In The Spirit

Secondary School

da Vinci Decathlon 2022

After delays caused by COVID 19, the da Vinci Decathlon was finally held from 4-5 August. Unfortunately, we had quite a few last-minute changes to our teams due to conflicting schedules and illness, but eventually fielded teams in Years 7 to 10 – just! The Year 9 team had only four members instead of the usual eight and they still performed well! Each team did well in specific disciplines and a fun day was had by all.

 

Highlights:

  • Year 7 – Legacy (General Knowledge)
  • Year 8 - Legacy (General Knowledge) – Third Place overall; and Code Breaking 
  • Year 9 – Creative Producers (Creative Problem Solving) and Science
  • Year 10 – Creative Producers (Creative Problem Solving) and Legacy (General Knowledge)
  • Jimmy Jurjevich was selected to bang the gong to start a session
  • Ashton Callus enjoyed the music

Model UN Competition 

On Wednesday night, a group of students from Years 10 and 11 spent the evening at UWA competing against other PSA schools in the PSA Model UN Competition. 

 

Representing different UN countries, each team debated resolutions on “The Question of Access to Essential Medicines for Developing Nations” and “The Question of Health in Indigenous Populations”. Guided by Miss Mullahey, the boys spent a month preparing for the event where they collaborated with their groups and developed the arguments they would present on the night. 

 

Showcasing their public speaking and negotiating skills, the students were able to foreshadow what the world can expect from our future global citizens. This year we had three teams who participated, all demonstrating great enthusiasm and commitment to the competition. 

 

Year 10 – China 

Ryan Murphy (10.2)

Lachlan Brown (10.5)

Jack Hansen-Knarhoi (10.3)

 

Year 11 – Gabon 

Marcus James (11.1)

Thomas McGrath (11.8) 

Nathan Tobin (11.8)

 

Year 11 – Japan 

Kundan Dharmapuri (11.1)

Joel Carcich (11.1)

Harry Hansen-Knarhoi (11.4)

Prefect Perspectives 

 

Wellness Week has left the College, with something to do every day of the week.

 

Mindful Monday had the boys learning the importance of box breathing, hosted by Mr Kenny Chan with his knowledge and years of experience using this technique. We also rallied together for the Men’s mental health collection collecting hygiene items for those less fortunate. Finally, origami and mindful colouring-in was held to allow students to be slow down, relax and try something different.

 

Try it Tuesday was all about learning new information. The fabulous Mrs Webb taught the boys the basics of knitting, whilst the prestigious Year 8 students vs staff in basketball which was a great game to watch. Rounding the day with lots of external presentations presented from Zero2Hero, YSafe and Red Frogs on topical current issues facing teenagers of today.

 

Wellness Wednesday was the day to get your favourite sneakers out and show them off to the community. The gold coin donations go to the Blue Tree Project, a great local organisation helping spark difficult conversations and encouraging people to speak up when battling mental health concerns. The classic Year 9 boys vs staff indoor soccer was a tough heartfelt game between the two sides and always a crowd favourite.

 

Thankful Thursday started with the annual coffee cup of Gratitude handed out to all teachers to ensure they started their Thursday on a good note and to let them know how thankful we as students are, to have such supportive staff. Thursday was all about gratitude and the boys were very grateful to be able to indulge in some Chips on a stick, Boost juice and bubble tea throughout their break times. The Year 10 boys battled it out on the Volleyball court against a dominant staff team which showed some impressive team work.

 

Fit Friday started with boxing fitness for students in Years 7 -12. Recess and lunch saw the first Edmund Rice Relay Shield event for Middle School and Senior School students where eight boys bravely raised their hands to run, with the main reward being bragging rights.

 

To finish the week off the Middle School boys were treated to a relaxing afternoon taking part in silent yoga and mindfulness activities. An opportunity for the boys to have time to themselves and reflect on the week that was.

 

A massive shout out to all those who worked behind the scenes this week to make Wellness Week a good one!

 

Colby Sibosado 

Cultural Prefect