In and around the classroom

VCE VM Projects

The Senior VM class have been working on projects that aim to better our community and the wider world. Those projects are as follows;

A food drive by Zhoobin, Shaxsard and Dillon: The purpose of the food drive was to tackle food insecurity and poverty by donating food and hygiene products to the Food Bank. We have collected approximately 40 kgs of donations. 

A movie fundraiser by Josiah, Lilah and Sean P for The RU OK? Foundation: The aim of this project was to raise awareness and funds for the RU OK? Foundation, which is a non for profit charity that raises awareness about suicide prevention. Over three days we showed Mulan, Up and 10 Things I Hate About You. We had a good turnout of students and also teachers. We exceeded our $300 donation goal. 

A charity book drive by Maya, Sean K and Kirtiq: 

On the 21st of August the group members and our teacher Callan McDonald went over to Saltwater P-9 and talked to a variety of year levels about our project. We also made sure to advertise around our school. We ended up receiving over 200 books for Buk Bilong Pikinini, which is a literacy foundation in Papua New Guinea. We would like to say a big thank you to anyone who has donated any of our three projects. 

- Maya Slocum, on behalf of the senior VM class

Student Voice

Throughout the year the school's student voice leaders have met up to talk about ways to improve our school. Discussing things like change-room improvements, the reading nook, the house sports competitions and much more. So far we've created notice boards around the school and made all teacher's emails accessible. We're in the process of making a few other changes such as getting cleaning wipes for outside, providing more seated eating spaces, getting more microwaves and getting hooks for the change rooms. These were all suggested by students. They suggested it, we worked on it and the teachers help make it happen. On behalf of the student voice I just wanted to let students know that we can make things happen if they help us out and bring us some suggestions and ideas. :)

-Sports captain, Lucinda Tabart, 10D

Way Out West Art Award-Lucinda Tabart

Way out west is a local photography competition, every March, run by Wyndham city council for teens and young adults in Wyndham. It consists of 6 categories with cash prizes.

 A teacher last year, at my old school, suggested I entered. So I did, and to my surprise I won something. I entered again this year with a photo I took while hiking on a family holiday in the Kimberly WA.

 Way out west is a great opportunity to expose upcoming photographers and artists. For me this competition brought the opportunities to have my photo publicly exhibited and for me to be invited to an exclusive photography workshop. These opportunities were for selected people not just winners so talent is still recognised. I would highly recommend entering for people interested!

-Lucinda Tabart, 10D

Year 12 Biology Earth Education

On the 8th September year 12 Bio had an incursion from Earth Ed. Discussing the archeological investigations of fossils and history dating back to the evolution of Homo sapiens. We got to analyse skulls and identify physiological attributes to the human body. We had a lot of fun, bonding with our classmates and having a deeper understanding of evolution and fossils. A core memory to definitely remember for our final year at Homestead.

-Tia Faletolu, 12C

The Book Nook

Hey there, bookworms Have you ever noticed how the Homestead reading nook is not what it used to be? Gone are the days of quiet, stuffy libraries with stern librarians shushing everyone in sight. Let's dive into how the Homestead reading nook is positively progressing! No more uncomfortable wooden chairs! Homestead is now introducing comfy additions in the reading nook with bean bags, plush cushions and aesthetically pleasing decorations making reading a cozy and enjoyable experience. Within the nook there are spaces that encourage group discussions, book clubs. It's not just about reading; it's about sharing ideas and perspectives.

-Calvin Tran, 10D

Health and Human Development-Mindfulness Walks

Throughout the semester we went on mindfulness walks (weather permitting) to our local Point Cook Coastal Park and Marine Sanctuary area. These walks linked in well with classroom content which included cultivating awareness of our surroundings, being attentive and present in moments as well as appreciating our local flora and fauna. The walk itself went for the whole double period. We walked to the park, sat and completed mindfulness activities to make us more aware of our surroundings, completed some theoretical work in our booklets and then had free time exploring the beach and ocean. It was nice to be part of nature and enjoy our beautiful local surroundings. Our school is extremely lucky to have the Coastal Park right outside our front door. The Park has also undergone some improvements lately (please see photos). We hope this article not only brings awareness of the curriculum of the Health subject but also awareness of the amazing facilities our community has at its door step!

