Author Archives: Ral Petrova

New: Creative Writing Club

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With spring in the air, there’s no better time to embrace your creative potential! Come along to our brand-new Creative Writing Club, every Wednesday at Lunchtime, to try your hand at a variety of artistic endeavours. From prose to poetry to comics and visual art, all forms of creativity are warmly welcomed & will be nourished alike!

We start off each week with a quick overview of one literary element and one figure of speech, before moving on to an introduction to a specific genre — such as mystery, dystopia, or horror. We talk about the common conventions of the genre, as well as how to subvert them in our work, and discuss all our favourite examples as well. Finally, each week we highlight one style of poetry (such as haiku, limerick, or blackout poetry) and one style of prose (e.g. six-word fiction, drabble, or flash fiction).

With all that done, we set a timer and get to creating! We have plenty of topical prompts and templates each week, aimed at encouraging you to try your hand at a new genre or format you may not be sure about, but everyone is welcome to create whatever feels right for them in the moment. We also make sure to leave a few minutes at the end for sharing & feedback — both of which are completely optional, of course!

In short, if you’re looking for a creative outlet, or need some support and inspiration to pick up an old hobby again, Creative Writing Club might just be the place for you.

See you there!

Coming Up: Book Return Contest

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Now that the Library is back up and running, we have an exciting new challenge for all our keen (and not-so-keen!) readers. Each S2-S4 class will have one week to return as many books as they can, with the winners getting treated to an end-of-term movie screening in the Library!

When returning your books, make sure to give them to Ms Petrova so she can make sure that a) they’re all Notre Dame High School library books (hint: check the first page or two for a sticker!), and b) that they’re added to your class’ total.

Good luck!

Library Closure for Exams

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Just a quick update this month to let you all know the library will be shut for the duration of SQA exams. Fortunately, we will be able to accommodate class visits during your usual library period, but all clubs and other activities have been put on hold for now.

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug

Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash

Don’t worry; everything will be back to normal before you know it — maybe even better than before!

Finally, if you’re sitting exams yourself, you might want to check out our Exam Skills Study Guide from December. Good luck & see you soon!

Grand Library Reopening!

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Hi, everyone! Very pleased to announce that the library has now reopened following our closure in February. We have lots of new books for you to check out, as you can see from our latest display…

… As well as all your old favourites just waiting to be rediscovered! So pop in and say hi — just keep in mind the SQA exams.

Women’s History Month Book Recs

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Calling all history buffs, fiction fanatics, and everyone in between! This Women’s History Month, dive into the stories of amazing women who dared to dream big, defied expectations, and left their mark on the world.

We’ve got a fantastic selection of books waiting for you — from gripping true stories of real-life history-makers, to classic novels with unforgettable heroines, and even some thrilling adventures in fictional worlds. So, whether you’re looking for inspiration, a good laugh, or a heart-pounding read, there’s a book on this list that’s perfect for you!

Non-Fiction:

Hidden Figures: The Story of the African American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
This captivating book tells the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – brilliant African American mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA’s early space missions.

Goodreads: 3.98/5 stars


I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
An inspiring memoir by Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist who advocated for female education and was shot by the Taliban for her bravery.

Goodreads: 4.15/5 stars

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
This beautifully illustrated book profiles 50 incredible women scientists throughout history, showcasing their groundbreaking discoveries and achievements in various scientific fields.
Goodreads: 4.45/5 stars


Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women by Elena Favilli, Francesca Cavallo
This gorgeous, illustrated book features 100 bedtime stories about remarkable women from history, covering a wide range of fields and backgrounds.
Goodreads: 4.32/5 stars

 

Fiction:

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
A timeless coming-of-age story that follows the March sisters during the American Civil War. The novel explores themes of family, independence, and finding your own path in life. The library also has super readable and graphic novel versions!

Goodreads: 4.15/5 stars

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
This gothic classic follows the journey of Jane Eyre, an independent and strong-willed young woman who overcomes a harsh childhood in an orphanage to become a governess at a mysterious manor. As she navigates the complexities of love, class, and societal expectations, Jane’s intelligence and unwavering spirit shine through. This timeless novel explores themes of self-discovery, social justice, and the power of love.
Goodreads: 4.15/5 stars (Librarian: 11/10 🔥)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This dystopian young adult novel series follows Katniss Everdeen, a young woman who volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in a deadly televised competition. The series explores themes of courage, survival, and fighting for what you believe in.

Goodreads: 4.34/5 stars


Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
A graphic novel memoir by Marjane Satrapi that chronicles her childhood growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It’s a powerful and moving story about family, resilience, and the importance of finding your voice.
Goodreads: 4.26/5 stars

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
Set in an alternate post-Civil War America overrun by zombies, this gripping novel follows Jane McKeen, a young woman attending a prestigious military academy who must fight for survival using her knowledge and skills. And if you love this one, we have the sequel as well!

Goodreads: 4.14/5 stars


Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
This powerful novel tells the story of two young women from different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined after a plane crash. It’s a story about resilience, sisterhood, and finding strength in unexpected places.
Goodread: 4.24/5 stars

 

Happy reading!

