Maria SMITH

Head of Library

HIGHVALE LIBRARY PREPARING FOR ANOTHER EXCITING LITERACY/NUMERACY CELEBRATION

The LIBRARY TEAM has organized activities for the upcoming Literacy/Numeracy/Book Week from August 31 to September 4. This involves competitions in the Library, including the HUGE BOOK SALE and BOOK WEEK DRESS-UP to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) and Reading out of Poverty (ROOP).

Thank you Library Monitors for volunteering most of your lunchtime for this week-long line-up of activities. Special thanks to Angelia L. (Y10) for designing our 2026 Book Week poster!

TO WIN A CANTEEN VOUCHER, YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THE FOLLOWING LIBRARY LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES:

DATE (ALL AT LUNCHTIME)	SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES (IN THE LIBRARY)
August 31 (Monday)	Word Search and Sudoku /board games/bookmarks making
September 1 (Tuesday)	Kahoot Quiz (team of three students)
September 2 (Wednesday)	BOOK SALE
September 3 (Thursday)	BOOK SALE
September 4 (Friday)	BOOK WEEK STAFF/STUDENTS DRESS-UP DAY Theme: Symphony of Stories (ideas attached below) GOLD COIN DONATION, Thank you!

The LIBRARY is also NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES for the following, email maria.smith@education.vic.gov.au.

POETRY WRITING COMPETITION
50 – WORD SHORT STORY WRITING COMPETITION
BOOKMARK MAKING (original and authentic) COMPETITION

GUESS HOW MANY LOLLIES ARE IN THE JAR? For 20 cents per guess, students are also encouraged to join and have some fun in guessing how many lollies are in the jar. All the sign-up folders are in the Library waiting for everyone to participate in these exciting activities to celebrate Literacy/Numeracy/Book Week and WIN A CANTEEN VOUCHER while having fun!!

FOR OUR DRESS-UP (NOT A FREE-DRESS) DAY ON SEPTEMBER 4, BE INSPIRED BY THE BOOK WEEK THEME: SYMPHONY OF STORIES created by Briony Stewart from the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Please copy and paste the link for these amazing creations: https://cbca.org.au/symphony-of-stories-characters/

EXCITING NEWS FOR OUR HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB, IN TIME FOR LITERACY WEEK!

Please read this exciting update from CAITLIN K. AND ASHLYNN G. (both from Year 8)

Highvale will be recommencing the HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB with the ambition of publishing a writing ‘in between the lines’ magazine incorporating the literary and artistic works of students in honour of Highvale’s 50th anniversary. This magazine will follow the theme "Create to Inspire”, allowing students to apply their creativity and originality proudly.

Acceptable contributions include short stories (200 words max), memoirs, poetry and artwork with more listed on the poster below. (Caitlin K.)

To submit entries, contact one of the following:

Ashlynn G. AXGUO@schools.vic.edu.au

Caitlin K. SKUM@schools.vic.edu.au

Librarian Maria.Smith@education.vic.gov.au

“I want to do something splendid… something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead … I think I shall write books ….”

(Louisa May Alcott – Author of Little Women)

We have over 20 Years 7-8 students participating in the first School Round of the 2026 Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, Red Reading Level. Successful students will be invited to the State Round to be finalized on September 4. The winners from the State Round will then be invited to sit for the National Level in September.

https://www.spelling-bee.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Spelling-Bee-resource-hub-Activity-Sheet1-1-1-2-1.pdf

https://www.spelling-bee.com.au/try-the-bee/

Well done to the following students for participating in the School Round of Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee 2026!

Year 7s: Pranathi V., Ann Elsa K., Anvita N., Chloe D., Victoria S., Kyra P., Krisha K., Harshini H., Celine S., Myra D., Vedith M., Raghav J., Rebecca L.

YEAR 8s: Diwas B., Mx C., Reesa D., Samasrayoshita M., Darsh P., Daksh P.

These students all receive a CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION from the PM’s Spelling Bee Team.

