Students in Years 7 to 11 need to return all of their Library loans as soon as possible. Students who do not return their loans before the end of the year may be invoiced for the total replacement cost. Any students who require a list of their loans need to speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.
Term 1 2019 Competition sneak peak
Early vs later. Old vs new. Classic vs modern. In the world of Science Fiction which is better…. classic SCI-Fi or modern SCI-FI? Are the books of Issac Asimov better than those of Orson Scott Card? Or are the stories by Marie Lu more engaging than those of H. G. Wells? Is Science Fiction getting better or is the past where it was best?
Have your say during Term 1 2019. Great prizes to be won!
IRC on Canvas
The senior IRC has recently launched its canvas page. As well as providing information on the latest Library news and competitions, students will also have access to HSC and career resources, Year 11 and 12 subject guides, a library catalogue guide as well as help with the Dewey Decimal System. Research hints and tips and bibliography help guides are also available. Lots of great resources are to be found on the IRC Canvas page!
For more information please speak to Mr Smith or Mrs Comiskey.
What’s new on the shelf?
Journey back to 1587 and the Spanish Armada in this exciting new book!
Armada – John Stack
“1587. Two nations are locked in bitter conflict. One strives for dominance, the other for survival. After decades of religious strife, Elizabeth sits on the throne of England. The reformation continues. Catholic revolts have been ruthlessly quashed, and Elizabeth has ordered the execution of her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots. On the continent bloody religious wars rage, but England stands apart, her surrounding seas keeping her safe from the land armies of her would-be enemies. Only at sea do the English show their teeth. Sea captains and adventurers, hungry for the spoils of trade from the Spanish Main, regularly attack the gold-laden galleons of Catholic Spain. They are terriers nipping at the feet of war-horses but their victories disrupt the treasury of Spain, England's greatest threat, and Elizabeth's refusal to rein in her sea-captains further antagonises Philip II. Robert Varian is a captain in Drake's formidable navy, rising quickly through the ranks. But he guards a secret – one for which he would pay with his life if discovered: he is a Catholic. He is about to find his conflicting loyalty to his religion, to his Queen, and to his country tested under the most formidable of circumstances: facing the mighty Armada. Unknown to Varian, he will also be facing his long-estranged father, who is fighting on the side of the Spanish.”
‘Armada’ written by John Stack is a wonderful novel that brings to life this fascinating period of world history. Featuring exciting detailed battles, engaging characters and an epic tension filled storyline, this is a book that will have all readers feeling like they are tasting the salt in the air as well as hearing the roar of the ocean. Main protagonist Robert Varian is a fascinating character, master of HMS Retribution, he is a man conflicted with divided loyalties, his story provides readers with an insight into life in England under Elizabeth I where all Catholics were viewed with suspicion, as well as a look at the incredible dangers that sailors of that era had to endure. Author John Stack not only provides an English perspective to the Armada but that of the Spanish as well. This is told through the eyes of the Spanish Admirals as well as those of Captain Evardo, commander of the Santa Clara. His battle against Robert Varian is not only exciting and thrilling but also leads to the epic climax of the novel. ‘Armada’ is a fantastic book that will be loved by all readers who enjoy historical and adventure novels. Travel back to the Elizabethan era with ‘Armada’ and experience events that changed the history of the world!
Plenty more great new historical fiction books have just arrived in the IRC!
Merry Christmas from the IRC!
This will be the last 'News from the Senior IRC' for 2018. A big thank you to all the students who participated in the various activities and competitions held in the IRC this year. Mrs Comiskey and Mr Smith would like to wish all students and their parents and guardians a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!
Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team