Out and About

Senior Drama: 

At What Cost? Mary Poppins, and Girls and Boys

The Drama Department has been actively engaged in various productions and projects! During the last term, students have been involved in creating original productions and working with established scripts and scenes from renowned texts. The results have been remarkable, and we're thrilled to witness and support each other's artistic endeavours. Additionally, we had the privilege of attending three professional productions, which significantly enriched our understanding and appreciation of the performing arts.

On June 22 the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Drama students embarked on an excursion to the Odeon Theatre in Norwood. There they experienced the powerful theatrical production 'At What Cost.' A poignant story about Boyd Manswell, an Aboriginal Australian from Palawa land in Tasmania. The play, created by Nathan Maynard, shed light on the stolen generations' enduring generational trauma on first nations peoples. This emotionally charged performance left a profound impact on us. It was skillfully executed, immersive, and confronted us in a way only art can. Addressing important themes, it left us deeply contemplative.

Following that, we had the opportunity to watch the multi-million-dollar Broadway production of 'Mary Poppins.' The production's remarkable use of technology, stunning set designs, captivating lighting, and outstanding performances left us in awe. It was a truly magical experience that showcased the incredible artistry behind the scenes. We're immensely grateful to Mr Richards for giving us access to such high-quality productions.

Recently, we also attended Dennis Kelly's 'Girls and Boys' presented by the State Theatre Company. This challenging and empowering play, performed solely by one actor, was nearly two hours long. The performance was phenomenal and served as an inspiration for our upcoming Senior Drama performance, which interestingly is written by the same playwright.

Presently, we've officially begun rehearsals for this year's senior production, 'DNA.' 

The play delves into complex themes and explores the human condition. The process is chaotic but exciting, with scripts, costume and set designs, and rehearsal schedules being meticulously organised. We're absolutely loving the creative energy and can't wait to present the show in Week 8. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Nathanial Graham

Drama Leader

Pedal Prix

On Saturday August 5, Endeavour competed in Round 4 of the AHPVSS Pedal Prix, our second race of the year. Both Junior and Senior Pedal Prix teams and their families made the journey to The Bend Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend, joining nearly 200 other teams from South Australia and interstate for the 8 hour race.

Endeavour's Senior Bike, Lil Ripper, came 66th with their fastest lap of 4:14, and the Junior Bike, Clipper came 136th with their fastest lap of 4:49. Mr Baird, Ms Barry and Mr Bonini were all incredibly proud to see how hard the teams worked and coordinated themselves on the day. It was also clear how hard they had trained with Mr Hewson, as many students were able to stay out on the track for lengthy periods of time.

With a team meeting this Monday night and many weeks of training ahead, the teams will be well prepared for the final race of the year, the Australian HPV Super Series 24 hour race on September 16-17 at Murray Bridge.

Anthony Bonini

Pedal Prix Coordinator

Year 12 Retreat:

Student Recount

In Week 1 of Term 3, the Year 12 cohort went on retreat to Mylor Baptist Camp across 3 days as our last school camp experience. This time was filled with many laughs, challenges, tears and sure to be long lasting memories. Our retreat began on Wednesday with the Transition Breakfast at school where we spent the morning interacting with Endeavour College Old Scholars and Universities, equipping us with knowledge and personal stories as we think about what paths we might take in the future. We are grateful for the work of Mrs Fitridge and Ms Nelson for putting this part of the Retreat together.

Then we departed school and spent some time in the city for lunch before heading to Mylor where we became familiar with the site and settled into our dorms. During this time we could also chose to participate in 2 of the site activities including archery tag and a high ropes course. The high ropes course was thrilling as many faced their fears on the giant swing, high rope activities and the leap of faith, a 12-meter vertical climb followed by a jump to a bar suspended in front of you. I think many of us can still feel the adrenaline running through our legs. The first night ended with a quiz night prepared by the Student Executive including around 80 questions and a series of fun games to further bond our year level.

On the following days we had 2 engaging guest speakers who spoke to the students on a range of topics and led us to our last reflection circles with our 2020 Year 9 Voyage classes and teachers, including a surprise visit from 

Mr Crook! We also had some solo time to reflect on our time at Endeavour through receiving our solo night booklets from Year 9 Voyage Camp. An Endeavour Way Walk was also prepared for us by Marni and Ms Gray where we made symbolic key rings reflecting our time at Endeavour. We also had a beautiful devotion by Ms Ackerley and time to forgive or thank each other for the light shared in our lives by passing each other tea light candles. This was emotional for some knowing our time as the Class of 2023 is quickly coming to an end, and our lives soon may lead us in different ways before we know it.

