Junior School

Maths Challenge Showdown

On Friday, 8 August the Academy of Mary Immaculate and Simonds Catholic College went head-to-head in an exciting Maths Challenge Afternoon.  Each school put forward their top ten Year 7 and Year 8 mathematics students to battle it out across four fast-paced,  brain-bending rounds.

Round 1 saw students paired with someone from their own school, working through a set of problem-solving questions while their partner raced to answer as many correctly as possible.  Each correct answer earned a precious point for their team.

Round 2 switched the pace with a one-on-one game of Nim, pitting each Academy girl against a Simonds boy in a test of strategic thinking.  The round concluded with Ultimate Tic Tac Toe, where quick thinking and tactical play secured points for every game won.

Round 3 brought back the problem-solving challenge, this time with the competitive energy dialled up a notch, before moving into the next round.

Round 4 — a thrilling team match-up.  In this round, two Academy girls faced off against two Simonds boys in the game of 24 followed by Black Hole.  Every winning game meant more points on the scoreboard.

After a fun-filled and fiercely fought afternoon, the overall champions were Samantha and Maya from Year 7, who not only outplayed the boys but also surpassed the Year 8 competitors!

 A huge congratulations to them for their outstanding achievement, and well done to all students for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and love of mathematics.

Dr Bryce Dermody

Year 7 Wellbeing Leader

Year 8 Extended Mentor Group

Last week the Year 8s took the opportunity to walk in the Carlton Gardens and share in the architectural history of the surrounding region.  We were interested to learn of the history of the Royal Exhibition Building and how it was saved from demolition by one vote in the 1970s.  We also witnessed the birdlife and lamented the presence of the Indian Mynahs, a so-called scourge on the park lands of Melbourne.  Luckily the ducks do not appear to be harassed by them.  Overall, it was a lovely day for a walk and to be with our friends, better than listening to Mr Molony drone on about mindfulness and all that. We now have a different way of looking at the great city of Melbourne.

Even the teachers enjoyed it with Ms Lin commenting:

‘One of my favourite activities with the Extended Mentor Group is walking in the Carlton Garden.  It’s such a lovely experience to stroll through the gardens in the beautiful sunshine while listening to the fascinating history shared by Mr Molony.  The combination of fresh air, nature, and learning makes it a truly enjoyable and memorable activity.’  

Year 8 Leadership Team 

Mr Michael Molony

Year 8 Wellbeing Leader