Around the College
Incursion by the Abraham Institute
On May 28 our Year 10 students participated in an incursion run by the Abraham Institute.
This event allowed our students to deepen their understanding of world religions and explore the multicultural nature of Australian society.
During the session, students listened to the life experiences of Rachel, Matthew, Soukaina, and Daniela. Each presenter shared their respective faiths' key beliefs, worship practices, and special celebrations.
This allowed our students to draw parallels across different religions and gain a broader perspective on the diversity of beliefs in our society. Students discovered the significance of dietary restrictions such as finding matzah or fasting during Ramadan. This incursion helped students appreciate the challenges individuals face in living according to their faith daily.
The incursion by the Abraham Institute was a valuable support for our Year 10 students as they prepare for their final assessment.
The knowledge and insights gained from this experience will greatly contribute to their understanding of the multicultural nature of Australian society.
Alison Slater
Christian Living Learning Leader
Cabaret: The Evolution of Rock
The Evolution of Rock was the title of this year’s annual Cabaret, held in the Endeavour Centre on Friday, 24 May. Students, staff, families and friends were entertained by a wonderful lineup of bands and iconic artists throughout the night.
The evening began with an energetic performance of “Johnny B Goode” by the combined Year 9 and 10 Band (and yours truly on lead guitar). If the vocals and instruments didn’t take you all the way back to the fifties, they certainly helped transport you somewhere back to the future.
After an impressive kick off, the journey through the fifties and sixties continued as the band shook, rattled and rolled, like Bill Haley and the Comets. The Beatles were a common theme through the evening commencing with the Year 9 and 10 Bands combined rendition of 'Twist and Shout'.
When the reins were handed over to Ms Stanley from Mr Wooldridge, the Year 10 Band continued down the long and winding road back to Beatles mania with 'Lady Madonna,' followed by 'Can’t Buy Me Love'.
Fittingly, among the many artists on stage and in the audience, there were various iterations of Freddie Mercury, as the Year 10 band finished their set with 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'.
An elegant arrangement of 'Eleanor Rigby' was played by the Flute Ensemble, directed by
Ms Wilkins, followed by some nostalgic melodies by the String Ensemble including Elton John’s 'Crocodile Rock' and the Beatles’ timeless hit 'Yesterday'.
Next up, the tempo and energy were taken up a notch with Earth, Wind and Fire’s 'September' and Stevie Wonder’s 'Sir Duke' being belted out by Funk Band 2, under the skillful direction of Callum Unger. As the Evolution of Rock moved through the seventies, the evening just kept getting better.
Next up the Big Band took to the stage starting their set with a clever interpretation of Metallica’s 'Enter Sandman'. Brass may not be the heaviest metal, but fans of Bon Jovi were 'Livin’ on a Prayer' as the band cracked on.
With the amazing vocals of Romeo Thomas, the Big Band pulled out one of the most stand out performances of the night, with Journeys, 'Don’t Stop Believing'. 'Footloose' followed, pulling everyone off their knees and onto the dance floor.
Audience participation was a standout throughout the night as several rock inspired quizzes were held between performances producing a number of worthy winners.
After a brief interval, the Showband took over the stage with a medley of classics form the Doors, David Bowie and fitting finish to their set with the Bowie/Queen collaboration, 'Under Pressure' followed up by Queen’s 'Don’t Stop me Now'.
Guitars, bass and drums backed the Vocal Ensemble combining nicely with a fine arrangement from the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson’s, 'Man in the Mirror'. The sounds of British rock royalty continued with 'Killer Queen' by the namesake, and finally, Fleetwood Mac’s 'the Chain'. The eleven vocalists combined delightfully to round out their performance.
Shortly after, Kiss made an appearance alongside their manager when the Rock Band took the stage. Metallica’s 'Orion' was first cab of the rank. A mixture of rock and metal hits continued through their list with some assistance of Ms 'Tina Turner' Stanley, then a special return to the stage by old scholar Gianna Palumbo to smash out Guns N Roses all-time great, 'Sweet Child O’ Mine'.
Another strong string of performances followed as Funk Band 1 took the stage.
Up first, 'Cornflake' set the tone. 'Rock with You' and 'I Want you Back' underscored the influence of the Jacksons through the eighties. Unmistakable slap bass ignited Hot Chili Peppers' version of Stevie Wonder’s, 'Higher Ground', a solid headbanger that kept the energy high.
Finally, if the preceding talents throughout the evening's performances were not enough, a final set by the Year 11, 12 and Staff Band completed a very entertaining evening. Quintessential rock anthems continued to fill the dance floor. Finally Jet’s, 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl' drew an end to what was a fun-filled trip through Rock and Roll’s legacy, and certainly a night to remember.
Austin Gillard
Year 12 Music Leader
Now More Than Ever:
Celebrating Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week provides a focus for our college community to come together and reflect on the importance of building respectful relationships between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians.
This year, our school recognised the occasion by offering activities designed to educate and inspire students, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and the steps we can take towards a more inclusive future.
Community Engagement
Alanna Tunn and Oscar Stevens, both Year 9 Village Leaders, attended the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast with Ms Layla Clarke, Ms Louisa Mulligan as well as staff and students from our Connected Schools at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
We were privileged to hear powerful and moving speeches by many, including Kayam Maher, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Yorta Yorta man Adam Briggs, musician, actor, writer and artist. We were treated to captivating performances, including Hip-Hop group Dem Mob.
Cultural Competence
In Care Group time, students participated in cultural awareness activities, and we were also privileged to host Cliffy Wilson from Kuma Kaaru at our Reconciliation Week Assembly, who shared personal stories and insights, offering students a powerful perspective on the significance of reconciliation. We ended the week with a BBQ for students, which gave them an opportunity to taste kangaroo and emu sausages.
Our Commitment
At our assembly, we renewed our commitment to reconciliation by re-launching our Vision for Reconciliation. This commitment was signed by our Principal, Mr Richard Baird, Chair of the College Board, Mrs Leanne Ridsdale, parent of Saxon, Monique and Zahra, Jessie Beattie, and our Cultural Captains Akot Garang and Mia Ngo. This assembly was a powerful affirmation of our college's dedication to fostering an environment where every student feels valued and respected.
The Endeavour College community is built on the values of Lutheran Education Australia and have a commitment to Reconciliation.
We acknowledge that our loving Creator, God first gave the land on which we are placed to the peoples of the First Nations. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kaurna people, the Traditional Custodians of the Ancestral Lands on which we live, work and learn. We acknowledge the deep attachment and relationship of the Kaurna people to Country and acknowledge the care they have given, and continue to give, to the Land. We pay our respects to the Kaurna people and Elders past and present and emerging.
We value:
- the continuing richness of First Nations cultures and heritages
- the contributions of past and present First Nations individuals to Australia’s national identity
- the diverse stories of our students, families and staff
- mutual relationships built on trust and respect.
We commit:
- to promoting equality, equity and social justice
- to honouring the heritages of our First Nations students and supporting them in pathways which empower their futures
- to collaborating with First Nations peoples to co-create a sense of pride which empowers our journey towards a reconciled Australia
- actively promoting our Reconciliation Action Plan, which has learning at its heart.
Reconciliation Week provided a meaningful opportunity for our College to reflect, learn, and take action. While National Reconciliation Week is important, the Endeavour College Reconciliation Plan provides a framework for us to do this important work right throughout the year.
Louisa Mulligan
Director of Middle Years
RAP Working Group Team Member