World Book Day Celebrations

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Happy World Book Day, everyone!

Unsurprisingly, today is kind of a big deal in libraries — including ours. We spent the day decorating the library, giving out book tokens, munching on biscuits, and getting way, way too competitive at book quizzes.

Thanks to everyone who turned up for a fantastic time, even if only a couple of you correctly guessed which shelfie belonged to Ms Petrova.

And if you didn’t do as well as you thought in the quiz, don’t worry; there’s always next year!

Author Visit: Emmanuel Asuquo

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We were immensely privileged this week to host the brilliant Emmanuel Asuquo — one of the UK’s top financial advisers. He spoke to our S6 pupils on a variety of topics related to financial literacy, such as setting goals, maximising savings, and creating multiple streams of income.

Despite the seriousness of the topic, his talk was anything but dull — he regaled pupils and teachers alike with anecdotes from his personal life, taking every opportunity to make a joke and engage with his audience.

All around a brilliant opportunity and experience for staff and students; if you have an opportunity to work with Emmanuel, or pick up one of his books, don’t hesitate!

And stay tuned for his upcoming book on financial literacy for ages 8-12. I know I’ll be keeping an eye out!

Find out more about Emmanuel and his work on his personal website, and make sure to follow him on social media while you’re there!

New Beginnings: Cultivating Mental Wellness Workshop

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With January comes the opportunity for a clean slate. Whether you’ve made up your New Year’s resolutions or not, it’s a great time to focus on an often-overlooked aspect of our health: mental wellbeing.

To support pupils in looking after their mental health and wellness, the library hosted a workshop collating students’ best advice and tips, alongside some book recommendations from the Shelf Help section.

You can see their wonderful ideas and recommendations on posters across the library!

January and The Art of New Beginnings: Mental Wellbeing in School

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As we bid farewell to the past year and step into a new one, January heralds a season of fresh starts and new beginnings. While many of us set resolutions related to physical health and personal achievements, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of mental health and wellbeing in this journey of self-improvement.

January, with its symbolic transition into a new calendar year, serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise our mental health. The pressures of modern life, coupled with the challenges brought on by the global pandemic, have underscored the importance of maintaining a resilient and balanced mind.

Taking care of our mental wellbeing is not just a trend or a passing phase—it’s a lifelong commitment to living a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Whether you’re struggling with a particular mental health concern, or looking for ways to improve your emotional intelligence and adaptability, read on for some recommendations from our Shelf Help section.

Wired Differently by Joe Wells

This illustrated portrait collection honours 30 influential neurodivergent individuals for their recent remarkable achievements. The book’s extraordinary stories emphasise that their accomplishments, creations, and inspiration stem not despite their differences but because of them. Encompassing politicians, activists, journalists, YouTubers, DJs, and poets, it showcases diverse career paths, offering neurodivergent readers a spectrum of exciting possibilities.

 

How to Say No by Michelle Elman

Empower yourself by saying NO to demanding friends, unwanted parties, phone distractions, and unwelcome hugs. This essential guide, suitable for readers aged 9+, navigates the challenges of growing up with humour and insight. Authored by Michelle Elman, a life coach and activist, it teaches the strength, confidence, and self-worth that come with setting boundaries. From friendships to phones and family, this playful and empowering book offers a one-stop guide to creating your life’s rules and knowing when it’s okay to say NO!

 

Failosophy for Teens by Elizabeth Day

A guide for navigating life’s challenges, “Failosophy For Teens” by Elizabeth Day uses personal experiences and stories from her podcast, “How to Fail,” to empower teens facing setbacks. Embracing failure becomes the key to happiness, success, and self-acceptance. Learn to openly discuss failure, turn it into success, build resilience, and reframe negative thoughts. Failing better leads to growth, learning, and embracing your awesome self. This inspiring handbook will transform your self-perception and life.

 

Fighting Invisible Tigers by Earl Hipp

“Fighting Invisible Tigers” provides teens with practical advice on stress management, anxiety reduction, and digital well-being. Stress among adolescents is a growing concern, impacting their daily lives. This updated guide teaches proven techniques for handling stressors like school, friendships, and social media. It offers valuable insights on decision-making, assertiveness, relaxation exercises, time management, and more. Empowering teens to control their stress response promotes healthier relationships, better decisions, and enhanced well-being.

 

A Better Day by Dr Alex George

Discover a positive approach to mental health with Youth Mental Health Ambassador Dr. Alex George’s empowering handbook, “A Better Day.” Addressing challenges like peer pressure, exam stress, and online trolls, this practical toolkit guides young readers in caring for their mental health. From overcoming stigma to developing resilience, the book provides scaffolding and techniques to stay optimistic. With insights on talking about feelings and shifting mindset, it offers hope for a brighter future despite life’s ups and downs.

As we embrace the spirit of new beginnings this January, let’s not overlook the importance of mental health. By recognising the interconnectedness of mind and body, we can lay the foundation for a year filled with personal growth, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not just a resolution—it’s a commitment to a healthier, happier you.