-Rebecca Jones, 10D

Year 12 PE Excursion-VIC/Icehouse

On the 27th of July, the Year 12 PE class headed out to the much-anticipated Ice Skating and VIS excursion. We started our day early, beating the morning traffic and enjoying the sunny weather. When we arrived at the Victorian Institute of Sport, we were shown the different training facilities used by some of Australia's top athletes as well as the different types of technology used to examine their progress. We also were given a presentation explaining the different types of careers in sport as well as topics we had previously covered in our units.

After our presentation, we headed to the O’Brien Icehouse Arena - the main event of the day, and what we had all been waiting for. Our class was given the entire rink, so we didn’t have to worry about other skaters, as we all fell a number of times. Since there was such a small number of us in the entire rink, we all had a lot of fun, and bonded as a group. After ending the day with bruised knees, and pink noses, we headed home all ready for a nap. This excursion was definitely a highlight for the year 12 PE class, and a nice break amongst sac season, one in which we’ll all remember when looking back at year 12, in a few months’ time. 

-Emily Andrews, 12A

Year 12 Outdoor Education

This year in Outdoor Ed we participated in several excursions. These excursions allowed us to explore the importance of outdoor environments for its historical and cultural significance, in connection to the content we were learning as well as its importance for future generations and how we can be more sustainable. We got to experience the outdoors through many exciting activities which included surfing, bushwalking, snorkelling and skiing. Our first excursion was a three day trip to Torquay, we visited the Narana cultural centre, completed the Koori cultural walk at Point Addis, had an educational session along the Torquay foreshore in which we were taught the historical importance of the area, had a surfing lesson and went snorkelling at Portsea Pier. We got the incredible chance to see and swim with hundreds of seals and hunt for Seadragons.

Some of our day trips include a visit to Sovereign Hill and the You Yangs. At Sovereign Hill we travelled underground through the red mine and got to experience what it was like for people living in those times. We also had an educational session from one of the educators who walked us around some of the dwellings and historically important areas. Before we left we all made a dash to the stores to stock up on their popular boiled lollies. Our You Yangs trip had plenty of hiking and some gorgeous views to reward our effort. We got to complete the wildlife and wetlands walk and Flinders Peak walk. Both walks demonstrated to us the relationships that Indigenous and Early Europeans had with the environment as well as the importance of protecting such an amazing piece of history.

Our last outing, a two day Ski trip to Mt Baw Baw was most definitely a favourite. On the way there we visited the Ada Tree which is one of the biggest and oldest trees in Australia. At Mt Baw Baw we were lucky enough to stay at a lodge, the lodge was super comfy with warm and comfortable rooms, a fully functional kitchen, fireplace and lots of seating and games area. Our day on the snow was fun regardless of the disappointing turnout of snow and it was an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Many thanks to Wayne and all of the teachers who made these excursions possible.

-Olivia Boyd, 11D

Homestead Cafe

Can you smell that? The wonderful aroma of freshly ground coffee. The sensation alone will help perk up your morning and put a spring in your step.

Term 3 has been a successful one for our very own Homestead Café. 

Our students have dedicated their time very morning and lunchtime to help bring a smile to your dial. But it is not just the coffee and hot chocolates that we are famous for but the yum factor of our wonderful cheese tomato toasties. 

Each toastie and beverage has been hand crafted through the constant training that we have endured over this term. We have learnt vital skills of teamwork, communication and responsibility. 

The team have spent the last few months going over vital OHS management, the importance of hand hygiene, food safety and the process of cash handling and EFTPOS.

We can’t wait to see you back in Term 4. 

-Elle, Olivia, Manasvi, Ayanda, Kynan, Arliyah, Amelia, Jett, Najma, Eren, Mayra, SoniaCafé crew

Year 11 Applied Computing

In year 11 Applied Computing we have just completed our Area of Study on Innovative Solutions where students were able to expand their knowledge and understanding in emerging technologies.

Our students worked hard and developed a fantastic range of work including:

• A smart fridge that automatically orders the essentials for you as they run out.
• A prosthetic arm that connects to nerve endings so the user can have a fully functioning hand that can move and feel.
• Nanosatellites
• Medical scanning technology
• Several games created using software such as Unity, Stencyl, GoDot and Minecraft
• Controls to fly and capture video for a drone using Python code
• Websites using HTML/CSS

The students should be proud of the absolute stellar work they have put together. Well done.