puns”. Come and have a go!!

Our students come to the library for private study sessions at lunchtime from Mondays to Thursdays, silent reading on Wednesdays and fun activities (including card games and scrabble) on Fridays.

ALSO CHECK OUT OUR AUGUST FICTION/GRAPHIC NOVELS HIGHLIGHTS, COME AND BORROW!

Drift by Pip Harry (Secondary Fiction Book of the Month)

A beautiful verse novel by multi-award winning-Australian author Pip Harry, sharing the story of Nate who has just moved back to Australia and finding it challenging to fit in a new city, school and home life. A story on loyalty and how it can change lives forever.

Lower Secondary and Graphic Novel Highlights

HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB

INSIGHT CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION

A reminder to our aspiring writers of the opportunity to compete in the Insight CWW until 1 September, with a total prize offer of $3,000, please access the link for more information:

https://www.insightpublications.com.au/insight-creative-writing-competition/

Please check out who may be reading your creative writing submission for 2025 and have the chance to share in over $3000 worth of cash prizes!

2025 CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION JUDGES

YEAR 7: Reimena Yee

YEAR 8: Samantha-Ellen Bound

YEAR 9: Jack Henseleit

YEAR 10: Chris Ames

YEAR 11: Cath Moore

YEAR 12: Isobelle Carmody

AMAZING EVENTS AT YOUR LIBRARY!

Your Library serves communities around Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges. Membership in person or online is FREE for any Victorian resident provided there is proof of identity and a Victorian address on first visit. Children under 16 will need the signature of a parent or guardian to sign up for Your Library membership. https://www.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/joinonline/

Please browse through various activities at Your Library using this link: https://events.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/

THE STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA

How good is this! A self-guided one-hour tour of our magnificent State Library, all you need is your own mobile device and headphones. There is no need to book this FREE guided Wander digital tour from the front doors at Swanston Street Welcome Zone, scan the QR code and start your amazing experience of uncovering new discoveries at our world-renowned SLV.

For various other free/paid tours, events and exhibitions, please access this link! https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on

Canteen Menu & Pricing