VICTORIAN PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE UPDATE: STORIES TO DISCOVER, STORIES TO TELL!

The Reading Challenge is finishing on September 4. So far, we have TEN Highvale students who have completed the Challenge. Please continue to enjoy our amazing VPRC book reviewers!

Please enjoy the following book reviews from our amazing Reading Challenge participants!

Wandering wild by Lynette Noni ★★★★

This book was an absolute wonder to read! I enjoyed every bit of it! I love the storyline and the character development of Charlie and her bond with the Hollywood star, Zander Rune. I rate this book 4 stars because of the way the story was laid out and its change throughout characters. (Nicole L. Y8)

The house of shells by Efua Traore ★★★★

The House of Shells was an amazing read with a plot twist just when you think you know everything. It was hard to put down and kept me at the edge of my seat, with a nail-biting ending. (Maya P. Y8)

The reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson ★★★★★

It was a great mystery book, and I loved the ending it was really not what my mind was thinking. I see how people may have guessed the ending though I didn’t. The only reason it didn’t get 5 stars is because they could have made the romance better and not that fast 💨 it felt rushed. (Sanvi R. Y8)

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid ★★★★★

Merely the premise of this book was exciting, and it proved to be amazingly and surprisingly entertaining. Taylor Jenkins Reid never disappoints. (Golnaz S. Y9)

The vanishing trick by Jenni Spangler; illustrated by Chris Mould★★★★

The Vanishing Trick by Jenni Spangler was a book like no other, with a unique story board and magic in the most unlikely places this book was definitely worth the read, as you learn about friendship and magic in all the right places. (Maya P. Y8)

AMAZING AUGUST ARRIVALS (Visit the Library for more surprises!)

SECONDARY FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH – a NEW Kind of Beautiful by Suzy Zail

An insightful book on the rare degenerative eye disease impacting vision, and learning to live with it. A tory about love, loss and the beauty in the things not always seen, dealing with issues like social media and changing friendship groups. But the lesson is to never stop dreaming and trying your best.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-new-kind-of-beautiful-suzy-zail/book/9781760653743.html

Being Eve: A Graphic Novel by Em Hammond

A wonderful story, funny and heartfelt coming of age focused on ADHD, autism, friendship and growing up as neurodivergent. Eve and Sasha always have each other though they often find the world around them a bit confusing, and finding some old friends are becoming more difficult and challenging, and some subjects at school are great, some are hard. This book shines a light on how challenging it is to grow up neurodivergent, with themes of friendship, family and neurodiversence, it will be enjoyable for 13 year olds and above.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/being-eve-em-hammond/book/9781761348266.html

NEW SCIENTIST MAGAZINE

Continuing to be a popular reading material in our library is the New Scientist magazine covering curiosity-awakening topics from memory lapses to turmeric supplements, from our ever-changing brain to refuelling our minds, from quantum crystals to a new way to sending messages back in time, from staying stronger for longer to the surprising benefits of stress, and many more mind-boggling topics that science tries to dissect and explain. Check our May and June copies to satisfy your curiosity!

SOME INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEWS/EXCERPTS JUST IN TIME FOR LITERACY AND BOOK WEEK CELEBRATION

In time for Literacy Week, sharing excerpts of this insightful interview between Connections editor Ceinwen and 2026-2027 Australian Children’s Laureate, ninth-best children’s author in Australia, Andy Griffiths.

CJ: I want to ask about the tension between schools and the fun in reading, because schools are constantly under pressure for results and measurable literacy outcomes and academic focus. How do we, as teachers and librarians and people who love reading, reconcile that with promoting joy and imagination and adventure in reading, like you do?

ANDY GRIFFITHS: KING WITHOUT A CROWN (on the importance of developing literacy and promoting the joy, imagination and adventure in reading

“And so, what I would say to all parents and teachers, if I could, is don’t worry about whatever grades they’re getting, make sure they’re getting literacy. Fill the house with books. Make sure you’re going to libraries, bookshops, exposing them to whatever books might turn them on. And it may not be what you want, but if they’re engaged, that’s great. If they have the bedrock of literacy, they’ll be able to find their way in the world without you pushing and without you transmitting anxiety to them.”

