Events
JMSS represented at the 2018 Water is Life Conference
by Emma McQuire, Year 11
Earlier this Term, four JMSS students went to Japan to attend the Water is Life Conference accompanied by Mr. Mann and Ms. Gallus. The conference was held from July 24 to 29 at at the Shibuya and Makuhari campuses of Shibuya Kyouiku Gakuen.
Held every two years, the conference aims to deepen participants’ awareness of water security and sustainability, and was attended by over 100 students from 18 countries, including Colombia, South Africa and Poland.
Participants were required to complete a research project prior to the conference about water,
focusing on one or more of following disciplines: community, education, biodiversity, engineering
and technology, and/or stewardship and policy.
We focused our project on the Yarra River and its
tributaries, with a particular focus on both Gardeners and Scotchman's Creeks. Our project investigated the water quality of the creeks to find possible solutions which could be implemented to improve it, and we were proud to have our efforts recognised with a bronze medal in the 'Community' category of the conference presentations.
The oral and poster presentations were insightful as we were able to see the high level research of other teams, as well as share our own with them. It was also a great chance to interact with students from other countries.
While in Japan each of us stayed with different families from the host school. The families took great care of us, ensuring we were comfortable and got the most out of our stay in Japan.
During the five days, we participated in a range of activities related to water security and
sustainability. We listened to keynote speeches from interesting people such as the 8th director of
UNESCO and the executive officer of Organo, a Japanese water treatment company. We also
visited water-related sites including the Ariake Water Reclamation Centre, where we learned about Tokyo’s complex sewage cleaning process, and the Yatsu tidal flat, where we saw seabirds and crabs.
The hands on experience of Japanese culture was a highlight; we were able to learn calligraphy, fan making and how to play the koto (a traditional Japanese harp), as well as participating in a traditional tea ceremony.
The international morning was also a memorable experience, with each country showcasing its culture in the form of songs, dances, short videos and even activities involving the whole audience. It was very interesting to see the traditional and modern cultures from all over the world and inspired me to visit other countries.
Through the Water is Life Conference, we not only learnt about importance of water security but met many interesting people and had once in a lifetime experiences. I would definitely recommend anyone currently in Year 10 to apply for the 2020 conference, which is scheduled to be held in the USA.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Mann, Ms.
Abels and Ms. Gallus for guiding and supporting us and making this trip possible.
Pi Day
Friday 17 August, 2018
Lunchtime, JMSS Ground Floor
To ease the stress before all the SACs kick in Science, Maths and Technology are holding a Pi Day!
During lunchtime, we will be running a Pi digits reciting contest - this will involve YOU reciting as many digits of Pi as you can! The winner will receive a pie of their choice and will be privileged enough to choose which house teachers get PIED.
Students wishing to participate in the reciting contest, can sign up here:
Live, Online Q&A with Professor Fiona Wood AM
On Tuesday 14 August, as part of National Science Week 2018, the ESV broadcasting studio at John Monash Science School hosted a live, online Q&A session with Professor Fiona Wood AM.
Professor Wood, who is the namesake of Wood House here at JMSS, was Australian of The Year in 2005, is a Member of the Order of Australia, and has been one of the world's leading authorities on plastic surgery and the treatment of burns victims for more than 20 years.
The live-stream event, which was hosted by JMSS students Hugo Smith (Wood House Captain) and Neha Sivakumar, and featured contributions from Bronwyn Brooks (Year 11), Kelvin Montanaro (Year 11) and Bi Yan Low (Year 12), saw Professor Wood beam in live from her residence in Perth to answer questions from students, staff, parents and the broader scientific community.
While many questions focused on Professor Wood's professional career, and her life-saving 'spray-on-skin' invention, there was also time for broader questions, including some excellent questions that explored the topic of maintaining a work-life balance, responses to challenges and roadblocks on the road to success, and the future of medicine both in Australia and around the world.
The session was expertly covered on the JMSS Twitter account by Leila Azimi (Year 10), and produced by a team of JMSS staff including Mr. Corkill, Mr. McTier, Mr. Palankay, Ms. Stephens and Mr. Hensel, and was a wonderful opportunity for JMSS staff and students to hear from one of Australia's true pioneers in the area of medical research.
Congratulations and well done to all involved, and a recording of the session will be made available to all members of the JMSS community very soon!
Le Tour de Monash
On Thursday 9 August, the ground floor of John Monash Science School was pulsating with excitement as avid cyclists from each of the school houses battled for the yellow jersey in the inaugural 'Le Tour de Monash'.
Using spin bikes brought in especially for the occasion, representatives from Blackburn, Doherty, Flannery and Wood battled for distance before school and during break times, building sizeable totals throughout the day.
Despite valiant efforts on the hill-climb stages by Flannery, Doherty and Wood Houses, it was Blackburn house taking the honours for 2018.
Congratulations to all riders participating in the race - and to Mr. Whyte and the Sports and Recreation Committee for introducing a sensational new way to promote physical activity and healthy competition within our school community!