Student Achievement

Victorian College of the Arts Secondary

Rad Valance in Year 10 has been recently accepted at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary (VCAS), where he will complete his VCE studies. This is a huge achievement, as only 26 of Australia’s finest budding actors are given this opportunity.

The audition process was a grueling one, consisting of three individual performances presented in front of a panel of judges. Firstly, he had to demonstrate his improvisation skills in a group setting, creating impromptu scenes in the style of commedia dell'arte, an Italian theatre which focuses heavily on gesture and stylized stock characters. Rad notes that it was important for him to “share the space and help others look their best” during this exercise.

Secondly, Rad was required to perform a self-directed Shakespeare monologue in a modern context. He chose to portray Macbeth at a modern dance party, demonstrating his ability to craft and re-contextualize a given script.

The final and most challenging task was the solo piece, which Rad wrote and directed himself. Based on the mental and physical effects of war, this self devised performance included music as a stimulus, transformable props and extensive research. This type of task is part of the Year 12 VCE drama curriculum, and the fact Rad completed work to this standard as a Year 10 student is an incredible achievement.

Rad is looking forward to immersing himself in performing arts at VCAS. He will spend lots of time performing, on top of his regular VCE studies. We are very proud of your hard work and passion Rad, and congratulate you on this achievement.

Sailing

Liam S in Year 7, continues to thrive in his new passion, sailing.

In August this year, Liam represented Australia in an International Regatta in China.

Having taken up the sport a bit over a year ago, Liam competed against junior sailors from USA, China, NZ, Poland, Thailand and Vietnam finishing 6th in his fleet.

Liam is passionate about sailing and would like others to know that it is more accessible than you’d think.

Liam started out at Sandringham Yacht Club, where he did a beginners sailing program called Tackers. Boat and coaching were supplied. He loves being out in the water, feeling the wind, and meeting people from all over the world.

Liam goes out solo sailing (with a rescue boat nearby) every weekend and loves it. He would encourage anyone to look up the Tackers program in Sandringham, if you think you’d like to join him out in the open  water.

Cubs, Scouts and Adventurers

Spencer In Year 9 has been involved in Cubs, Scouts and now Adventurers since he was in Grade 3.

Recently, Spencer attained the top award from Scouting Australia in earning the Australian Scout Medallion. Only a very small percentage of Scouts achieve this level.

To attain the top award, Spencer achieved milestones in five different sections in Scouting, putting in sustained effort over many years, plus self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

Spencer’s club is the 5th/6th Moorabbin Central Venturer Unit, where he has gradually advanced to be the Unit Leader.

Scouts has offered Spencer the opportunity to go on many camps, meet new people, become more socially confident, and develop leadership skills.

For any St James students who are curious about Scouts, Spencer says “go do it…you’ll make friends…you’ll go on heaps of camp, and it’s not all knots”

A huge congratulations to Spencer for this milestone achievement.

Melbourne Victory Soccer Squad

Maceo in Year 10 has been selected to the Melbourne Victory soccer squad, to try out for both their Under 18 and Under 20 teams.  

Maceo plays the role of an attacking Centre Back, and has been playing soccer since primary school. Initially at Monash City Soccer club for 5 years, and then at Football Technique School Academy for 7 years.

His journey to such success has involved both setbacks and sacrifice. Maceo narrowly missed out selection in the Victorian State squad in each year from 2016 to 2019. Despite this he persevered.

He has also had to make a lot of personal sacrifices, denying himself experiences that are purely fun, for the bigger picture of what really matters to him.

This year has been Maceo’s breakout year, and through the ups and downs and politics of professional soccer, he attributes his success to his sacrifice, perseverance and commitment to staying true to himself.

This is a massive achievement, years in the making. Congratulations Maceo.

George Vlamakis

Student Counsellor