Did you know that Andy Griffiths invented generative AI in 2013 when he and Terry Denton wrote “The 39-Storey Treehouse?” It started with an idea about being obsessed with the end product versus the process of getting the product … and turned into a story about Andy and Terry inventing a writing and drawing machine.

For the full script:

https://www.scisdata.com/media/dshd3v5s/scis_connections_137_web.pdf)

LILI WILKINSON AND CAMPBELL WHYTE ON THE ART OF INCLUSIVE STORYTELLING

Lili Wilkinson

Australian educator and award-winning author of more than 20 books for young people, including A Hunger of Thorns, winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and a CBCA Honour Book. Lili is a passionate advocate for YA books and young readers; her latest books are the Bravepaw and Unhollowed Halls.

Campbell Whyte

A graphic novelist and a passionate comic creator and community builder, author of graphic novels Home Time (2017) and Luna Express (2026). He is co-director with Elizabeth Marruffo of the Milktooth School of Art and Stories (Perth) where he teaches over 400 students annually, and also the co-founder and current Chairperson of the Perth Comic Arts Festival.

For the full script: https://www.scisdata.com/connections/issue-138/the-art-of-inclusive-storytelling-with-lili-wilkinson-and-campbell-whyte/

If we broaden what we mean by storytelling, we broaden what can be included. Wilkinson and Campbell explain how storytelling formats can make storytelling more accessible to a wider audience.

Even before reading and writing, storytelling has been used as a way to communicate. In whatever form they come, stories invite readers into their lives and way of thinking. Library staff can maximise accessibility to stories by providing opportunities for students to interact with a range of storytelling forms. Promoting storytelling in diverse formats validates and endorses diversity itself, and that includes the creative processes, preferences and readerships.

BOOK WEEK AS A CELEBRATION OF STORYTELLING

Wilkinson describes Book Week as a way to celebrate storytelling that can involve everyone in the school community. It can be especially powerful for some students who may not connect as well with other areas of school life, so Dress-Up Day can work really well for students to enjoy.

THE POWER OF READING ALOUD: WHY IT MATTERS FOR EVERY CHILD, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR AGE

Serena Bourke

Teacher Librarian at Glendenning Public School for over 10 years, passionate reader and dedicated champion of children’s literature, inspiring readers to discover stories, building lifelong skills to find joy in reading.

For the full script:

https://www.scisdata.com/connections/issue-138/the-power-or-reading-aloud-why-it-matters-for-every-child-no-matter-their-age/

Serena Bourke explains the many secret bonuses of reading aloud, for primary- to secondary-aged students.

Current research consistently establishes that reading aloud to a child, no matter what their age, supports language development, comprehension, engagement with literature, and social– emotional learning (Fisher, Flood, Lapp, & Frey, 2004; Trelease, 2019). Reading aloud is not merely something ‘to do’, it is a fundamental component of literacy.

When discussing the benefits of reading aloud, the most significant one cannot be overlooked: the impact it has upon language and vocabulary development. Barone, Fougère, and Martel (2024) found that children who were read aloud to showed measurable improvement in their receptive vocabulary gains, which persisted even six months after the trial ended.

Reading aloud strategies, using the skills of predicting, questioning, analysing and summarising, can be seen in Australian classrooms every day and help students build the comprehension and thinking skills required for successful independent reading.

Other benefits of reading aloud include creating, building and fostering an innate love of reading… In the digital age we find ourselves in, it is so much simpler to ‘swipe’ rather than to read and comprehend – why wouldn’t a student choose the easier option? Not realising that this is a slippery slope, they may miss a key reading building block because of an ‘easier’ choice. Reading aloud provides a different experience, one that isn’t focused on word or sentence formation but enjoyment, imagination and shared storytelling, one of the oldest traditions in every culture.

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