Overall, we are extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of our Year Level Leader, 

Mr Wooldridge and Youth Worker, Eve for their organisation and leadership, as well as all others that made this an incredible experience for us all. It was certainly one to remember.

Chelsea Friedrich

Spiritual Leader

Isabella Marafioti 

Student Action Team Captain

Stage 2 Food and Hospitality:

Our Community Connection at Pathways Community Centre

The Stage 2 Food and Hospitality class had the privilege to be a part of a meaningful endeavour as students embarked on a Community Connection task aimed at understanding food security and sustainability. Located on Milne Road Modbury, Pathways provides essential assistance to families in need.

The purpose of our excursion to Pathways Community Centre was to gain insight into the vital issues of food security and food sustainability that many in our community face daily. Students were astonished to learn that each and every day, 160 families rely on Pathways for a lifeline in the form of food hampers. These food hampers, made from surplus food collected from 16 local supermarkets, not only alleviate food wastage but also nourish the lives of those who seek assistance.

During our time at Pathways, we had the chance to roll up our sleeves and actively contribute. Collaborating with volunteers to pack food hampers and personally serving families was very insightful and fulfilling. Dividing eggs, boxing up supplies, distributing bread, and even preparing fresh watermelon were just some of the tasks fulfilled by students.

Armed with the knowledge gained at Pathways, students returned to school with a mission, to make a difference. Students decided to create nutritious soups to be distributed to families. The soups also align with sustainability principles, making fresh stock and selecting locally produced and seasonal vegetables.

Mrs Noelle Wallis, Executive Assistant at Pathways, expressed her gratitude for our involvement on the day and donation of soup. She has encouraged our students to return at any time to volunteer.

Sarah Rogers

Food and Hospitality Teacher

Debating

This term, the debating teams have been working unbelievably hard and have had Rounds 4 and 5 in quick succession.

In Round 4 on August 3, the teams had been preparing since the end of Term 2 to debate the following topics:

• Year 8: That private schools should be abolished (rather appropriately, we disagreed with the statement!) 
• Year 9: That defacing works of art is an unacceptable form of protest

The Year 9 teams worked hard to take home wins, while the Year 8s unfortunately lost in a tense debate against Adelaide High. 

By the end of Round 4, Year 9 teams Blue and Orange were in 7th and 5th place respectively, putting them in the top 8 teams and in position to enter the finals!

In Round 5 on August 17, the teams debated the following topics:

• Year 8: That the Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake should be banned
• Year 9: That the Victorian Government's decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games was a good idea

Preparing for Round 5 was more challenging than usual as there was only a two-week break between rounds compared to 3, so all the teams had to communicate effectively with their teams and keep up with deadlines in order to be prepared for the debate.

After solid performances across the board, 9 Red and 8 Yellow unfortunately lost with only a few points between them and their opponents, St Mary's College and Nazareth College. Teams 9 Orange and 9 Blue managed to take home victories, with Alex Fechner and Samantha Perryman managing to take home a Best Speaker Award. Teams 9 Orange and Blue will likely make it through to the quarter finals once scores are finalised by Debating SA.

The following students have shown great courage and resilience throughout the 2023 debating season:

9 Red - Mr Bonini

Eleni Dafov

Asher Harten

Armaan Jawshani (Year 8)

Jessie Roberts

Kaleb Wilkins

9 Blue - Dr Pollett

Charlotte Dahlenburg

Cobey Davis

Flynn Hutchinson

Samantha Perryman

Fran Whittle

9 Orange - Ms McIlvena

Monique Beattie

Alex Fechner

Rachel Ratsch

Olivia Vasilev

8 Yellow - Ms Rigby

Elizabeth Brown

Hayson Cheng (Year 7)

Ranbir Gill

Advay Juneja

Tavish Puri

The debating coaches for 2023 deserve a special mention - Kaliese McIlvena, Morgan Rigby and Alicia Pollett have been excellent coaches to their teams and have provided endless time and immense support to see their teams succeed. Their help has allowed 4 teams to run in a year and I cannot thank them enough for their efforts and support. 

Next term, teams will have a chance to celebrate and be recognised for their achievements and start planning for the 2024 Endeavour College debating season. Before then, I hope to share more successes from teams Orange and Blue as they progress through to the finals. The debating coaches wish these teams the best of luck over the next few weeks!

Anthony Bonini

Debating Coordinator