The MESC Learning Commons incorporates the Library and Information Technology areas of the College. The Learning Commons is open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm and closed on Friday at recess for staff meetings.

If you are looking for help with your research, setting up your new iPad or computer, writing a bibliography, resetting your password and getting on the network, or just need something to do at lunchtime then this is the place to be.

2016 Book Awards

The Children's Book Council of Australia Awards will be announced on 19th August and this year are celebrating their 70th anniversary - making it the longest running book awards in Australia.

There are over 400 entries over the six categories which "highlight the strength and richness of Australian publishing for children, and the talent of those who create the books."

The CBCA supports quality children's books by Australian authors and illustrators. You can read more about them and the awards at www.cbca.org.au

'The Inky Awards' organised by the Centre for Youth Literature at the State Library of Australia also focus on quality young adult literature by both Australian (Gold Award) and International (Silver Award) authors. These awards are judged and shortlisted by teenage judges and then voted on by readers, with the winners announced in October.

You can find out more about the CYL and 'The Inky Awards' at

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/live-learn/centre-youth-literature

The shortlisted titles for both awards are on display in the library and available for borrowing.

3D Design Club

The lunchtime clubs are being well attended and the 3D Design Club members have been trialling the 3D printer, as well as constructing some robotic kit models. David was the first to get his working, as you can see below.

The students have also been asked by the Mt Eliza 'Men's Shed' to help out with a 3D printed replacement part for a wood lathe - this is an exciting challenge for them to now work on.

'Between Covers Book Club'

Book Club is on every Wednesday lunchtime in the Learning Hub and two of our Year 9 students have submitted book reviews to a new national newspaper for young Australians called 'Crinkling News' http://www.crinklingnews.com.au. We are hoping to see these published shortly but in the meantime here they are for you to read.

"The Land Of Stories: Beyond The Kingdoms" by Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer introduces us to yet another anticipating read. His fourth novel in the series 'The Land Of Stories' follows the brave siblings, Alex and Connor, in their race against time to find to relentless Masked Man, and stop him before he manages to recruit an army of literatures greatest villains. It's up to Alex and Conner, along with their fellow fairy tale character friends, to go beyond the Kingdom they all know and love and find the Masked Man before he can shroud the fairy tale world in utter chaos.

My favourite part of the book would have to be seeing Chris Colfer’s spin on our classic fairytale stories. As Alex and Conner venture into the worlds of our literary characters, I enjoyed seeing how he portrayed the different lands (Neverland, Wonderland, Camelot, etc) and characters (Robin Hood, Peter Pan, Dorothy, etc). I loved how he manages to keep their same personas but at the same time, adding a bit of a twist, to make them comedic, realistic or even just utter nonsense.

I honestly don't think I had a least favourite part of the book. I found the book highly enjoyable and couldn't find really any faults.

I learned quite a lot from not just this one book, but the whole series. However this book in particular covered the subject of loss. It's not easy going from something great one day, to something disastrous the next, but sometimes you have to move down in order to move up. This book didn't struggle to pass across this message to its readers, and I think that's what makes this book, let alone this series, an inclusive and intriguing read.

The word I think that best describes this book is engaging. It can play with your emotions, but it also has a twist or turn waiting around the corner. It was extremely eventful and intriguing and that's what I think made it really engaging.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would rate it a 4 and 1/2 stars!

Review by Kiana Shillington

"Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

This book is about resident 'fat' girl Willowdean Dickson regaining her confidence in herself as a person and her appearance after an unexpected wave of doubt. With gorgeous Texas night skies, cherry red lolly pops and relatable characters, Willowdean and her trials were relevant in today's somewhat superficial and vain society.

The book sends good messages to teenage girls about being comfortable in your own skin.

My favourite part being when Willowdean and her friends enter the pageant, however my least favourite part is the love triangle.

This book reinforced the important message that it's what's on the inside that counts. The words that best describe this book are heart-warming and cheerful.

I'd rate it 3.5 out of a total of 5 stars.

Review by Lucaya Rich

Mount Eliza Secondary College ​ 'Educated for Excellence - Prepared for Life’

Issue 2 · 22 Jul 2016

In this issue

Mount Eliza Secondary College 'Educated for Excellence - Prepared for Life’